Summer Getaway Guide: Opening Dates for Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Palisades Tahoe Resorts
Northern Nevada experienced some wintry conditions earlier this week with strong gusts and rain showers. However, warmer temperatures are imminent, leading to an impending thaw of the mountain snowpack.
Two mountain resorts in the Sierra Nevada range continue their prolonged winter operations, yet numerous visitors anticipate their upcoming summer openings. These events signal the start of various summertime activities such as playing golf, enjoying gondola rides, and practicing mountaintop yoga.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s upcoming for Tahoe resorts this summer.
When will the Tahoe resorts begin operations for the summer season?
-
Heavenly
— May 23 -
Kirkwood
— To be determined once snow levels recede -
Northstar
— June 5, conditions permitting -
Mt. Rose
— Closed for summer; hiking and biking still available -
Diamond Peak
— Closed after winter season; no services available, but trails remain open for hiking and mountain biking -
Boreal
— Some facilities, like the Bunker, are open now; others will open later this year -
Palisades Tahoe
— June 20 -
Sugar Bowl
— Closed for summer; hiking and biking still available -
Mammoth Mountain
— May 22
What summer activities are available at Tahoe resorts?
Though
The Sugar Bowl, Diamond Peak, and Mount Rose
While these areas do not officially have a summer season, the wilderness surrounding the resorts remains accessible to visitors who wish to hike or bike.
Heavenly operates from Fridays through Sundays, inclusive of Memorial Day, during the initial three weeks of its summer season. On June 13, they switch to daily operations. The opening day on May 23 includes gondola tours, rides on the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, and snow tubing over residual spring snow. Meals can be enjoyed at Tamarack Lodge, with Bar 9150′ offering mountain-themed cocktails. Starting June 30, Discovery Day Camp commences, followed by the return of the Mountaintop Yoga Series every Sunday beginning July 6. Additional activities will continue to be introduced throughout the summertime.
Northstar’s summer kicks off with the golf course opening June 5, followed by the bike park on June 13 (conditions permitting). The resort anticipates “expanded trail access, new builds and the return of guest-favorite programs like Progression on Pedals – a community ride series led by top female coaches.” From July 11 through Labor Day, the bike park will offer extended hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Races and events like the Mini Enduro Series and Tahoe Trail 100 also return. Visitors can enjoy lift rides, hiking, golf and live music, dining, roller skating and shopping in the Village.
Similar to other resorts,
Kirkwood
offers self-guided bike trails, golfing and hiking.
Boreal
offers unique experiences for skaters, bikers and hikers during the summer. Open Wednesday through Sunday, visitors can check out The Bunker — an indoor play space with a trampoline park, a “parkourner” for gymnasts and parkour enthusiasts, and an indoor skate park. Sessions range from $29 to $129, depending on access. Outdoor skate parks and multiple trails for mountain biking and hiking are also available.
Admission to
Palisades Tahoe
The Aerial Tram doesn’t just provide views of Lake Tahoe during its ascent up the mountain; it also covers the expense of several activities for visitors once they arrive at the summit. An individual cable car ticket is priced at $39.
Monday–Thursday
and $49
Friday–Sunday
for adults, $27
Monday–Thursday
and $34
Friday–Sunday
for kids aged 12 and younger and $35
Monday–Thursday
and $44
Friday–Sunday
For individuals aged 70 and above.
Every ticket comes with a $5 food coupon valid at Rocker, High Camp, or 39 North (from Friday through Sunday). Additionally, you get access to mini-golf and a bungee trampoline experience for just $5 each, along with complimentary roller-skating sessions at the High Camp Roller Rink. Visitors have the opportunity to explore nearby hiking and biking paths, indulge in some retail therapy, and savor meals at mountaintop restaurants.
Mammoth Mountain
The summer kickoff starts on May 22 with Woolly’s Adventure Summit, offering family-oriented activities such as bicycle rentals, a mountain coaster, tubing, rock climbing, a ropes course, a mini zipline, and archery. If you’re looking for additional cycling opportunities or prefer spending your time on the golf course, the Mammoth Bike Park and Sierra Star Golf Course will be accessible from May 23 onwards.
Which ski resorts are currently operational in Tahoe?
Mammoth Mountain finished its winter season on April 20. However, Mammoth has a spring season, or second season, which moved all lift access to the main lodge on April 21. Canyon and Eagle Lodges closed April 20.
The ski season at Mammoth is anticipated to continue until Memorial Day, which falls on May 26, 2025, as reported.
powder.com
.
Palisades Tahoe also has one of the longer seasons in the region. According to its website, the
last day you can buy lift tickets is May 26
.
The article was initially published in the Reno Gazette Journal.
Summer opening dates for Tahoe resorts: Activities to enjoy at Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Palisades