After weeks of false starts and bare slopes, winter has finally arrived in force across the Sierra Nevada, delivering a long-awaited white Christmas that has just jump started the ski season and brought measurable relief to snow-starved resorts near Lake Tahoe and within easy reach of Folsom and the Sacramento region.
A powerful holiday storm dropped more than a foot of snow across much of the Tahoe Basin in a 24-hour period, with some resorts reporting totals approaching or exceeding two feet. The surge has allowed multiple ski areas to open or begin expanding operations, while others are preparing to welcome skiers and snowboarders in the coming days as weather conditions stabilize.
According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow fell through early Friday, accompanied by strong and at times damaging winds at higher elevations, before tapering off ahead of a drier, clearer weekend. Forecasters say lingering snow showers Friday night will give way to improving conditions Saturday and Sunday, with another storm system expected to return early next week, potentially adding fresh snow around New Year’s.
While snowfall totals have been impressive, wind has been the dominant factor shaping operations across the Tahoe region. Gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour — and higher in exposed terrain — have limited lift access and slowed terrain expansion despite rapidly improving snowpack. Resort officials say easing winds will allow grooming crews to stabilize conditions and improve surface quality through the weekend.
Among the closest and most closely watched resorts for Folsom-area skiers isSierra-at-Tahoe, which confirmed it will officially open for the 2025–26 season Saturday following one of its most significant early-season snowfalls in recent years. The resort reported more than two feet of snow in less than 24 hours earlier this week, transforming conditions that had delayed its opening plans.
“It’s time to kick off the season,” the resort announced, confirming mountain access beginning at 8:30 a.m., conditions permitting. Opening Day festivities include hot apple cider and sweet treats, music from DJ Josbeatz on the Plaza from 8 a.m. to noon, and limited-edition swag for the first 100 guests in the lift line.
“Our community has been incredibly patient as we’ve waited for winter to arrive, and we’re beyond excited to finally welcome the Sierra-at-Tahoe family back to the mountain for the 2025–26 season,” said General Manager and Vice President Dan Healy. “This season brings two new trails, our new mobile ordering system for dining and the return of what matters most — our Sierra family making memories together on the mountain.”
Despite the dramatic snowfall, Sierra-at-Tahoe crews have been managing high winds following the storm, with gusts near 50 miles per hour at higher elevations. Resort officials said those conditions contributed to limited early terrain access as safety work and grooming continued ahead of the weekend opening.
Elsewhere around the Tahoe Basin,Northstar California Resortreported approximately 23 inches of new snow during the storm cycle, with base depths continuing to improve across the mountain. Conditions were described as variable, with lower elevations seeing mixed moisture impacts while higher terrain benefited from colder temperatures and improved coverage. As of Thursday afternoon, 12 of 100 trails and nine of 20 lifts were operating.
Heavenly Mountain Resortreported roughly 12 inches of fresh snow in a 24-hour period and a base depth near 37 inches. The resort had 23 of 111 trails and 10 of 27 lifts open under variable conditions, with crews continuing to evaluate wind-affected terrain.
AtKirkwood Mountain Resort, snowfall totals reached approximately 20 inches in 24 hours, with powder conditions reported and base depths ranging from 20 to 60 inches depending on elevation. Despite the snow, only three of 84 trails and three of 13 lifts were open as avalanche mitigation and access work continued.
Palisades Tahoeexperienced what resort officials described as a “Christmas miracle,” receiving more than two feet of snow in less than a day, including roughly 27 inches at the 8,000-foot level. Even with the dramatic totals, terrain remained extremely limited as operations teams focused on road access, ramp clearing and mountain safety.
“Our teams are finalizing what will open this upcoming weekend and how this storm will allow us to expand our terrain,” said Madison Condon of Palisades Tahoe, noting productive progress on the upper mountain.
On the Nevada side of the lake,Mt. Rose Ski Tahoereported approximately 17 inches of new snow in 24 hours, with base depths ranging from 30 to 42 inches and powder conditions dominating. Six of eight lifts were operating, making it one of the more accessible options following the storm.
Diamond Peak Ski Resortremained open with limited terrain, reporting a base depth between 16 and 24 inches and machine-groomed conditions, though only two of 40 trails were available.
Several resorts across the region are moving quickly to open their lifts as they dig out from the most recent storm.Sugar Bowl Resort officially opened Friday after reporting more than 22 inches of new snow, with groomed terrain in progress. Resort officials cautioned that wind may temporarily affect some upper-elevation chairs, though lower mountain runs are expected to offer solid early-season conditions. Homewood Mountain Resortis scheduled to open Dec. 26, whileDonner Ski Ranchplans to open Dec. 31.
Additional resorts targeting openings this Saturday includeTahoe Donner Downhill Ski AreaandSoda Springs Mountain Resort, both reporting double-digit snowfall totals but remaining temporarily closed as crews prepare terrain and infrastructure. At Soda Springs, the runs are ready but a down power line has delayed opening until Saturday. Boreal Mountain Resortalso reported significant snowfall and has limited lifts now in operation.
Skiers heading to the mountains this weekend can expect improving conditions, with packed powder and groomed runs becoming more consistent as winds ease and skies clear. Higher-elevation terrain may remain limited in some areas due to wind exposure and ongoing safety work, making real-time resort updates essential. What is now clear, however, is that the Sierra ski season has finally arrived.
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