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.

With 18 world-class resorts right in our backyard, deciding which mountain to buy a pass to can be difficult, so let us help. *Most prices listed are SALE prices and will go back to their original amounts after the end of October – act now!

Alpine Meadows & Squaw Valley

Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley have joined forces to offer you access to two mountains with one pass!

Tahoe Super Pass

Adult (23-64)                         $799
Young Adult (13-22)             $529

Boreal

Unlimited

Adult (13-59):                        $279

Child (5-12):                          $99

Diamond Peak Lake Tahoe

Unlimited

Adult (18-64)                         $454

College (with ID)                   $209

Donner Ski Ranch

Adult (18-69)                         $249

Youth (13-17)                        $199

Heavenly Lake Tahoe & Northstar-at-Tahoe

Ride two premier Tahoe resorts, Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe, for one price with the Epic Pass:

Epic Pass

Adult (13+)                            $649

Child (5-12)                           $329

Homewood

Adult (19-61)                         $399 (reg)               $299 (locals)

Teen (13-18)                         $259 (reg)                $159 (locals)

Kirkwood

Premium + Alpine

Adult                                       $799

Junior (13-18)                       $459

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Unlimited

Adult                                       $377

U-22 (13-22)                          $199

Royal Gorge

Adult (18+)                            $425

Junior (13-17)                       $198

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Unlimited

Adult (23-69)                         $379

Young Adult (13-22)             $279

Soda Springs

Adult (18+)                            $199

Youth (13-17)                        $249

Sugar Bowl

CORE Unrestricted

Adult (23-59)                         $799

Young Adult (13-22)             $479

All pass-holders 4 and up can participate in General Admission. Get a FREE 2 hour group lesson at any level and standard gear rental on General Admission Days.

Tahoe Donner

Unlimited

Adult (13-59)                         $279

Child (7-12)                           $139

*Each resort offers a variety of passes to accommodate all needs. Please visit individual websites for a full listing. For more information on the upcoming ski season, check out our website.

Two North Lake Tahoe Resorts, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, have decided to combine ownership and operations to offer the ultimate Lake Tahoe experience. Season passes and lift tickets will allow skiers and boarders access to both mountains, located only 10 minutes from each other.

Stretching across eight peaks of the Sierra Mountains, the combination of the two resorts boasts 6,000 acres of some of the best terrain in skiing. Last year, the region accumulated over 800 inches of snow, breaking records for North America’s highest average annual snowfall.

The companies also announced an all new dual mountain season pass and six day card.  The all new Tahoe Super Pass will be available starting at $439 for adults, with the unrestricted adult pass available for $799, providing unlimited skiing and riding at both resorts for winter 2011-12. Also, the all new Tahoe Super Six is available for $399 for adults and provides six unrestricted days of skiing and riding for the 2011-12 season. Both the Tahoe Super Pass and the Tahoe Super Six are immediately available for sale and additional information can be found at www.squaw.com or by contacting the Squaw Valley Resort & Activity Sales Department at 1-800-403-0206. Passes previously purchased at Squaw or Alpine for winter 2011-12 will valid at both mountain resorts.

Squaw Valley has earmarked $50 million in capital improvements to Squaw Valley over the next three to five years, many of which will be apparent this winter.

For more information visit www.squaw.com.

About Squaw Valley
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is internationally renowned for its legendary terrain that spans over 3,600 skiable acres, six peaks and 30 lifts. From the expansive mountaintop beginner area to unrivaled expert steeps, trees and bowls, the resort offers terrain for all abilities. Off the mountain, families relax around the cozy village fire pits or stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets to enjoy a host of restaurants, boutiques, specialty wine shops and art galleries.  This winter, guests can enjoy new dining experiences, a new day lodge, vastly improved facilities at the base and on mountain and a new snowsports school as part of the resort’s $50 million renaissance.
Click here to view the Squaw Valley Trail Map.

About Alpine Meadows
Ranked as a top winter resort by SKI Magazine, Alpine Meadows is known for its abundant and varied skiable terrain, family-friendly atmosphere, and innovative children’s ski and snowboard programs. Alpine’s seven powder bowls, summit-to-base groomed slopes, and authentic hospitality have long been the resort’s reputed attributes among the local community and visitors alike. Alpine Meadows offers skiers and riders access to more than 100 trails across 2,400 skiable acres serviced by 14 lifts.  With its high annual snowfall, the resort boasts one of Tahoe’s longest skiing and boarding seasons, which this past season, along with Squaw Valley, ran through July 4th.
Click here to view the Alpine Meadows Trail Map.

With the 2011-2012 winter season on the horizon, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort is making steady progress on the $30 million in capital improvement projects currently underway at the resort – one of the largest capital investments at any resort in the U.S. this year. On-mountain projects will be completed for this year’s ski season, currently scheduled to begin November 18, 2011.

New projects to be completed for this season include the installation of a new high-speed chairlift and two new intermediate ski trails on The Backside of the mountain, construction of a new 500-seat on-mountain restaurant, and the construction of a new 22’ halfpipe that will be designed by Shaun White, who now calls Northstar® Resort his home mountain and primary training resort.

Promised Land Express

With a vertical rise of 1,440’, the new detachable express quad chairlift, dubbed “Promised Land Express,” will be installed this summer on “The Backside” of the mountain, providing access to expanded gladed terrain and new ski trails. The new lift will double the resort’s lift capacity on The Backside, a very popular area of the mountain known for its long, uninterrupted advanced trails and gladed tree skiing.

Two new intermediate trails will be served by the lift, and new snowmaking is being installed on both Drifter, an existing ski trail that also provides access to The Backside, and one of the new trails, allowing the resort to continue to offer some of the best early season skiing and riding conditions around the lake.

Zephyr Lodge

In addition to the lift, a new on-mountain restaurant is under construction that will offer 500 indoor seats as well as 200 outdoor deck seats. Centrally located on the mountain near the top of the Tahoe Zephyr Express lift, the new restaurant, the “Zephyr Lodge,” is being built in Tahoe great lodge style with an open floor plan, large timbers and a huge window wall offering spectacular views of the Pacific Crest. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of menu options including a Napa salad bar, gourmet pizza and specialty soups and sandwiches. The restaurant can be accessed by skiing or riding off of the Tahoe Zephyr Express, Backside Express, Promised Land Express or Comstock Express lifts.

New 22 Foot Halfpipe to be Designed by Shaun White

As a result of the recent partnership with two time Olympic gold medalist, Shaun White, Northstar Resort will work closely with White to design a new 22 foot halfpipe that will be open during the 2011-2012 winter season for skiers and riders to enjoy. Northstar Resort will also serve as White’s primary training resort.

Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort’s 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 $379 for the Tahoe Value Pass, which provides seven day per week access to Heavenly Mountain Resort and six day per week access to Northstar Resort. Some restrictions apply. Other pass options are available, including the Epic Pass, priced at just $649. 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 Resort in Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. For more information, visit www.epicpass.com.

For the most up-to-date photos of the capital projects underway at Northstar Resort, visit www.northstarattahoe.com

This Independence Day, Reno Tahoe is giving you the chance to love the good ol’ U. S. of A. in a whole new way. Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl Resort are re-opening their slopes for the 4^th of July weekend and hosting Independence Day parties you’ll never forget. C’mon, how often do you have the chance to ski/board in July? With near-record breaking snowfall this past winter, we can’t pass up the opportunity to utilize what Mother Nature has given us.

Just because you’re snow skiing doesn’t mean you won’t be able to show off your summertime bikini bod, it will be 70 degrees on the slopes! Between runs take a plunge in Squaw Valley’s High Camp Swimming Pool and Hot Tub or enjoy a cold beer and live music on the slope-side decks of Alpine Meadows.

Locals know what happens, eh around noon, on most ski hills in summer time – slush. But don’t worry; the resorts will be well prepared back at the lodge with t-shirts, food, games and tunes to keep the party going all day long.

No matter what hill you choose, you’ll be riding out your 4^th of July weekend with an experience only a handful of people can say they’ve done.

Check the list below for brief event details each mountain has to offer.

Alpine Meadows

Ski, snowboard and party from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with après-ski* festivities happening from noon to 4pm daily. *Drinking, mostly.

Lift Tickets: $37 in advance, $50 day of.

Squaw Valley USA

Friday, July 1:

• KT Concert Series – Stung 6-8:30pm
• 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival 10am-6pm

Saturday, July 2:

• DJ at High Camp, 1-3pm
• Live Music at Gold Coast, 12-2pm
• 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival 10am-6pm

Sunday, July 3:

• DJ at High Camp, 1-4pm
• Cushing Crossing 2-4pm
• Big Head Todd and the Monsters KT Sundeck 7:30-9:15pm
• Fireworks show 9:15pm
• 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival 10am-6pm

Monday, July 4:

• DJ at High Camp, 1-3pm

Dogs are welcome in the base Village but for their safety, dogs will not be permitted on the Cable Car July 2-4

Lift Tickets: $49 for adults, $12 for kids 12 and under. All tickets include a commemorative T-shirt on July 4, while supplies last.

Sugar Bowl Resort

Season Pass holders for 10/11 or 11/12 seasons only. Disney Express Chairlift from 8:30am to 12pm on Monday, July 4, with skiing and boarding on all trails off Mount Disney. Festive holiday BBQ and bar on the Lodge at Sugar Bowl deck from 10:30am to 2pm.

Tahoe Ski resorts say they have exceeded their annual season snowfall total – with only one month left to enjoy the incredible conditions!

A powerful, cold storm is to thank for all the fresh snow. It dumped 7’ of light, dry powder in seven days. It is not only giving our skis and boards another chance to get out, it added to the area’s snowpack, in turn helping Lake Tahoe ski resorts stay open well into the month of May! As if that wasn’t enough, mix in the breathtaking views, affordable ski packages, great après ski drinks and food and voila! You’ve just planned an entire day with the fam. (Or alone – maybe you need the escape)

The recreational options are limitless! You can learn how to ski or snowboard, or just spend the day sledding and making snow angels.

Lift tickets are as low as $29 per day and ski/ride packages start as low as $59 per person, with affordable airfare into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Invite your friends and help the ski resorts celebrate with on-mountain festivals, unique competitions and live music… under a sky that sees over 300 days of sunshine a year.

The clock is ticking.

The recent fresh powder should have you thinking of doing only one thing – hitting the slopes, of course! On Sunday, April 11, head to Alpine Meadows with the entire family for the Lil’ Air Mountain Festival and watch your little skier or snowboarder show off his or her skills.  Lil’ Air gives all boys and girls 10 and under a chance to compete in the Alpine’s Kids Tiegel Terrain Park, located near the base lodge.

“This is a great way for kids to have lots of fun while being part of a fun festival atmosphere too.  Everyone has fun, makes new friends, and everyone wins,” said Jim McAlpine of Snowbomb.com and Lil’ Air Mountain Festival sponsor.

The Lil’ Air Mountain Festival event venue will provide two roller jumps in the Kids’ Tiegel Park, with jumps that best fit each competitor’s ability level.

Competitors can register the day-of the event, upstairs in the main lodge from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  The registration fee is only $10 and includes an Alpine Meadows t-shirt, Huck doll, and raffle ticket for a chance to win more prizes.  Lift tickets must be purchased separately at the ticket window.

Practice will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the competition is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Awards will given out at 2:00 p.m. on the Alpine Meadows sun deck.  Each participant will receive a certificate of achievement. Commemorative photos will also be available for purchase, to show off at school, of course.

Don’t miss this opportunity to cheer on your little one at one of SKI Magazine’s top winter resorts.

For more information about the Alpine Meadows Lil’ Air Mountain Festival, email info@snowbomb.com.

Spring fever has hit the slopes in Reno-Tahoe – the birds are chirping, the air is warm and the snow is turning to corn. But spring is more than the celebration of perfect T-shirt turns for skiers and boarders, it’s also the time to plan ahead for next year and land your 2009-2010 pass for the (sometimes) discounted price.

Check out these deals at Reno-Tahoe ski and board resorts*:

• Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: $399 – purchase now and ski the rest of this season for free
• Diamond Peak Ski Resort: $454 – purchase now and ski the rest of this season for free
• Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort: $329 – includes Sierra-at-Tahoe access
• Alpine Meadows: TBD
• Squaw Valley USA: $369
• Heavenly Tahoe: $579 – includes access to other Vail Mountain Resorts Co. properties
• Boreal: $229 – this deal is available for the next 10 days!
• Sugar Bowl – TBD

For a complete list of Reno-Tahoe resorts, go online.

* Adult rates: Check Web sites for details on children/students/seniors pricing as well as any restrictions.

Returning for a second year after a successful inaugural race, Rock-n-River in Reno has expanded its format to include options for runners looking to enhance their skills, train, qualify or just have fun.

The famous Reno Arch provides the starting gate for the May 3 races that include a new marathon, a half marathon option, and a new 10K and kids fun run with the course traveling along the Truckee River and winding through downtown Reno. A large portion of the race proceeds will be given to a local non-profit foundation focused on bringing awareness, preventative education and support to people suffering from a variety of eating disorders in the Truckee Meadows.

In 2008, more than 800 runners participated and event producers are anticipating more than 1,500 registrants this year. A pre-race dinner with guest speaker Tim Twietmeyer, a Western States Endurance Run record holder from Auburn, Calif., is scheduled for Friday, May 1 at the Eldorado Hotel Casino.  Advance registration and a pre-race expo starts on Saturday, May 2 at Harrah’s Reno.

Registration is available online at Rock-n-RiverHalfMarathon.com with fees starting at $50 for the full marathon, $45 for half marathon and $30 for the 10K and a free kids fun run.  Each participant receives a t-shirt, finisher medal, race goodie bag and post-race massage.  Additional festivities include live entertainment, food and beverages. Top runners also have the chance to receive cash prizes, hotel packages compliments of Eldorado Hotel and Casino and more, as well as first-, second- and third-place awards for all age group categories.

Last weekend’s snow in Reno-Tahoe reminded us of the reason for the season – skiing and boarding! Hopefully the early season flurries are indicative of a snowy winter ahead.

For regular, even semi-regular, skiers and boarders a season pass is a worthwhile investment. Here’s a breakdown of pass prices at local resorts (adult). Drop a few coins on a pass now … it will pay off when the big dumps come this winter!

• Alpine Meadows: $599-$1,074
• Boreal Mountain Resort: $199-$329
• Diamond Peak: $109-$567
• Donner Ski Ranch: $249
• Heavenly Lake Tahoe: $379
• Homewood Mountain Resort: $349-$499
• Kirkwood: $439-$569
• Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: $599
• Northstar-at-Tahoe: $299-$749
• Sierra-at-Tahoe: $299-$749
• Soda Springs: $199
• Squaw Valley USA: $1,889
• Sugar Bowl: $299-$839
• Tahoe Donner: $270

* Prices may reflect early season specials/online discounts.