Lake Tahoe skiers and riders can officially start the countdown: Vail Resorts has announced target opening dates for the 2025/26 winter season, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood are all on the calendar. With snowmaking prep already underway, the Tahoe region is aiming to welcome guests before Thanksgiving, once again anchoring one of the longest ski seasons in the West.
Lake Tahoe Opening Dates
- Heavenly Mountain Resort – November 21, 2025
- Northstar California Resort – November 21, 2025
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort – December 5, 2025
For Tahoe skiers, this means the slopes should be ready for turns heading into the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with Kirkwood following shortly after in early December. Heavenly will also mark a milestone year, celebrating 70 seasons of skiing and riding with its iconic lake views. Expect special events and festivities throughout the winter to honor the mountain’s place in Tahoe history.
Epic Pass Connections: Tahoe and Beyond
One of the biggest advantages for Tahoe skiers and riders is how Epic Pass access stretches far beyond the Sierra. While Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood anchor your local season, the same pass unlocks legendary destinations across the globe:
- Colorado Favorites – Breckenridge (opening Nov. 7), Vail Mountain (Nov. 14), Beaver Creek (Nov. 26), Keystone (mid-October, often the first to open).
- Utah – Park City Mountain (Nov. 21), with a brand-new high-speed Sunrise Gondola debuting for faster Canyons Village access.
- Canada – Whistler Blackcomb (Nov. 21), celebrating its 60th anniversary this season with new “Wonder Routes” that showcase the mountain’s unique terrain and après culture.
- Europe – Swiss resorts Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis (Nov. 15) and Crans-Montana (Nov. 29), plus Epic’s long list of partner resorts in Austria, France, and beyond.
Even if Tahoe is home base, your pass gives you the chance to chase early-season snow in Colorado, experience Whistler’s spring festivals, or even plan an overseas ski holiday.
New Perks for 2025/26
- Epic Friend Tickets – Passholders will receive 6–10 tickets offering friends 50% off lift tickets at 37 North American resorts. Even better, friends can apply the cost of one of those tickets toward an eligible 2026/27 Epic Pass.
- No Reservations Required – Unlike past seasons, no Epic Pass resort will require advance reservations this year, including partner resorts like Telluride.
- Pass Options –
- Epic Pass – $1,075 adults / $548 children; unlimited access to more than 90 resorts worldwide.
- Epic Local Pass – $799 adults / $416 children; season-long access to 29 resorts, including all three Tahoe mountains, with some holiday restrictions.
- Epic 1–7 Day Pass – Flexible pass that saves up to 65% compared to lift tickets by purchasing in advance.
Planning Your Winter in Tahoe
With Tahoe’s opening dates set and Heavenly preparing for its 70th anniversary celebration, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a season of fresh turns, special events, and deep snow days. The Epic Pass ensures your winter doesn’t stop at Lake Tahoe—whether you want to explore Kirkwood’s steep terrain, take laps through Northstar’s family-friendly groomers, or fly to Whistler or Switzerland, your options are truly global.
