Wow, it just hasn’t stopped snowing! Since January 2, 2017 this storms has dropped 7 FEET of new snow and it’s STILL coming down. With monster storms like this you can imagine there are some challenging operations.
Alpine Meadows Update
ALPINE MEADOWS UPDATE: as of 6:15pm on January 4, Alpine Meadows power has been restored.
Alpine Meadows was closed January 4 due hazardous conditions. When we say hazardous conditions we mean high winds, low to basically no visibility and an unstable snowpack. We love the mountains and we love to ride them, but the safety of our guests and employees is paramount, which is why we decided to close today. Our operations team is currently at the mountain working on Alpine Meadows Road control work and spinning chairs. As you can imagine, operations will be quite dynamic today and our teams will be doing everything they can to open Alpine terrain as soon as conditions safely allow.
Squaw Valley Update
Squaw Valley faced similar conditions yesterday and we were able to open lower mountain lifts, but had to close Red Dog, Squaw Creek and Far East at 10:40am due to extreme conditions. Exhibition (mid-station) and carpets remained open. Just as Alpine faced hazardous conditions, so did Squaw Valley on the upper mountain. Check out the wind speeds at Siberia – they reach upwards of 110mph! Our mountain operations teams will be coming in first thing to do their snow safety routes and routines to get Squaw terrain open safely.
A HEADS UP
- Upper mountain will take time to open given variable weather. We’re shooting for lower mountain to open around 9am, but this of course, will be dependent on weather and conditions.
- Headwall chairs are off the line due to extremely high winds, so this will take time to put back on the line.
- Granite Chief has a mechanical issue and we are doing everything in our power to have it up and running as soon as possible.
Check out the deep snow on the upper mountain as shown by our world class ski patrol team at Squaw Valley
Get Real-Time Conditions Updates
Want to know what is open or when lifts are projected to open? Download our all-new app for real-time lift & trail status, snow & weather and other sweet features like finding your friends on the mountain. On big snow days, this is the best way to stay in the know.
Deep Snow Safety
Our mountain ops team is one of the best in the world but it’s always important to remember that traveling in deep snow is always variable and can be challenging, even for the most experienced winter sports athletes. You should always ski and ride with a buddy when there is fresh snow and be sure to avoid tree wells. Skiing and riding with an avalanche beacon doesn’t hurt if you own one. We make the mountain safe to open, but each and every skier and rider can do their part to keep the mountain safe throughout the day.
