Despite a lack of natural snowfall, Lake Tahoe now has 11 ski resorts open for the 2020-21 season.
Open through Dec. 9 to season pass holders and IVGID pass holders, Diamond Peak has the Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express chairlifts open.
Kirkwood Mountain and Diamond Peak both staged openers Friday (Dec. 4), pushing the number of Tahoe ski resorts into double figures. There were nine Tahoe ski resorts open for Thanksgiving weekend.
While natural snowfall has been scarce thus far, due to cold evening temperatures, Tahoe ski resorts have been using their snowmaking equipment since mid-October to add and maintain their snow base.
CHECK OUT THE TAHOE SKI RESORT OPENINGS LIST BELOW
KIRKWOOD: The popular ski resort off Highway 88 has three lifts open – Chairlifts 5, 7, 9. By the Mountain Village, Solitude (Chair 5) is providing access to Lower Zachary, Mokelumne, Lower Monte Wolfe, Outlaw and Lower Olympic.
At Timber Creek TC Express (Chair 7) and Bunny (Chair 9), the access is a range of progressive terrain, including Free ‘N’ Easy, Hole ‘N’ Wall, Home Run, Janes Jaunt, Up ‘N’ Over, Squirrel Ridge, Funny Bunny, Graduation and School Run. Additionally, the Wonder Carpet is available for ski and ride school.
The three Vail Resorts in Lake Tahoe – Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood – will continue to expand and open terrain as conditions allow. Guests are encouraged to visit the three websites for updates on terrain, conditions, and the approach to Covid-19 safety this winter.
DIAMOND PEAK: The family-friendly Tahoe ski resort in Incline Village is currently open to season pass holders and IVGID pass holders. Diamond Peak considers Friday a “soft” opening day. The ski resort will be open to the general public Dec. 10.
Unlike several Tahoe ski resorts, Diamond Peak is not currently requiring pass holders or IVGID pass holders to make a reservation to ski or snowboard. However, non-pass holders must purchase a day lift ticket online or via the Call Center. The resort will have no walk-up lift ticket sales.
Currently, Diamond Peak has the Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express chairlifts open. Trails include Schoolyard, Lodgepole, Ridge, Popular, Crystal Ridge and Sunnyside. Terrain park features are available near the base of Red Fox Chair with access via the Popular trail.
HEAVENLY OPENING MORE TRAILS: Heavenly opened additional terrain Friday on the Nevada side of the resort, as well as skiing and riding access via the Heavenly Gondola. Skiing and riding will be available in both California and Nevada, accessible from the California Lodge and Heavenly Village base areas.
Additional runs opening in Nevada are California Trail, Tamarack Return, Big Dipper, Orion and Big Easy. Access to the Nevada and California sides of the resort is available from either the Heavenly Gondola or California Lodge base area, with Sky Express chairlift providing access via the Skyline Trail to link the two sides.
Additional chairlift openings include Tamarack Express, Dipper Express, Big Easy, Baby Bear Carpet. Sky Express will open only for skiing access to Nevada.
Also starting Friday and for the remainder of the season, Heavenly’s sightseeing is open with limited availability and reduced hours of operation in order to prioritize the skiing and riding experience.
SUGAR BOWL RESERVATIONS: As of Saturday (Dec. 5), lift tickets, rentals and private lessons at Sugar Bowl are on sale for ski/snowboard dates through Jan. 3.
The only place to purchase a Sugar Bowl lift ticket is online at www.sugarbowl.com. Tickets must be purchased at least one calendar date prior to the planned visit day. No walk-up, day-of lift tickets will be sold at Sugar Bowl. All tickets are date specific. Lift tickets are non-changeable, non-transferable and non-refundable.
GOVERNOR NEWSOM UPDATE: Tahoe ski resorts received official guidance from the state, classifying them as outdoor recreation. On Dec. 2, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued plans for a Stay-at-Home order. However, outdoor recreation is allowed during these challenging times.
With permission to remain open during the Stay-at-Home Order, Tahoe ski resorts will continue to maintain their top priority of protecting the health and safety of skiers, snowboarders, staff and community.
TAHOE SKI RESORT OPENINGS
- Heavenly: opened November 20
- Northstar: opened November 20
- Mt. Rose: opened November 20
- Boreal: opened November 23
- Squaw Valley: opened November 24
- Alpine Meadows: opened November 24
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: opened November 25
- Sugar Bowl: opened November 27
- Soda Springs: opened November 27
- Kirkwood: opened December 4
- Diamond Peak: opened December 4
- Homewood: December 11
- Tahoe Donner: December 11
- Granlibakken: December 18
