Bluebird skies and crisp mountain air greet skiers and riders this Saturday, January 11, 2026, at Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows. Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows ski resort in the United States offers a range of trails for skiers of all levels, with the best runs for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures dipped to a refreshing 28°F, preserving the solid 47.75-inch base on the slopes—holding steady at 94% of the seasonal average. With cold temps and excellent grooming conditions, expect packed powder runs with solid edge hold throughout the day, ideal for carving and cruising alike.
While no new snowfall is in the immediate forecast, calm weather and clear skies promise uninterrupted laps and stunning ridge-line views. Lifts are spinning, and terrain access remains robust across beginner to advanced runs. There are currently no local news alerts affecting operations, meaning it's smooth skiing for day-trippers and season pass holders alike. Dress in layers, soak up the sun, and enjoy mid-season conditions that are riding strong into the weekend.
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 Cottonwood Lakes.
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 Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows ski resort in California is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is surrounded by several prominent peaks and mountain ranges, including:
1. Greenhorn Mountains: The Greenhorn Mountains are located to the east of Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows and provide a stunning backdrop to the resort.
2. Breckenridge Mountain: Breckenridge Mountain is located to the northwest of the resort and offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
3. Alta Peak: Alta Peak is a prominent peak in the Sierra Nevada range located to the north of the resort. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
4. Shirley Peak: Shirley Peak is a peak located near the resort which offers skiers and snowboarders a variety of runs and terrain to explore.
Overall, Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows ski resort is surrounded by a diverse range of mountains and peaks, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
The resort is known for its affordable prices and lack of crowds, making it a great destination for a quieter ski experience. A little-known fact is that Shirley Meadows was once a prominent mining town during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. For beginner skiers, the Bunny Hill is recommended for its gentle slope and easy terrain. The best apres ski bar is the Alta Sierra Pizza and Pub, which offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious food and drinks.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 3 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 2400 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2042 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 80 Acres |
Established | 1982 |
Run Count | 8 Trails |
The ski area received -1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, mostly sunny, with a high near 41. north northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
California ski conditions remain stable with no new snow reported across most mountain regions over the past 24 hours and no accumulation forecast for the next five days. The Sierra Nevada resorts, including Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Palisades Tahoe, are seeing consistent snowpack depths—Heavenly Valley holds at 35", Echo Peak at 43", and Palisades Tahoe near 52". The deepest snow is ... Read more