Dec. 2, 2025 – Kirkwood Mountain Resort is set to bring its big mountain adventure, no-frills-here-for-the-skiing vibe back starting this Friday, Dec. 5, and Northstar California Resort welcomes back friends and family to their favorite winter traditions starting with Opening Day on Saturday, Dec. 6! Kirkwood has benefited from more than 44 inches of natural snow this month in addition to snowmaking, allowing the resort to hit its original opening day target. Northstar joins in on the excitement this weekend thanks to colder temperatures and the hard work of its snowmaking team.
Rounding things out for resorts on the Epic Pass in Lake Tahoe, Heavenly opened for skiing and riding on Nov. 24, celebrating the start of their 70th anniversary season. Whether you’re loyal to one or a sampler of all, the Epic Pass is the best deal on skiing and riding in Lake Tahoe and beyond, and Dec. 4 is the last chance to lock in a pass this season.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort Opening Day
On Friday Dec. 5 at Kirkwood, lifts will start spinning for the season at 9 AM with access to skiing and riding from Chair 5 and the tow rope.
“Opening Day is one of those moments that truly highlights what makes Kirkwood so special,” said Ricky Newberry, Vice President & General Manager of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “We’re deeply grateful for our employees whose dedication makes everything possible, and for our Kirkwood community that brings the energy to this valley year after year. We're excited to kick off another incredible season and continue delivering the skiing and riding experience Kirkwood is known for.”
Northstar California Resort Opening Day
At Northstar, the team has been working around the clock, taking advantage of every weather window to make snow and get ready to open this season. This Saturday, Dec. 6, will officially mark the start of skiing and riding at the resort, with lifts opening at 9 AM. Mountain access will be available via the Big Springs Gondola, with skiing and riding off Vista Express.
“While it’s taken us a little more time to get things started this season, we couldn't be more excited to welcome guests back to snow and kick off another magical winter season at Northstar,” said Tara Schoedinger, Vice President and General Manager of Northstar. “From traditions like getting in the first turns of the season on mountain to celebrating with loved ones in the village with S’Mores, shopping, dining, and après, we can’t wait to share these moments and make memories with our employees and guests this winter season.”
In addition to skiing and riding, guests can enjoy Northstar’s winter wonderland and head to the Village, where a festive ice rink, coffee at VOUS, and shopping offer something for the whole family. Cap off the day with live music, a signature drink from the Rink Bar, and s’mores around the fire to toast the season’s start.
Starting this weekend, Kirkwood and Northstar will now be open daily for skiing and riding, joining Heavenly. All three Tahoe resorts will continue to make snow at every opportunity to work towards expanding terrain and lift offerings throughout the early season.
There is a lot to look forward to this winter season across Lake Tahoe.
Kirkwood: Old School, No Frills, All Fun
With deep freeride roots and a tight-knit community, Kirkwood delivers an authentic, no-frills ski and ride experience where the focus is always on the mountain. Skiers and riders flock here for the exceptional snow, reliable operations, and terrain that invites exploration at every turn. For those who value adventure over luxury and quiet over the hustle of Tahoe or the Bay, Kirkwood is a hidden gem that keeps skiers and riders returning year after year. With uncrowded slopes and minimal lift lines, every day offers the chance to lap the chairs from bell to bell. Simple, straightforward, and endlessly fun—this is Kirkwood at its best. No frills. All of the fun.
Northstar Winter Traditions
From traditions as classic as your first time on skis or grabbing first chair on a powder day, to those that celebrate (Tōst) or make life a little sweeter (S’Mores in the village), Northstar is the place where moments become memories and winter magic comes to life on the mountain and in the village. With diverse and approachable terrain for skiing and riding, ice skating and shopping in the village, and a variety of culinary experiences for every taste, step inside the snow globe that is Northstar for an idyllic winter resort escape in Lake Tahoe.
Heavenly’s 70 & High-Energy Events Lineup
This season, Heavenly is dialing the vibes way up for its 70th anniversary. With panoramic views everywhere you turn, and après opportunities galore both on the mountain and in South Lake Tahoe, round up your crew because every day is a chance to make your ski trip dreams a reality. Kick things off with Heavenly’s 70th Anniversary party on Dec. 20 and throw it back through the decades. From there, send it into the season in style with a lineup of buzzworthy events including, Toyota Air and Après, Brews and Views, Pond Skim, Gunbarrel 25, and live music and DJ sets featuring Foster the People, Vandelux, Dombresky, SkiiTour, and more this season. High-energy events, jaw-dropping views, one of the best ski towns in the world. Stop dreaming, start booking. This is Heavenly.
Make Your Trip to Tahoe EPIC – Last Chance to get an Epic Pass is Dec. 4
Dec. 4 is the last chance to lock in your Epic Pass before they go off sale for this season. Epic Pass unlocks access to Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, plus some of the best mountain resorts in the world like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge and more. With a variety of season-long and 1-7 Day Pass options available, Epic Pass offers the best value on skiing and riding in Tahoe and beyond. Epic Pass Holders also get the best benefits including 20% off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals and more with Epic Mountain Rewards. Plus, with new Epic Friends Tickets, it's easier than ever for season-long Epic Pass Holders to share the joy of the mountains with 50% off lift tickets for friends and family. Plus, what they pay can be applied as credit toward a 2026-27 Epic Pass, turning this year's gift into next year's adventure. Rally your crew to Tahoe this winter and make it Epic. Learn more about Pass options and benefits at www.epicpass.com before they go off sale.
Stay Connected
With the My Epic app, your phone is now your access to the slopes with Mobile Pass and Lift Ticket technology. In addition, the app also provides alerts and real-time information, lift line status, interactive trail maps, and more.
Skiers and riders can also follow the resorts on social media for updates and information throughout the season:
Heavenly: Instagram, Facebook
Northstar: Instagram, Facebook
Kirkwood: Instagram, Facebook