“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” took on a whole new meaning this past weekend as more than four feet of snow fell on Tahoe ski resorts, guaranteeing prime conditions for the holidays. With roads plowed, a forecast of sunshine throughout the week, and expanded ski terrain now open, Santa arrived early for winter enthusiasts and the area’s hospitality businesses.
With area ski resorts now boasting 136-183 inches of snow to date, resorts are close to having 100 percent of lifts/trails open for the 2022-23 season. www.visitlaketahoe.com.
“’Tis the season to be jolly and we sure have a lot to celebrate with this powder-filled start to the ski season well before the holidays,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “We are appreciative of our snow removal teams and resorts to keep the roads and mountains safe. As always with storms, we highly encourage monitoring official sources, plan ahead, drive slowly and arrive prior to the storm or delay departures for a more seamless winter vacation.”
EXPANDED TERRAIN
Heavenly Mountain Resort opened Stagecoach lift this past Saturday and anticipates to debut its new North Bowl lift soon. This is the new high-speed, four-person detachable lift – an upgrade from the former triple chair to increase uphill capacity more than 40 percent and reduce ride and wait times while providing better access to underutilized terrain.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort anticipates having 100 percent of trails open by this weekend just in time for Kirkwood’s 50th anniversary. A short film will debut at the sold-out event “50 Years Deep: The Story of Kirkwood,” but will be available via YouTube the following week. With these great conditions, Kirkwood expects parking lots to fill up and highly encourages carpooling and arriving early to avoid traffic around opening time.
Sierra-at-Tahoe is the comeback story of the year – the recent storm enabled Grand View to open Dec. 12 – a main access point and a lift that received extensive damage during the devastating Caldor Fire. More trails will be accessible as conditions allow.
WINTER WONDERLAND
Heavenly Village 20th Anniversary – the celebration as South Shore’s central winter gathering place will continue throughout the month with a full schedule of family events and activities. The good tidings and cheer for kids young and old includes: Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 17 and 24; Holiday Paint & Sip, Dec. 10-17; Santa Claus is Skiing to Town, Dec. 17; Heavenly Village Holiday Sip & Shop, Dec. 17; Village Ice Sculpture Contest, Dec. 26; Meet Your Favorite Characters, Dec. 26-30; Visit Lake Tahoe Ferris Wheel, Dec. 26-31; Holiday Face Painting, Dec. 27-31; Heavenly Winter Filmstream Festival, Dec. 29-30; Visit Lake Tahoe Build-A-Bear, Saturdays in December and even a Toyota Rail Jam. For details on each and specific locations for all events within the Heavenly Village, visit: https://visitlaketahoe.com/.
WELCOME 2023
Live music on New Year’s Eve will take place on Heavenly Village’s Main Stage with multiple DJ’s and bands, Dec. 31, from 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Heavenly Holidays reaches its zenith on New Year’s Eve with a gondola drop coordinated with the midnight ball drop in New York City’s Time Square, at 9 p.m. PT, and 2023 will be rung in by ’90s alternative rock band, Gin Blossoms, accompanied by fireworks. To celebrate New Year’s Eve midnight Pacific Time, the largest gathering will be at Hard Rock’s Guitar Plaza with a DJ and fireworks show.
CONSIDER REMOTE WORK
With the ability for many to work remotely we encourage winter enthusiasts to consider that into their plans, come prior to the storm/work and then play. If snowstorms occur on Sundays when most guests are leaving, consider staying another night for ease of travel.
For more information, events, promotions, packages, conditions explore Visit Lake Tahoe: www.VisitLakeTahoe.com
About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Designated the “America’s Favorite Ski Destination” by USA TODAY readers, Visit Lake Tahoe combines the distinctive appeal of two worlds: unparalleled natural beauty and an array of world-class outdoor recreation, entertainment, nightlife and gaming. As a responsible tourism destination, it offers a balanced approach regarding social and environmental impacts to preserve its appeal for generations. For information about lodging, recreation, events, and mindful travel at Visit Lake Tahoe, call 1-800-288-2463 or log onto www.VisitLakeTahoe.com.
