After a 20-inch snowfall, Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe is ready to open for the season on Monday. The storm helped the resort recover from warm weather that delayed its original Friday opening.
Winter Opening Updates
Vail Resorts, which owns Heavenly and two other major ski resorts in the Tahoe area, confirmed the opening in a press release on Saturday. The Northstar California Resort near Truckee still does not have a confirmed opening date, as staff continue to monitor weather conditions and make artificial snow. Kirkwood, located south of the Tahoe basin, is still scheduled to open on December 5.
Snowfall and Conditions
The Sierra Nevada region has experienced limited natural snowfall in recent weeks, making this weekend’s storm a welcome boost. Heavenly and Northstar have each received about 10 inches of snow on their upper slopes, below their typical season averages for this time of year.
Early Season Skiing Efforts
Sierra resorts often try to open some ski runs before Thanksgiving by using snow machines whenever temperatures drop. However, this year, unseasonably warm weather slowed those efforts, delaying the winter season start at several resorts.
Conclusion
With the new snowfall, Heavenly Mountain Resort is ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders for the season. Ski enthusiasts can expect improved conditions, while other Tahoe resorts continue preparing for their openings.
