Epic summer escapes are heating up in Tahoe’s mountain resorts — and if you’re an Epic Pass holder, it’s time to cash in.
As the last patches of snow melt away, Lake Tahoe’s iconic ski destinations — Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood — are flipping the script on the typical “off-season.” Scenic gondola rides, alpine concerts, bike trails, mountaintop brews, and fresh pine-scented air await. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline or serenity, summer in the mountains is calling — and it’s more Epic than ever.
☀️ So, What Can You Actually Do at Tahoe’s Epic Resorts This Summer?
Heavenly: Take In the View, Then Rock Out
- Opening Day: May 23
- Don’t Miss: Scenic gondola rides, Lakeview Zipline, and the Brews & Views après experience
- Pro Tip: Epic Pass holders ride free, and get 20% off food and lodging
This summer, trade powder for panoramic vistas. Heavenly’s gondola lifts you high above South Lake Tahoe for unbeatable views and a network of easy-access hikes. Stick around for their summer music series and après events with live music and local brews.
Northstar: Ride, Golf, Relax
- Opening Day: June 13
- Don’t Miss: Lift-served mountain biking, 18-hole golf course, and craft eats at The Village
- Pro Tip: 20% off bike rentals and tee times with your Epic Pass
Northstar is built for laid-back summer adventure — think scenic rides through towering pines, trail loops for all levels, and an upscale mountain village perfect for après-bike tacos and Tahoe vibes. It’s also a great place to sneak in a work/play day with Wi-Fi and shade by the fire pits.
Kirkwood: Wild and Quiet — In the Best Way
- Opening Date: TBD — opens once snow melts
- Don’t Miss: Uncrowded hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and that signature alpine solitude
- Pro Tip: Bring a camera and your trail shoes — this is the spot for early morning hikes and secret lake selfies.
Kirkwood trades its double blacks for backcountry bliss in the summer. When it opens, it offers one of the quietest escapes in the region, perfect for those looking to get off the grid without leaving the Sierra.
🎟️ Bonus: Epic Pass = Summer Perks
- Free scenic gondola access at select resorts
- 20% off on-mountain dining, lodging, golf & bike rentals
- Access to exclusive events like Heavenly’s Brews and Views
- May 26 is your last chance to buy the 2025/26 Epic Pass at the lowest price, and still get Buddy Tickets & Ski With a Friend deals
💡 Why It Matters for Tahoe-Lovers
If you only think of these resorts in terms of powder days and après-ski, you’re missing half the story. Tahoe’s mountain resorts are creating full-circle, all-season experiences that give visitors new ways to connect with the mountains. Whether you’re road tripping for a day hike, escaping the heat, or just chasing that fresh air feeling — Tahoe’s ski resorts have reinvented summer for outdoor lovers.
👉 Ready to plan your Tahoe summer adventure before the Epic Pass prices go up on May 26?
📍 Explore more: https://sierrarecmagazine.com/destinations/explore-lake-tahoe-reno/
