Opening Day Celebrations Set For Heavenly, Northstar And Kirkwood

Cold temperatures and dry air have created ideal conditions for making snow in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort all plan to take advantage of this week’s cool weather window to build a solid base for the upcoming 2019-20 winter season.

Heavenly turned on their snowmaking machines at 9 a.m. on Sunday, activating the largest snowmaking system on the West Coast of the United States. Northstar and Kirkwood’s sophisticated snowmaking systems are set to kick in later this week on Friday, Nov. 1, conditions permitting. 

Using the latest computer technology, snowmaking operators are monitoring changes in air temperature, water pressure and wind direction. Snowmaking crews at Heavenly and Northstar are alerted instantly of these changes and are able to quickly turn on or off machines from their cell phones or computers to optimally prepare resorts for upcoming opening days.

The start of snowmaking is an exciting reminder that opening day celebrations at all three resorts, collectively known as the #TahoeTrifecta, are right around the corner. Heavenly and Northstar are scheduled to open together Friday, Nov. 22 and then Kirkwood is slated to on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Opening day details below.

Grab your Squad for First-turns and Après at Heavenly Opening Day

Heavenly will kick off the early season with a social-scene opening day celebration that carries guests from the Heavenly Village Gondola with complimentary donuts, hot chocolate and coffee in the morning to afternoon après at Tamarack Lodge and Bar 9150’ (famous for spiced-just-right Mountain Mary’s). A DJ and EMCEE will welcome guests at the base of the Heavenly Village Gondola, while a DJ CAT and live music from the “Send it Band” will seamlessly carry tunes up to the top of the mountain. Guests will have plenty of chances to win gear and swag, and then come together for the annual group opening day photo. Details at SkiHeavenly.com.

Fun for Everyone in the Village and on the Slopes at Northstar Opening Day

Elevated family fun will greet guests at Northstar California’s Opening Day, which will begin in the afternoon with a live band in the Village at Northstar. Complimentary s’mores and hot chocolate will welcome guests wishing to relax and explore the shops at Northstar after their first day on the slopes. Kids (and adults) with energy to spare can enjoy après ski face painting set to the tunes of DJ Funksalot at the Northstar Village Ice Rink, and then finish the day with a meal at Rubicon. Details at NorthstarCalifornia.com.

Fuel up and get Stoked for the Season at Kirkwood Opening Day

Early-risers can snag a burrito to eat on the lift and then drop into their winter flow at Kirkwood’s opening day.  Skiers and riders can score winter swag like buffs, fanny packs and maybe even a sweet new board to shred for the 2019/2020 season. Pass holders will have the chance to sample food and beverage offerings throughout the day, and all are invited to join the GoPro group opening day photo for a verifiable record of their early season start. Kirkwood.com.

Together the three resorts, or #TahoeTrifecta, offer skiers and riders access to over 10,000 acres of unparalleled terrain with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. Resorts will remain open through April. Each resort will continue to expand and open terrain as conditions allow. Guests are encouraged to visit SkiHeavenly.com, NorthstarCalifornia.com and Kirkwood.com for updates on the start of the winter season.