Tahoe Ski Resorts Set Early Season Closing Dates
Warm spring weather speeds snowmelt and prompts early closures.
Palisades Tahoe web cameras show rapidly dwindling snow and patchy conditions. Credit: Palisades Tahoe.
TAHOE — Ski resorts around Lake Tahoe have started to end operations for the 2025-26 season. Homewood Mountain Resort shut down its lifts on March 17 after less than three months of activity. Sierra-at-Tahoe will follow on March 22. Officials at both spots blamed unseasonably high temperatures and a shrinking snowpack for the decisions.
Homewood Mountain Resort officials explained the choice on the resort website. “Mother Nature always gets the final word in the mountains, and this season she’s calling it a little early.” Staff emphasized guest and employee safety as the main reason for stopping now.
Sierra-at-Tahoe staff noted similar issues in the snow report. “The sun has been a little too enthusiastic this spring, and with near-record high temps and no new snow in the forecast, it’s time to call it.” Bryan Hickman, the director of operations, told SFGATE that “sometimes Mother Nature just wins.” The resort will hold a closing-day event with live music on March 22 at 9:00 AM.
Staff at other still-open resorts are operating only certain chairlifts and sections of their mountains. Warm days melt snow faster on exposed slopes, so access stays restricted to areas with better coverage for guest safety. Sierra-at-Tahoe runs only a handful of chairlifts through its final weekend.
Palisades Tahoe has also closed off a significant amount of its terrain, but still plans the longest run of any Tahoe resort. The resort website states that “we anticipate operating through Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th, 2026.” Palisades is often the area’s longest-open resort.
Several other resorts target dates in mid-April or later. Northstar California Resort and Sugar Bowl Resort are projected to close on April 12. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Boreal Mountain Resort project April 19 closings.
Current snow bases range from about 24 inches to 43 inches at open resorts. Machine-groomed runs and variable spring conditions make up most of the available terrain. Forecasts call for continued warm temperatures in the 50s to 70s with no significant new snow expected.