We’re two weeks away from ski season kicking off in Lake Tahoe. Soon we’ll all be happily schussing the Sierra slopes with friends. Skiing is a perfectly safe activity right now, with most time being spent out-of-doors and resorts implementing spacing and extensive cleaning and sanitation in restrooms, lodges, and restaurants. Never before has enjoying beautiful outdoor spaces like Lake Tahoe been more important.
To help you navigate this unique ski season, we’ve compiled a guide to what can be expected, 2020/21 Lake Tahoe pass and lift ticket info., and what you need to know to plan a perfectly hatched (and safe) ski vacation in beautiful Lake Tahoe.
2020/21 North Lake Tahoe Ski Resort Opening & Closing Dates
Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows:
- Opening: November 25, 2020
- Closing: June 9, 2021 (estimated
Northstar California:
- Opening: November 11, 2020
- Closing: April 11, 2021 (estimated)
Boreal Mountain Resort:
- Opening: November 23, 2020
- Closing: April 19, 2021 (estimated)
Homewood Mountain Resort:
- Opening: December 11, 2020
- Closing: April 5, 2021 (estimated)
Diamond Peak Ski Resort:
- Opening: December 10, 2020
- Closing: April 11, 2021
Sugar Bowl:
- Opening: November 28, 2020
- Closing: April 18, 2021
Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe
- Opening: November 4, 2020 (estimated)
- Closing: May 5, 2021 (estimated)
Start Planning Your North Lake Tahoe Ski Escape!
What to Expect this Season in North Lake Tahoe
Inevitably, this ski season will look much different than years' past. Most notably, the resorts are all reporting that they will be maintaining social distancing in lift lines with corrals.
- Indoor spaces will be adjusted to reduce the number of people able to gather in a space, and this may mean more time outdoors for our guests.
- At some resorts, plans are in place to provide new contactless dining and lodging check-in options.
- Resorts will continue to implement enhanced cleaning procedures.
- Modified versions of ski and ride lessons, tours, tubing, and rentals will be offered, which will allow for smaller group interactions, social distancing, and a greater focus on outdoor spaces.
- All resorts are asking that guests commit to a health code of conduct, and continue to take measures such as wearing a face mask, frequent hand washing, and maintaining at least six feet of distance from others.
2020/21 Lake Tahoe Lift Ticket & Pass Options
Lake Tahoe Resorts on Epic Pass
To help keep you safe and give you the space you need, the Epic Pass, which affords for unlimited skiing at Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood and 60+ resorts worldwide, is launching a new reservation system that prioritizes pass holders. This year, Epic Pass holders enjoy exclusive early season access through December 7. There are a variety of customized pass options, including 1-day through 7-day passes, designed to meet a variety of needs and budgets.
You can also rest assured when purchasing your pass. Epic Coverage is free with every pass and provides refunds for job loss, injury, and certain resort closures (e.g. COVID-19).
After December 8, reserved lift tickets will be available.
Lake Tahoe Resorts on Ikon Pass
Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows has announced that it intends not to use a reservation system. Ikon Pass holders will enjoy the best and most flexible access to Squaw / Alpine resorts vs lift ticket customers, so we recommend purchasing your Ikon Pass ASAP if you plan to ski Squaw / Alpine or any of the other 40+ resorts available on the Ikon Pass.
Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders can enjoy unlimited skiing at Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows, and Ikon Session Pass 4-Day holders lock in discounted 4-day pricing now and choose from select destinations, including Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows.
All pass holders can rest assured if plans change with Adventure Assurance. For any reason, if you don’t use your 20/21 Ikon Pass, you will have the option to defer the purchase price paid for your 20/21 Ikon Pass toward the purchase of a 21/22 Ikon Pass.
However, If you only plan to ski for less than four days, purchasing lift tickets may be your cheapest option. Squaw / Alpine plans to manage visitation by eliminating walk-up tickets, but advance purchase tickets will still be available.
Homewood Lift Tickets
Advance lift tickets are now available at Homewood Resort. The resort will be limiting the number of lift tickets available per day, so purchasing your tickets in advance locks in your skiing days and you’ll save money.
Boreal Lift Tickets
Buy your Boreal lift tickets early (and online) and save up to 60% off walk-up window rates. Then, skip the ticket lines, with new self-serve ticket kiosks located inside the Woodward Bunker. Scan your purchase confirmation right from your phone and receive your new RFID card in just 30 seconds. Keep your card and reload it online for the parking lot to lift line access
Mt. Rose Lift Tickets
Online tickets must be purchased at least a day prior to your visit (by midnight the day before your visit.) Prices vary based on the resort's dynamic calendar where rates adjust depending on the time of year.
Coming Soon.
Diamond Peak Lift Tickets
Information and pricing are not listed yet. Check back soon.
Book Your North Lake Tahoe Rental
Larger vacation rentals are expected to be in especially high demand this season, so don't wait to book or may just be left out in the cold when it comes to your preferred lodging.