Sierra Businesses Excited To See Return Of Snow To Mountains

TRUCKEE (CBS13) — This weekend dropped something not seen in the Sierra for awhile—snow totals measuring past a half-dozen feet.

The town of Truckee relies heavily on tourism. Businesses in the area have been hit hard this winter because of a lack of snow during the drought. But recent storms are giving shop owners something to smile about.

For months, skis have seen more time on the rack than thte slopes. But now at Tahoe Dave Ski Shop, rentals are beginning to pick up.

"Business has been really good," said Ryan Davis. "Everybody is excited about the new snow. It's nice up top and people are starting to pour in because I think everyone has figured it's going to be a really good week."

It's business that's much needed in Downtown Truckee. Shops like White Buffalo Jewelry and Art rely heavily on tourism to survive.

"There are a lot of second-home owners here so I'm hoping people come up," said Caitlin Cole.

With few people walking the streets, sales have been half of what is typical for this time of year at many of these shops.

"We haven't had many people coming in," Cole said. "You'd think that with no snow that everyone would come shop, but it's like no one is around."

This has been one of the worst seasons in decades for shop-owners, and they hope more snow will mean more customers on the way as well.