We may still be in the depths of summer, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start getting excited for the winter season. Three Lake Tahoe area ski resorts on the Epic Pass have announced their opening dates for the 2025/26 winter season, including Kirkwood Ski Resort, Heavenly Ski Resort, and Northstar California.
Kirkwood Ski Resort Opening Date
Kirkwood Ski Resort, located south of Lake Tahoe, has a target opening date of December 5th. The resort offers 2,000 feet of vertical drop and over 2,300 acres of terrain. 15 lifts service 86 total trails, 38% of which are black diamonds and 20% of which are expert terrain. Additionally, Kirkwood sees an average of 354 inches of snowfall every year.
Heavenly Ski Resort Opening Date
Heavenly Ski Resort, located just southeast of Lake Tahoe, is scheduled to open on November 21st. This season will celebrate Heavenly’s 70th anniversary with plenty of celebration, a Celebrity Banked Slalom, and more. Heavenly offers 4,800 acres of skiable terrain with 28 total lifts spread across the mountain. The mountain is home to 97 trails, 18% of which the resort considers advanced terrain and 80% of which the resort considers intermediate. On average, Heavenly sees 251 inches of snowfall in a season.
Northstar California Opening Date
Northstar California’s opening date is also scheduled for November 21st. Located on the northside of Lake Tahoe near the town of Truckee, Northstar offers 3,170 acres of skiable terrain with 20 total chairlifts. Their longest run, East Ridge – Logger’s Loop -Woods, runs for three total miles. The mountain has 100 total trails. Additionally, those willing and trained to venture into the backcountry can take advantage of 347 acres of gate accessed terrain off the mountain.
Epic Pass
The full Epic Pass currently costs $1,075 for adults and $548 for kids aged 5-12. Tahoe area skiers and snowboarders can choose between the full Epic Pass, Tahoe Local Pass, or Tahoe Value Pass depending on their plans for the winter. Prices go up on September 1st. This year also introduces the brand new Epic Friends tickets, allowing friends of passholders to purchase day tickets for 50% off.
