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Mother Nature Finally Allows Tahoe Resorts to Open

November 26, 1997

The media and scientists are all running around buzzing about the warmest anomalies (departures from normal) in the sea surface temperature in the equatorial eastern Pacific; also known as "El Nino". Well, here in Tahoe we got some early snow back in the beginning of October; but then it got warm again and melted all of that. Now it has started to get wet again around here and yet it not very cold. The tops of the peaks are getting snow. Below 6500 feet it has mostly been the dreaded snow melting rain.
Heavenly was able to make some snow earlier this month and captured the title of being the first Tahoe resort to open this year. Since it has started snowing and it is cold enough to make snow, Boreal was able to open almost 2 weeks ago (usually the 1st to open in the Tahoe area). They have the Accelerator open which allows top to bottom riding. There are a couple small bumps started for those that want to leave the snows surface during these low tide conditions. Last week it was unfortunate that it was too snowy when we were there to get any images of riding. They were a pioneer by being snowboard friendly years ago with tons of fun terrain ; so I am sure there will be better terrain and hopefully better weather the next time BoardZ visits.

December 1st, 1997 update
As expected, Boreal is making the most of what they have. They now have 2 small tables, 2 even smaller pyramid things, and will be building halfpipes, snake runs and more tables as soon as they can. They have also started the ever fun night sessions. This year night riding starts at 3:30pm and goes til 9pm.
Up on the tops of the sierra it dropped 8" two nights ago, 18" last night (11-25-97), and it is still dumping now. Alpine Meadows has been open for almost a week with the aid of there snow making department, their high base elevation, and some help from mother nature. Sugar Bowl opened 1 chair (Juda) today with free lift tickets for the couple thousand that showed up to enjoy the wet new snow. Squaw Valley will open part of the top of their mountain tomorrow. Kirkwood also opens tomorrow. Sierra at Tahoe plans to open on Friday the 28th of November. Yea, Yea , Yea ; OK there is some snow, but is is still pretty low tide out there; be careful and watch out for plenty of unmarked obsticles. Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving weekend!

Boreal November 18th 1997

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