2026-01-04T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet above 7000 feet and up to 12 inches below 7000 feet. Sierra crest ridgetops could see gusts as high as 100 mph. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area, and Mono County. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Alpine Meadows Ski Area Ski Report
4.6/5 (2 Ratings)Nearby: Squaw Valley Granlibakken Ski Resort
Last Updated: December 30, 2025
A crisp morning greets skiers at Alpine Meadows Ski Area on December 30, 2025, with overnight lows dipping to 23°F—just cold enough to preserve the snowpack, currently at 30 inches. Alpine Meadows Ski Area is a popular ski resort located in California, USA.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
While that's below the seasonal average by nearly 24 inches, help is on the way: 4.13 inches of new snow is expected over the next 72 hours, with a promising 27 inches forecasted in the next five days. The Snow Water Equivalent sits at 5.9 inches, a decent base for carving turns, but skiers should be mindful of variable coverage off-piste. Groomed runs are holding up well, especially in shaded areas, thanks to recent snowfall and consistent overnight temps.
Though ski conditions are steadily improving, Alpine Meadows remains in the spotlight following the recent settlement of lawsuits stemming from the 2020 avalanche tragedy, a stark reminder of the area's complex avalanche history, including the deadly 1982 slide. Rescue teams are also on high alert after a backcountry skier went missing recently, underscoring the importance of caution beyond resort boundaries. Still, with more snow on the way and clear skies between storms, the final days of December are shaping up for solid resort skiing. Expect packed-powder conditions to improve as the storm rolls in.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Ward Creek #3.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Ward Creek #3
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Alpine Meadows Ski Area.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Alpine Meadows Ski Area
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Alpine Meadows Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
The Alpine Meadows Ski Area is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the ski resort include:
1. Sierra Nevada Range: The ski resort is situated within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which spans across California and Nevada.
2. Granite Chief Wilderness: The ski resort is located near the Granite Chief Wilderness, a designated wilderness area within the Tahoe National Forest.
3. Alpine Meadows Peak: The ski resort's highest point is Alpine Meadows Peak, which reaches an elevation of 8,637 feet.
4. Pacific Crest Trail: The famous Pacific Crest Trail runs near Alpine Meadows Ski Area, providing opportunities for hiking and backcountry skiing.
5. Lake Tahoe: The ski resort is located near the shores of Lake Tahoe, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Overall, Alpine Meadows Ski Area is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, wilderness areas, and natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The resort boasts over 100 trails, with the best trails being Scott Chair, Lakeview, Sherwood, and Kangaroo. Few people know that Alpine Meadows was the first ski resort to permit snowboarding in California, and it has since become a popular destination for snowboarders. For beginners, the resort offers the Subway and Meadow Chairlifts, which provide access to gentle runs perfect for learning. After a day on the slopes, the best apres ski bar is the Alpine Bar, which offers live music, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere. Overall, Alpine Meadows Ski Area is a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Alpine Meadows Ski Area FAQ
How much snow did Alpine Meadows Ski Area receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Alpine Meadows Ski Area today?
Weather today, increasing clouds, with a high near 40. east wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Alpine Meadows Ski Area this week?
Alpine Meadows Ski Area is expected to receive up to 27.63" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Alpine Meadows Ski Area?
Squaw Valley
Granlibakken Ski Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort
Northstar
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
A significant winter storm is blanketing the Sierra Nevada with fresh snow and heavy accumulations forecasted through the coming days. Carson Pass, near Kirkwood Mountain Resort, leads the state with a five-day snowfall forecast of up to 49–50 inches and already recorded 1 inch in the last 24 hours. Nearby Forestdale Creek and Ebbetts Pass, close to Bear Valley Resort, ... Read more
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