Snowmaking begins at Tahoe resorts; opening days set for Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 10/26/2020 - 6:19pm
Cold temperatures and dry air have created ideal conditions for making snow in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort all plan to take advantage of this week’s cool weather window to build a solid base for the upcoming 2020-21 winter season.
Heavenly and Northstar turned on their snowmaking machines on Sunday, activating the largest snowmaking system on the West Coast of the United States. Kirkwood’s sophisticated snowmaking systems are set to kick in later this week, conditions permitting.
Using the latest computer technology, snowmaking operators are monitoring changes in air temperature, water pressure and wind direction. Snowmaking crews at Heavenly and Northstar are alerted instantly of these changes and are able to quickly turn on or off machines from their cell phones or computers to optimally prepare resorts for upcoming opening days.
The start of snowmaking is a reminder that opening day at all three resorts, collectively known as the #TahoeTrifecta, are right around the corner. Heavenly and Northstar are scheduled to open together Friday, Nov. 20 and then Kirkwood is slated to open on Friday, Dec. 4.
Together the three resorts, or #TahoeTrifecta, offer skiers and riders access to over 10,000 acres of unparalleled terrain with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. Resorts will remain open through April. Each resort will continue to expand and open terrain as conditions allow.
Access to the mountains will be managed through an online reservation system to ensure guests have the space they need. Additionally, face coverings and physical distancing will be required.
Guests are encouraged to visit SkiHeavenly.com, NorthstarCalifornia.com and Kirkwood.com for updates on our approach to safety and on the start of the winter season.
