Anyone who pays attention to ski resort season openers in the Lake Tahoe region knows that Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe likes to get its lifts running first.
And this year should be no different as the popular Nevada ski resort will open Friday (Nov. 8), once again offering skiing and snowboarding first among its Tahoe counterparts.
In the previous two years, Mt. Rose was also the first Tahoe resort to open. The resort started the season Nov. 10 a year ago and also ushered in the 2022-23 season for skiers and snowboarders Nov. 11.
Mt. Rose credits its latest early opening to recent snowfall, ideal temperatures that have allowed the resort to fire up its snowmaking system, and the fact that it has the highest base elevation (8,260 feet) in the region.
Located off the Mt. Rose Highway and approximately 10 miles from Incline Village in North Lake Tahoe and 25 miles from Reno, Mt. Rose obviously enjoys its status of being the first to open.
“We’re thrilled to kick off our 60th season with another early November opening, welcoming our guests back with 1,000 vertical feet of skiing and riding from day one,” said Mike Pierce, Mt. Rose spokesperson. “We reinvested more than $2.2 million in the resort experience, including snowmaking system enhancements, trail improvements, and a new snowcat to support our ability to offer a high-quality snow surface all season long.”
Discounted tickets for full-day passes as well as morning or afternoon passes are on sale here. Adult full day passes start at $109 and child full day passes are $49.
Online tickets must be purchased by midnight the day before to receive discounted rates. Lift tickets for the same day ($179 adults/$95 kids) can only be purchased at the resort ticket windows, according to the resort’s website.
OPENING WEEKEND DETAILS: For opening weekend, planned lift operations include the Lakeview Express and the Magic Conveyor from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering access to long intermediate level trails on the Main Lodge side of the mountain.
Open trails will include Kit Carson Traverse, Kit Carson Bowl, Ponderosa, and Show-Off. Beginner terrain will be available on Show-Off Run only. A selection of terrain park features will be offered on Lower Ponderosa. Additional terrain is expected to come online soon as snowmaking continues every opportunity conditions permit.
Skiers and riders should anticipate early season conditions and snowmaking operations in progress. As snowmaking continues and winter weather continues, the resort expects to open more terrain quickly.
PARKING: All parking will be available at the Main Lodge, and services open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will include the Lodgepole Cafe, Timbers Bar, Equipment Rental, Tuning Center, Ski & Snowboard School, and 431 Sports.
Instruction will be available for First Timer lessons, kids lessons from age 4, as well as private lessons.
Visit www.skirose.com for snow, terrain and lift operations reports, and to purchase lift tickets or a 2024-25 season pass.
SKIING ELSEWARE IN NORTH AMERICA: Mt. Rose might be the first Tahoe ski resort to open, but it’s nearly three weeks behind the first North American ski resort to open for the 2024-25 season.
Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, Mass. opened Oct. 19, thanks to its snowmaking system and magic carpet. It is one of five North American ski resorts currently open (see below). Wolf Creek in Colorado was the first U.S. ski resort to open, getting its lifts going Oct. 22.
Currently there are 14 North America ski resorts opening by this weekend.
NORTH AMERICA SKI RESORT OPENINGS
- Arapahoe Basin, CO (Nov. 2)
- Breckenridge, CO (Nov. 8)
- Brian Head Resort, UT (Nov. 8)
- Copper Mountain, CO (Nov. 8)
- Keystone Resort, CO (Nov. 2)
- Lake Louise, Alberta (Nov. 8)
- Lee Canyon, NV (Nov, 2)
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, NV (Nov. 8)
- Mt. Norquay Banff, Alberta (Nov. 9)
- Nakiska Ski Area, Alberta (Nov. 8)
- Ski Ward, MA (Oct. 19)
- Sunshine Village, Alberta (Nov. 8)
- Wolf Creek, CO (Oct. 22)
