More early-season snow is likely arriving for possibly a week, and the result is many Tahoe ski resorts will be open by this weekend.
Northstar California has scheduled its opening for Thursday (Nov. 21), joining already open Mt. Rose. In South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly should be running its lifts Wednesday (Nov. 21). Four other Tahoe ski resorts – Palisades Tahoe, Sugar Bowl, Boreal, Soda Springs – are expected to be opening Friday (Nov. 22)
The weather has been cooperating ideally in November. There have been multiple snow days and the overnight temperatures have been mostly in the teens and 20s, ideal conditions for snow making. Snow in the Lake Tahoe region is supposed to arrive Wednesday (Nov. 20) and may continue for a week.
SEE ALL PROJECTED TAHOE SKI RESORT OPENINGS BELOW
NORTHSTAR: Located in Truckee off Highway 267, Northstar California will open a day earlier than planned on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Northstar is planning to operate five lifts and will offer skiers and riders groomed runs, beginner learning terrain, and two pocket terrain parks with more than 10 features.
“It’s an honor to join the incredible team at Northstar and dive right into the most exciting time of year,” said Tara Schoedinger, Northstar’s new VP and GM. “In just a short time, I’ve been so impressed by this team’s expertise and their ability to seize every opportunity Mother Nature provides.”
Northstar will continue offering guests a variety of choices for parking this season, with a combination of both free and paid parking options based on last year. This reservations-based parking program will kick off in mid-December on weekends (Saturday, Sunday) and peak periods at select parking lots.
More parking details can be found on the “Getting Here & Parking” page of the Northstar website.
SUGAR BOWL: In honor of the resort’s grand opening in 1939, Sugar Bowl has $39 lift tickets available for all ages during opening weekend. This special rate celebrates Sugar Bowl’s proud legacy as one of the oldest ski areas in the West.
Sugar Bowl is located off Interstate 80 at the Norden exit on Donner Summit. White Pine and Jerome Hill Express are expected to be open – conditions permitting.
Lift Ticket Details:
- $39 tickets for all ages, available online only for skiing and riding Nov. 22-24
- Children under 5 ski free
- Tickets must be purchased online in advance at sugarbowl.com at least one day prior to arrival
- Day-of tickets at the window and online this weekend are only available for purchase – $79 for young adults, adults and seniors; $59 for super senior and children
First-time skiers and riders can take advantage of a $99 Learn to Ski and Ride Package that includes a lift ticket, lesson and rental. Guests should park at the Main Lodge for convenient access to lifts and amenities.
Sugar Bowl festivities start Friday morning at Jerome Hill Express with a live DJ set and a special performance by the Sierra Alpenhorns. The first four people in line receive exclusive custom First Chair T-shirts.
At 8:45 am, Sugar Bowl CEO Bridget Legnavsky and the executive team will host a celebratory champagne toast at the lift line to mark the start of the new season.
Throughout the weekend, DJs from Gold Bloc Artist Collective will be on the Main Lodge sundeck.
Available services include the ticket office, Judah Café, Sierra Vista Bar, rentals, retail stores, and Snowsports School lessons.
BOREAL: Located off Interstate 80 at Donner Summit, Boreal is entering its 60th season and opening with a Play Forever Friday (Nov. 22) and offering $25 lift tickets for everyone.
The only Tahoe ski resort to offer night skiing and riding, this year Boreal will be featuring a new LED lighting system.
Boreal’s opening day hours and subsequent days will be 9 am to 8 pm. The Castle Peak Chair will be operating and there may be some Big Blue terrain park features available.
PROJECTED TAHOE SKI RESORT OPENINGS
- Mt. Rose: Opened Nov. 8
- Heavenly: Wednesday, Nov. 20
- Northstar California: Thursday, Nov. 21
- Palisades Tahoe: Wednesday, Nov. 22
- Sugar Bowl: Friday, Nov. 22
- Boreal: Friday, Nov. 22
- Soda Springs: Friday, Nov. 22
- Granlibakken: Thursday, Nov. 28
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: Friday, Nov. 29
- Kirkwood: Friday, Dec. 6
- Diamond Peak: Friday, Dec. 6
- Tahoe Donner: Friday, Dec. 6
- Homewood: Closed for the season
