Sierra Nevada Snow Storm Delivers Perfect Conditions for Presidents’ Day Weekend & Ski Week

Winter has finally roared back to the Sierra, just in time for Presidents’ Day Weekend and Nevada’s Ski Week! A powerful snowstorm has blanketed the region, dumping feet of fresh powder across the top resorts, setting up some of the best ski conditions of the season. With major resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth fully open and firing on all cylinders, it’s the perfect time to hit the slopes.

Although traffic might be a bit unpleasant on your favorite travel routes, drive safe and we will see you in the Sierra!

Palisades Tahoe
Photos from Silverado Front door at Palisades Tahoe, taken on Wednesday the 12th by Blake Kessler.

Storm Highlights & Snow Totals

  • Palisades Tahoe : 31” of new snow, bringing the season total to 244”. The legendary Silverado chair opened on Wednesday, marking 100% of the resort now accessible. More snow is expected overnight, and live music on the KT Base Bar deck from 2/15-2/22 will make for the perfect après scene.
  • Mammoth Mountain: An absolute snow globe, with over 6.5 feet of fresh snow from this storm! The mountain is digging out but should be primed for a dream weekend of skiing and riding.
  • Kirkwood: 31” of classic Kirkwood pow. Expect some road delays, but the conditions will be worth the effort.
  • Northstar: Mother Nature delivered an early Valentine’s Day surprise with 17” of fresh snowfall. Operations could see some delays, but expect prime conditions once things open up.
  • Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe: 4.5 feet of new snow, offering some of the deepest turns of the season.
  • Heavenly: 21” overnight, creating dreamy conditions on the ridgeline.
  • Sugar Bowl: 40” in the past 24 hours and a season total of 258”—a powder lover’s paradise!
  • Dodge Ridge: Already reporting 10+ inches from base to summit, with much more on the way.
Palisades Tahoe skier
Photos from Silverado Run at Palisades Tahoe, taken on Wednesday the 12th by Blake Kessler.

Ski Week & Presidents’ Day Weekend—Perfect Timing

With the fresh snowfall arriving just in time for Presidents’ Day Weekend and Nevada’s Ski Week, expect the Sierra’s resorts to be in peak form. Families and powder hounds alike will find stellar conditions, from groomers to glades to big mountain terrain.

For those looking to maximize their trip:

  • Palisades Tahoe offers its Midweek 4-Pack, letting you ski for just $99/day—a great deal for those with flexible schedules.
  • Mammoth and Kirkwood will likely have some of the best powder stashes in the state, so be sure to bring your fat skis.
  • Northstar, Rose and Heavenly will provide fantastic conditions for skiers and riders looking for a mix of groomers and tree runs.

Travel & Safety Reminders

With all this snow comes the usual Sierra Nevada challenges—expect road delays, chain controls, and potential avalanche mitigation work at the resorts. Plan ahead by checking Caltrans road conditions, using resort apps for real-time updates, and always carrying proper winter driving gear.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect storm to plan a ski trip, this is it. The Sierra Nevada is fully loaded, and Presidents’ Day Weekend is shaping up to be an unforgettable one on the slopes!

Where are you skiing this weekend? Let us know in the comments!