Fall is quickly turning to winter in Tahoe, and with more recent snowfall in the mountains, we can’t help but start to get giddy about the prospect of fresh turns! Many resorts in Tahoe have announced opening dates around Thanksgiving weekend, with some even moving up their opening days due to accumulation and colder temps allowing snowmaking. Read on for opening days and updated safety information at ten resorts in the Tahoe area.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe | Saturday, November 6
Photo: ©Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Located on the east side of Incline Village, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe claims the highest base elevation in Tahoe, at 8,260 ft. The closest resort to Reno, NV, Mt. Rose is a family-style locals’ mountains with plenty of variable terrain for skiers of all ages. Since the entire mountain is located in Nevada, Mt. Rose will require face coverings for all guests and staff in all indoor areas, lift lines, and while riding the chairlift. You can read their full safety policy here.
Boreal Mountain Resort | Friday, November 12
Photo: ©Boreal Mountain
Located near Donner Summit on I-80, Boreal Mountain is a favorite for park skiers and riders. It is also one of the few resorts in Tahoe that offers night skiing. Boreal is requiring face coverings at all indoor facilities, as well as outside near the base area, in lift lines, and on the chairlift. You can read their full guest agreement here.
Northstar California & Heavenly Mountain | Friday, November 19
Photo: ©Northstar California, Courtesy of Vail Resorts
Northstar and Heavenly will both open the weekend before Thanksgiving this year, giving you some extra time to get your legs under you before Turkey Day. All Vail Resorts mountains will be requiring face coverings in all indoor settings, reservations for restaurants, and proof of vaccination for guests over 12 years old in cafeteria-style dining locations. They will also require all employees to be vaccinated before the start of the season. You can read the full policy here.
Palisades Tahoe | Friday, October 29
Photo: ©Palisades Tahoe
Thanks to decent storm accumulation and snowmaking, Palisades Tahoe will open both Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows on October 29th! They will be open for weekend only until their original planned opening day of November 24th, the day before Thanksgiving. The biggest change this season, other than the new name, is the construction of the base-to-base gondola – check out updates to the progress here.
Sierra-at-Tahoe | TBD
Photo: ©Sierra-at-Tahoe
Due to damage sustained from the Caldor Fire, Sierra-at-Tahoe is still conducting an evaluation of lifts and trails to understand the full impact of the fire. At this point, they have not determined how the upcoming season will look, but certain trails will be inaccessible for the entire season. In a recent update, they stated: “Detailed inspections of the entire resort have revealed that we will not be able to offer you the same ski experience you have come to expect from Sierra. The work ahead of us includes evaluating the damage to trees throughout the resort property, particularly those along ski trails and lift lines, and continuing to repair chairlifts that were impacted while simultaneously navigating global supply chain and shipping challenges that are slowing that progress.” Our hearts go out to everyone working at the resort and impacted by the fire, and we hope for better news and a modified opening date soon.
Sugar Bowl Resort | Friday, November 26
Photo: ©Sugar Bowl Resort
Located outside Soda Springs, and with a higher elevation that often results in more snowfall, Sugar Bowl is waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to open this season. This year, Sugar Bowl will expand indoor operations and encourage guests to wear face coverings when indoors. Face coverings will not be required outside, in lift lines, or while riding the chairlift. Sugar Bowl is also requiring that all staff be full vaccinated before the start of the season. You can read their full policy here.
Kirkwood | Friday, December 3
Photo: ©Kirkwood, Courtesy of Vail Resorts
Slightly farther afield, but definitely worth the drive, Kirkwood Resort is located south of South Lake Tahoe and surrounded by beautiful forest land. While the Caldor fire was close to this area, Kirkwood Resort was not badly affected, and received no direct fire damage to critical infrastructure. They plan to open as scheduled on December 3rd. Updated policies this year include requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated, mask mandates in indoor areas, and proof of vaccinations for all guests over 12 in cafeteria-style dining locations. You can read the full policy here.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort | Thursday, December 9
Photo: ©Diamond Peak
Another locals’ favorite, Diamond Peak is located in Incline Village, NV and offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and a family-friendly atmosphere. Diamond Peak is also one of the only resorts in Tahoe that offers uphill access before and after regular lift operation if you have an uphill pass. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the aspects of backcountry skiing in a more controlled environment. You can learn more about that program here.
Homewood Mountain Resort | Sunday, December 12
Photo: © Homewood Mountain Resort
The darling of Tahoe’s West Shore, Homewood is a bit of a hidden gem. With plenty of terrain to excited skiers of all abilities and a ski slope that shoots almost directly into the lake, Homewood often has powder stashes in the trees days after a big storm. Homewood also offers side-country access via Snowcat Adventures – a great way to explore the backcountry with a fully licensed guide.
