Tahoe Ski Areas Release Winter 2025/26 Opening Dates

Featured Image: Dennis Baggett | Location: Kirkwood, CA

California might not be the first place you think of when ski season arrives, but several notable Lake Tahoe ski areas have announced that their lifts will start to spin in just under 80 days.

THIS IS NOT A DRILL! SKI SEASON IS COMING. Check out these Tahoe opening dates:

Heavenly: November 21, 2025

Northstar: November 21, 2025

Kirkwood: December 5, 2025

Retreating storms reveal a blanketed Kirkwood Resort | Photo: Katey Hamill

Although the current weather predictions don't look overly promising for the region, Pacific storms, cold fronts and lake-effect-fueled blizzards are always a possibility. Each of these three resorts have a large spread of terrain from beginner to expert. While Kirkwood is widely recognized as having an abundance of advanced riding, Heavenly is considered family-oriented and Northstar lands right in the middle. However, if you’re looking for park laps, Northstar is a must ride. The resort continuously builds some of the most impressive terrain parks on Lake Tahoe, with entire runs packed with rails and impressive jump lines.

Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood are all on the Epic Pass, with 2025/26 passes on sale now. If you haven't heard, Epic is now offering Epic Friend Tickets, which let you snag 50% off day passes for your crew. It's easily one of the most generous deal we've seen from a mega-pass provider in recent years, and significantly cuts day rates, making you the most valuable friend in your circle (congrats).

It's never too early to start planning your next ski trip. And with the snow already starting to make an appearance here in the Rockies, we couldn't be more ready for it.