Snow-watchers: many Tahoe mountains are aiming to open by Thanksgiving and early December.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Resorts across the Lake Tahoe region have posted target opening dates for the 2025–26 winter season, with several major mountains aiming to turn lifts by Thanksgiving and more small, community resorts planning early-December starts. Key Vail Resorts properties — Heavenly and Northstar — are targeting Nov. 21, while Palisades Tahoe is scheduling an opening day on Nov. 26; other area resorts are set to follow through early December.
All opening dates are subject to change, based on weather and conditions
Opening day roundup (targets / projections)
Below are the most current, resort-level target opening dates and notes relevant to El Dorado County travelers. These are a mixture of official announcements and widely published projections; check each resort’s site before you drive.
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Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 (one of the earliest targets due to high elevation).
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Heavenly Mountain Resort (Vail): Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
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Northstar California (Vail): Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
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Boreal Mountain Resort: Projected Nov. 21, 2025.
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Sugar Bowl Resort: Projected Nov. 22, 2025.
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Palisades Tahoe (Alterra): Opening Day event scheduled Nov. 26, 2025 (9 a.m.–4 p.m.).
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Kirkwood Mountain Resort (Vail): Opening day scheduled Dec. 5, 2025.
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Diamond Peak: Projected early December 2025.
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Homewood Mountain Resort: The resort has confirmed plans to reopen for 2025–26 after closing for the 2024–25 season, though some redevelopment elements (including a new gondola) were delayed; final opening days are being finalized.
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Tahoe Donner downhill operations: Projected later in December (Tahoe Donner lists Dec. 19 in regional listings).
Why the dates matter for El Dorado County
Local business owners and emergency services typically see the first signs of winter tourism with opening-day crowds — increased traffic on Highway 50 and U.S. 50 approaches, higher demand for lodging, and pressure on municipal services in South Lake Tahoe and county gateways. Season-opening weekends can drive revenue for restaurants, rental shops and transportation operators serving El Dorado County residents and visitors.
Vail’s announcement also spotlights pass and ticket planning: Epic Pass options and new “Epic Friend Tickets” went on sale with fall pricing windows — a detail important to travelers planning holiday trips.
What to watch and practical tips
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Weather first. Early-season openings increasingly rely on a mix of natural snowfall and snowmaking. Resorts warn that advertised dates are targets, not guarantees.
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Terrain may be limited at first. Early openings commonly run a smaller number of trails and lifts while teams build a base.
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Buy early if you’re locked to holiday dates. Many resorts limit lift ticket inventory and encourage advance purchase. Vail and other operators are promoting early pass discounts and limited lift-ticket allocations.
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Plan for road conditions. Chain controls and heavy traffic are possible on Highway 50 and mountain passes during storm cycles and holiday weekends. Check Caltrans and resort webcams before you go. (See individual resort websites and local road authorities for real-time updates.)
Homewood’s restart, and community impacts
Homewood’s planned return for 2025–26 is notable for West Shore residents and nearby El Dorado communities—the resort had been closed during 2024–25 amid redevelopment and permitting delays. Management says the gondola installation has been postponed while the resort reopens with available infrastructure; season-pass sales were announced to return as the resort finalized plans.
