South Lake Tahoe was transformed into a winter wonderland overnight with more than a foot of snow at area ski resorts and 6-9 inches at lake level ensuring a Thanksgiving season opening. According to the National Weather Service, there is snow is in the forecast starting this Thursday with chance of precipitation for an entire week. www.tahoesouth.com
With recent cold overnight temperatures, resorts have been making snow to supplement nature’s handiwork and are preparing for openings soon: Heavenly Mountain Resort anticipates Nov. 20, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Dec. 4, and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort as conditions allow.
SAFE TRAVELS
For the season’s first venture to the mountains, following are recommended winter driving tips and planning resources: https://tahoesouth.com/.
During snowfall, a fleet of city and state snow removal vehicles work throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin to keep the roads clear and safe for travel. Caltrans has current California road conditions at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or 916-445-7623. For road conditions in Nevada, contact the Nevada Department of Transportation at http://nvroads.com or 877-687-6237.
For the most up-to-date information on snowfall, mountain base depths and road conditions in South Lake Tahoe, check area ski resort web sites and cams, or call snow phones: Heavenly: 775-586-7000; Sierra-at-Tahoe: 530-659-7475; Kirkwood: 209-258-3000.
WHAT TO EXPECT
For winter enthusiasts eager to explore South Tahoe’s various outdoor options, tourism officials are highly recommending mid-week stays – Sunday through Thursday as well as advance planning to secure reservations for desired attractions and dining. To help visitors plan a safe, healthy winter adventure, Tahoe South has updated information on its website at “Know Before You Go” and Responsible Recreation with all current state and county health protocols TahoeSouth.com.
When visiting South Lake Tahoe, a coalition of Lake Tahoe and local government agencies remind visitors of the public health directives to wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay six-feet apart to decrease the spread of COVID-19. “The Virus Doesn’t Take a Vacation,” outreach safety campaign includes videos: vimeo.com.
HOW TO SKI / SNOWPLAY
With the goal of ensuring a safe, enjoyable and successful ski and ride season, Heavenly and Kirkwood Mountains Resort are following guidelines requiring guests to wear face coverings to get on the mountain and in all parts of resort operations, including in lift lines and riding lifts and gondolas. Mountain access will be managed to ensure guests have the space they need. As such, Vail Resorts announced a mountain access reservation system and limits on lift tickets to prioritize its pass holders. For full details on the pass holder reservation system, please click here.
During the 2020/21 season, Sierra-at-Tahoe is also introducing COVID-19 safety guidelines and operational modifications for skiers and riders. Consistent with health guidelines, face coverings will be required, as will physically distancing six feet apart whenever possible.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas will take place, as well as daily staff wellness checks. For more information, visit: sierraattahoe.com/covid-19.