Lake Tahoe resorts welcome spring with events and new snow

Spring is in the air at Lake Tahoe, and Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are gearing up for spring skiing and riding with concerts, competitions and new snow. The three resorts each received between 12-21 inches of snow since Saturday, March 31, and March snowfall totals range from 110-146 inches.

“Not only are spring conditions perfect for skiing and riding, but also between these three resorts, there are on-mountain events and activities to really end the season with a bang,” said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly’s general manager. “Now is the time to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”

Pass holders have access to more than 10,000 total skiable acres between Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, marking the most combined terrain on a single season pass in Tahoe.

“The events calendars for Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood are jammed-packed as we close out the season,” said Bill Rock, vice president and chief operating officer of Northstar California Resort. “Lake Tahoe is a fun place to come visit no matter the season, and the events that are planned present great opportunities to enjoy the mountains this spring.”

Upcoming events:
Heavenly:
April 6-7 – Unbuckle at Tamarack
April 7 – Gunbarrel 25, hosted by Glen Plake Live concert by Groove Box
April 13-14 – Unbuckle at Tamarack
April 14 – Spring Loaded, includes:
Stateline Showdown in Ante Up
Helly Hansen Fashion Show
Live concert by Lou Dog Trio
Ski Patrol Foundation Fundraiser
Winter Snow Blast featuring Little Feat concert at Harrah’s
April 14-15 – Lake Tahoe Pond Skimming World Championship

Northstar:
April 5 - Family Afternoon Snowshoe Tour
April 7 - First Tracks
April 7 - Moonlight Snowshoe Tour
April 8 - Easter Festivities
April 15 - Spring it On celebration and pond skim

Kirkwood:
April 4-8 – Subaru Freeskiing World Tour
April 13-15 – Springfest 2012
April 14 – Twisted Sisters Freeride Competition
April 21 – Legendary Kirkwood Banked Slalom

“Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood are a trio of unique mountains that offer a variety of terrain to fit the skills and interests of each skier or rider,” said Casey Blann, Heavenly’s vice president of mountain operations and the incoming general manager of Kirkwood. “For the best spring skiing and riding conditions, along with some fun in the sun, these three resorts are the places to go.”

Closing Dates
Heavenly
April 15, the resort will then re-open Friday through Sunday April 20-22, 2012, and April 27 – 29, 2012, weather and conditions permitting.
Northstar
April 15, 2012

Kirkwood
April 22, the resort will then re-open Friday through Sunday as long as snow conditions will support skiing and snowboarding.
*Vail Resorts’ acquisition of Kirkwood is still being finalized.

Heavenly’s extended season operation will include the Heavenly Gondola, Tamarack Express and Dipper Express, with a limited expert-only operation at Gunbarrel Express. Kirkwood plans to operate Chair #6, Cornice Express, and Chair #10, Wagon Wheel. For a full rundown of extended operations at Heavenly and Kirkwood, please visit www.skiheavenly.com or www.kirkwood.com.

2012-13 Season Passes on Sale
Vail Resorts recently announced the best value in 2012-13 season passes, including the new Tahoe Local Pass that provides access to more than 10,000 total skiable acres between Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, marking the most combined terrain on a single season pass in Tahoe. Priced at $419, Tahoe Local pass holders receive seven-day-per-week access the three best resorts in the Tahoe region for $80 less than last year’s comparable Epic Local Pass. For details on all pass options, visit epicpass.com.

Lock In Early, Receive Buddy Tickets
Early spring benefits are only guaranteed through April 15, 2012, and Vail Resorts is giving guests the option to lock in these prices now with a $49 down payment, with the remainder of the balance due in mid-September 2012. Locking in the Tahoe Local or Tahoe Value pass with the $49 down payment also gives pass holders access to six Buddy Tickets to use for themselves, or for skiing or riding with friends.

Using the 2012-13 Pass this April
New 2012-13 pass holders already received one free day in April 2012 with the purchase of next season’s pass, and now their 2012-13 pass will grant them access to the entire extended portion of the season after April 15, 2012 at Heavenly and Kirkwood, weather and conditions permitting.