Northern California ski resorts kick off the season: a round-up of openings

Snow has been stacking up at Northern California ski resorts this week. Mammoth opened Thursday with a base of more than 30 inches at some elevations, and Lake Tahoe resorts received more than a foot of snow. Here’s a round-up of which major resorts are open and when others plan to open, as of Friday, and the latest on lift ticket prices. The dates may change, so check resort websites for up-to-date information.

(Meanwhile, on Thursday, Mountain High in Wrightwood became the first major Southern California ski resort to open for the season.)

Alpine Meadows
Planned opening: To be announced
Proof of winter’s start: Check out the snow-packed videos shot at different elevations. For opening weekend, which the website says may be Dec. 11 and 12, beginner skiers and snowboarders can get lessons for just $25, gear included.
Day lift tickets: $71 for adults, $54 for teens, $15 for children.
Contact: Alpine Meadows, (530) 583-4232

Boreal
Open
The slopes opened to skiing and riding after a storm dumped about a foot of snow this week — and snow-making kicked into gear. The Playland Tubing area also opened, though with just one lane as of Friday.
Day lift tickets: $49 for day for adults, $39 for teens, $15 for children.
Contact: Boreal, (530) 426–3666

Heavenly
Planned opening: Nov. 19
The recent video on the resort’s home page showed the beginnings of a nice snow covering. Heavenly’s website said that a fourth terrain park, called Ante Up, will open this year with features such as tractor tires, water tanks and other urban-meets-nature touches.
Day lift tickets: $57 per day for adults, $43 for teens, $33 for children.
Contact: Heavenly, (800) 243-2836

Kirkwood
Planned opening: First weekend in December
The resort has received snow, but it hasn’t set a firm date to open, a spokeswoman said. Keep your eye on the website in case a storm hits and Kirkwood opens earlier than expected.
Day lift tickets: Rates haven’t yet been set.
Contact: Kirkwood, (209) 258-6000

Mammoth Mountain
Open
Check out the details at the Los Angeles Times blog Outposts.
Contact: Mammoth Mountain, (800) 626-6684

Mt. Rose
Planned opening (tentative): Nov. 20-21
The most visible new feature here are three energy-generating “wind spires” on the way to the lodge, according to the website.
Day lift tickets: $69 per day for adult, $55 for teens, $19 for children.
Contact: Mt. Rose, (800) 754-7673

Northstar-at-Tahoe
Planned opening: Nov. 19
The grooming has begun on the slopes of this resort,which recently became a sister to Heavenly. This Travel blog post carries news of the recent sale and a season-long Stay & Ski Free offer.
Day lift tickets: $84 per day for adults, $74 for young adults, $32 for children.
Contact: Northstar, (800) 466-6784

Sierra at Tahoe
Planned opening: To be announced
Two new lifts open at the resort this season to take beginners to four new acres of easy terrain, the resort’s website says.
Day lift tickets: Start at $71 for adults, $61 for young adults, $18 for children.
Contact: Sierra at Tahoe, (530) 659-7453

Squaw Valley USA
Planned opening: Nov. 20
Night skiing will be expanded, with hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends, the website reports, with lights added for terrain park riders.
Day lift tickets: Rates aren’t posted yet.
Contact: Squaw Valley USA, (800) 403-0206