A powerful Sierra snowstorm has moved through the Lake Tahoe region, leaving up to 10 inches of new snow at Tahoe Resorts; including, Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort.  With Lake Tahoe’s two largest snowmaking systems already operating for over a week, these two resorts have a jump start on opening for the 2011-12 season on Friday, November 18, 2011, weather and conditions permitting.

“This storm packed a good little punch, really supplementing what we’ve been able to accomplish with the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system,” said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly’s general manager. “We’re looking forward to a rocking opening week, with awesome entertainment and the finest snow quality and surface conditions.”

Heavenly is making snow at the top of the Gondola, California Trail and Ante Up Terrain Park.

“This first storm system has not only helped our efforts with the addition of natural snowfall, but the cold temperatures it has brought with it will allow us to continue our snowmaking efforts in the coming days,” said Bill Rock, vice president and chief operating officer of Northstar California Resort. “We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests back for another incredible winter season.”

Northstar is making snow on several trails including Main Street, Lower Pioneer, Pinball, Lumberjack, in the Big Easy beginner learning area, and on Cat’s Face where Shaun White’s signature 22’ halfpipe will be built.

Opening Weekend

Winter Ignite, a 24 Hours of Heavenly event, kicks off on Opening Day, November 18, 2011, with an après ski party at Heavenly’s spectacular Tamarack Lodge and the South Lake Tahoe premiere of “Like There’s No Tomorrow,” the latest installment of the Warren Miller movie franchise, and a concert by Grammy-winning American blues and rocker Jonny Lang. The fun continues through a wild week of parties, music, entertainment and giveaways, culminating with a pool party inside MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa and a concert by British alt-rockers BUSH on November 26, 2011.

At Northstar, opening weekend includes live music from the Village Stage featuring super-charged acoustic rockers Ike and Martin, country crooners Curtis and Luckey, and indie band, The Novelists. Northstar will also hold its very first Epic Mixer at the Big Springs Day Lodge, celebrating the resort launch of Vail Resorts’ award-winning mobile and online app with drink specials and EpicMix experts who will help new users activate their accounts.

The Tahoe Value Pass – The Best Deal in Snowsports!

The 2011-2012 winter season is scheduled to run from November 18, 2011 to April 15, 2012, weather and conditions permitting. Season passes are now on sale, starting at just $389 for the Tahoe Value Pass, which provides seven-day-per-week access to Heavenly Mountain Resort and six-day-per-week access to Northstar California Resort. Some restrictions apply. Other pass options are available, including the Epic Pass, priced at just $669. The Epic Pass offers unrestricted access all season long to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, and both Heavenly and Northstar California Resort at Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. For more information, visit www.epicpass.com.

Snow is piling up in the Sierra Mountains surrounding the iconic Lake Tahoe… ski season is near.

Now boasting the largest ski resort in the nation, and the largest cross-country resort in North America, Reno Tahoe is going to be the hub of another unforgettable record-breaking season.

Be one of the heads to hit the first runs of the season. Here are the opening dates (weather dependent) for the region’s ski resorts:

Boreal Mountain Resort – OPEN

Heavenly Mountain – OPEN

Northstar – OPEN

Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe –OPEN

Squaw Valley USA –OPEN

Sugar Bowl – Nov 24-28 & re-opening Dec 2

Tahoe Donner Ski Resort –December 9

Alpine Meadows – December 10

Diamond Peak Ski Resort –December 15

*List will be updated as resorts continue to announce their opening dates. For more information on local ski resorts and other wintertime activities, visit our website at VisitRenoTahoe.com.

We love skiing and boarding. There is something about cutting through fresh powder on a blue-bird afternoon, sharing the epic moments of each run on the chairlift and relaxing in one of Reno’s resorts’ spas after a long day on the hill, that stirs a feeling through your bones; cultivating a new addiction.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to ski/board (without spending an arm and a leg) so here it is. North Lake Tahoe is giving you a weekend to get it all – lift ticket, equipment and lessons – all for only $30! You’ll cruising down the slopes in no time.

The 12th Annual Learn to Ski and Board Weekend, scheduled for December 10-11, is geared for beginners, costs only $30 and includes an all-day beginner lift ticket, group lesson and gear rental.

Pick from one of our top resorts  which includes Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain Resort, Granlibakken Resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl. Several resorts are also offering guests a bounce back offer with unbeatable savings good on a return visit to show off your newly learned skills to all your friends!

Reservations are not required, but participants should arrive early. Lesson packages can be purchased at each individual resort the day of lessons. Students should contact resorts directly for resort-specific information.

Some restrictions apply. Resorts not open December 10-11 due to early conditions may offer a Learn to Ski Weekend later in the season when weather permits.

For more information about Learn to Ski, the best deals on lodging, events, dining and winter activities, click to www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. The North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, work together to promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.