The California drought has had a catastrophic impact on the state 's economy , with businesses forced to close and families made to relocate . And one of the industries that has been hit the hardest by the shortage in rain and snowfall - is skiing . Many Lake Tahoe resorts have been forced to close , while others have been left with dried-up runs . Skiers and snowboarders were captured threading their way through patches of dirt at the Squaw Valley Ski Resort in the Olympic Valley . The striking images were captured after two more resorts announced they were closing . Sierra-at-Tahoe said they would temporarily shut due to a lack of snow , but Truckee 's Sugar Bowl Resort revealed they are closing for the season on Sunday . Homewood , Soda Springs and Tahoe Donner have already had to turn winter sports fans away . Scroll down for video . A skiers threads his way through patches of dry ground at the Squaw Valley Ski Resort , in Olympic Valley , California . Many Tahoe-area ski resorts have closed due to low snowfall as California 's historic drought continues . Only a few avid skiers have been able to find enough powder to make their way down the mountain . Resorts have been forced to close because of a severe shortage in snowfall , while others have been left with dried-up runs . This one however has managed to stay open with a small number of runs . Skiers ride a chairlift over dry ground at the Squaw Valley Ski Resort as California 's historic drought continues . Two pairs of skiers ride over what seems like baron terrain at Squaw Valley Ski Resort . The period of low snowfall has had a devastating impact on the Californian snow industry . A group of skiers and a snowboarder ride down one of the only slopes left with snow alongside a dry , rocky bank . One man holds a drink as he weaves through the dry patches of ground , covered in stones and shrubs . Normally the mountains at Squaw Valley are covered with snow ( pictured ) , but the drought has meant it is becoming more scarce .
Winter sports enthusiasts at Squaw Valley Ski Resort were seen weaving through patches of dried ground . Many Lake Tahoe resorts have been forced to close , while others have been left with only a hint of powder .