Winter storm brings plenty of snow to Lake Tahoe ski resorts

LAKE TAHOE (KGO) -- An epic storm in the Sierra has left at least 10 feet new snow at many resorts all around the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Interstate 80 and Highway 50 into the Sierra are open with no chain controls at this time, a major change from a few days ago when they shut down because of snow and low visibility.

"It was chest deep in some places and it was a lot of fun, really smooth and easy to go through," Milpitas resident Ray Garcia said.

"It's pretty incredible, just to have so much snow so fast. It's just setting us up for a great weekend. The whole community was so happy. They were snow dancing and it worked," Northstar spokesperson Marcie Bradley said.

The tricky part is getting there not so much because of the snow, but because of the traffic. Although Caltrans has done a good job clearing the way for drivers coming up for the long holiday weekend.

Those not looking to ski, can shop, at least that's what they're hoping in downtown Truckee, which is draped in its own fresh layer of new snow.

"I think it is beautiful, we need it. Everybody's excited, tourists are coming. It's going to be a holiday weekend. It's going to be excellent," Theresa Charter said.

And though so much snow creates a lot of work, it's the kind often done with a smile.

Some people told ABC7 News they don't need skis or a snowboard to appreciate what nature's delivered.

"I just kind of hangout and enjoy the surroundings because my husband is a big snowboarder. He's calls me his little 'snowbunny' so I say, 'OK, I'm good with that,"' Mary King said.

Click here for full coverage of Bay Area weather.