There’s never been a better time to plan a California spring ski or snowboarding vacation. The state’s resorts have experienced a dramatic influx of snow since the beginning of March, leading to comparisons of the famous “Miracle March” of 1991. Even better news: More snow is expected later this week.
"We are headed towards our snowiest March on record," says Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows) spokeswoman Liesl Hepburn. "If the current storm proceeds as forecast, we could surpass our 48-year record of 20 feet in March 2011. The powder skiing has been DEEP."
Ski resorts all over the Golden State were hit with fresh snow in the past week, resulting in these seven-day totals:
Sugar Bowl: 84 inches
Kirkwood Mountain Resort: 74 inches
Northstar California: 77 inches
China Peak Mountain Resort: 24-30 inches
Mammoth Mountain: 38 inches (at base—9,000 feet)
Heavenly Ski Resort: 62 inches
Palisades Tahoe: 105 inches
Sierra at Tahoe: Summit: 105 inches; Base: 76 inches
Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain have received 12 feet of snow in March alone—Mammoth has even dubbed it #MammothMarch—and the resorts are expecting more before the end of the month. (Keep an eye on the storms with On the Snow, or check individual resort websites for specific snowfall reports.) Palisades rescheduled its closing date for Memorial Day (May 28), weather permitting, and it plans to open its famous High Camp Hot Tub on March 31.
The California snow season is far from over, with plenty of don’t-miss snow events throughout March and April. Check out the tube racing, obstacle courses, and live music at Bear Break March 31 or the bluegrass and craft beer at WinterWonderGrass Tahoe April 6–8. For a real challenge, try the up-the-mountain Winter Ezakimak 5K at Mammoth Mountain on April 28—you can use snowshoes, cross-country skis, fat bikes, or simply your running shoes to reach the top of the 11,053-foot peak.
