Just a week before Thanksgiving, Tahoe’s ski resorts are already in full swing due to several feet of powdery snow. Most resorts have at least 18 to 30 inches of fresh white stuff as well as some seasonal improvements and events for skiers, snowboarders, and those who just want to play in the mountains.
For Beginners and Night Owls: Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
As part of its $1.2 million in on-mountain improvements this year, Mt. Rose will introduce the Enchanted Forest family zone—featuring the new Wizard Lift, which gives you access to four new beginner trails—enhanced snowmaking with nine additional high-output snowmakers, and new rental equipment and main lodge renovations. The resort will also offer night skiing and riding on Friday and Saturday evenings until 7pm. // 22222 Mt Rose Hwy, Reno, skirose.com
For Busy Women and Those Seeking a View: Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows
Squaw Valley has partnered with Burton Snowboards to host Burton Relax & Ride. The program, for groups of two to six, is designed for women who have a tough time fitting winter sports into their busy schedules and crave a fun learning environment with friends. Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows has also become the second home to state-of-the-art, streaming Roundshot webcams that provide crystal clear 360 degree views of each mountain. // 2600 Alpine Meadows Rd., Alpine Meadows, squawalpine.com
Alpine Coaster and Parties at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Throughout the season, Heavenly Mountain Resort will be commemorating its 60th anniversary with après parties, free concerts, and pop-up music events. Opening this winter, the new alpine coaster allows guests, on individual sleds, to descend on a raised track through the forest and natural rock formations, utilizing gravity for the descent while still giving riders full control of their speed. // 4080 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, skiheavenly.com
Champagne at Northstar California
Champagne will be served every day as Northstar hosts Tōst, a celebratory culinary tradition that redefines the art of the daily toast. Served on the East Ridge run at 2pm, some events will feature live music. // 100 Northstar Dr, Truckee, northstarcalifornia.com
Fuel Up at Diamond Peak
This winter, the Incline Village resort will provide charging stations for electric vehicles and the new Wild Bill’s BBQ on the Base Lodge deck. The Loft Bar now has a dozen taps featuring old favorites, local brews, and rotating craft beer handles. // 1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, diamondpeak.com
Kirkwood for the Adventurous
Kirkwood now offers lift access to backcountry runs within resort boundaries for those wanting a little more adventure. Kirkwood’s unique offerings include avalanche certification courses, women's programs, E:K cat tours, private guides and specialty ski and board clinics, as well as progressions sessions in infamous terrain that has been featured in many ski and snowboard flicks. // 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr., Kirkwood, kirkwood.com
Boreal and Soda Springs for Kids
Both Boreal and Soda Springs have new tubing parks for the kids. Planet Kids at Soda Springs features tubing carousals, tubing lanes, ski/snowboard learning areas, and even snow volcanoes to climb. Playland Tubing at Boreal has two moving carpets, exciting groomed tubing lanes and chubby tubes for rent. // 19749 Boreal Ridge Rd., rideboreal.com; 10244 Soda Springs Rd., skisodasprings.com
