Sierra-at-Tahoe latest resort to close due to drought

Sierra-at-Tahoe is the latest Lake Tahoe area ski resort to announce that it will suspend operations, beginning Monday, because of the lack of snow brought on by the ongoing drought in the West.

"It is with a heavy heart we must announce we'll be suspending winter operations beginning tomorrow, Monday, March 16. Conditions around the mountain have deteriorated to the point where we can no longer deliver a product that meets our standard," said Resort General Manager John Rice in a statement made Sunday. "Although temperatures remain high and the forecast lacks precipitation, we are fully committed to resuming operations if we receive an adequate amount of snow."

Though its snow making operation is limited, Sierra Resort, which usually boasts nearly 500 inches of snow in any given regular season, has barely been able to keep the snow it has gotten to keep skiing and boarding sustainable. The last snow dump came the final weekend of February with 17 inches over a period of three days. But that snow melted quickly due to record heat in the region that followed the first two weeks of March.

The closing of Sierra Resort is yet another set back this season in what had started out as a promising year. Sierra-at-Tahoe is considered by many as south shore Lake Tahoe's local emblematic resort, mainly because of its family-friendly, laid-back environment, its philanthropy to the community and having produced Olympic gold medal snowboard champions Jamie Anderson, Maddie Bowman and Hannah Teter.

Rice extended his gratitude to pass holders, guests and employees who "continued to bring their best, day in and day out. We are fueled by your smiles, which we had no shortage of, even during these past few days."

Sierra's general manager said that after "exhausting all possible tools — even with snowmaking at every opportunity and strategic movement of snow, Mother Nature came up short. Our north-facing location paired with our summer grooming techniques allowed us to remain open since December 12 with 1/3 of our average natural snowfall."

Like many resorts around Lake Tahoe, Sierra has put money into investing in the future and accommodating the growing popularity of snowboarding. Last year Sierra invested $5 million for its Solstice Plaza, a 30,000-square-foot deck and 9,000 square foot-base that offers enhanced guest services as well as a new retail shop, demo center and restaurant Solstice Eatery, plus a new indoor/outdoor bar and fire pit staging areas for outdoor music.

When there is snow, Sierra Resort is known worldwide for its terrain parks. In previous seasons, SNOWboarding magazine has ranked Sierra-at-Tahoe as a Top 10 Overall Resort as well as among the Top 10 Best Parks and Pipes in the nation.

Among other Lake Tahoe area ski resorts forced to close this season due to the lack of snow are Homewood, Soda Springs, Donner Ski Ranch and Royal Gorge.

In his note, Rice thanked employees and guests for their "continued support of Sierra-at-Tahoe. Snow is not our only asset, as we are composed of an outstanding group of individuals who love this sport, this business and this very mountain. Without your trust and involvement, we would not survive," said Rice. "We can't wait to provide a place for you to make more great memories with friends and family."

Sierra will still offer its 2015 Equinox Spring Festival with a few venue changes. The event is Saturday, March 21, from noon to 5 p.m. It will host a concert by Scott Pemberton with limited snow tubing. A venue will be announced for the March 28 extension of the festival, and will feature Santa Barbara's Rainbow Girls.

Saturday, April 4 will be the Equinox Spring Festival concert by San Francisco's The Family Crest with other venues to be announced.