The third time hopefully is the charm. After two previous opening days were cancelled, Northstar California has scheduled a third one for Friday, Dec. 1.
Northstar California is optimistic regarding the opening, thanks to snowfall from the recent storm, coupled with several days of optimal snowmaking conditions.
Due to a lack of sufficient snow coverage on its mountain, Northstar was unable to open for Thanksgiving Day for skiing and snowboarding. Northstar previously had to cancel a planned Nov. 17 opening.
Last season the family-friendly resort off Highway 267 in North Lake Tahoe opened Nov. 23.
“Northstar’s snowmaking teams have been, and will continue to work around the clock to make snow at every opportunity,” said Northstar spokesperson Stephanie Myers. “The team is ready to make snow at a moment’s notice with favorable snowmaking conditions in the forecast.”
Northstar is the only Vail Resorts in Lake Tahoe not yet open. Heavenly Mountain fired up its lifts Nov. 17 and Kirkwood Mountain got its season underway Nov. 23.
Located off Highway 88 near South Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood had an impressive opening, operating four lifts operating: Snowkirk (Chair 1), Solitude (Chair 5), Cornice Express (Chair 6) and the Reut (Chair 11). That combination provided 350 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows reported another seven inches of new snow on the upper mountain Monday, bringing its November snow total to 50 inches. With November snowfall averaging 36 inches over the past 45 years, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is currently at 139% of average. The resort has 12 lifts scheduled for operation, providing skiers and riders with access to nearly 40 trails at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, including terrain for all ages and abilities.
Five Lake Tahoe ski resorts were open for Thanksgiving weekend. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and Boreal Mountain have been operating lifts on a daily basis for several weeks.
Family-friendly Soda Springs ski resort is open for snow play and tubing.
Located in the southeast portion of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Mammoth Mountain says the recent storm produced two feet of snow at the summit and a foot at the main lodge.
Mammoth says it has the most available terrain – 10 lifts and 60 trails – of any U.S. ski resort. The resort has a snow depth between 20 and 60 inches. More terrain may be open this weekend.
Projected Lake Tahoe ski resort openings
- Mt Rose: Open
- Boreal Mountain: Open
- Heavenly Mountain: Open
- Squaw Alpine: Open
- Kirkwood Mountain: Open
- Northstar California: Dec. 1
- Homewood Mountain: Dec. 8
- Tahoe Donner downhill: Dec. 8 (X-country Nov. 23)
- Diamond Peak: Dec. 14
- Donner Ski Ranch: Dec. 15
- Granlibakken: Dec. 15
- Sugar Bowl: TBA
- Springs Soda: TBA
