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Latest in Lake Tahoe
California Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Mammoth Leads, Tahoe Follows
Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.
Michael Fulton
Sugar Bowl, California, Rebuilds Its Historic Village Gondola
The rumours are true: Sugar Bowl is tearing out its Emerald gondola, in place since 1983, and replacing it with a new 8-person Doppelmayr system - nearly doubling uphill capacity to 1,800 people an hour. It's the fourth generation of a gondola line that dates back to 1953, when Sugar Bowl became the first resort on the West Coast to run one at all, and it's just one piece of a $100 million overhaul touching lodges, parking and snowmaking. Here's what's changing, and what's staying the same.
Michael Fulton
The 2026-27 Ski California Gold Pass Goes on Sale May 1 - Unlimited Access to 36 Resorts for $4,250
Ski California's Gold Pass returns on sale May 1, priced at $4,250 for unlimited, blackout-free access to 36 ski areas across California and Nevada. The pass is transferable - not tied to an individual - making it a legitimate option for families, groups, or corporate hospitality. Passes typically sell out fast.
Michael Fulton
Mt Rose Ski Tahoe Closes After Lean Season
Mt Rose closed for the 2024-25 season on Sunday with icy conditions marking the final day. The Tahoe area resort wrapped up a winter that locals describe as leaving "much snow to be desired", though some late-season storms briefly improved coverage in April.
Michael Fulton
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Offers $60 Lift Tickets for Season Pass Holders from Other Resorts
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe in Nevada is offering discounted lift tickets to anyone holding a 2025-26 season pass from another resort. Adults can ski for $60 and kids for $30 through the end of the season, with late-season conditions looking solid after 21 inches of fresh snow hit the mountain last week. The deal also stacks towards a DoubleDown Season Pass for next year.
Michael Fulton
Heavenly Ski Resort Closes Early as Heat Melts Key Runs
Heavenly Ski Resort is ending its season on 5 April after record temperatures melted critical connecting runs. The Tahoe resort made it through its 70th anniversary season but couldn't stretch into mid-April as planned. Operations managed to patch runs together with limited snowfall before calling it.
Michael Fulton
Sierra-at-Tahoe Introduces Paid Parking Reservations for 2026-27 Season
Sierra-at-Tahoe is rolling out a parking reservation system for weekends and holidays starting in the 2026-27 season. Free for passholders and carpools of four or more, but $25 a day for everyone else. Here's what you need to know.
Michael Fulton
Two Lake Tahoe Resorts Close Early as March Heat Wave Decimates Snowpack
Sierra at Tahoe and Homewood have pulled the pin on their 2025-26 seasons weeks ahead of schedule as temperatures hit the low 20s celsius and California's snowpack drops to 28 percent of average in the northern Sierra - the worst levels since 2015.
Michael Fulton
Castle Peak Avalanche: California's Deadliest Slide Kills Nine Backcountry Skiers Near Lake Tahoe
On the morning of February 17, 2026, nine people lost their lives when an avalanche swept through a group of fifteen backcountry skiers near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada. It is the deadliest avalanche in California's recorded history — and the full picture of what happened that morning raises serious questions about decision-making, risk assessment, and the weight of avalanche warnings.
Michael Fulton
Palisades Tahoe Snowpack Climbs Above Average After Nearly 3 Metres in Four Days
A significant storm cycle has delivered 2.9 metres of snow to Palisades Tahoe over four days, pushing the Tahoe Basin snowpack to 104% of median. After a dry January, the resort's parking is sold out for the weekend as skiers and riders return to revitalised Sierra Nevada slopes.
Michael Fulton
10 Skiers Missing After Avalanche Near Castle Peak, Lake Tahoe
A group of 16 skiers was caught in a large avalanche near Castle Peak in Northern California on Tuesday morning, leaving 10 people unaccounted for as emergency crews mounted a major rescue operation. The incident occurred amid an active avalanche warning and severe storm conditions across the Sierra Nevada.
Michael Fulton
California Ski Resorts Set for Major Christmas Storm Cycle
After the driest start to a California ski season in years, resorts are set to receive 40-100 inches of snow just in time for Christmas. The two-phase storm system arrives this weekend, with the best conditions developing Wednesday through Friday as snow levels drop and quality improves across the Sierra Nevada.
Michael Fulton
Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Tahoe's Deep Snow and Advanced Terrain Destination for Serious Skiers
Kirkwood Mountain Resort stands apart in Tahoe with the region's deepest snowfall (354 inches annually), 58% advanced/expert terrain, and a refreshingly uncrowded atmosphere. Discover why this remote alpine valley offers California's most authentic skiing experience, where challenging terrain and quality snow take priority over flashy amenities.
Michael Fulton
Mt. Rose Starts Early Snowmaking, Aims for November Opening
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has begun snowmaking operations, positioning itself as an early opener in the Lake Tahoe region. The resort's $6 million in upgrades, including a new tubing park, reflect ongoing efforts to diversify offerings amidst changing ski industry trends.
Michael Fulton
Sierra-at-Tahoe Adds Two Trails, Expands Groomed Terrain for 2025/26
Sierra-at-Tahoe unveils modest improvements for the 2025/26 season, including two new trails and expanded grooming. While marketing touts these changes, their practical impact for most skiers remains to be seen.
Michael Fulton
Palisades Tahoe Development Compromise Reached After 14-Year Dispute
A long-standing development dispute at Palisades Tahoe ski resort has been resolved through a compromise agreement, reducing the scale of planned expansion while allowing for modernisation.
Michael Fulton
Sugar Bowl Resort Launches Major Upgrade Project
Sugar Bowl Resort in California has begun a significant two-year development project, including a new Village Lodge deck, modern locker room, and upgraded gondola system.
Michael Fulton
Homewood's New Gondola Project: Targeted Opening for 2026-27 Season
Homewood Mountain Resort is making significant progress on its new gondola project, with plans to open for the 2026-27 ski season. The gondola will connect the lakefront base to a new mid-mountain lodge, offering improved access and views.
Michael Fulton
Former Dartmouth Ski Champion Dies at Palisades Tahoe
A skilled 26-year-old skier and former Dartmouth College racing champion has died following an accident on a challenging run at Palisades Tahoe, California.
Michael Fulton
Northstar and Kirkwood Extend Ski Season After Great March Snowfall
Northstar California and Kirkwood Mountain Resort have extended their ski seasons until April 20 following substantial snowfall in March, offering skiers and riders an extra week on the slopes.
Michael Fulton
Homewood Mountain Resort to Reopen for 2025-26 Season: Gondola Plans Delayed
Homewood Mountain Resort on Lake Tahoe's west shore will resume operations for the 2025-26 winter season, despite delays in its planned gondola installation. The resort's reopening follows a year of closure and brings clarity to its future development plans.
Michael Fulton
Tragic Accident at Diamond Peak: Young Girl Killed by Falling Boulder
A heartbreaking incident at Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Nevada has left the skiing community in shock. A 7-year-old girl lost her life after being struck by a dislodged boulder near the resort's base lodge.
Michael Fulton
Palisades Tahoe Resort Review: Home of North American Extreme Skiing Celebrates 75 Years
Discover Palisades Tahoe, the birthplace of extreme skiing in North America and former host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. With 54% advanced terrain across 6,400 acres, including the legendary KT-22 lift, this Lake Tahoe resort continues to challenge and inspire skiers and riders after 75 years of operation.
Michael Fulton
Heavenly Ski Resort Chairlift Accident: Five Injured in Comet Express Collision
A serious incident at Heavenly Ski Resort resulted in five people being hospitalised after two chairs collided on the Comet Express lift. The December 23rd accident occurred when one chair slid backward, impacting another occupied chair, leading to multiple injuries and an immediate investigation by resort officials.
Michael Fulton
Heavenly Ski Resort: A Comprehensive Review of Lake Tahoe's Largest Single Resort
Discover the magic of Heavenly Ski Resort, where California meets Nevada in a skiing paradise overlooking Lake Tahoe. This comprehensive review explores the resort's vast terrain, stunning views, and unique features that make it a must-visit destination for skiers and riders of all levels.
Michael Fulton
Heavenly Resort Faces Unexpected Challenge with Gondola Closure
Heavenly Resort, nestled on Lake Tahoe's shores, faces challenges with the indefinite closure of its key 'Heavenly Gondola' due to mechanical issues. With the Stagecoach Express also not yet operational, the resort is redirecting activities to the California Lodge and advising guests to visit nearby Epic Pass Resorts like Northstar and Kirkwood, especially during the expected busy holiday week.
Michael Fulton
Kirkwood vs Heavenly vs Northstar California - Epic Battle In Lake Tahoe
Planning a Lake Tahoe ski adventure with your Epic Pass? Discover how Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Northstar compare across 8 key categories. With over 10,000 combined skiable acres, similar snowfall patterns, and terrain for all abilities, we break down which of these world-class resorts deserves your attention. Find out which Tahoe giant stands above the rest for your next mountain escape.
Michael Fulton
Latest News
More from the SnowStash desk
Utah Ski Resorts 2026-27: What’s New at Alta, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain and More
Utah is still building flat out. For 2026-27, Powder Mountain opens a steep new Skytrac chair into more than 1,000 acres of advanced terrain, Deer Valley adds 200 acres on Hail Peak, Sundance gets a new quad and Park City adds a gondola from its new parking structure. Snowmaking is expanding almost everywhere, Eagle Point stays closed after the Cottonwood Fire, and the 2034 Games are setting the pace. Here’s what’s new, resort by resort.
13 Oct 2026
Vermont Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Few Dates Set, Killington Waits on the Cold
Vermont's season is slow to take shape. Stratton is tentatively targeting 18 November and Sugarbush 21 November, while Pico has Friday 11 December on the calendar. Killington never sets a date and opens when the snowmaking allows, and Vail Resorts has yet to name days for Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow. The forecasts disagree about snow, and the main El Niño worry for the Green Mountains is warmth.
9 Oct 2026
Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships President Resigns Ahead of Fraud Hearing
Less than four months out from the Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships, the man running the organising committee has stepped down. Claude-Alain Schmidhalter resigned as Swiss-Ski vice president and OC president after being indicted over a business dispute unrelated to skiing. He denies the allegations and faces court on October 27. Interim leaders are in place for the February 1-14 event.
9 Oct 2026
Kelly Canyon, Idaho, Adds Snowmaking, a Bigger Terrain Park and More Parking for 2026-27
Kelly Canyon had a rough 2025-26, and the Idaho resort has spent the summer making sure it doesn’t repeat. Snowmaking now reaches the top of Goldrush, the terrain park is doubling in size with a stereo system, lights and a snack shack, and the car park is getting bigger. Grooming is stepping up too. Target opening is December 4, conditions permitting.
9 Oct 2026
Valle Nevado Extends Season to November 8 After 108 cm in 48 Hours
Winter was meant to be winding down in Chile. Then Valle Nevado took 108 cm in 48 hours in early October, and the resort has pushed its closing date out to November 8 - its latest in 38 years of operation. That makes 143 days of skiing since opening day on June 19, with 690 cm banked for the season. Only part of the mountain is running while the storm settles, so check the mountain report before you plan a trip.
9 Oct 2026
Alps Snow Forecast: Cold Front Brings Thursday Snow to the High Alps
The Alps look a lot more like winter today, for a day or so. A cold front is moving west to east, dropping up to 35 cm on high glaciers and peaks, with snow levels falling to around 1,500-1,800 m at times. Don’t plan a trip around it: mid-elevation snow will be thin and wet, every area is closed bar a limited Sölden glacier opening tomorrow, and warmer weather returns by Monday.
8 Oct 2026
California Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Mammoth Leads, Tahoe Follows
Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.
7 Oct 2026
Colorado Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: A-Basin and Keystone Race to Be First
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Winter Park are all chasing an October start, though none has a firm date yet. The first dated openers are Breckenridge and Copper on Friday 6 November, then Vail on 13 November, with most of the rest bunched around US Thanksgiving. Hesperus did not open at all last season. A super El Niño offers hope but no guarantee, and forecasters say the southern mountains have the better odds.
5 Oct 2026