Skiing Stoke from Lake Tahoe

Month: December 2013

Merry Christmas

Apres skiers enjoy the Chammy on a warm Christmas Eve.

Apres skiers enjoy the Chammy on a warm Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas from Squaw Valley. We desperately need snow but at least we have gorgeous weather here in sunny California.

Mainline Pocket on December 8.

Mainline Pocket on December 8.

Surface hoar near Truckee December 15.

Surface hoar near Truckee December 15.

Tracks laid down in Oly Bowl earlier in December.

Tracks laid down in Oly Bowl earlier in December.

 

Yep it's been that warm lately.

Yep it’s been that warm lately.

Quote of the month overheard at le Chamois: "I never thought I would enjoy global warming so much".

Quote of the month overheard at Le Chamois: “I never thought I would enjoy global warming so much”.

 

 

Better than nothing

Snowmaking and low clouds over Squaw Valley last weekend.

Snowmaking mixes with low clouds over Squaw Valley last weekend.

Tahoe ski areas received about two feet of ultra dry snow last weekend which was somewhat of a mixed blessing since it fell on top of bare ground with no substantial base.  The fresh snow looks great but skiing it may expose your skis and body to rocks, stumps, branches, and other hazards that can end your season before it’s even begun.  Groomed runs are fine of course and ski areas are making the best of the cold streak with extensive snowmaking operations.  High pressure will hang over Northern California for at least another week.

Lookin' pretty.  Skiin' dicey.

Lookin’ pretty. Skiin’ dicey.

With limited terrain open you may as well swing into Gold Coast for a cold drink and great views.

With limited terrain open you may as well swing into Gold Coast for a cold drink and great views.