While both Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California were celebrating opening day Friday (Nov. 21), Squaw Valley was celebrating for another reason – 5 inches of new snow.
Northstar California and Heavenly Mountain Resort began running lifts on the slopes thanks to consistently cold temperatures and some light snow this week. The two Vail Resort properties were offering fairly good ski conditions for this time of year.
Squaw Valley received five inches of fresh snow on the upper mountain in the last 24 hours, with more snow in the forecast this weekend. The storm comes just five days before Squaw Valley’s scheduled opening day of Wednesday, Nov. 26.
This storm also brought 6 inches of fresh snow to nearby Alpine Meadows, which has a scheduled opening date of Friday, Dec. 12.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this storm is the second of a three-storm series currently moving through the Sierra Nevada. A third storm will move into the region tonight and is forecasted to bring additional snow to the upper elevations.
Heavenly: The South Lake Tahoe resort is operating the Gondola and Tamarack Express chairlift. The lifts will access 14 acres of terrain, including terrain park features on the left side of California Trail. Free shuttle buses will be available from the California Main Lodge parking area to the Gondola.
Northstar: The North Lake Tahoe resort reported 4 inches of fresh snow Thursday. The mountain’s snowmaking team has activated Northstar’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system. Northstar opened Big Springs Gondola, Arrow Express, Vista Express, The Big Easy chairlift and the Big Dipper magic carpet Friday.
Mt. Rose: The resort had its opening day Nov. 7 along with Boreal Mountain. Mt Rose reopened today (Nov. 21) as well. Lift tickets are available for purchase at guest services in the Main Lodge for just $29 for adults, teens and seniors, and $19 for children ages 12 and under. The Timbers Bar and Lodgepole Café are open and offering food and beverage service. Ski and snowboard lessons will be offered beginning Saturday.
Mt. Rose will open additional terrain, serviced by the Ponderosa lift. Early season open terrain is limited, but includes skiing and riding on Lower Galena through The Enchanted Forest. The Flying Jenny Conveyor Lift on the Main Lodge side of the resort is also open, along with an expanded terrain park that offers a combination of features.
Boreal Mountain: The resort off Highway 80 near the summit reopened earlier this week. Boreal has one run and 6-plus terrain park features, including a jump accessed by the Castle Peak Quad chairlift. Lift tickets are $39 for Adults (18-over) and Teens (13-17). Child lift tickets are only $29.
- PROJECTED OPENINGS
- *Boreal Mountain: Nov. 18
- Northstar California: Nov. 21
- Heavenly Mountain Resort: Nov. 21
- *Mt. Rose: Nov. 21
- Squaw Valley: Nov. 26
- Diamond Peak: Dec. 11
- Alpine Meadows: Dec. 12
- Sugar Bowl: TBA
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort: TBA
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: TBA*Both Boreal and Mt. Rose opened briefly in early November
