Heavenly plans to open week before Thanksgiving

With Homewood announcing it won’t open for the 2024-25 winter ski season, eyes are turning to other resorts around the Tahoe Basin, including the two most popular with Carson Valley skiers.

The sun rose on Friday morning to the sight of the first real sign of snow in the Carson Range after an overnight storm.

Heavenly is planning to open on Nov. 22, almost a week before Thanksgiving.

The resort is launching a new membership program called “My Epic Gear,” which provides access to ski and snowboard equipment along with valet services. A new nine-week Adult Development Team program aims to connect intermediate and advanced skiers while refining their skills.

The Ski & Ride School will offer lessons in 10 languages this season, and a new restaurant concept, Golden State Kitchen, will feature healthier menu options.

Heavenly is also committed to sustainability, participating in a local ban on single-use plastic bottles and transitioning to aluminum for all Pepsi products.

Events like Brews and Views, the Toyota Air and Après big-air competition, and holiday celebrations will also return.

Opening Day: Nov. 22.

Kirkwood

Kirkwood isn’t expecting to open until Dec. 6 and will be introducing a new reservations-based parking program to improve guest arrival and reduce congestion on weekends and peak days.

This initiative will feature a blend of free, paid, and complimentary carpool parking options, available until noon.

The resort is also bringing back events, including a New Year’s Eve Celebration complete with a torchlight parade and fireworks, the Banked Slalom in Snow Snake Gully, and the much-anticipated Slush Cup in spring.

Sustainability remains a priority, with plans to enhance food waste digesters, improve waste sorting, and implement automated dumpster sensors to further minimize landfill contributions.

For those looking to improve their skills, Kirkwood’s Ski and Ride School offers lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced freeriders. The Expedition:Kirkwood program continues to provide advanced coaching and backcountry travel clinics.

Sierra-at-Tahoe

This season, Sierra-at-Tahoe becomes an Ikon Pass partner when it opens sometime in early December, giving pass holders access to the slopes. Resort upgrades include new haul ropes on the Easy Rider Express and Nob Hill Chairlift, revamped parking lots, and new snowmaking fan guns to ensure quality coverage.

Returning marquee events include Subaru Winterfest and Boarding for Breast Cancer. Daily lift tickets start at $85, while season passes begin at $389, with a special rate of $259 for first responders.

Mt. Rose

As Mt. Rose prepares to open Nov. 8 for its 60th anniversary season, $2.2 million in renovations are underway, including a complete dining area overhaul with a new Taco Bar, snowmaking enhancements, and trail improvements. The resort’s ‘Open Late’ schedule will now include Fridays and Saturdays starting in February 2025.

Mt. Rose has also formed a partnership with Snowball Effect to engage local youth in winter sports and combat declining participation rates. This collaboration aims to bring snowboarding to schools and develop a comprehensive curriculum for young athletes.

Palisades Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe is celebrating its 75th anniversary with $75 lift tickets available on its Nov. 27 opening day. The resort will also feature prominently in Warren Miller’s film “75,” which will tour nationally this fall.

This season, Palisades Tahoe has invested $1.4 million in snowmaking upgrades and is transitioning to Neste renewable diesel for its snowcats.

New amenities include the Little Bear Café, offering locally sourced baked goods and a variety of other foods.

The highly anticipated Base to Base Gondola will connect both valleys of the resort, enhancing accessibility to over 6,000 acres of terrain. Guests can enjoy views of Lake Tahoe during the 16-minute ride, which features 33 lift towers and 96 cabins.

In addition, the Red Dog Lift has been upgraded to a high-speed, six-seater lift, and the Alpine Lodge has undergone major renovations. Palisades Tahoe will also host the World Cup for Men’s Slalom and Giant Slalom from Feb. 24-26, 2025.

Northstar

Northstar is introducing the “My Epic Gear” membership program when it opens on Nov. 22, offering families access to ski and snowboard equipment along with premium valet services. The resort will continue its reservation-based paid parking program, with the Castle Peak lot remaining free.

Northstar will also host various events throughout the season, including the 4th annual Women’s Weekend and the Spring It On pond skim. The resort’s village will feature ice skating, tubing, and a satisfying culinary scene, with restaurants like VOUS and Bourbon Pub.

A partnership with Little Gems of the Sierra will introduce an early-childhood education program at the Village, making it easier for families to enjoy the mountain while their little ones learn and play.

Sugar Bowl

Opening Nov. 29, Sugar Bowl is revamping its park experience and launching a new athlete training facility aimed at nurturing future freestyle talent. Snowmaking capabilities at Sugar Rush Tubing have been expanded by 400 percent, and the Village Lodge has been renovated to include modern amenities.

The resort’s commitment to athletic excellence continues as it prepares to host events that support young athletes aspiring to reach the World Cup stage.

Diamond Peak

New this season is a three-Day Flex Pass, allowing skiers when it opens in early December. A new backcountry access gate will provide adventurous skiers access to the surrounding backcountry areas.

Additionally, Diamond Peak has invested in a new PistenBully 600 Polar Park groomer to maintain pristine slopes, and season pass holders will enjoy bonus lift tickets at partner resorts across the country.