Storm Warning Friday Night – Saturday Morning
The season total for our upper mountains so far is 113″ of snow! Fun fact: Last year, in our record-breaking season, we didn’t even have 100″ of snow until January. Thanks to Mother Nature’s generosity and the hard work of our operations teams, both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are skiing top-to-bottom. We are expecting the bulk of this storm to move in on Friday night, and could receive up to another FOOT of snow on our upper mountains by Saturday morning. Thankfully, Sunday looks like a clear travel day.
NEW this weekend
- The FREE app-based Mountaineer Shuttle Service starts on Friday, December 13th. If you are staying in either Olympic Valley or Alpine Meadows, please take advantage of this service.
- The Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) buses are now FREE to all users! You can now park in Tahoe City and take the bus to Squaw or Alpine completely for free.
Please be aware that there will be chain controls, slow-moving traffic and road closures as the snow flies starting on Friday evening. Check out the weather, road status, snow reports, and lift status as we move into a dynamic weather pattern. Here are some helpful tips & links to help you save your weekend and time your travel accordingly. Please travel safely!
What to Expect from this Storm
- Friday afternoon: Consistent snow
- Friday night: Consistent snow
- Saturday morning: Snow likely, but there is potential for some sun
- Saturday afternoon-night: 70% chance of snow
- Sunday morning: Potential for snow before 10am, otherwise sunny & clear.
Helpful Travel Links
Save these links & use them to plan your travel day.
- For the most in-depth, detailed forecast, visit the NOAA Weather forecast for Olympic Valley. Adjust the location according to your route.
- To view highway webcams, closure, chain control, and incident information in California, use the Caltrans Quickmap Website & App
- To view highway webcams, closure, chain control, and incident information in Nevada, use the NV Roads 511 Website & App
- To check the status of California highway closures, use Caltrans Highway Status
- For local information, check the CHP – Truckee Facebook Page. They are an active, responsive, and informative resource.
Squaw Alpine Conditions Information
This is where you’ll find the best information on mountain conditions.
- Download the Palisades App for real-time info on weather, lift status and parking.
- Follow the Mountain Ops Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.
- Check the Palisades Snow & Weather Report
- Check the Lift & Grooming Status
- Check the Palisades Weather Blog (updated daily)
Parking & Getting Around Squaw Alpine
On storm weekends, traffic and parking can be tricky in the Tahoe area. Utilize the following resources to improve your experience.
- Get an early start in the morning, and CARPOOL if you can! Carpoolers get access to our premium Protect Our Winters parking lot by Plumpjack.
- Park at the Tahoe City Transit Center and take the TART bus into either mountain for FREE!
- If you’re staying at a hotel, home, or vacation rental in either valley, you can summon Mountaineer for a FREE ride to the lifts instead of driving!
- To go between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley without driving, use the Squaw Alpine Shuttle.
- For general parking information, please visit this page.
Winter Driving
Winter driving conditions in the Sierra can change rapidly, so be prepared!
- Have extra water, food, necessary medication and warm clothing in the car with you. Be prepared to be waiting for long periods of time if the highways close.
- Carry chains and know how to use them.
- Do not leave the area without a full tank of gas.
- Become familiar with this list of Winter Driving Tips.
