Sunshine and Slick Snow @ Squaw Valley: Conditions Update + Photo Tour

Eric Bryant | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
squaw conditions tram face
Tram Face and Broken Arrow heavily lacking in the way of snow

After recovering from a stinky situation, Squaw has continued to ski well despite the startling lack of snow.  With cold overnight temps they have been able to continue making snow, which has been our saving grace with daytime highs spiking into the mid 50’s.  Coverage on piste remains quite good (save a few spots in the Mountain Run) while skiing off piste has been all but shut down (with the closing of Siberia and Shirley Lake).

Michael slash skiing at Squaw
Michael getting his shred on

What Squaw has open:

  • Red Dog
  • Squaw Creek
  • Funitel
  • Gold Coast
  • Papoose!

What Squaw has closed since Christmas Week:

  • Siberia
  • Shirley Lake
  • Squaw One
Squaw conditions on mountain run
The scene down the Mountain Run, with lots of stalled humans

There hasn’t been an announcement about whether they plan to reopen any of the closed lifts for the weekend, but I’m thinking their openings was simply a facade to make things appear better than they truly were over Christmas week.  I know I certainly won’t be missing Siberia or Shirley, as their skiing was more like navigating a mine field of rocks than actual skiing.

The skiing is still pretty fun all things considered, but it would certainly be nice if Mother Nature would help us out.  Where Squaw has snow guns, the skiing is great (well, maybe not great but it’s at least snow sliding).  And there are plenty of mini hips and jumps off the side to keep everyone entertained.  Sadly things still aren’t looking too bright for Tahoe:

Squaw snow forecast
The forecast for Tahoe holds little hope…

Photo Tour:

Squaw conditions on red dog
Looking down lower Dog Leg and Red Dog Face
Squaw conditions upper mountain
Looking up at the upper mountain, things are a bit patchy.
Squaw conditions silver peak
Yeah…about that south facing exposure…
People probably had the most fun here today.  The scene at Papoose
People probably had the most fun here today. The scene at Papoose
Michael Bryant smiling while skiing at Squaw
Michael was all smiles today, because the fact remains: Skiing is still fun!
Squaw Conditions on dog leg
A few brave souls braving a slick Dog Leg
Squaw conditions on Tower 16
Looking at Tower 16 and Broken Arrow…not much snow to be seen
squaw conditions jump
The groomers have been harvesting snow, and in the process blocked on of the best jumps!

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