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Quick answer: Heavenly and Northstar plan to open first for the 2026-27 season, on Friday, November 20, 2026. Palisades Tahoe follows on Wednesday, November 25, the day before Thanksgiving. Sugar Bowl is targeting Friday, November 27, Diamond Peak plans to open Thursday, December 3, and Kirkwood plans to open Friday, December 4. Mt. Rose, Boreal, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Soda Springs, Tahoe Donner, Homewood and Donner Ski Ranch had not posted 2026-27 opening dates on their own websites as of October 10, 2026. Every opening date depends on snow and on nights cold enough for snowmaking.
Knowing when the resorts open helps you plan your first trip of the winter, whether you want early-season turns or a full mountain over the holidays.
This guide lists the 2026-27 Lake Tahoe ski resort opening dates that the resorts have announced, the usual closing window for each one, and tips for planning your ski trip.
2026-27 Lake Tahoe Ski Resort Opening Dates
Here are the planned opening dates from each resort’s official website or press release, checked on October 10, 2026. If a resort hasn’t published a date, the table says so.
| Resort | Planned opening | Typical closing | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavenly | Friday, November 20, 2026 | Mid to late April | skiheavenly.com |
| Northstar California | Friday, November 20, 2026 | Mid to late April | northstarcalifornia.com |
| Palisades Tahoe | Wednesday, November 25, 2026 | Late May (Memorial Day weekend in recent seasons) | palisadestahoe.com |
| Sugar Bowl | Friday, November 27, 2026 (target date) | Mid-April | sugarbowl.com |
| Diamond Peak | Thursday, December 3, 2026 | Mid to late April | diamondpeak.com |
| Kirkwood | Friday, December 4, 2026 | Mid to late April | kirkwood.com |
| Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe | Not announced yet | Mid to late April | skirose.com |
| Boreal | Not announced yet | Mid to late April | rideboreal.com |
| Sierra-at-Tahoe | Not announced yet (the resort says late November to early December is typical) | Mid to late April | sierraattahoe.com |
| Soda Springs | Not announced yet | Mid to late April | skisodasprings.com |
| Tahoe Donner | Not announced yet | Mid to late April | tahoedonner.com |
| Homewood | Not announced yet | Varies (closed March 17 in 2025-26) | skihomewood.com |
| Donner Ski Ranch | Not announced yet | Not published | donnerskiranch.com |
Typical closing dates come from recent seasons. In 2024-25, most Tahoe resorts closed in mid to late April and Palisades Tahoe stayed open to Memorial Day weekend, according to the Tahoe Daily Tribune. The dry 2025-26 season ended several weeks early at many resorts, so treat closing dates as a guide that changes with the snowpack.
What to know about this season’s openings
- Vail Resorts announced the Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood dates in an August 18, 2026 press release. All three dates depend on conditions.
- Palisades Tahoe lists Wednesday, November 25, 2026 as opening day on its events calendar.
- Sugar Bowl is targeting November 27. It is building a new Village Gondola this year, and its new Village Lodge hotel is scheduled to open December 18, 2026.
- Diamond Peak plans to open December 3, conditions permitting, and is celebrating its 60th season.
- Sierra-at-Tahoe is celebrating its 80th season. It opens as soon as it has enough snow, which it says is typically late November to early December, and it plans a celebration around its original opening date of December 21.
- Homewood plans to break ground on a new eight-passenger gondola in 2026 and had not announced an opening date.
- News outlets reported November 20 for Mt. Rose and November 27 for Boreal in August, but neither date appeared on the resorts’ own websites when we checked on October 10, 2026. Check skirose.com and rideboreal.com for the official word.
Tips for Planning a Skiing or Snowboarding Trip in Lake Tahoe
A ski trip to Lake Tahoe goes more smoothly with some planning, especially in the busy winter months. These tips will help.
1. Book Early for Lodging and Rentals
Ski season is a popular time at Lake Tahoe, and lodging near the resorts fills up fast. If you want to stay close to your favorite mountain, book well in advance. Our guide to where to stay in Lake Tahoe compares each area.
Resorts like Heavenly and Northstar are especially popular, and opening weekend and Thanksgiving week book up first.
Reserve your ski or snowboard equipment ahead of time as well. Many rental shops around Lake Tahoe take online reservations, so you can pick up your gear and get on the slopes without waiting.
2. Check the Weather and Road Conditions
Winter weather at Lake Tahoe changes fast. Heavy snow is great for the slopes, but it can make driving tricky.
Snowbanks and slick pavement on the Mount Rose Highway (SR 431) to Lake Tahoe. Photo: Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Check the forecast and road conditions before you leave. Chain controls are common on mountain highways after storms, so carry chains or drive a 4WD or AWD vehicle with snow tires.
Caltrans and the Nevada Department of Transportation post road updates, closures and chain controls.
You can also check out our guide to winter driving in Lake Tahoe here and our tips for traveling to Lake Tahoe during winter storms.
3. Consider Lift Ticket Deals and Season Passes
If you plan to ski or snowboard more than a couple of days, a season pass or multi-day lift ticket usually costs less than buying daily tickets at the window.
The Epic Pass covers Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. The Ikon Pass covers Palisades Tahoe, and Sierra-at-Tahoe lists Ikon Pass access on its website. Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak, Sugar Bowl and the smaller resorts sell their own passes, so compare prices before you buy.
4. Dress in Layers and Stay Warm
Winter temperatures at Lake Tahoe range from mild to well below freezing, especially at higher elevations.
Dressing in layers keeps you comfortable and lets you adjust as the day warms up or cools down.
Bring waterproof gloves, goggles, a helmet and thermal socks to stay warm on the slopes.
If you’re still not sure of what to pack and wear for winter in Lake Tahoe, we’ve got the right guide for you here.
5. Plan Off-Slope Activities
If you’re traveling with family or friends who don’t ski, Lake Tahoe has plenty of other things to do, from scenic lake cruises to fireside dining.
You can also go snowshoeing, snowmobiling or ice skating at popular spots like Heavenly Village. Our winter guide to Lake Tahoe has more ideas.
Find out more about these Tahoe winter activities with our guides here:
- Family-friendly Snowshoeing in South Lake Tahoe
- Best Places to Go Snowmobiling in Lake Tahoe
- Ice Skating in South Lake Tahoe
Top Lake Tahoe Winter Sports to Check Out
Which Lake Tahoe Resort is Best for You?
Each Lake Tahoe ski resort has its own strengths, so it helps to know what sets them apart.
- Best for Early Season Snow: Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has the highest base elevation in Tahoe at 8,260 feet and is often one of the first resorts to open and one of the last to close. Heavenly and Northstar have the earliest announced opening date this season, November 20.
- Family-Friendly Resorts: Northstar California and Soda Springs are both family-friendly with great beginner slopes, kids’ ski schools, and fun village atmospheres.
- Challenging Terrain: Kirkwood is known for its challenging runs and deep powder, which makes it a favorite for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
- Great Views and Scenery: Heavenly has wide views of Lake Tahoe from its slopes, which is perfect if you want the lake as your backdrop.
- Longest Season: Palisades Tahoe has stayed open to Memorial Day weekend in recent seasons, so it’s the best bet for spring skiing.
Lake Tahoe’s 2026-27 Ski Season
The 2026-27 season at Lake Tahoe is set to start on November 20, with more resorts opening through late November and early December as snow allows.
An early-season groomed run at Northstar California, late November. Photo: Clyde Charles Brown / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Whether you want to ski on opening weekend at Heavenly or Northstar or plan a spring trip to Palisades Tahoe, there’s a resort that fits your trip.
Lake Tahoe offers family-friendly resorts, challenging terrain and big lake views, which makes it a top destination for winter sports.
Check each resort’s website for lift status before you go, because early-season terrain is limited and dates can move with the weather. For events once the lifts are spinning, see our guides to Lake Tahoe November events and Lake Tahoe December events.
For more information on resort-specific amenities and tips, check out our other articles on Lake Tahoe Travel Tips. Happy skiing!
FAQs
Q: When do Lake Tahoe ski resorts open for the 2026-27 season?
A: Heavenly and Northstar plan to open on November 20, 2026, Palisades Tahoe on November 25, Sugar Bowl on November 27, Diamond Peak on December 3 and Kirkwood on December 4. Mt. Rose, Boreal, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Soda Springs, Tahoe Donner, Homewood and Donner Ski Ranch had not announced dates on their websites as of October 10, 2026. All dates depend on conditions.
Q: Can I ski at Lake Tahoe over Thanksgiving 2026?
A: Most likely, if the snow cooperates. Heavenly, Northstar and Palisades Tahoe all plan to open before Thanksgiving on November 26, and Sugar Bowl is targeting the next day. Early-season terrain is limited, so check each resort’s lift status before you go.
Q: Which Lake Tahoe ski resort opens first?
A: Heavenly and Northstar share the earliest announced date for 2026-27, November 20. Mt. Rose has the highest base elevation in Tahoe at 8,260 feet and often opens early, but it had not posted a 2026-27 opening date on its website as of October 10, 2026.
Q: When does ski season end at Lake Tahoe?
A: Most Tahoe resorts close in mid to late April in a normal year, and Palisades Tahoe has stayed open to Memorial Day weekend in recent seasons. Closing dates depend on the snowpack, and many resorts closed early during the dry 2025-26 season.
Q: Which Lake Tahoe resorts are on the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass?
A: Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood are on the Epic Pass. Palisades Tahoe is on the Ikon Pass, and Sierra-at-Tahoe lists Ikon Pass access on its website.
About the author: Sherry Boyer
Sherry Boyer has lived in the Reno/Tahoe region for seven years, and she and her husband spent decades visiting Lake Tahoe several times a year before they moved here. With extended family around the lake, they spend their free time hiking the trails, boating on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and fishing all over the area. Sherry writes Lake Tahoe Travel Tips to share the places they love with visitors.
