* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, heavy wet snow. Snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches in the Tahoe Basin above 8000 feet. Ridgetop gusts as high as 100 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 1 to 2 feet at lake level with 2 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet. Ridgetop gusts as high as 100 mph. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 4 PM this afternoon to 1 PM PST Monday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Tuesday evening through Friday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. The combination of strong winds and the weight of heavy snow accumulations could damage trees and power lines.
Skiers heading to Heavenly Ski Resort this December 21, 2025, should prepare for a mixed bag of early-season conditions. Heavenly Ski Resort in Nevada boasts breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and offers over 4,800 skiable acres.
Wind
Humidity
With an overnight temperature of 36.9°F and a snowpack depth of only 1 inch—an alarming 95% below average—terrain is currently very limited, with minimal natural base coverage. The resort is relying heavily on snowmaking to maintain skiable trails. However, there’s hope on the horizon: forecasts predict up to 55 inches of snow over the next five days, including over 7 inches in just the next 72 hours. If these systems deliver, the transformation could be dramatic, turning sparse slopes into powder playgrounds just in time for the holidays.
While anticipation builds for the incoming snow, recent headlines have cast a shadow over the season's start. A bear collided with a snowboarder on a Heavenly slope, underscoring the unpredictability of mountain wildlife encounters. Additionally, a series of chairlift incidents have raised safety concerns, with multiple injuries reported and several skiers hospitalized. Skiers are advised to stay updated on lift statuses and exercise extra caution on the mountain. Despite the rocky start, the potential for a winter wonderland is just days away—keep your skis waxed and your eyes on the forecast.
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 Heavenly Valley.
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 Heavenly Ski Resort.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Heavenly Ski Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Heavenly Ski Resort in Nevada is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, offering stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. Some of the prominent peaks in the area include:
- Mount Tallac: A popular hiking destination with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
- Freel Peak: The highest peak in the Tahoe Basin, offering challenging backcountry skiing opportunities.
- Pyramid Peak: A rugged and iconic peak in the Desolation Wilderness area, popular among experienced climbers and skiers.
Heavenly Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels, with over 97 trails and 4,800 acres of skiable terrain. The resort also features the Heavenly Mountain Gondola, which provides access to the ski slopes and offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
Advanced skiers will love the challenge of the double black diamond runs, such as Gunbarrel and Mott Canyon, while intermediate skiers can enjoy the scenic views on runs like Dipper and Orion. Beginners can start their skiing journey on the wide, gentle slopes of Powderbowl. An interesting fact is that the resort was once owned by Howard Hughes, who had a private lift installed to access his penthouse suite. For apres ski, the Gunbarrel Grill is a popular spot with live music, drinks, and delicious food.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 30 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 52000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1993 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 4800 Acres |
Established | 1955 |
Run Count | 95 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, rain likely before 7am, then rain and snow. snow level 9100 feet. high near 39. very windy, with a southwest wind around 45 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Heavenly Ski Resort is expected to receive up to 55.14" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
California is bracing for a significant winter storm system, with the heaviest snow forecasts centered around the central and northern Sierra Nevada. The CSS Lab near Truckee, close to resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Sugar Bowl, leads with a 5-day snowfall forecast of 131 inches. Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass, near Kirkwood Mountain Resort, are also expecting upwards of 100 ... Read more