Heavenly and Northstar to open this weekend!

Mother Nature has put in her best effort and the opening date at both Heavenly and Northstar have been moved up to November 14. The new snow totals overnight, combined with both the anticipated snowfall Monday night and snowmaking efforts, have helped the resorts open a week early.

Sierra-at-Tahoe hasn't given an opening date but Kirkwood has put November 21 on the calendar for their big day. Sierra's marketing team told South Tahoe Now that they are getting excited since snow is falling, and plan on opening as soon as possible.

Boreal and Mt. Rose resorts have already opened.

“We’ve already received about three feet of snow overall this season which, combined with around-the-clock operation from the West Coast’s two largest snowmaking systems, has created a great early-season base and the best snow surface conditions at Lake Tahoe,” said Pete Sonntag, Tahoe region vice president and chief operating officer. “Opening early creates even more value for Tahoe Local pass holders, who are already getting the best pass deal in Tahoe.”

This is the earliest the resorts have opened since 2012. Heavenly plans to operate the Gondola, Tamarack Express and Dipper Express, accessing upper California Trail and Orion’s, which, at over a mile long, will be the longest run available in the Tahoe basin. Northstar will open top-to-bottom, spinning the Big Springs Gondola, Vista Express, Arrow Express and Comstock Express accessing West Ridge, Luggi’s, Skid, Pinball, Lumberjack and Lower Main Street. Northstar will also operate a surface lift near the Big Easy Chair to offer children’s ski and snowboard lessons.

Kirkwood received 18 inches of new snow overnight at its summit. Resort officials have yet to determine if they will open Kirkwood prior to its Nov. 21 opening day.

Season passes are available at both Vail resorts until Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015.