Ski season wraps up

Skiers and snowboarders expecting a nice spring day before the end of the ski season were out of luck at Squaw Valley on Saturday morning.

The day started out with high winds and dense, dark clouds hanging over everything.

By noon the clouds had dropped halfway down the mountains, dropping wind-lashed snow and rain and sending many scrambling down the Mountain Run to get out of the weather.

Later in the afternoon the clouds lifted, the sun shined and the opening day of Squaw's Spring Jam III continued before a packed crowd with the pond skimming event.

Jam III will continue today with a skiercross at 10:45 a.m. on Mott's via the Siberia Express. A Big Air event will be staged at 2 p.m. with a $500 purse along with two Southwest Airlines tickets for the winner.

Skiers and snowboarders wanting to close out the season today may want to check with the Weather Channel as earlier predictions were for rain with snow in the higher elevations.

The Squaw Jam III brings the 1999-2000 ski and snowboard events to a close in the Tahoe area. Closing for the season today will be Alpine Meadows, Soda Springs and Sugar Bowl. Closing Monday are Northstar-at-Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe. Kirkwood and Mt. Rose have scheduled an April 26 end to operations.

Resorts without a closing date announced include Heavenly, Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch and Squaw Valley.

Before the rain and snow came, skiing was excellent at Squaw and prime spring skiing was reported at other resorts. Resorts remaining open in the area expected to announce earlier opening dates for the remainder of the season this week. If in doubt, give a call to the resort of your choice.