Industry News
After a historic winter season with record-breaking snowfall, Tahoe-area resorts look ahead to summer operations and events
After a historic winter season, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are all looking ahead toward summer. Conditions permitting, all three Lake Tahoe-area resorts are targeting Friday, June 16, for their opening days, with an array of highly anticipated summer activities available.
“We are emerging from what was a record-breaking, unforgettable winter season, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our mountains for sunshine and summer activities. Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood offer such special experiences throughout the summer season, surrounded by the incredible beauty of Lake Tahoe – we are so lucky to recreate in this region and celebrate all it has to offer with all who visit us.”
– Tom Fortune, VP and COO of Heavenly and the Tahoe Region at Vail Resorts
This summer, Northstar will once again open its iconic Bike Park, which offers mountain bikers new challenges and adventure all summer long with adrenaline-pumping features; single track, downhill, cross country, and other world-class terrains; and progression areas like the new Gatorade Skills Zone and recently revamped Toyota Jump Park. From technical descents on local favorites like Boondocks to anti-gravity opportunities on the jumps of Livewire, the Northstar Bike Park truly has something for riders of all levels.
Guests can also hike or ride up to the top of the mountain to soak in some astonishing views of Lake Tahoe from 8,610 feet. Meanwhile, in the Village, guests of all ages can enjoy roller skating, live music, and fun events throughout the summer, along with delicious dining at the new Wild Pine restaurant and Bourbon Pub. Summer camps also return for children ages 4-17, providing various programs, including MTB Skill Development camp, MTN Wilderness Adventure camp, and Kids Art and Exploring camp. The pro-rated 18-hole Northstar Golf Course is also set to open June 16, conditions permitting, and the 6,800 yards of greens are lining up to be in great condition with minimal damage from the record-breaking winter.
At Heavenly, sightseeing returns for the summer, with breathtaking views from the resort’s Gondola mid-station observation deck. Additional activities are also available this summer, including tubing and gem panning. Zip lines for adults and children and the Granite Peak climbing wall will also open as the summer progresses. We may even have some snow play activities! The famous Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster is also slated to open, pending assessment once the snow melts.
Heavenly also offers numerous hiking trails at the top and bottom of Tamarack Express. Dining options will be available at Tamarack Lodge, Café Blue, and the Gondola Snack Shack throughout the summer season. Live music will also return to Tamarack Lodge this summer, as will the LIFEWTR Yoga Series at the Blue Sky Terrace.
At Kirkwood, the alpine beauty doesn’t stop when winter ends. Hiking and biking will be available at the resort and the DiscWood disc golf course following necessary snow melt. This year, it is expected that the annual wildflower bloom will be even more spectacular than in years past and typically peaks between July and August. The historic Kirkwood Inn, established in 1862, will remain open through the summer and feature a California smokehouse menu.
Details about summer activities, tickets, hours of operation, event calendars, and more can be found at each resort’s website (www.SkiHeavenly.com; www.NorthstarCalifornia.com; www.Kirkwood.com).
2023/24 Epic Pass options are now available to purchase at the lowest price of the year – but hurry! Prices go up after May 29. If you love to ski Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Whistler Blackcomb, Stevens Pass, Park City Mountain, and more great resorts, there has never been a better time to be an Epic Pass Holder. New next season, all Epic Passes will be accessible via Mobile Pass, which will allow guests to store their Epic Pass on their phone in the new My Epic app, put their phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands-free, via Bluetooth® technology designed for low energy usage. And don’t forget – Epic Passes include Epic Mountain Rewards for 20 percent off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals, and more. Pass Holders also receive summer benefits at eligible resorts, including summer scenic gondola rides, 20 percent off summer food, lodging, bike rentals, and golf.
