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4d ago

Heat Wave Cuts Sierra Ski Season Short as Homewood Shuts Abruptly

The early shutdowns follow a late start to winter, then a rapid March warmup that erased much of February’s snowfall.

FILE: The view from Homewood Resort’s Big Blue View Bar, in Lake Tahoe, Calif.
FILE: Willie Pinella, a building maintenance worker for the Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort, works on a sign leading to the resort near Echo Summit, Calif., March 30, 2016. 
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Overview

  • Homewood Mountain Resort closed on March 17, days earlier than its previously announced March 22 end date, citing warm temperatures and a dry forecast.
  • Sierra-at-Tahoe set Sunday as its final day, Tahoe Donner closed its cross-country center, Mount Shasta and Dodge Ridge ended last week, and Yosemite’s Badger Pass halted ski operations Wednesday.
  • California’s snowpack stands at 37% of the April 1 average after an unusually warm, dry March melted much of the snow that fell during February’s storms.
  • Higher-elevation resorts plan to continue for now, with Heavenly and Kirkwood targeting April 19, Northstar aiming for April 12, and Palisades Tahoe remaining open with ongoing operations.
  • Local retailers describe a somber mood with early staffing and inventory adjustments, while Homewood has begun selling passes for next season despite the shortened run.