Tahoe vs Summit County in December

**drrasii** · 10-02-2014, 12:01 AM

Hey all, first post. Was looking for some conditions opinions and these forums seemed pretty good.

Headed on my first outing for the year the first weekend in December. Debating between Tahoe area vs Summit County. Been to CO a bunch after the first of the year, never to Tahoe before. The only real deciding factor for me right now is which place is likely to have better snow at the time. If anyone has experience or opinions please share!

Thanks!

**SkiCougar** · 10-02-2014, 06:20 AM

Do not go to Tahoe in December. If Tahoe has good snow in December, it is an anomaly.

CO, at least it's 50/50; that you'll have good snow.

**LightRanger** · 10-02-2014, 06:48 AM

^^^ That.

**Black Ops Valdez** · 10-02-2014, 07:23 AM

One could suck, one could be great and vice versa. Might as well just wait and book last minute! Mt. Baker usually has good early season snow. Or come to AK! It's been snowing in the high country since August.

-BOV

**TahoeJ** · 10-02-2014, 10:38 AM

9 times out of 10 Colorado will be better in early December. Tahoe has had some epic Thanksgiving dumps before, but I wouldn't count on it.

**Shredhead** · 10-02-2014, 11:50 AM

Unless your an Epic pass gaper, I wouldn't limit myself to Summit County in CO. Summit has the most snowmaking, but Colorado has a bunch of different micro climates. Sometimes Steamboat gets slammed, sometimes it's the San Juan's and sometimes it's an up slope that hits Winterpark.

Book your airfare if you have too, but I would stay as open as possible. If you book thru Southwest, you can even change the air last minute.

**Danno** · 10-02-2014, 11:50 AM

I wouldn't count on Colorado either! But by early December, Loveland is bound to have a lot of runs open. Get a Loveland 4 pack, you at least know you'll get some turns in for cheap.

**adrenalated** · 10-02-2014, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

I wouldn't count on Colorado either! But by early December, Loveland is bound to have a lot of runs open. Get a Loveland 4 pack, you at least know you'll get some turns in for cheap.

I dunno about that. Loveland has had some of the most conservative terrain opening policies in the state the last few years.

**WTF is dat** · 10-02-2014, 02:41 PM

as a rule eagle county (vail/ beaver creek) normally has a little bit more snow than summit county.

eagle county is just 30 minutes from summit. spend the extra $$ and go to eagle county.

Also, Naked Pictures of Wife/Sister/Girlfriend JONG. WTF do you think this place is a dear abbey column?

**skiracer88_00** · 10-20-2014, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by Danno

I wouldn't count on Colorado either! But by early December, Loveland is bound to have a lot of runs open. Get a Loveland 4 pack, you at least know you'll get some turns in for cheap.

Loveland will likely have spillway AND Lower Richards open by then! There will be plenty of snow on just about everything...you just won't be permitted to ski on it.

**Danno** · 10-21-2014, 12:59 PM

Damn, people hating on LL and it's not me?!?!? My point is only that even without snow, LL will at least have a bunch of groomers open by early December (unless it's warm all November). For early season skiing, notwithstanding their terrain opening policies, they are one of the best places to ski.

**ex-powderbroker** · 10-21-2014, 01:31 PM

Wolf Creek always has good early season snow. From my experience, the FR is always teh suck early. I guess I'd rather go to Tahoe anyway right now just because I really like Tahoe. Free tacos with a lift ticket or pass at the South Lake Casinos! (where dreams go to die, otherwise).

**MuchosPixels** · 10-24-2014, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by drrasii

Hey all, first post. Was looking for some conditions opinions and these forums seemed pretty good.

Headed on my first outing for the year the first weekend in December. Debating between Tahoe area vs Summit County. Been to CO a bunch after the first of the year, never to Tahoe before. The only real deciding factor for me right now is which place is likely to have better snow at the time. If anyone has experience or opinions please share!

Thanks!

Usually Steamboat is the best bet for December. Wolf Creek can get lucky but it is really hit or miss and dependent on large dumps. Steamboat has much more consistent snowfall during early season.

I would totally avoid Tahoe during Dec. At least I would not plan ahead a trip to go there. It has been awful in that area the past few years and this year is not looking good. But it is early. In the Sierra things can change quickly due to it being so close to the Pacific.