With more than 20 inches of snow in the last week at Heavenly Mountain Resort and cold temperatures for snowmaking, Mother Nature flipped the switch to winter and Heavenly will open for skiing and riding on Monday, Nov. 24.
Break out your favorite retro ski fits and cue up those throwback playlists because Heavenly is getting the party started for its legendary 70th anniversary season, pairing high-energy events with some of the best on-snow views anywhere in Tahoe.
Over on the north side of Lake Tahoe, Northstar California Resort continues to assess conditions day-by-day, making snow at every possible opportunity to prepare for opening day (TBA) and to welcome skiers and riders back to the mountain for their favorite winter traditions.
Rounding things out for resorts on the Epic Pass in Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood is set to bring its big mountain adventure and no-frills-here-for-the-skiing vibe back starting Friday, Dec. 5. Whether you’re loyal to one or a sampler of all, the Epic Pass is the best deal on skiing and riding in Lake Tahoe and beyond, and Dec. 4 is the last chance to lock in a pass this season.
Heavenly Mountain Resort Opening Day
On Monday, Nov. 24 at Heavenly, lifts will start spinning for the season at 9 a.m. with access to skiing and riding from the California side of the mountain via the Gunbarrel Express and the Tram. A DJ will be spinning tunes at Stein’s to set the vibe for Opening Day from first chair to après.
“For 70 years, Heavenly has been a staple of the community and the Lake Tahoe ski experience, bringing people together with incredible skiing, some of the best views on skis anywhere in the world, and high-energy events,” said Shaydar Edelmann, Vice President and General Manager at Heavenly. “While the resort has grown from its humble beginnings back in 1955 with one single chairlift, the same heart, soul, and energy of this ski community continue to thrive. Our team at Heavenly can’t wait to celebrate this milestone season with our ski community from near and far.”
In addition to skiing and riding, the Heavenly Gondola is open in the Village for sightseeing, and the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster located at the top of the Gondola will operate as conditions permit.
Starting Monday, Heavenly will be open daily for skiing and riding and will continue to make snow at every opportunity to work towards expanding terrain and lift offerings throughout the early season. Stay tuned for more information on opening day plans at Northstar coming soon, plus details on Kirkwood as we get closer to their targeted opening day on Dec. 5.
There is a lot to look forward to this winter season across Lake Tahoe.
Heavenly’s 70 & High-Energy Events Lineup
This season, Heavenly is dialing the vibes way up for its 70th anniversary. With panoramic views everywhere you turn, and après opportunities galore both on the mountain and in South Lake Tahoe, round up your crew because every day is a chance to make your ski trip dreams a reality. Kick things off with Heavenly’s 70th Anniversary party on Dec. 20 and throw it back through the decades. From there, send it into the season in style with a lineup of buzzworthy events including, Toyota Air and Après, Brews and Views, Pond Skim, Gunbarrel 25, and live music and DJ sets featuring Foster the People, Vandelux, Dombresky, SkiiTour, and more this season. High-energy events, jaw-dropping views, one of the best ski towns in the world. Stop dreaming, start booking. This is Heavenly.
Northstar Winter Traditions
From traditions as classic as your first time on skis or grabbing first chair on a powder day, to those that celebrate (Tōst) or make life a little sweeter (S’Mores in the village), Northstar is the place where moments become memories and winter magic comes to life on the mountain and in the village. With diverse and approachable terrain for skiing and riding, ice skating and shopping in the village, and a variety of culinary experiences for every taste, step inside the snow globe that is Northstar for an idyllic winter resort escape in Lake Tahoe.
Kirkwood: Old School, No Frills, All Fun
With deep freeride roots and a tight-knit community, Kirkwood delivers an authentic, no-frills ski and ride experience where the focus is always on the mountain. Skiers and riders flock here for the exceptional snow, reliable operations, and terrain that invites exploration at every turn. For those who value adventure over luxury and quiet over the hustle of Tahoe or the Bay, Kirkwood is a hidden gem that keeps skiers and riders returning year after year. With uncrowded slopes and minimal lift lines, every day offers the chance to lap the chairs from bell to bell. Simple, straightforward, and endlessly fun—this is Kirkwood at its best. No frills. All of the fun.
Make Your Trip to Tahoe EPIC – Last Chance to get an Epic Pass is Dec. 4
Dec. 4 is the last chance to lock in your Epic Pass before they go off sale for this season. Epic Pass unlocks access to Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, plus some of the best mountain resorts in the world like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge and more. With a variety of season-long and 1-7 Day Pass options available, Epic Pass offers the best value on skiing and riding in Tahoe and beyond. Epic Pass Holders also get the best benefits including 20% off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals and more with Epic Mountain Rewards. Plus, with new Epic Friend Tickets, it’s easier than ever for season-long Epic Pass Holders to share the joy of the mountains with 50% off lift tickets for friends and family. Plus, what they pay can be applied as credit toward a 2026-27 Epic Pass, turning this year’s gift into next year’s adventure. Rally your crew to Tahoe this winter and make it Epic. Learn more about Pass options and benefits at www.epicpass.com before they go off sale.
Stay Connected
With the My Epic app, your phone is now your access to the slopes with Mobile Pass and Lift Ticket technology. In addition, the app also provides alerts and real-time information, lift line status, interactive trail maps, and more.
Skiers and riders can also follow the resorts on social media for updates and information throughout the season:
Northstar: Instagram, Facebook
