LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – News of a strong El Niño bringing above-average snowfall has the Tahoe ski resorts buzzing with anticipation.
Here’s what is new at Tahoe-Truckee resorts ahead of winter and targeted opening days.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has invested close to $2 million ahead of the season in on-mountain improvements, aimed at enhancing guest experience.
Investments include replacing the snowmaking system’s main line, purchasing a new PistenBully snow grooming machine, and installing restraint bars on all lifts following The Chuter lift’s retrofit over the summer.
Guests may also notice changes to the main lodge’s lobby. A redesign has relocated Guest Services and Season Pass sales to improve flow through the space. The resort is also launching a new e-commerce site with improved transaction processing. For those choosing to rent equipment, the resort has new rental options that provide access to the latest technology for skiers and riders.
At the mountain’s Wildslide Snow Tubing Park, enhancements include a new enclosure over the tubing lift, allowing guests to escape the elements. The Wildslide Lodge will also be open this winter with expanded services that include food and beverage, indoor seating, ticket sales, and retail options.
Opening date: to be determined
Northstar California Resort
New this year, Northstar’s Ski and Ride School is offering group lessons to Mandarin-speaking guests. The Snow Start program will take place on three Saturdays: January 23, February 27, and March 20. The program is designed for those new to skiing or snowboarding, or those who want to build confidence on beginner terrain. Native Mandarin-speaking instructors will teach the full-day lessons, which are aimed at guests 15 years and older.
Opening day: Nov. 20
Kirkwood
Kirkwood is approaching this winter with a variety of new and upgraded offerings at its Ski & Ride School. That includes a new weekly program for kids ages 3-4, called Mini Rippers Mondays. The program builds all-mountain skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
For older kids, seven years and above, Friday JETS is a new, season-long, team-driven program that develops all-mountain skills and teaches the fundamentals of freeride.
The school has also refreshed many of its adult instruction options, including providing updated experiences to its 2-Day Women’s Clinic.
The resort is making upgrades in the kitchen as well, with multiple new items like Detroit-style pizza, coney hot dogs, ramen noodle bowls, and other options.
Opening day: Dec. 4.
Heavenly
The resort has upgraded fuel for its skiers and riders through high-quality ingredients and new dishes, offering what Heavenly describes as elevated versions of classic ski-day favorites. The new dishes aim to bring more flavor, variety and choices for those on the mountain. The resort also has plans for new DJ performances and other experiences for a fun and well-rounded day on the mountain.
Opening day: Nov. 20
Sugar Bowl
Major improvements from a multi-year, $100 million resort development project will debut this winter at Sugar Bowl, including a new eight-person Village Gondola.
Guests will also experience a renovated Village Lodge with a rebuilt, fire-resistant sundeck, expanded seating, firepits and two new restaurants, Yarrow and The Terrace. Upgrades also include a modern Village Locker Room.
The resort has updated its beginner area by reshaping the terrain to create a broader, more approachable area for easier access and improved progression. The terrain changes also allow the resort to establish slopes with less snow for improved efficiency and earlier opening capabilities.
The main lodge has received updates as well, with a redesigned plaza and welcome area, new two-level retail shop, redesigned rental and tuning facilities, espresso shop, and a new ski and snowboard demo center.
Improvements to Sugar Bowl’s terrain parks and race venues, allowing for more progressions and additional features throughout the park.
The resort has installed 13 new state-of-the-art snowmaking guns around its training areas to deliver more consistent snow throughout the winter and provide more reliable training surfaces.
In its goal of achieving 95% diversion from landfill by 2030, it has transitioned away from single-use serviceware at all three lodges and is introducing additional waste-sorting stations. An on-site composting pilot this year will divert biodegradable food waste from landfill.
Opening day: Nov. 27
Boreal / Woodward Tahoe
Known for its night riding and skiing, the evening resort destination has upgraded to LED lighting. The new efficient lighting installations aim to make night skiing and riding brighter for better visibility.
Opening day: to be determined
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort
The downhill ski area is offering full-day lesson programs in its brand-new dedicated Kids’ Ski School and Indoor Learning Center. The resort plans to build on the experience that last year’s brand-new ski lodge created, with level access to the lifts, its sun deck and kiosks where guests can print pre-purchased tickets more conveniently.
Opening day: Dec. 11
Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe is introducing a beginner progression pass for $799. With the pass, beginner skiers and riders get three group lessons, lift tickets and rental equipment for the three lessons. Upon completing the three lessons, participants receive a complimentary season pass to Palisades Tahoe, discounts on rentals and lessons for the rest of the season.
The resort is investing $3.2 million in remote avalanche control systems for more efficient mitigation that also reduces employee exposure to avalanche terrain.
The resort also added three diesel-electric snowcats to its fleet as part of its push toward more sustainable mountain operations.
One of its main arteries for getting skiers and snowboarders from top to bottom is Palisades Mountain Run. Palisades has increased snowmaking capabilities along the run to improve the early-season experience and extend the run further into spring.
Guests might notice changes around KT Bass Bar, which has received enhanced sound and lighting ahead of the 52 days of live DJs in the base area scheduled this winter.
Opening day: Nov. 25
Homewood Mountain Resort
The anticipated new 8-passenger gondola, which replaced the Madden Chair, is set to open this winter at Homewood Mountain Resort. It’s one milestone in the resort’s effort to modernize the west shore mountain. The resort also improved its snowmaking systems with a new pipe and over 30 new top-of-the-line snow machines. The first phase of Homewood’s new beginner ski area, located at mid-mountain, will provide new surface lifts and a snowsport school warming yurt.
Opening day: Dec. 11.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
The Incline Village ski resort is in the middle of celebrating its 60th anniversary season. To mark the milestone, Diamond Peak is hosting several 60th-themed throwback events and promotions throughout the winter. It is also offering the option to reload lift tickets online to save money and skip ticket lines. In addition to season passes and daily lift tickets, Diamond Peak is offering two- and three-day flex passes.
Opening day: Dec. 3.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe is celebrating its 80th anniversary this winter and will host throwback parties and events throughout the season. The resort has launched a new mobile app to enhance the guest experience with an interactive trail map, the ability to earn badges and rewards for on-mountain activity, and leaderboards. This winter, the resort is utilizing a parking reservation system to encourage carpooling and ensure guaranteed parking on weekends and holiday periods. Parking reservations will be free for passholders and cars arriving with 4+ people in them.
Opening day: late November or early December
Tahoe XC
The cross-country ski center is preparing to launch its new snowcat after summer trail maintenance has prepared the track for snow. Its lodge project improvements are now underway. A new trailhead is on schedule for completion in the spring. The center’s new Uni-Silver trail will give intermediate and advanced XC skiers more terrain.
Early Bird season passes go on sale Oct. 1.
Opening day: to be determined
