Kirkwood Mountain ski resort will open Saturday, Nov. 24, becoming the sixth Lake Tahoe ski resort to begin running lifts for the 2018-19 season.
Kirkwood Mountain had originally scheduled its opening day for Wednesday.
“While unseasonably warm weather has not made it optimal for recent snowmaking operations, upcoming forecasts, over the next 10 days have shifted in our favor, predicting new snowfall and cool nights,” said Tom Fortune, Kirkwood Mountain’s General Manager. “Our expert snowmaking team is ready to make snow at every opportunity that weather permits and get the season kicked off right.”
For opening day, Kirkwood ski resort is planning to open the Outlaw Run on chair 5 for intermediate skiing and riding only. Rope Tow 8, may also be available for beginners. Kirkwood Mountain ski resort will add lifts and terrain as soon as conditions allow.
Passholders will also be treated to free breakfast sandwiches starting at 9 a.m. Also on the schedule for opening day: snack, ski and ride gear giveaways will take place throughout the day.
Kirkwood Mountain ski resort guests can take a break from the slopes and après in the afternoon with live music in the Village. All retail outlets, on-site lodging and most of the resort’s restaurants will be open for business, serving drinks and food.
The deadline to purchase a 2018-2019 season pass for the Best of Tahoe Resorts has been extended to Sunday, Dec. 2. Vail Resorts says the Epic Pass offers the best value for a multi-resort pass, or at least $100 less than competitors.
Here’s a look at other Lake Tahoe ski resorts.
Mt. Rose: The popular Nevada ski resort was the first to open this season (Oct. 19) and may have the most terrain available for the Thanksgiving holidays.
On Tuesday (Nov. 20), Mt. Rose had three lifts operating: Northwest Magnum 6, Wizard, and Magic (conveyor). Runs include the Upper Northwest down through the Kit Carson Bowl. Beginner trails are open off the Wizard lift, including a Terrain Park on Mystic
Northstar California: The resort off Highway 267 has six trails open Tuesday. It opened additional terrain this week, including the Big Easy quad chairlift with access to Easy Street trail.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows: The Tram is the main transportation for many skiers and riders at Squaw, who can head down the long and wide Mountain Run. There are also two magic carpets and the First Venture chairlift with access to SnoVentures Activity Zone, where beginner terrain is available.
Kangaroo is the only chair operating at Alpine Meadows, providing access to one run.
Heavenly Mountain: Like Northstar, Heavenly opened last week. The famed South Lake Tahoe ski resort has the Gondola and Tamarack chair open for skiers and riders. The Tamarack Terrain and California Trail are both open.
Like all Lake Tahoe ski resorts, Heavenly expects to be opening more terrain soon.
“We’ll be opening more terrain as soon as conditions permit,” said Heavenly Mountain spokesperson Zak Sos.
Boreal Mountain: The Castle Peak chairlift is running at Boreal, which was the second Lake Tahoe ski resort to open (Nov. 9) this season.
Sugar Bowl update: The popular Lake Tahoe ski resort, located off Interstate-80 at the Norden exit, is expected to open Nov. 30, weather permitting. Sugar Bowl has enhanced snowmaking system for the 2018-19 season.
Soda Springs Mountain: The family-friendly resort that caters to young children opened Planet Kids and Tube Town last week, marking the resort’s earliest opening in 85 years of operation.
Planet Kids, a snow playground designed for children (7-under), and Tube Town will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thanksgiving.
