Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, NV, Report: Closing Day, Season Recap, and Photo Tour

Claire Weiss | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
Closing Day at Mt Rose, April 2025. PC: Claire Weiss
Closing Day at Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, April 2025. | Photo: Claire Weiss

Sunday, April 27, was closing day at Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Nevada. Saying goodbye to your favorite mountain at the season’s end is always bittersweet, though the next season is just a few months away. The fact that it was also the last powder day, with several inches of fresh snow, made that farewell even more difficult with such great coverage.

Powder day at Mt Rose, April 2025. PC: Claire Weiss
Powder day at Mt. Rose, April 27, 2025. | Photo: Claire Weiss

Season recap

As always, the 2024-25 season at Mt. Rose was fantastic. The mountain was the first to open in the Tahoe area on November 8, with the Lakeview Express lift spinning. For those who donโ€™t ski year-round, the season’s first day offers that magical feeling of clicking into skis and gliding downhill. The mountain operations team did an excellent job with snowmaking and snow farming to make it happen. The snow quality was pretty good, though freshly tuned edges are recommended before the season starts.

The summit lift (Northwest Express) opened a week before Thanksgiving, expanding the available terrain and allowing skiing from top to bottom.

First powder day – November 23rd: Mt. Rose kept Lakeview Express running despite the wind, so the skiers and riders could enjoy the fresh snow.

These are my favorite events at Mt. Rose:

One of the iconic annual events is the Santa Ski, which usually happens in mid-December. Itโ€™s pretty cool to watch, and you can participate in it, too. You just have to register, come to the mountain dressed as Santa or maybe a festive reindeer, and descend Kit Carson Bowl.

Santa Ski, Mt Rose. PC: Claire Weiss
Santa Ski, Mt. Rose, December 2024. | Photo: Claire Weiss

Another famous annual event is the German Bier Garten. This event immerses you in the traditional atmosphere of German beer festivals, similar to Oktoberfest, with live music, beers from local breweries, simple food, and funny contests. It usually happens in January or February at Winters Creek Lodge. Don’t miss it next season!

Beer Garden, Mt Rose. PC: Mount Rose
German Bier Garten, Mt. Rose. | Photo: Mt. Rose
Beer Garden, Mt Rose. PC: Mount Rose
German Bier Garten, Mt. Rose. | Photo: Mt. Rose
Beer Garden, Mt Rose. PC: Claire Weiss
German Bier Garden, Mt. Rose. | Photo: Claire Weiss

Another thing you can find only at Mt. Rose is that the resort stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays starting at the end of February. You can ski until 6 p.m. on those days and enjoy ‘Aprรจs ski with a view’ on the Lakeview Snow deckโ€”drinks, live music, and fun.

Ski. G.I.F. , Mt Rose.PC: Mount Rose
Ski. G.I.F., Mt. Rose. | Photo: Mt. Rose

Mt. Rose has some of the best views in the Tahoe area. You can see two lakes from the top of the mountain. Here are a few spots not to miss: the top of Lakeview Express, the top of Tahoe Vista trail (a word of caution โ€“ it’s relatively steep, and you might encounter some icy moguls), and the Lakeside trail. These locations truly speak for themselves and will reward you with breathtaking panoramas of Lake Tahoe, weather permitting. Additionally, the top of the Washoe Zephyr trail offers fantastic views of Washoe Lake and the Carson Valley.

Top of Tahoe Vista. PC: Claire Weiss
Top of Tahoe Vista. | Photo: Claire Weiss
Lakeside trail. PC: Claire Weiss
Lakeside trail. | Photo: Claire Weiss
View of Washoe Lake. PC: Claire Weiss
View of Washoe Lake. | Photo: Claire Weiss

What else makes Mt. Rose stand out?

What truly sets Mt. Rose apart is its genuine local vibe, something increasingly scarce at other ski resorts. Experience it for yourself next seasonโ€”we’re confident you’ll love it. At 8,260 feet, Mt. Rose has the highest base elevation among Tahoe ski resorts. It also offers the incredible convenience of parking right next to the lifts, with no reservations required!

The Chutes area is a special place at Rose. It is a thrilling playground of steep and narrow descents, and because it is north-facing, itย often holds the best snow on the mountain.

Saddle, The Chutes. PC: Claire Weiss
Saddle, The Chutes. | Photo: Claire Weiss

Mt. Rose offers several weekly clinics for those looking to refine their technique. Best of all, they are free for passholders.

Thank you, Mt. Rose team, for outstanding mountain operations and a fantastic 60th season!

Photo Tour

Fresh corduroy. PC: Claire Weiss
Fresh corduroy. | Photo: Claire Weiss
Creatures of Mt Rose. PC: Claire Weiss
Creatures of Mt. Rose. | Photo: Claire Weiss
Sundog at Mt Rose. PC: Claire Weiss
Sundog at Mt. Rose. | Photo: Claire Weiss
Top of Lakeview express. PC: Claire Weiss
Top of the Lakeview Express. | Photo: Claire Weiss
Moguls at Sunset rau. PC: Claire Weiss
Moguls at Sunset. | Photo: Claire Weiss
Winters creek side, Mt Rose. PC: Claire Weiss
Winter’s Creek side, Mt. Rose. | Photo: Claire Weiss
Nightmare, The Chutes. PC: Claire Weiss
Nightmare, The Chutes. | Photo: Claire Weiss
Skiing above the clouds at Mt Rose. PC: Claire Weiss
Skiing above the clouds at Mt Rose. | Photo: Claire Weiss

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