Three more Lake Tahoe ski resorts – Sierra-at-Tahoe, Kirkwood, Granlibakken – are opening for Thanksgiving weekend.
That puts the total of Tahoe ski resorts operating lifts for the holiday weekend at 10, including Heavenly, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Palisades Tahoe, Boreal Mountain, Sugar Bowl, and Mt. Rose, the first Tahoe ski resort to open (Nov. 8).
KIRKWOOD: With 29 inches of new snow, the resort of Highway 88 is opening six days earlier than originally scheduled, running its lifts for the first time Saturday, Nov. 30.
On opening day, skiers and riders can access Chairs 5, 6, 7, and 9 from 9 am to 4 pm. These four chairs will offer access to 365 acres and one terrain park, providing terrain for all skill levels.
The resort’s snowmaking and mountain operation teams will continue making snow when temperatures are low enough and monitoring conditions to expand terrain and lift offerings for the weeks ahead.
“Our team is thrilled to kick off the 2024/25 winter season earlier than planned,” said Ricky Newberry, VP & GM of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “Opening day is always an exciting time, but starting the season ahead of schedule truly showcases the incredible dedication of our team.”
Parking: New this season, Kirkwood will debut a reservations-based parking program that offers guests a variety of choices for parking this season, with a combination of both free and paid parking options as well as carpool incentives.
This program will kick off in mid-December on weekends (Saturday, Sunday) and peak periods in all lots. More details can be found at Getting Here & Parking.
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE: The recent storm paired with the resort’s snowmaking efforts allowed the resort to open early, starting Friday, Nov. 29. Open at 8:30 am is the Easy Rider Express lift, two magic carpets and a selection of terrain park features on Broadway.
“We are beyond excited to get another season at Sierra-at-Tahoe underway,” Sierra stated in a press release.
Lift ticket prices are – adults ($80), young adults & seniors ($70), kids (5-12) & Super Seniors ($50). Kids 4-under ski for free, but a ticket must be picked up in the pass office before riding the lifts.
Opening festivities include opening day stickers, bagels from Tahoe Bagel Company for the first 100 guests in line. There will be live music on Friday with a DJ in the Plaza from 8 am to noon and in the Sierra Pub starting at 1 pm.
GRANLIBAKKEN: The historic snow play area at Granlibakken Tahoe, founded almost 100 years ago, opens for sledding on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. Tickets will be available online and at the Granlibakken ski hut.
Sledding tickets include a 90-minute session on the groomed hill and use of a sledding saucer. Advance online ticket purchases are recommended.
“As long as the conditions are good, we typically open for sledding by Thanksgiving,” said Ron Parson, CEO of Granlibakken Tahoe. “Thanks to recent weather and snowmaking on our hill, we’re ready to help people enjoy their winter snow sports adventures.”
Granlibakken is a unique family-friendly resort with access to an authentic ski and warming hut, onsite food and beverages, comfortable outdoor winter seating, and value.
The full winter season at Granlibakken is scheduled to kick off Dec. 13 and will include skiing, snowboarding, lessons and equipment rentals. There are also miles of trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
TAHOE SKI RESORT OPENINGS
- Heavenly: open
- Palisades Tahoe: open
- Mt. Rose: open
- Northstar open
- Sugar Bowl: open
- Boreal: Friday: open
- Granlibakken: opening Nov. 28
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: opening Nov. 29
- Soda Springs: opening Nov. 29
- Kirkwood: opening Nov. 30
- Diamond Peak: opening Dec. 5
- Tahoe Donner: opening Dec. 6
- Homewood: closed for the season
