Nine Tahoe ski resorts are now open for the 2020-21 season.
Two more Tahoe ski resorts – Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs – opened Friday (Nov. 27). Although there are only modest snow totals right now, cold evening temperatures have been allowing many Tahoe ski resorts to supplement their snow coverage using their sophisticated snowmaking equipment that now exists.
SEE COMPLETE LIST OF TAHOE SKI RESORT OPENINGS BELOW.
WEATHER FORECAST: According to OpenSnow California weather forecaster Bryan Allegretto, the Tahoe region is likely mired in a dry weather pattern for the next two weeks and possibly longer. There is no snow in the immediate forecast.
“High pressure is expected to continue to build over the West Coast through the first week of December, with a monster ridge over the region by next weekend,” writes Allegretto. “The two-week total precipitation forecast through Dec. 12 has us in the driest zone of the entire North American continent.”
High temperatures are expected to be in the 40s this week and climb to 50 degrees at lake level later in the week. Overnight lows are predicted to be in the teens and 20s. The good news is that is cold enough for continued snowmaking.
MAKE RESERVATIONS: That’s right, reservations! In these odd Covid-19 times most resorts are requiring advanced reservations, especially the larger Tahoe ski resorts. Even passholders are required to make reservations in advance – online only.
Although several Tahoe ski resorts are offering walk-up, day-off lift ticket purchases, the majority are not selling lift tickets at the resorts – instead they are offered online only. Best days to make a reservation are no surprise – weekdays. Weekend skiing and riding reservations are much harder to get, so planning ahead is essential.
Ski and snowboard lessons are still be offering. However, an advanced reservation is the way to go here as well.
COVID-19 SAFETY: While the essence of skiing and riding will remain unchanged, operational changes throughout Tahoe ski resorts will be implemented to maintain an environment that allows for outdoor recreating, with safety precautions in place.
The safety initiative plan includes new expectations and protocols on cleaning, sanitization, mask use, distancing, and other safety related parameters. Further operational updates may be added to dynamically adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines. Guests are encouraged to stay informed by embracing the “Know Before You Go” restrictions.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Face coverings. All skiers, riders and staff must wear a face covering at all times – inside and outside. Face coverings may only be removed when skiing/snowboarding downhill or eating/drinking outdoors.
- Chairlifts will be loaded with up to four people in a related party. Otherwise, quad chairs will be loaded with two people per chair, each on the outside edge. You will not be forced to load the chair with someone you do not know.
- No congregation. Do not congregate when visiting and remain at least six feet away from other unrelated guests and staff.
- Limited indoor access. Be prepared for an outdoor experience during your visit, as indoor access will be limited to using the restroom, taking a 15-minute warming break in a monitored warming zone or purchasing grab & go food items to eat outdoors.
- Credit/debit/gift card payments only. Most resorts will be cashless this winter for all in-resort purchases, including food, beverages and retail items.
Heavenly, Mt. Rose and Northstar were the Tahoe resorts with the earliest opening this ski season – Nov. 20.
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: December 4
- Diamond Peak: December 10
- Homewood: December 11
- Tahoe Donner: December 11
- Granlibakken: December 18
