2024/2025 Ski Season Forecast
On these hot August nights, we’re dreaming about snow and the forecast for the 2024/2025 ski season. Last year, we had an El Niño year, but this fall, NOAA predicts a shift back to La Niña.
If you remember, we had several back-to-back La Niña years from 2020 through the 2022/2023 season. For Northern California, La Niña can lead to more snow. Since Lake Tahoe straddles the cutoff between a prediction for a dry season in the south and a wet season in the north, it is always hard to forecast how La Niña will affect snowfall.
Northstar season passes will go up in price on September 2nd. Get your IKON pass here. Palisades Tahoe is offering season passes this year with no blackout dates. You can explore the different ski passes for Palisades Tahoe here.
Though ENSO conditions are neutral at the moment, La Niña’s arrival appears increasingly imminent. There is a 66% chance it will develop between September and November and a 74% chance that it will persist through the winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
La Niña Winter: What It Means for Skiers
La Niña, a climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, can have a significant impact on winter weather across the globe. For skiers, La Niña winters often bring both excitement and challenges, depending on where they are located.
More Snow in the Northwest
One of the most notable effects of a La Niña winter is increased snowfall in the northwestern United States, including states like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This is great news for skiers in these regions, as the colder and wetter conditions can lead to deep powder days and extended ski seasons. Resorts like Jackson Hole, Crystal Mountain, and Big Sky often see above-average snowfalls during La Niña years, making them prime destinations for powder hounds.
Drier Conditions in the Southwest
On the flip side, La Niña tends to bring drier and warmer conditions to the southwestern United States, including states like California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Ski resorts in these areas might experience less snow, leading to a shorter season and potentially less favorable skiing conditions. However, the effects can vary, and some regions may still see decent snowfall, particularly in higher elevations.
The Rockies and the Midwest
For skiers in the Rocky Mountains and the Midwest, La Niña's impact can be a mixed bag. The Rockies, including Colorado and Utah, often see near-average to slightly above-average snowfall during La Niña winters, depending on the specific location. Skiers in these areas may still enjoy good snow conditions, especially in northern resorts. The Midwest can experience colder temperatures, which is favorable for snowmaking, helping to ensure a solid base even if natural snowfall is less abundant.
Lake Tahoe Ski Season
Overall, La Niña winters are generally favorable for skiers in the northwestern U.S, including Lake Tahoe, while those in the Southwest might face drier conditions. Regardless of location, skiers should keep an eye on local forecasts and be prepared for a winter that might differ from the norm, whether that means more powder days or a bit of a wait for the perfect snow conditions.
We've had a strong summer of sales activity and an increase in inventory, which means more choices for buyers. The median price of lakefronts jumped 78%, but with an influx of lakefront inventory, these prices should hold steady. There are currently 213 lakefront listings on the California side of the lake.
Contact us today for more information about available home for sale in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.
