Many parts of Tahoe have seen more than 15 feet of new snow in the past few weeks ~ a welcome relief to the drought and an epic start to the ski season. Check out this chart with snowfall from this week's storm and the year-to-date. Sugar Bowl, for example, has seen 34 feet of snow this season, with almost 22 feet this month! 
Great news for skiers, and a little intimidating to some homebuyers new to the Tahoe market who find themselves asking if you can have "too much of a good thing." Falling trees have led to power outages, and road closures have made it difficult for plows to keep driveways cleared. If you are thinking about a home in Tahoe, or have recently bought here, it's important to know this is *not* the norm. Local authorities say we have not seen this level of record snowfall in 45 years.Â
Many of my clients have asked about whether their homes and decks can withstand the huge snowfalls we've seen these past two weeks. (Homes built within the last 20 years are engineered to withstand substantial snow loads. For specific details, contact the local building department.) A few have been frustrated about being unable to get into or out of their homes. And some have been without power. Resoundingly, new residents tell me they have been surprised at the pioneer spirit and genuine hospitality they've experienced when facing these challenges in Tahoe-Truckee. In a mountain town, neighbors rely on one another, and the local service providers become familiar faces (especially the guy behind the wheel of your local snow plow).
The epic weather events this week also highlighted for me the different needs buyers have in the resort market. If your raison d'être is the slopes, you might want to consider various slope side homes or condos that put you where you need to be without having to deal with traffic or road closures. (This is also a good option for warm weather fans who want a place in Tahoe that cash flows in winter.) The HOA fees often include snow removal, exterior maintenance and the additional management level responsible for common area access like parking, creating a hassle-free rental or vacation property.
I'd be happy to tour you through any of these resorts, many of which include amenities like swimming pools, golf, tennis, and more.
The sun will come out again this week. The roads will be cleared (mostly), and there will be no more beautiful time to experience the mountains or the solitude of a snow-covered meadow.
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