Lake Tahoe Ski Season Update!
Congratulations to our partners at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe for setting a new record for their earliest opening day on record. We couldn't get out to test the slopes yet we heard at the runs that were open were in nice shape for this time of the year.
Now all we need are colder temperatures so all the ski resorts can either make snow, or get a big early season bonus with Mother Nature's assistance.
As this is the perfect timing to get all of us excited about the forthcoming season, we thought we would share this excellent recap of "What's New at Tahoe Ski Resorts" published by our friends at Northern Nevada Business View.
Before you get the details, get your ski vacation plans in shape now as the best selection of vacation rentals, ski leases, and long term rentals at Lake Tahoe are available right now! Don't wait too long; once the snow flies our phones and website reservation system get very busy!
WHAT'S NEW AT TAHOE SKI RESORTS?
With snow season underway, check out what's new for the 2018-19 season at some of the Tahoe region's biggest downhill ski resorts, as well as their projected opening dates:
Boreal, which prides itself as a hub for teaching people how to ski and snowboard, is doubling down on its reputation. The resort, located at Donner Summit, is showcasing a brand new beginner chairlift, the California Cruiser, to help beginner skiers and riders, of all ages, progress from the bunny slopes to the terrain parks.
What's more, Boreal installed a new snowmaking system near its beginner terrain, expanding its already extensive "learn to" areas. Boreal also has a new parking lot, free to all pass holders and pre-committed buyers, for both Boreal and Woodward Tahoe, its indoor training facility.
Opening day: Nov. 9, weather permitting
The Incline Village-based resort unveils a new terrain park area for skiers and riders to test their limits in the new lower-mountain zone called "The Village at Diamond Peak."
Accessible from all areas of the mountain, the Village Terrain Park gives riders a chance to explore more of the mountain before hitting the park or simple enjoy park-only laps with the Red Fox chairlift.
Opening day: Dec. 13, conditions permitting
Outside, Heavenly is giving guests a chance to traverse the mountain in a whole new way: guided UTV tours. Starting at the top of the Gondola, the Winter UTV Tours offer breathtaking viewpoints at 10,000 feet elevation, and a chance to discuss Lake Tahoe and the local environment in far-off-the-beaten path areas. Lastly, the resort is upgrading its Galaxy Chair fro a double lift to a triple lift.
Opening day: Nov. 16, weather permitting
The resort gave its snowcat an upgrade over the summer to give its Snowcat Adventures even more power for prowling the mountain. The tours takes groups of up to 10 people over 750 acres of backcountry terrain on the flanks of Ellis Peak, above the resort's traditional ski area boundary.
At the peak, skiers and riders receive guided access to an array of terrain options — well-spaced tree runs, steeps, powder bowls, glades — all leading them back to the in-bound terrain.
Opening day: Dec. 14
Kirkwood, tucked 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, is serving up more than big mountain riding in a small-town atmosphere.
This season, Kirkwood Village is launching a new restaurant, The Cornice Pizza, an '80s-inspired joint with neon lights and popping colors. The menu features build-your-own-pie options, traditional favorites and unique pairings. In-between slices, grab the karaoke microphone and unleash your best rendition of "Don't Stop Believin.'"
Opening day: Nov. 21
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, a stone's throw from Reno, invested another $2 million in projects last summer. This includes the installation of 17 new snowmaking towers, complemented by additional high capacity pumps, as well as upgrades to their snow grooming fleet. Improvements were also made to the resort's parking lot, restrooms and signage, including four LED lift signs.
Opening day: Oct. 19 for pass holders, Oct. 26 to everyone
Northstar, six miles north of Lake Tahoe, is giving its snowmaking department a boost with the addition of 24 low-energy snow guns along Luggi's and Lower Washoe trails.
Moreover, 12 other snow guns at the resort are being upgraded with new efficiency heads, enabling the guns to produce snow at warmer temperatures. Lower down the mountain, a new family-friendly tubing experience comes to the Overlook above the Village. The groomed tubing slope is available daily, as weather permits, near the Ski and Snowboard School pick-up location.
Opening day: Nov. 16
Sierra-at-Tahoe, boasting 2,000 acres and 2,212 vertical feet of terrain, is rolling out two new snowcats this season. One of the snowcats will be used for trail grooming while the other is designed specifically for terrain parks.
Additionally, chairlifts, snowmaking equipment and trail signs have been given upgrades. The resort's 360 Smokehouse BBQ also received a facelift to provide guests with eye-popping views of Lake Tahoe while they savor mouthwatering barbecue.
Opening day: Dec. 1
There's plenty of newness at the renowned Tahoe area resort. Squaw-Alpine is debuting its first full season of the Ikon Pass, which offers access to 36 destinations around the globe — three continents, four Canadian provinces and 12 states, to be exact.
The resort is expanding its snowmaking system at Alpine Meadows with three new fan guns and increased automation. Meanwhile, the Alpine Meadows Base Lodge reopens for the season with $1.4 million in renovations. Notably, the resort will be powered by 100 percent renewable electricity starting Dec. 1.
Opening day: Nov. 16
Sugar Bowl's snowmaking system is getting perhaps the biggest upgrade in the Tahoe area. The resort invested the first $3 million of an $8 million project, doubling its water pumping capacity and dropping its energy consumption and time it takes to cover its snowmaking terrain by two-thirds.
Sugar Bowl is also introducing new beginner ski and board school programs designed specifically for first-time skiers and snowboarders ages 13 and up.
Opening day: Nov. 30
Tahoe Donner unveils the new Snowbird triple chairlift to replace the original double chair installed in 1971. With the modern and reliable chairlift technology, skiers and riders will get improved access to beginner terrain.
In addition, the resort relocated its Caterpillar Conveyor near the Ski School Yurt, providing better terrain for beginners before advancing to the Snowbird Lift. At its Cross Country Center, has expanded its grooming and new demo and rental equipment.
Opening day: Dec. 7
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