Resorts announce Nov. 17 target opening

If the snow gods smile on Lake Tahoe’s resorts, opening day could be the week before Thanksgiving.

Vail Resorts announced their target dates to open Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort on Wednesday.

The resorts near Lake Tahoe are looking at a Nov. 17 opening date, while Kirkwood could open on Dec. 1.

Last winter saw a record 49.33 feet of snow at Heavenly and just over 60 feet at Kirkwood, according to Vail.

Both Northstar and Kirkwood are celebrating their 50^th anniversary.

“We are always looking forward to the next ski and ride season, getting more snow, and breaking out our skis and snowboards,” said Tahoe Region Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Fortune. “Coming off a truly historic winter, the bar is high this year, and I know it will be another amazing ski and ride season for our resorts across the Tahoe region. The teams at Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Northstar have remained dedicated and focused throughout the summer and will work incredibly hard in preparation to deliver another excellent ski and ride season to our guests.”

The 2023-24 Epic Pass options are now available to purchase and with new benefits and experiences this season – guests have until Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, to lock in the best value for season-long skiing and riding before prices increase.

Also new this season is Mobile Pass & Mobile Lift Ticket technology that will be available to guests on the new My Epic app. With this technology, guests will be able to store their pass directly on their phone, put their phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands free, via Bluetooth® Low Energy technology. This eliminates the need to wait in the ticket window line or wait for your pass to arrive in the mail. It will also help reduce plastic and RFID chip waste. Plastic cards will still be available to our guests who cannot or do not want to use their phone as their pass. Mobile Pass will be available on the new My Epic app this fall 2023.

Guests are still encouraged to purchase their Epic Pass product or lift tickets in advance, especially as lift tickets will be limited every day, across all resorts to prioritize the guest experience.

All winter opening dates are conditions dependent. Resorts will begin making snow as soon as the weather will allow in the fall. More details to come about what’s new and what to expect for the upcoming ski and ride season at Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood will be shared closer to November.