Ski season in the Sierra officially starts tomorrow, and Mt. Rose is leading the charge.
Thanks to a talented mountain operations team, a powerful snowmaking system, and the advantage of Lake Tahoe’s highest base elevation at 8,260 feet, Mt. Rose will spin lifts Friday, November 21, kicking off daily operations for the 2025 winter season.
This is the kind of early-season moment that reminds locals why Mt. Rose holds a special place in the region’s ski culture. High elevation, cold nights, and a dedicated crew always seem to deliver one of the earliest openings in the Sierra—giving skiers and riders that first shot of winter stoke while the rest of the range waits for storms.
What’s Open on Day One
Mt. Rose opens with 1,000 vertical feet of top-to-bottom skiing and riding, offering a solid early-season lineup:
Lifts
- Lakeview Express – OPEN
Terrain
- Kit Carson Traverse
- Kit Carson Bowl
- Ponderosa
(All rated Blue: advanced-beginner/intermediate; no beginner terrain available.)
The resort notes early season conditions, advising all skiers and riders to stay on designated open runs and use caution around marked and unmarked obstacles. Off-piste travel is not recommended.
Park Features Begin Saturday
Freestyle riders will get their first taste of winter progression with select features opening on Ponderosa Park starting Saturday.
Hours, Services, and Important Notes
Lift Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Main Lodge: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Services Available:
- Lodgepole Café
- Higher Grounds Coffee Bar
- Timbers Bar
- Equipment Rentals and Tuning Center
- Private lessons begin Saturday
Parking: All parking is at the Main Lodge. There is no snow access from Lot 3, and guests should not attempt to ski to or from this area.
Tubing: Wildslide Snowtubing will remain closed until conditions improve.
A Few Critical Reminders from the Mountain
- Stay on open trails; all other terrain is closed.
- No dogs, sledding, drones, alcohol, or skiing with children in chest packs or backpacks.
- All season pass holders must sign the liability waiver before skiing.
- Check your pass at the Main Lodge—green light means you are cleared to load.
Safety First: Start the Season Smart
Early season is always a time to warm up legs, sharpen instincts, and step back into ski mode with awareness. Mt. Rose encourages guests to review the Skier Responsibility Code and the Ski California Mountain Safety Guide before heading up.
Looking Around the Lake: More Ski Season News
While Mt. Rose officially claims the first turns of the season, the rest of the Tahoe region is gearing up for their own winter debuts.
Heavenly Mountain Resort will still host its 70th Anniversary Celebration on Friday as planned, including scenic gondola access and the community festivities tied to this milestone year. However, Heavenly has pushed back its official opening day while they continue building out early-season coverage.
Palisades Tahoe remains committed to its November 26th opening target, relying on a strong snowmaking window and colder temperatures moving in.
Across the basin, other Tahoe and Sierra resorts are holding off on announcing revised opening dates, watching the forecast and waiting for the next round of storms before committing to new timelines.
It makes Mt. Rose’s launch all the more meaningful—an early-season reminder that winter really is underway, even if the rest of the region comes online a little later.
For now, Rose leads the way, and the Sierra’s winter energy is officially back.
