Skiers and snowboarders were thrilled to take a break from fake snow this weekend and enjoy the fresh powder brought on by stormy weather, a rarity this season as the drought rages on in California.
“I’ve been waiting for a day like this," Sugar Bowl snowboarder Will Harper told NBC affiliate KCRA. “Yesterday was amazing, so I wanted to come check it out today.”
The storm dumped 28 inches and 32 inches of snow, respectively, on the peaks of Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley over Saturday and Sunday, according to weather reports. The runs at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort were covered in two feet of fresh powder within just one day.
The cold temperatures and new snow pack allow resorts like Sugar Bowl to make – and keep – more of the powder for a longer period of time.
Resort officials say Sunday was the busiest day they’ve had since December, and with more snow on the way later this week, they’re hoping they can say the same thing next weekend. With California heading into its fourth year of drought, many family-owned ski resorts have struggled from the lack of fresh powder this season.
