Heavenly may open Nov. 18

Cold temperatures will be as important as precipitation in determining whether Heavenly Mountain Resort opens its ski season on Nov. 18.

That’s a day earlier than last year’s opening that was announced after the resort received more than 2 feet of snow in late October. 

While Heavenly makes its own snow, opening day is entirely dependent on cold weather to keep the snow on the hill in order to open before the busy Thanksgiving weekend.

Because the first two weeks of November were warm last year, opening day was pushed back to Dec. 11, which is when Kirkwood Ski Resort opened, as well.

Ski passes are on sale until Oct. 9 for the season, and the resort has a payment plan for those who want to spread the cost over time, according to its web site, skiheavenly.com.

Heavenly Valley received .8 inches of precipitation over the 48 hours ended 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Not quite a half-inch of snow appeared on the Heavenly snow stake near Tamarack Lodge.

A gauge just north of Genoa recorded .4 inches of precipitation, while one on Highway 88 between Mottsville and Centerville recorded .3 inches. Precipitation generally decreased going east, with Minden-Tahoe Airport only recording .14 inches and Minden with .09, which is below the average .13 for this time of the year.

Ruhenstroth received .35 inches and Fish Springs recorded .49, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.