Several early snow storms have been greatly appreciated by Lake Tahoe ski resorts, which have opened ahead of schedule. The latest resorts to open will be Northstar California and Heavenly Mountain, which begin running lifts Saturday, Nov. 14.
Last week, both Mt. Rose and Boreal Mountain opened for skiing and snowboarding. The two resorts will remain open thanks to the additional snow and cold weather for snowmaking.
This is the earliest that either Vail Resort properties – Heavenly Mountain or Northstar California – has opened since 2012, and the first time opening six days ahead of schedule since at least 2009.
According to Northstar spokesperson Cassandra Walker, Northstar currently has just over 2 feet of snow and Heavenly is just short of 2 feet, creating a great base for early-season operations.
“We’re making snow around the clock like mad. It’s crazy, we have like mid-winter conditions right now,” Walker said.
Another Vail Resort – Kirkwood Mountain – received 18 inches of new snow and has approximately 3 feet overall. Resort officials have yet to determine if they will open Kirkwood prior to its scheduled Nov. 21 opening day.
Located in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly plans to operate the Gondola, Tamarack Express and Dipper Express, accessing upper California Trail and Orion’s, which, at over a mile long, will be the longest run available in the Tahoe basin.
Northstar, which is located in Truckee on Tahoe’s north shore, will open top-to-bottom, providing access through Big Springs Gondola, Vista Express, Arrow Express and Comstock Express. The runs include West Ridge, Luggi’s, Skid, Pinball, Lumberjack and Lower Main Street. Northstar will also operate a surface lift near the Big Easy Chair to offer children’s ski and snowboard lessons.
On the website today, a Northstar adult lift ticket for opening day would cost $83 and the price is $81 for Heavenly. But skiers and riders who will frequent these resorts may want to consider purchasing a season pass.
Early openings as well as all the new snow in Tahoe is further incentive to secure the best option in season passes by the cutoff date – Sunday, Nov. 22.
Season passes programs include:
Tahoe Local Pass is the best way to access Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood seven days a week. It includes Saturday access at all three Tahoe resorts with limited holiday restrictions, at a cost of $519. Pass holder tickets are available for purchase for 50 percent off during blackout dates at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. The Tahoe Local Pass pays for itself in fewer than four days.
This is the earliest that either Heavenly Mountain or Northstar California has opened since 2012, and the first time opening six days ahead of schedule since at least 2009.
New for the 2015-16 season, the Tahoe Local Pass now includes five days of non-holiday skiing and riding at Utah’s Park City, combined with Canyons Resort to now become the largest ski resort in the U.S., and Colorado’s Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. A child pass is $249 (age’s five to 12).
Tahoe Value Pass is best for people who can handle a few restrictions. Ski or ride seven days a week at Heavenly and six days a week at Northstar and Kirkwood. The pass is available for $469, and pays for itself in just over three days.
The Tahoe Value Pass has holiday restrictions at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood with Saturdays excluded at Northstar and Kirkwood. Pass holders can purchase lift tickets valid at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood Resorts on restricted days for 50 percent off per day.
Epic Local Pass Perfect for people who can navigate a pass with restrictions. For $619, get unlimited, unrestricted skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with limited restrictions at Park City, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. Also includes a total of 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek with holiday restrictions. The Epic Local Pass pays for itself in less than four days. A child pass (ages five to 12) is $319.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel. Thanks for visiting his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
