The Ultimate Guide to Storm Skiing at Sierra

Here’s how to prepare for winter storms and ride the mountain like a local

Reject Powder Panic

Powder days are what skiers and snowboarders dream of: deep snow elicits joy, excitement and the wonder of that perfect turn. It’s the feeling when the bottom drops out from under you and gravity becomes a faint memory. Let’s be real, it’s why we get up early and spend our hard-earned cash to do this crazy sport.

For those glory days to become reality, big storms have to manifest—sometimes bringing challenges along with them. From winter traveling conditions to complicated mountain operations, we want to help you prepare for the sweet days to come.

Here’s a guide to make the absolute most of your powder days, including a few tips like how to prepare for a snowy drive and how to avoid lines on a powder day. With this information you can plan ahead and be prepared. Relax. You’re at Sierra.

Check the Snow Report

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If chains aren’t required at the time of your departure, check the forecast and see if snow might fall later in the day so you can prepare to return home safely as well.

Here’s a quick winter checklist:

• Bring tire chains
• Extra food and water
• Dry, warm layers
• A shovel and a flashlight.
• Download the CalTrans QuickMap app for up-to-the-minute conditions on US 50.

You never know when you might be stuck behind a less-prepared driver who may need a helping hand.

On occasion, CalTrans may temporarily close highway 50 for avalanche mitigation work. We recommend using the restroom before heading up.

Maximize Your Day and Ski the Mountain Like a Local

Check the snow report first thing in the morning to get the scoop on current conditions and what you can expect at the mountain.

Once you arrive, make the most out of your day by understanding how ski patrol works to perform avalanche mitigation and strategically open zones across the mountain. 

Patrol usually starts work in Avalanche Bowl, allowing for West Bowl, Nob Hill and Easy Rider Express to open. After that zone has been opened, they fully focus on the terrain off of Grandview Express that typically requires more mitigation work to open. 

Don’t get caught waiting around-make the most of a deep day by chasing openings.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the playful rollers and wide-open terrain of West Bowl, you can make your way to Grandview and chase deep powder well into the afternoon.

Have Fun, Be Safe!

Deep snow can carry real danger. Here are a few tips to keep you and your crew safe when the forecast calls for double-overhead.

• Deep snow immersion and tree wells pose a serious hazard to skiers and riders: Always ride with a buddy and keep them in sight.
• It’s not mandatory, but we recommend skiing with a beacon, shovel and probe during big storms.
• Always ride in control and don’t push your limits just because the snow is soft.

Read more about snow immersion suffocation and deep snow safety at Ski California.

And as always, check the snow report!