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TAHOE OWNS SPRING SKIING WITH MOST SNOW IN THE U.S., SUNNY SKIES AND CLEAR ROADS

Last updated: May 2021

TAHOE OWNS SPRING SKIING WITH MOST SNOW IN THE U.S., SUNNY SKIES AND CLEAR ROADS


All roads are accessible to Lake Tahoe. Use this weekly resource to guide trip planning and access
real-time information related to weather and road conditions.

Media note: This is the third in a series of planned alerts from key resources in Lake Tahoe regarding current road, travel and winter conditions. Information is collected and provided from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (Tahoe South) and North Lake Tahoe. With winter weather an obvious challenge during this record breaking year, the area’s two major tourism agencies are collaborating to provide Tahoe enthusiasts with the most updated information to make informed travel decisions for safe and enjoyable visitation to one of the country’s most popular destinations.

Mar. 16, 2017 (LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – A winter of epic proportions hit the Sierra this season and after months of challenges, Lake Tahoe resorts are rejoicing in spring weather that has left roads open for travel and mountain terrain widely accessible for the second week in a row. For a region that has been pounded with multiple atmospheric rivers over a two-month span, the week of sunny skies mark a change in season and a firm welcome from Mother Nature to come enjoy historic conditions.

Several Lake Tahoe resorts have announced season extensions and spring pass deals, leaving the true mountain enthusiast dreaming of dual-sport days, which come by the dozen in Tahoe. Snow slopes to putting greens? Count on it.

A tease of sunshine will deepen the coveted goggle tan, however snow is forecasted again next week. Temperatures remain low overnight keeping winter-like conditions prevalent across the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding mountains. Travel safety remains the most important aspect for a comfortable trip, along with dependable information sources that are key to accurate navigation.

Tahoe South Road Conditions

North Lake Tahoe Road Conditions

CA-50: Reduced to one lane in each direction for less than a mile from three miles east of Pollock Pines to one mile west of Riverton /at Bridal Veil Falls Rd/ (El Dorado Co) – due to a slipout – motorists are subject to delays.

1-way controlled traffic at various locations from 1.6 miles west to one mile west of Kyburz (El Dorado Co) through Wednesday, March 15 – due to drainage work.

CA-89 (Emerald Bay Road): No traffic restrictions are reported for this area.
CA-88: No traffic restrictions are reported for this area.

SR 207: No traffic restrictions are reported for this area.
SR 431: No traffic restrictions are reported for this area.

I-80:  No traffic restrictions are reported for this area.

CA-89 (Emerald Bay Road): No traffic restrictions are reported for this area.

CA-267: No traffic restrictions are reported for this area.

SR 431: No traffic restrictions are reported for this area.

Road Resources

When storm cycles are present, travelers are encouraged to gather as much information as possible before departing. Transportation and law enforcement authorities recommend waiting until a storm passes through before hitting the road. Motorists can check conditions with Caltrans www.dot.ca.gov and Nevada Department of Transportation http://nvroads.com. For real-time traffic information and to map your location, the QuickMap App from CalTrans is available for download. Keep in mind that GPS and maps applications on mobile devices may not be updated so monitor updates directly from the source.

Parking Considerations

Parking restrictions continue to be in effect until May, which means parking along roadway shoulders during this time is prohibited. Compliance will help avoid damage to parked vehicles as well as snow removal equipment and, most importantly, will prevent delays to snow removal operations. Placer County officials stress the importance of adhering to these restrictions even during mild weather as snow maintenance operations are still taking place. When parking in downtown areas, visitors are encouraged to use designated public parking lots. County officials also advise renters with vacation homes to alert their tenants of seasonal parking restrictions. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and fined or towed, if necessary.

Driving Tips

Plan to take it slower, allow more time for travel and check conditions frequently as they may change. A list of supplies to pack is also suggested, including tire chains for any vehicle without 4-or all-wheel drive, flashlight, water, snacks, blankets, and reflective clothing in case of delays on the highway. A complete list is available at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel. Many road incidents can be avoided by reducing speed. While 4-wheel drive allows vehicles to more effectively negotiate snowy conditions, braking still takes longer. Take it slow and block more time to get to Lake Tahoe.

During snowfall, a fleet of state and local snow removal vehicles work around the Lake Tahoe Basin to keep roads clear and safe for travel.

Current Conditions / Forecast

Both North and South Tahoe do not expect any precipitation through the weekend. Forecast calls for partly sunny skies and high temps in the mid to upper 50s.

Tahoe South Ski Resorts

North Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

Heavenly: 775-586-7000

Sierra-at-Tahoe: 530-659-7475

Kirkwood: 209-258-3000

Tahoe South Prism Cams

Diamond Peak: 775-832-1177

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: 775-849-0704

Northstar California: 530-562-2267

Squaw Valley I Alpine Meadows: 800-403-0206

Homewood Mountain Resort: 530-584-6800

Granlibakken Tahoe: 530-583-4242

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort: 530-426-9000

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort: 530-426-3871

Boreal Mountain Resort: 530-426-3666

Tahoe Donner: 530-587-9400

Tahoe XC: 530-583-5475

Travel by Air and Shuttle

Flights into Reno Tahoe International Airport are available from Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose for as low as $39 each way. For travelers who forego auto travel, a variety of private and public shuttles depart from RTIA and are accessible to both North and South Tahoe.

South Tahoe Airporter provides nine daily round-trip shuttle departures from RTIA baggage claim to six properties near the Heavenly Village in South Shore. Learn more: http://southtahoeairporter.com/.

North Lake Tahoe Express offers 11 round-trip shuttle rides per day, departing from RTIA baggage claim. Drop-off locations include various neighborhoods and mountain properties. Learn more: http://northlaketahoeexpress.com/.

Lodging Deals — Extend Your Stay

Staying mid-week or even extending a weekend stay by 1-2 days allows for substantially less vehicles on the roads and some solid deals. Highlights include free lift tickets, après specials, fourth night free, 30 percent off mid-week, for details:

Interested in working remotely? In addition to the many coffee shops and hotel properties offering free Wi-Fi for guests, collaborative work spaces are available for freelancers, telecommuters and those who still need to stay connected while in the mountains.

  • North Lake Tahoe: Tahoe Mill Collective, located at the base of Alpine Meadows Ski Area.

  • Tahoe South: Mountain Lab has two locations, Harrison Avenue and Lakeview Lodge.

Visitor Information

Get the latest information on Tahoe events, activities, dining and entertainment at www.tahoesouth.com and www.gotahoenorth.com.

Contacts

Jenn Boyd or Phil Weidinger, Weidinger Public Relations, 775-588-2412 or [email protected]

Liz Bowling, The Abbi Agency, 303-726-7104 or [email protected]

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About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority 
Designated the “America’s Favorite Ski Destination” by USA TODAY readers (Jan. 2014), Tahoe South combines the distinctive appeal of two worlds: spectacular natural beauty and a modern tourism destination with an array of outdoor recreation, entertainment, nightlife and gaming. Tahoe’s timeless splendor and an emerging economic diversity continue to define its inimitable personality. For information about lodging, recreation and family packages at Tahoe South, call 1-800-288-2463 or log onto www.TahoeSouth.com.

About North Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a crown jewel of the Sierra. Formed approximately two million years ago, it is the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest in the United States. North Lake Tahoe spans two states and boasts two-dozen beaches, twelve ski resorts, hundreds of miles of biking trails, half a dozen communities, and a growing number of nationally recognized human-powered events, races and festivals. North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 100 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. For the latest deals, check out the Deals tab on www.gotahoenorth.com.