This is it. The final weekend of skiing and riding at both Heavenly and Kirkwood is upon us. And with fresh snow coming to Tahoe followed quickly by warm temperatures, closing weekend will include both powder and warm sunshine.
There's 1 big reason you can't miss it:
This is it.
After this weekend we're done for the year. After this weekend it'll be time to move the skis and the boards to the back of the garage. The boots will be stored away. It'll be time to put my Helly Hansen gear on mothballs until next winter.
According to Tahoe Weather Discussion, on Wednesday night snow levels will come down to between 7500 and 8000 feet. By Thursday, snow levels will drop all the way down to the lake. With both Heavenly and Kirkwood closed until weekend operations resumed on Friday, all the snow we get until then will be preserved for the early-birds on Friday morning. At 7000 feet we're looking at up to 6 inches. On the crest we could see up to a foot.
Powder on April 27? Yes, please.
After hitting the last powder of the season, check out Puddle of Mud live in concert at Harrah's. It's all just part of the party.
Then on Saturday it's going to get warm and the final 2-days of the season will be perfect for a party on the slopes. Get in a few turns and then have a beer at the lodge. Hang out with your friends. Take in the moment.
Moments like this are bittersweet. The end of another ski season signals the beginning of another. I'll soon be paddleboarding Lake Tahoe with my friends at South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle getting ready for the Race the Lake of the Sky. I'll be hiking and biking and enjoying the beach with my family. I'm excited to do those things. I mean I'm really excited.
But I'm going to miss making my turns. And that's why nothing could keep me off the mountain this weekend.
What more reason do you need to not miss closing weekend than this stubborn fact:
-- Clark Vandeventer