2025-12-26T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Sierra Nevada south of Yosemite NP for elevations above 7,000 feet. * WHEN...From 4 PM Tuesday to 10 PM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels around 7,000 to 8,000 feet Tuesday evening, lowering to 6,000 feet by Christmas Day.
Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 22, 2025
A winter wonderland awaits at Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows this December 22, 2025. 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.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With overnight temperatures holding steady at a crisp 29.6°F, snow conditions are prime for an exhilarating day on the slopes. The current snowpack depth measures 17.86 inches, which is an impressive 40% above the seasonal average—promising excellent coverage throughout the ski area. Skiers and boarders can expect responsive, packed powder conditions ideal for carving turns and exploring all accessible terrain.
The excitement doesn’t stop there—Mother Nature is stepping up the snowfall just in time for the holiday weekend. A fresh 15 inches is forecasted over the next 72 hours, with a whopping 30 inches possible over five days, ensuring continued stellar conditions and potential powder days ahead. While local news remains quiet, all signs point to safe travel and open lifts. It’s a perfect moment to hit the mountain, soak in the fresh alpine air, and enjoy the abundant snow at Alta Sierra.
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 Cottonwood Lakes.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured 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.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations 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.
About the Area
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 |
Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows FAQ
How much snow did Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows today?
Weather today, mostly sunny, with a high near 44. breezy, with a west southwest wind 15 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. A snow storm is incoming, with 4 to 7 feet possible forecasted.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows this week?
Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows is expected to receive up to 30.36" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California’s Sierra Nevada is bracing for a major snow event, with the heaviest accumulations projected over the central and northern ranges. The Tahoe region, in particular, is forecast to receive significant snowfall over the next five days. Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe), near the CSS Lab and Ward Creek sensors, is expecting up to 134 cm of new snow, making it ... Read more
Daedrich Ranch Road, Wofford Heights