With the 84-inch Miracle April now behind us and the calendar flipping to May, it feels like the right time to give a quick nod to the weather gods for getting us here. Let’s be honest a few weeks ago, we really thought those final turns were coming in April and we’re very glad that’s no longer the case.
If this season has taught us anything, it’s that a little optimism and resilience go a long way. It’s been anything but predictable but somehow, it’s been a whole lot of fun the entire time. Take Cushing Crossing, for example. We came into the season planning for a May 2nd pond skim. Then the weather wanted to throw us for a loop. Dates shifted more than once, plans changed multiple times, just for everything to line up and land us right back on the original date. That’s resilience right there.
Closing Day Update
We know a lot of you are coming to these blogs looking for one thing: Closing Day. And we’ve got some good news and some bad news. Bad news first, right? We don’t have a set date just yet. The good news? We’re feeling confident about at least three more weeks of operations in May, which means the good times are very much still rolling. We know closing day is a big tradition and means a lot to this community, and we’re working to find that optimal day. But at the same time, we’re doing everything we can to keep us all doing what we love for as long as possible. So don’t go storing those shredding devices in the garage just yet.
Oh, and one last thought: We’re officially the last resort standing in Tahoe. So if your friends have been stranded without turns, now’s the time to bring them along. Especially with Cushing Crossing this weekend (one of the greatest pond skims known to man), come show them how we party here at the Spring Skiing Capital®.
Weather & Conditions
The weekend kicks off with a solid start. Expect sun Saturday morning with temps warming into the 50s at the base, setting up for a classic spring day. But as we’ve seen all season, things don’t stay that simple for long. Moisture moves in later in the day, bringing the chance for afternoon showers.
Sunday Showers
Sunday looks to be the more active day, with:
- Afternoon showers more likely
- Temps cooling into the 40s up top and 50s down low
- Snow levels hovering around 8,000–8,500 ft
Early Week Cool Down
A weak system moves through Monday into Tuesday, bringing:
- More consistent showers (morning + afternoon)
- Colder temps
- A chance for 1–3 inches of snow up top
Down low, it’s mostly a rain story, but the upper mountain could see a light refresh to keep things interesting. With spring storms comes the chance for lightning, which could lead to temporary lift closures if it pops up nearby.
Looking Ahead
By midweek, we trend back toward what you’d expect this time of year:
- More sunshine
- Warmer temps (50s up top, 60s at the base)
- Just a slight chance of pop-up afternoon showers
For a deeper dive into the forecast and long-range trends, visit our Weather Blogs, written by Bryan Allegretto of OpenSnow.
Lift & Terrain Operations
Closing Day Update
We’re feeling confident operating through at least the third week of May, with the potential to keep things rolling even longer for the love of the game. We’re continuing to evaluate conditions day by day and working to find that perfect closing window.
Upcoming Lift & Terrain Changes
As we move deeper into May, operations will begin to scale with conditions:
- After Sunday, High Camp beginner area, Solitude, and Big Blue will close
- Starting Monday, lifts in operation will include:
- Funitel, Siberia, Gold Coast, and Shirley
- Aerial Tram transitions to Friday – Sunday sightseeing operations, with an additional Memorial Day Monday
- The Aerial Tram will no longer serve skiable terrain
- Daily Tram operations resume June 18
- After Sunday, beginner terrain will remain available on Ramp Run, accessed via Gold Coast Express. This will be the only green run open on the upper mountain.
As always, all operations are condition-dependent as we continue to make the most of what we’ve got.
Terrain Parks Update
With Belmont now officially closed for the season, all focus has shifted to Gold Coast, and it shows. Without Emigrant Gully in the mix this year, the team got creative and built out an additional park zone right alongside the main Gold Coast line. This new setup offers smaller, lower-impact features, perfect for progression and dialing in new tricks. We’re now looking at a total of 9 small jumps from top to bottom, and that’s not even including the small features scattered around the park. And the best part? You can lap both zones off the same lift, mixing in big jump laps with progression laps all day long. Parks have been firing so if you see someone carrying a rake or in terrain park uniform, make sure to say thanks.
Lift and terrain status may change throughout the day. For the most up-to-date information, please check the Ikon Pass App or the Mountain Report before and during your visit.
Events & Activities
After a season full of plot twists and reschedules we’ve finally made it. Cushing Crossing takes place this Saturday (5/2). Rally your crew and show out whether you muster up the courage to skim across yourself, or prefer watching the madness go down sitting in a comfy lawn chair with a cold beverage.
Multi Sport Days are Here
Spring is doing that thing again where one day turns into three different activities. With longer days and favorable weather, it’s officially that time of year where you can stack a full Tahoe day. Bike rentals are now live, making it easier to lean into the spring experience. If you’ve been waiting for the green light on multi-sport days this is it.
Spring Safety Check
Spring conditions are still bringing a little bit of everything, so staying aware out there is key. Expect firm mornings that soften into corn snow throughout the day, which can make for fun turns but also changing conditions as the day goes on. Be sure to adjust your speed and terrain choices as surfaces evolve. Off-piste areas may still hold variable snow and natural hazards like rocks, stumps, and uneven terrain just below the surface.
Mountain Run remains closed due to limited coverage and inconsistent conditions. There are sections that are no longer skiable top to bottom, so for your safety (and your bases), please plan to download via the Funitel or Aerial Tram at the end of your day. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping it fun out there.
Save Your Gas Money for Après
Looking to keep things simple (and maybe save a few bucks at the pump)? There are plenty of easy ways to get to the mountain without driving yourself:
- The TART bus is available from Truckee and Tahoe City
- Resort transportation, including the Mountaineer, is available for guests staying in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows
Right Where You Want to Be
If this season has proven anything, it’s that you really never know how or when the story is going to end. This winter kept us guessing, but here we are still lapping turns and gearing up for Cushing Crossing. It’s been one heck of a ride that isn’t over just yet.
Whether you’re showing up to send it across the pond or just sneaking in a few laps before a few beverages with the crew, this is what it’s all about. Rally your crew, wax up those skimming devices, and don’t take any of it too seriously.
We’ll see you at the pond.
