Opening day with new safety protocol in place at Heavenly Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The long-awaited opening day for skiing and riding in South Lake Tahoe arrived Friday with season pass holders hitting the slopes at Heavenly Mountain Resort. They joined Northstar in being the only two resorts in Lake Tahoe to open. Squaw Alpine opens on November 25, followed by Kirkwood December 4, Sierra-at-Tahoe has not announced an opening date.

Heavenly reported a foot of natural snow from this week's storm added on top of the snow they've been making since temperatures dropped a few weeks ago.

For opening day skiers and riders had access to Patsy’s, Maggie’s and Ridge Run trails. The resort kicked off the season on a historic note, celebrating its 65th anniversary and opening the California-side of the resort for skiing and riding first for the first time in over a decade.

Season ticket holders will be the only ones on the slopes at Heavenly through December 7. They must reserve the limited spots online prior to hitting the slopes, as will be the procedure all season.

This season, safety takes on more importance than ever at Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and across all other Vail Resorts mountains. A few of the key ways the resort is prioritizing safety this winter include:

1. Face Coverings: Guests are required to wear a face covering in all aspects of the operation, including in line, while riding lifts and gondolas and in all facilities.

2. Reservations: Reservations are required for all guests so that the resort can manage access and allow for physical distance.

3. Sick? Stay Home: Anyone who is sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 must stay home. Please cancel any reservation to give other skiers and riders a chance to ski and ride.

4. Re-Imagined Mountain Experience: New operating procedures are in place across the resort, including lift and gondola loading, in Ski School, F&B and rental locations.

5. Cashless Transactions: For the best experience, book and pay online in advance.

6. Follow State Guidelines: Know, follow and adhere to California’s COVID-19 measures https://covid19.ca.gov/

Guests are encouraged to visit SkiHeavenly.com, NorthstarCalifornia.com and Kirkwood.com for updates on winter operations and new safety procedures. Each resort will continue to expand and open terrain as conditions allow.