Even though the stormy weather this week has brought as much rain as it has snow in the Lake Tahoe region, five Tahoe ski resorts opened for the 2024-25 season.
Operating lifts for the first time this season were Heavenly, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Palisades Tahoe, and Boreal Mountain. Mt. Rose ski resort in Nevada was the first Tahoe ski resort to open (Nov. 8).
There’s been some rain, but it hasn’t appeared to stop anxious skiers and riders from getting out to the slopes.
“What an incredible day (Thursday). The stoke was high and ski and ride season is officially back at Northstar,” said Northstar spokesperson Ashlee Lambert.
“Northstar was thrilled to welcome guests back to our resort and hear all the hoots and hollers around the mountain as we all shook off the dust and rust to enjoy some early season turns.”
SEE ALL TAHOE SKI RESORT OPENINGS BELOW
Sugar Bowl opened Friday after receiving the largest one-day total of snow in the Tahoe region earlier this week – 16 inches. The resort opened the Jerome Hill Express and White Pine lifts, and the Flume Carpet. The two main runs open were Trailblazer and Pioneer.
Sugar Bowl also had a good message that all skiers and snowboarders should adhere to this time of year.
“Respect all closures. Early season conditions exist,” a message on the Sugar Bowl website said. “Please ski and ride with care. It’s a long season and there are lots of rocks, stumps and shrubs just under the surface.”
Boreal opened its 60th season by offering $25 lift tickets for everyone. The only Tahoe ski resort to offer night skiing and riding, this year Boreal will be featuring a new LED lighting system.
Boreal’s opening day hours and subsequent days will be 9 am to 8 pm. The Castle Peak Chair and some Big Blue terrain park features were available.
Palisades Tahoe reopened its slopes Friday, kicking off its 75th anniversary season with $75 lift tickets, a deal that lasts through Nov. 27.
The resort had three chairlifts operating as well as the Palisades Mountain Sports School.
“Even in the middle of this ‘bomb cyclone’ (weather), guests were incredibly excited to be a part of this milestone year as our team passed out free breakfast burritos, 75th merchandise and opened our slopes for the first turns of the year,” Palisades Tahoe said in a press release.
Check out the video recorded Friday on the Alpine side of Palisades Tahoe.
KIDS SKI FREE AT PALISADES TAHOE: The resort is offering the opportunity for young skiers and riders to hit the slopes for free.
From Dec. 7-13, kids 12-under will receive up to seven free lift tickets during Alterra Mountain Company’s Kids Ski Free Week. Other participating Alterra California resorts include Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Snow Valley.
To redeem the offer, visit a resort’s website or stop by Guest Services at any participating California Alterra resort. No other purchase is necessary. Note that rentals and lessons are not included.
PROJECTED TAHOE SKI RESORT OPENINGS
- Mt. Rose: Opened Nov. 8
- Heavenly: Opened Nov. 20
- Northstar California: Opened Nov. 21
- Palisades Tahoe: Opened Nov. 22
- Sugar Bowl: Opened Nov. 22
- Boreal: Friday, Opened Nov. 22
- Granlibakken: Thursday, Nov. 28
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: Friday, Nov. 29
- Soda Springs: Friday, Nov. 29
- Kirkwood: Friday, Dec. 6
- Diamond Peak: Friday, Dec. 6
- Tahoe Donner: Friday, Dec. 6
- Homewood – Closed for the season
