ski season

Kirkwood opens for 2020/21 season, Heavenly expands to Nevada side

In a year filled uncertainties and safety mandates, many have been anxiously awaiting the ski season at Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort opened last week, and now their sister Vail property, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, has opened.

As long as allowed, Kirkwood's winter operating plan is focused on comprehensive safety protocols, Kirkwood opened Friday with more than 180 acres of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

Safety changes: Vail moves to presale of lift tickets to manage number of guests

Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar, all members of the Vail Resorts family, will be operating differently during the winter season 2020/21. Vail plans on opening both Heavenly and Northstar on November 20 and Kirkwood on December 4.

Ticket sales, use of season passes and facility uses will all be handled to promote physical distancing and protect the safety of staff and guests.

Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz: For the sake of winter, we must stay vigilant

Open letter from Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz to communities, guests and employees: What will the 2020-21 ski and snowboard season look like? We are still in the heat of July – still celebrating the successful opening of our resorts for summer – and that is the number one question we are getting across our 34 North American resorts. What lies ahead for winter? We remain optimistic that we’ll have a great ski season. And we are actively preparing our resorts to ensure our employees and guests have a safe and enjoyable experience this winter amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Vail Resorts announces 20-80% credit to pass holders for next ski season

With a ski and snowboard season cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, Vail Resorts announced Monday morning a plan to address the many concerns of pass holders. They will be providing 2019/20 season pass holders with credits of 20 percent to 80 percent, depending on how often they were able to use that pass during the season.

In a letter to pass holders, the plan was laid out:

Incline Village GID asks visitors to stay home, for now

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) is asking anyone who is considering visiting the Incline Village or Crystal Bay area to reschedule their visit.

They said that, as a small and remote mountain-lake community, healthcare, support services, and facilities lack the capacity and resources to handle an outbreak of COVID-19.

Vail Resorts announces closures now for season with chance of Heavenly opening for Spring skiing

Following their earlier announcement of temporarily closing all ski resorts due to the coronavirus COVID-19, Vail Resorts today announced all of its North American resorts and retail stores will remain closed for the 2019-20 winter ski season. These closures are amidst the continued challenges associated with the spread of virus across the globe.

Dependent on the COVID-19 situation and weather conditions, Heavenly may reopen in late April/early May. The company may also consider reopening Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado and Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia.

South Lake Tahoe skier awarded BlueZone Sports and Moment Ski package

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The ski resorts have yet to open in Lake Tahoe, but young racers and competitors headed to BlueZone Sports Saturday for "Competition Day" where they had special prices and prizes.

One of those prizes went to 14-year-old Sebastian Kilgore, a freshman at South Tahoe High School. Blue Zone Sports selected the young man who competes in slopestyle and rail events in the USAA South Tahoe Series. Kilgore had a very successful 2018-19 season and placed fourth in Nationals where his "Front 630 Off Rail" won the "Best Trick" award.

September snow around Lake Tahoe - Rain and some sun in the forecast

SOUTH TAHOE NOW, Calif. - There was a blast of winter-like weather around the Lake Tahoe basin on Monday, but no need to panic if unprepared for snowy conditions.

Temperatures dropped nearly 30 degrees across much of northwestern Nevada and northeastern California since 1:00 p.m. yesterday.

Temperatures well below average with highs mainly in the 60s for lower elevations. This low will keep clouds and shower chances over the region,
with the best overall chances across far northeast CA and northwest

Mountain leadership changes at Vail Resorts - Heavenly, Kirkwood and others

Several executives with Vail Resorts are changing positions in anticipation of the closing of the Peak Resorts acquisition as well as the departure of Executive Vice President Chris Jarnot.

Vail Resorts are creating three new regional leadership roles to support their growing global portfolio:

Bill Rock, currently chief operating officer of Park City Mountain, will relocate to Vail headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado and will now oversee the Company’s mountain resorts in Colorado and Utah.

Vail Resorts in Lake Tahoe extend ski season due to record snowfall

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is being called #FebruBURIED for a reason, record snowfall on the slopes of Lake Tahoe and in the communities in the basin that never stopped. Resorts have broken records for the month, prompting Vail Resorts to announce today they are extending the 2018-19 ski season.

Heavenly Mountain Resort - Plans to extend the season through April 28, with a bonus 3-day-weekend May 3-5.
Northstar California Resort - Plans to extend the season through April 21, Easter Sunday.

Digital mountain assistant unveiled at Kirkwood and Heavenly resorts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Emma, the world’s first digital mountain assistant, announced she is vailable to guide guests at nine Vail Resort properties, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Whistler Blackcomb in Canada; and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe. Guests can text Emma their questions at 77477.

Mountain Resort Report©

South Tahoe Now will be carrying The Mountain Resort Report by Curtis Fong during the 2018-19 ski season.

Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders. It's a beautiful Sunday FUnday for ending your Thanksgiving weekend! Kirkwood has three lifts and 15 trails open; Mammoth is open top to bottom with 12 lifts and 37 trails open; Squaw has Gold Coast open on the upper mountain; Mt. Rose is open top to bottom. Have fun and be safe! If you are departing the Lake Tahoe Basin, buckle up, drive safely and have patience with traffic.

Kirkwood opens with 30" of fresh snow

It was opening day of the 2018-19 ski season for Kirkwood Mountain Resort on Saturday and the six inches of snow they received overnight helped them start with a base. The resort has had 30" of new snow since Wednesday.

Lifts started spinning at 9:00 a.m. with eager skiers and riders lined up at the base, awaiting first tracks. Passholders were treated to free breakfast sandwiches before hitting the slopes and all guests had a chance to win some snack, ski and ride gear giveaways.

Two upcoming movie premiers to raise funds for Sierra Avalanche Center

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Have some winter fun and help kick off the ski season with a trilogy of movie premiers dubbed "Lord of the Boards." The Lake Tahoe premier of the feature movie, Blank Collective's film Before Blank, is headed to both north and south ends of the lake courtesy of Local Freshies® with a portion of proceeds going to the Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC).

Year-round changes to Harrah's and Harveys parking policy

Harrah's Tahoe and Harveys will be putting into place a new year-round parking policy, much as the other properties in the Caesars Entertainment family, starting July 30, 2018. It will now cost to park when going to the casino for food and entertainment, gambling and events.

Last year the two casinos started charging for parking during special events and concerts at the outdoor arena, then this year Harrah's started to block parking for Heavenly Village and kept out those not utilizing the casino.

Heavenly aims to close April 22, other resorts from April 8 to Memorial Day

With 12 to 18 feet of snow received at Lake Tahoe ski resorts in March, many area ski resorts are announcing a change in their closing dates.

Heavenly Mountain Resort announced today that their ski season will extend through April 22, offering daily skiing and riding. They have a lot of Spring Break planned activities through April 7.

Plans to ease North Lake Tahoe traffic during ski season

The snow is falling, and the ski season is about to hit high gear heading toward the big Presidents Day weekend. Will Tahoe roads be ready to handle the traffic?

Probably not. The surge of traffic on Friday nights and Saturday mornings is intense, notably on Highway 89, the only route to Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows ski areas. Highway 89 was a parking lot at times last year, as were some Truckee streets.

Kirkwood opens for season

Kirkwood Mountain Resort kicked off their 2017-2018 ski season Friday. They have opened four of their 15 lifts (1,5,6,11), giving access to 250 acres of skiing on 15 percent of their terrain.

Operating hours at this time are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Heavenly is open in South Lake Tahoe, with Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Mt. Rose open on the North Shore. Northstar was originally planning on opening Friday but instead will announce their opening day on November 27.

New at "The Wood" this year:

Red Cliffs Family Lodge

Heavenly opens for the season on Friday

Heavenly Mountain Resort will open for the 2017-2018 season on Friday, Nov. 17, just as a winter storm passes by Lake Tahoe.

“We’re thrilled to begin the ski season at Heavenly this Friday,” said Mike Goar, senior vice president of mountain division and chief operating officer of Heavenly Mountain Resort. “We’ve been hard at work making snow at every opportunity, and current forecasts are calling for snow. We’re excited to begin another terrific ski season.”

Plates for Powder campaign returns

LAKE TAHOE – Ski season is almost here, and with it returns the popular “Plates for Powder” program. Individuals who purchase a new Lake Tahoe license plate in either California or Nevada can receive free lift tickets to one of eight Lake Tahoe resorts participating in the program. With snow heading to the mountains soon, now is the time to buy a Tahoe license plate so you can ski for free in Tahoe.

Pray for Snow party, ski movie premier and fundraiser in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
November 17, 2017 - 7:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Help kick of the ski season during the Lake Tahoe premier of Transworld Snowboarding’s film Arcadia at the Local Freshies® Pray for Snow party on November 17 at South Lake Brewing Company. Doors at this family friendly event open at 6:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Local food truck “High on Food” will be serving gourmet popcorn as well as tasty theater treats such as nachos, hot dogs and more.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Mammoth now part of new company

Twelve four-season resorts with 20,000 skiable acres are all now part of a new company that was formed to acquire Intrawest Resort Holdings, Inc. and Mammoth Resorts.

Affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC and Henry Crown and Company now own Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and June Mountain in California; Steamboat Ski & Resort and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Ontario; Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec; Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont; and Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia.

Crews clearing seasonally closed Sierra passes, some opening dates projected

Snow, rocks, boulders, trees and debris are being cleared from roads through the Sierra Nevada that have been closed all winter. Caltrans crews from Districts 9 and 10 are plowing through several feet of snow in some area. While some roads will be opening soon, many have a lot of work to be done before they can open to traffic.

Crews will inspect the road, bridges, culverts to make sure the road is safe for the public before reopening. They will also replace signs that tumbled during the winter.

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you’re visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Saturday, April 15.

Shaping Up to be Great EASTER Weekend for Skiing & Riding! Partly Cloudy Skies will provide great Snow Condition on the Slopes… Machine Groomed Corduroy & Skier-Rider Tracked & Packed Snow… Final Weekend for some resorts that are Closing after Easter Sunday, including Kirkwood, Hope Valley XC, Tahoe Donner & Tahoe Donner XC, Homewood, Tahoe XC, Royal Gorge XC, Dodge Ridge & Bear Valley XC… and most resorts are staying open at least thru April 23. Have Fun & Be Safe!

History is made with two Lake Tahoe Grizzlies teams taking state titles

Two South Lake Tahoe hockey teams went to San Jose to compete in the 2017 California Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) State Championships, and both came home with a division title.

The Lake Tahoe Grizzlies Pee Wee A and Bantam B hockey teams won their respective divisions during the tournament at Sharks Ice March 31 to April 2.

This is the first time in CAHA history where two teams from one hockey club took home the gold in the same year.

South Tahoe High skiers among tops in state; Whittell's Norton takes 2nd

Just as it had during most of the 2017 high school ski season, the Tahoe Basin State Championships held in South Lake Tahoe happened in the midst of a major snow storm.

Both days of events were switched to Sierra-at-Tahoe who kept the lifts running long enough for the student athletes to finish the slalom (SL) and grand slalom (GS) races.

South Tahoe High's girls team came in first in the slalom and third in the grand slalom, and the boys team took third in both races.

Lake Tahoe ski resorts take 8 of top 10 "Biggest snow days of ski season"

The winter of 2016-2017 has been exceptional for skiers across the entire west. Colorado has flourished, California has shed any trace of drought and Jackson Hole is on a pace to break its own record for snowfall.

With so much snow, nearly every ski resort has piled up powder days. For those who took a ski trip this year and missed a big snowfall, it truly was a bad break, as storms have consistently stalked the west all year.

During a season so outstanding for snow, there have been a handful of storms, often one on top of another, that have produced gaudy one-day snow totals.

Lake Tahoe ski resorts extend season; Squaw and Alpine aim to stay open until July 4

With hundreds of inches of snow covering the mountain of Lake Tahoe, four area ski resorts announced today they will be extending their ski season.

Kirkwood passes the 500" of snow mark; Other Lake Tahoe resorts close behind

The two feet of snow added to the slopes at Kirkwood Ski Resort this week has pushed their snowpack to 508 inches as of Sunday, and there is still lots more to come.

With another month of winter, Kirkwood still has time to add many more inches to their snowpack, as do all other Sierra Nevada Resorts. Kirkwood had 504 inches of snow in 2012, the last strong winter experienced in the mountains near Lake Tahoe. March is historically a month where snow can reach the same, or higher, levels than January and February.

Inn by the Lake changes name to Hotel Azure Tahoe – $3.5 million renovation completed

Inn by the Lake in South Lake Tahoe has changed their name, and along with a new name comes new rooms and suites, and renovated public areas.

The hotel located at 3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd., is now called Hotel Azure, a name to match the lake across the street and the skies that surround them.

Hotel Azure has completed extensive renovations with the re-opening of the hotel in time for ski season.

Kirkwood sets November 26 as opening day for 2016-17 ski season

This weekend’s snow storms delivered as much as 11 inches of fresh snow to the resorts around the Lake Tahoe basin, enough to prompt three resorts to open during the Thanksgiving holiday week.

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort will open for the ski season Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Kirkwood Mountain Resort will open for skiing Saturday, Nov. 26.

Chain controls go up on roads around Lake Tahoe

9:45 p.m. update Sunday: Chains are now mandatory on all vehicles except 4-Wheel drive with snow tires on US 50 over Echo and Spooner Summits, the Mt. Rose Hwy, SR267 and Donner Summit on I-80. At this time there are no controls over Kingsbury Grade.

* * * *
Snow is starting to stick on roads around Lake Tahoe, a sight for sore eyes who have been waiting for the return of the ski season.

As of 7:00 p.m. Saturday, chain controls are up on all mountain passes:

Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood delay opening days

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort announced today that the resorts are now targeting Wednesday, Nov. 23 as their opening day instead of this Friday.

Shops, restaurants and activities in Heavenly Village and The Village at Northstar will still open Friday, Nov. 18. Heavenly will offer scenic gondola rides and Ridge Rider Coaster tours Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20.

Ski movie to be premiered in South Lake Tahoe at Basecamp Hotel

Event Date: 
November 19, 2016 - 6:00pm

Here and Now, a movie that showcases the skiing of Eric Hjorleifson, David Wise, Wiley Miller, Thayne Rich and Cam Riley, will be showcased in two stops in the Lake Tahoe area, the first of which is the premier on November 19 in South Lake Tahoe. The second showing will be at Diamond Peak in Incline Village on December 16.

Local Freshies, in association with 4Frnt Skis, hosts the two movie showings. Besides Here and Now, Tahoe: The Daily Routine, a movie about businesses that give Lake Tahoe its flavor and "show its culture is alive and well," according to event promoters.

"Plates for Powder" is back: Buy a Tahoe license plate and ski for free

The popular “Plates for Powder” program and offers skiers and boarders two free lift tickets at one of ten resorts in Lake Tahoe if they purchase the new Lake Tahoe license plate in either California or Nevada.

“The mountains are covered in white from this weekend’s storm signaling that ski season is almost here,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “Get ready to ski at one of the 10 resorts in Tahoe who generously support this great program by purchasing your new California or Nevada Tahoe plate today.”

El Dorado County ranks 5th in State for lethal DUIs

Due to some sobering facts, El Dorado County District Attorney's Office is ramping up efforts in preventing drunk driving.

While the full-time population in the county is fairly small, a large number of visitors increase those numbers during ski season, holidays, gold country and winery visits, gambling at Red Hawk and Stateline, and during trips to Apple Hill.

El Dorado County ranks fifth worst in the state for lethal drunk driving incidents involving drivers between the ages of 21 and 34, and third worst in the state for drunk driving incidents involving drivers under the age of 21.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday

As the ski season winds down, this is the last ski and snowboard report for the season. Planned closing dates for local resorts are listed below.

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday, April 9, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe, brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 49 and a low tonight of

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Friday

As the ski season winds down, this will be the last week for South Tahoe Now's daily report.

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Friday, April 8, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe, brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 62 and a low tonight of

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Thursday

As the ski season winds down, this will be the last week for South Tahoe Now's daily report.

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Thursday, April 7, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe, brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 66 and a low tonight of
39. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. East wind around 5 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. West wind around 5 mph.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Wednesday

As the ski season winds down, this will be the last week for South Tahoe Now's daily report.

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Wednesday, April 6, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe, brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 66 and a low tonight of
34. Today: Sunny, with a high near 59. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday

As the ski season winds down, this will be the last week for South Tahoe Now's daily report.

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday, April 5, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe, brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 59 and a low tonight of
31. Today: Sunny, with a high near 59. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 31. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Monday

As the ski season winds down, this will be the last week for South Tahoe Now's daily report.

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Monday, April 4, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe, brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 60 and a low tonight of
32. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

"Stay and Play Another Day" campaign for South Lake Tahoe tourism

Recreational opportunities in South Lake Tahoe is the focus of a nationwide advertising campaign in hopes of bringing more visitors to the area, and to encourage them to stay an extra day.

"Stay and Play Another Day" is the focus of the commercial that was just released on the cable sports channels of Altitude Sports and Entertainment, American Sports Network and several individual television stations in select markets.

Snowfall totals in South Lake Tahoe already surpass winter of 2014

While the storms hitting the Sierra this December are not unusual, they are very different from recent winters.

As of Christmas Day, 2015, all South Lake Tahoe ski resorts are reporting more snow than they had during the whole 2014 ski season.

Heavenly Valley - 167" of snow in November and December, to date; 87" last season.
Sierra-at-Tahoe - 173" reported, 120" last season.
Kirkwood - 194" reported, 188" last season.

Uber headed to South Lake Tahoe

Fresh powder apparently isn’t the only thing hitting Lake Tahoe in December.

Ridesharing service Uber is planning a simultaneous launch on both sides of Tahoe before the end of the year, filling a key market in its Nevada and California territories.

Uber was not able to provide a specific date for the launch but it could happen as early as late next week, spokeswoman Laura Zapata told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

The Loft at Heavenly Village opening soon with magic, food and drinks

The Loft at Heavenly Village has been in the works for months, and now it's just a few weeks from opening day on December 15.

The new indoor, year-round live theater is in a newly created space above the current Heavenly Village Cinemas created by PR Entertainment. It will include a bar and lounge, 107 seat theater and Italian restaurant featuring Chef Lisa Devenchezi-Miller, who also owns of Capisce? in South Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Blizzardfest to have art on the beach, pray for snow party and concert

Event Date: 
November 14, 2015 (All day)

Tahoe Blizzardfest is the convergence of art and elements and a "Pray for Snow" celebration on the shores of South Lake Tahoe November 13-14 at the Beach Retreat & Lodge.

From live music to movie screenings, to eclectic lakefront art installations and fun activities, the unique festival has something for everyone who loves art, outdoors and snowsports.

There will be an Art Expo - Savor the views and sample amazing art installations by renowned regional artists, all set against the backdrop of majestic Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe area ski resorts holding job fairs; Teens can apply

Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort will all be having job fairs at the beginning of November, and new this year, 15- and 16-year-old teens can now be employed.

They are accepting applications for the upcoming 2015-16 winter season as well as having the job fairs.

Why skiers get injured

Skiing is a phenomenally exciting and fun sport. However, the injury rate is relatively high, with more than 20,000 knee injuries sustained each year by skiers in the U.S. alone, most of which involved the ACL. The question is why and what can you do about it?

My advice on how to avoid common injuries is based on my 55 years of skiing, more than two decades of being an orthopaedic surgeon for the U.S. Ski Team, the Pro Ski tour, the Jeep Tour, 48 Straight Ski tour and other winter sports events. However it is not gospel. There are many views and disagreements on skiing safety.

South Lake Tahoe vacation home rental policies examined

Many South Lake Tahoe residents find themselves dreading weekends, especially during ski season and the summer. Why you may ask? Because of the throngs of people headed for the vacation rental homes in their neighborhoods.

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