Getting to ski early in the season is one of the perks of owning a home around Lake Tahoe, and you have no shortage of options for kicking off the season on the slopes this year. November is the month when many local ski resorts open for the season, and many offer special early-season events to help you kick off the season in style. Our real estate agents have more on the best places around Lake Tahoe for early-season skiing this fall.

Heavenly Mountain Resort – South Lake Tahoe, CA

Address: 3860 Saddle Rd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Boasting incredible views of Lake Tahoe and a diverse range of terrain, Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort is the perfect place to kick off ski season this year. The mountain opens for the year on November 21, 2025, with discounts on season passes if you purchase at the start of the season. Your pass will grant access to 34 miles of groomed trails, tons of tricky, technical, tree-lined trails, and 28 lifts to help you get anywhere you want to go on the mountain. 

Kirkwood Mountain Resort – Kirkwood, CA

Address: 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr., Kirkwood, CA 95646

Looking for a more backcountry, out-of-the-way feel for your first ski trip? The base elevation at Kirkwood Mountain Resort tops out at 7,800 feet, so the snow is pretty much always deep and plentiful. The trails here are challenging with a real alpine feel, which makes this resort a favorite choice for advanced and expert skiers. This is also a great resort to visit if you like other mountainside activities, with snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing, and dog sled tours available.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort – Twin Bridges, CA

Address: 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Rd., Twin Bridges, CA 95735

Do you love spending time in the terrain park? Then you won't want to miss the diverse terrain parks, exciting Superpipe, and spectacular jumps at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort. The opening date for 2025 is on November 28, so you can kick off your ski season on Thanksgiving Weekend. Along with the more challenging terrain, this resort has plenty of beginner-friendly areas. It's a great place to visit if you're teaching the kids to ski or planning a group outing with people who aren't as experienced on the slopes.

Palisades Tahoe – Olympic Valley, CA

Address: 1960 Olympic Valley Rd., Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Planning to learn to ski this winter? Palisades Tahoe is an excellent place to learn the ropes, with their Perfect Progression Program, which includes three half-day lessons perfect for beginners, and a complimentary season pass to the resort. This is another resort that kicks off the season on Thanksgiving Weekend, and they'll also be hosting a special Kids Ski Free week from December 6-12, 2025, where kids under 13 can ski for free.

Northstar California Resort – Truckee, CA

Address: 5001 Northstar Dr., Truckee, CA 96161

Planning to rent a nice hotel room by the mountain while you ski? Northstar California Resort is a great place for a staycation, with resort rooms that make getting to the mountain a breeze. Once you're on the slopes, you'll be treated to some of the Lake Tahoe area's best skiing, with dozens of trails, tons of different terrain, and a dedicated Nordic cross-country skiing center.

Searching for a Lake Tahoe home that makes it easy to hit the slopes anytime? Our local team is here to help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Lake Tahoe area.