At the Lake: Storm leads to 'super fun' on the slopes

A long-awaited snowstorm that began Thursday led to the opening of Sierra-at-Tahoe on Saturday and the opening of additional terrain at other South Shore resorts.

As of Sunday afternoon, Sierra-at-Tahoe had three lifts open. Two terrain parks with three lines also were open.

"We went from the desert to the North Pole," said Sierra-at-Tahoe general manager John Rice. "This storm was a godsend. We're ready for the next storm."

Rice said that the snow was in great shape.

"The top 6 inches are what matters," he said. "The snow is thin but really nice."

"The mountain is in great shape for opening weekend," said Sierra-at-Tahoe communications manager Kirstin Cattell. "It's been a mellow opening, and people are having super fun."

At Kirkwood Mountain Resort, the storm dropped 18 to 22 inches of snow on the slopes.

As a result of the storm, Kirkwood opened additional lifts and terrain, with three lifts operating over the weekend. Crews were working around the clock with snowmaking efforts under Chair 11 to ensure a solid base. Check conditions by visiting Kirkwood's Web site at www.kirkwood.com, or by calling the snow phone at (877) KIRKWOOD.

Kirkwood's Cross Country and Snowshoe Center is open with 5 kilometers of groomed meadows trails for skiing or snowshoeing, and 10 kilometers of ungroomed trails for snowshoeing only.

Heavenly Mountain Resort reported the storm system brought 21 to 24 inches of snow to the mountain. On Sunday, the resort had opened Big Easy, Easy Street and California Trail. Lifts open at 8:30 a.m. For the latest conditions, visit www.skiheavenly.com or call (800) HEAVENLY.