Industry News
Vail Resorts announced on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, the postponement of the winter season opening of two of its Tahoe ski destinations, Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort. Initially set to open on Friday, November 17, both resorts have delayed openings due to unseasonably warm temperatures in the region.
“While we were hoping to ski and ride with you this weekend, Mother Nature had other plans and threw us some curveballs in the form of warmer temperatures – as a result, our target opening day will be delayed.”
Recent days have seen temperatures in the high 40s and 50s around Lake Tahoe, conditions too warm to maintain snow despite both resorts being equipped with robust snowmaking systems. Ashlee Lambert, Vail’s senior communications manager for the Tahoe region, emphasized their readiness to make snow whenever the opportunity arises, with the aim to commence the 2023-24 season as soon as possible.
“We’re working hard to get ready for the season and are just as excited as you are… but we need a little bit more help from Mother Nature in the form of natural snow and colder temps to keep the snow guns running. We are SO close – we just need a few more nights of the right conditions to make more snow. Unfortunately, this means we aren’t quite ready to open this Friday as initially planned. We want to – and will – open the very second we can, and we’ll keep you posted along the way. Tahoe weather is often unpredictable (as we saw last year!) and we’re excited for the season ahead.”
While no new dates have been set for the opening of Heavenly and Northstar, some activities will still be available for visitors. Heavenly’s gondola will operate for sightseeing tours, and select mid-mountain eateries are scheduled to open. Similarly, Northstar’s base village businesses are also set to open. Vail Resorts’ other Tahoe-area property, Kirkwood, is still on track for a December 1 opening, weather permitting.
Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, near Reno, currently stands as Tahoe’s only major ski area open, having launched its season last Friday.
