If skiing or snowboarding early Friday or Saturday evening is one’s idea of a tremendous way to enjoy the weekend, there is one more option among Tahoe ski resorts – Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe.
For a fourth straight season, Mt. Rose will stay open late for skiers and snowboarders. When the clocks are moved forward with Daylight Saving Sunday, March 8, the Mt. Rose hours that week begin extending to 6 p.m.
Making the most of daylight saving and the resort’s snow conditions – 237 inches (as of March 1) – the Nevada ski resort near North Lake Tahoe will be extending hours of operations by two hours and give skiers and riders the opportunity to take “bonus runs” this spring.
“With longer days ahead and mid-winter snow conditions here now, we’re bringing back our ‘Open Late’ schedule to give skiers and riders the opportunity for an additional two hours Fridays and Saturdays,” said Mike Pierce, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe marketing director. “For those with a competitive edge, our public race league, Friday Nite Gates, is also returning.”
The Northwest Express, Lakeview Express, Wizard and Magic lifts will stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays, along with the Snowdeck off the Lakeside trail offering beer, wine, snacks, DJs on Friday afternoons, and stellar views of Lake Tahoe. Wildslide Tubing will also be open late on Fridays and Saturdays.
The “Ski GIF” Friday Daily Special and “Sleep in Saturdays” discounted lift tickets offered after the noon hour make Fridays and Saturdays a better deal in terms of longer hours on the slopes.
For those looking to extend the weekend, “Bonus Mondays” offer heavily discounted Monday lifts tickets for anyone who skis at Mt. Rose the previous Saturday or Sunday (void holidays).
Although far more prevalent among eastern ski resorts in the U.S., night skiing is not as popular out west. Most Tahoe ski resorts stop running lifts between 4-4:30 pm each day.
For several decades, Boreal Mountain, located off Interstate 80 at Donner Summit, has been offering night skiing with hours typically 9 am to 8 pm. For multiple years, Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) had night skiing from 3-7 pm, but that is no longer offered.
Mt. Rose is located off the Mt. Rose Highway, approximately 10 miles from Incline Village in North Lake Tahoe and 25 miles from Reno.
Learn more and purchase lift tickets in advance online at www.skirose.com.
DIAMOND PEAK EVENT: The 7th annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival takes place Saturday, March 28 at Diamond Peak.
This year, rather than riding the chairlifts to the top of the resort, participants will climb the slopes using whatever human-powered method they prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe or run back down to the finish line.
It’s part endurance challenge, part in-bounds adventure, and completely customizable to participants’ personal fitness levels.
Named in honor of Luggi Foeger – the founder and original general manager of Diamond Peak – the Uphill/Downhill Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates human-powered sports, mountain culture, local craft beer and springtime in the Lake Tahoe region.
While the focus of the festival is on getting up and down the mountain, the atmosphere in the base area will be festive, with spectators enjoying beautiful views, music, and food and drink specials on the outdoor sun deck at Diamond Peak.
Costumes are highly encouraged in all divisions, with prizes available to competitors who show up decked out in their best outfit.
Race Schedule – Saturday, March 28
- 8 am-Noon.: Day-of registration for Beer Luggi division only
- 10 am-3 p.m.: Tahoe Mountain Sports gear demos
- Noon-4 pm: Race bib pick up (base lodge deck)
- 4:30 pm-SkiMo race start
- 6:30 pm: Awards ceremony (Loft Bar)
Early-bird registration for all Luggi Foeger races is available through March 8 with discounted prices ranging from $40 for the Elite Luggi and Beer Luggi divisions, $35 for the Big Luggi race, and $20 for the Lil’ Luggi division. After March 14, prices increase.
Registration links are on Diamond Peak’s website at https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/luggi-foeger-uphill-downhill-festival/
MAMMOTH EXTENDS SEASON: After receiving more than 7 feet of snow in February, Mammoth Mountain announced it will be open for skiing and riding through at least Memorial Day.
As of March 1, Mammoth had received 243 inches at its summit, the highest among all California resorts at 11,053 feet. The resort is located on California’s Eastern Sierra range, approximately 100 miles south of the Nevada state line and 50 minutes from the eastern gate of Yosemite.
