Pillow Hits, Tree Taps, and Powder

Reflections on the Latest Big Tahoe Storm Cycle and Hope for More Late Season Magic

Words and Photos by Ryan Salm

It’s difficult to imagine being blown away by anything snow related after last year’s record snowfall totals. Houses were buried, bodies ached from the constant cycle of shovel, ski, shovel, shovel, ski….

This year started off slow until the early March forecast honed in on Tahoe. 5-10 feet in three days was hard to even imagine. When it rolled in, the roads were bare, dirt showing in spots and decks dry to the wood.

With howling winds keeping most resorts closed, the roads were empty and folks were hunkering down, waiting for mother natures fury. That’s when I got the call from my friend at marketing at Diamond Peak. The storm had touched down, visibility was low but the lifts were somehow running to the top. The storm was raging. Snapping pics of Amie Engerbretson, Todd Ligare and Josh Anderson, my hands froze to a screaming ache. It was almost impossible to see through my viewfinder as it was constantly caked with ice.

As the blizzard really unleashed on Saturday it was clear that creativity and local knowledge were the only things separating those who skied from those sitting cozy at home watching Netflix (if they had power).

Neighborhood sled laps and that perfect pitch—not too steep to be dangerous and not too flat to get you stuck, had us all choking on snow.

With no breaks for 72 hours straight it was all hands on deck, whether shoveling or plowing.

Brennan Lagasse finds a line out of his buried front door in Tahoma into a perfect pick up powder scenario.

Amie Engerbretson getting free refills at Diamond Peak

Pillow hits, tree taps and powder—the perfect diet for Josh Gold.

Todd Ligare at Diamond Peak

It's a strange feeling walking around Palisades Tahoe on a weekend powder day with no one in sight. Cue the tumbleweeds.

Alex “Shugz” Dorszynski and the rest of the “Ski For the Love” boys took full advantage of throat deep conditions and no lift lines in Truckee, California.

Brandon Craddock takes flight on his home turf.

With winds well over 100 mph in spots there was no shortage of downed trees and blackouts throughout the Tahoe area.

While not as buried as last season, this storm did pack a quick punch, delivering 5+ feet in many locations.

With most ski lifts closed in the Basin, Lagasse and I had to get creative to find our deep fix of Tahoe pure.

Josh Anderson feeling those japow vibes at Diamond Peak

Ain't no storm going to stop Tahoe City from partying at what is now dubbed Blizzard Fest.

Rambo and Rebel Yeti closing out the storm with a set on Edna the art car at Blizzard Fest in Tahoe City

All said and done, we got walloped. Trees blew over in the wind, the snow berms made for constant, ridiculous amounts of shoveling and although we all could use a couple days off in the tropics, my guess is we will keep digging, shoveling and skiing as long as mother nature provides.