Last updated 11/26/24
 

 
Planning your next winter adventure can be stressful, but your friends at Sports Basement are here to help you get the information you need so you can take full advantage of all those pow days. Keep on reading and check out our other guides to get the lowdown on all things snow for this season. And don't forget to drop by your local SB, say hello, and let us know how it all went!
 

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OPENING DAYS & LIFT TICKET RATES

There's snow on the mountains and resort opening days are set! With La Niña conditions growing, we could see above average snowfall in the California/Nevada region. If you're headed to Tahoe from the Bay Area, don't forget to leave the driving to us - our Ski Bus is now serving five different ski resorts!
 

Palisades Tahoe

Now Open

IKON Pass Resort 

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $111
4-Day Lift Pack (Adult): starts at $539 - Basementeers save an extra $40!
IKON Season Pass (Adult): starts at $1,019
Basementeers: get discounts on your Palisades Tahoe lift tickets!

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Opening December 7

IKON Pass Resort (new!)

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $150
3-Pak (Adult): starts at $89/day
Season Pass (Adult): starts at $439
IKON Season Pass (Adult): starts at $1,019
Basementeers: get discounts on your Sierra-at-Tahoe lift tickets!

Heavenly

Now Open

Epic Pass Resort

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $255
Epic 1-Day Pass (Adult): starts at $107 (prices increase Nov. 17)
Epic Season Pass (Adult): starts at $566 (prices increase Nov. 17)

Northstar

Now Open

Epic Pass Resort

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $265
Epic 1-Day Pass (Adult): starts at $107 (prices increase Nov. 17)
Epic Season Pass (Adult): starts at $566 (prices increase Nov. 17)

Kirkwood

Now Open

Epic Pass Resort

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $179
Epic 1-Day Pass (Adult): starts at $107 (prices increase Nov. 17)
Epic Season Pass (Adult): starts at $566 (prices increase Nov. 17)

Diamond Peak

Opening on December 5

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $140
2-Day (Adult): starts at $244
3-Day (Adult): starts at $360 (prices increase Dec. 3)
Season Pass (Adult): $699

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Opening November 29

IKON Pass Resort

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $99
Season Pass (Adult): starts at $459 (prices increase Dec. 2)
IKON Season Pass (Adult): starts at $1,019

Mammoth Mountain

Now Open

IKON Pass Resort

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $119
2-Day (Adult): starts at $160
3-Day (Adult): starts at $214
Quad Pack+ (Adult, Unrestricted): starts at $499
IKON Season Pass (Adult): starts at $1,019

Boreal

Now Open

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $109
3-Day (Adult): starts at $239
Night Pass (Adult): starts at $249
Season Pass (Adult, Unrestricted): starts at $659

Bear Valley

Opening December 7

 
Single Day (Adult): TBD
Base Pass (Adult): starts at $649
Cali Pass (Adult): starts at $749

Mt. Rose

Now Open

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $109
Season Pass (Adult): starts at $425

Sugar Bowl

Now Open

 
Single Day (Adult): starts at $99
Season Pass (Adult): starts at $589

Homewood

Closed for the 2024/2025 season

PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE

Wait, isn't that a principle of Leave No Trace? YES! Those are our commandments for the outdoors no matter the season or sport. Ways you can prepare this winter include:
 

Get a pass

You can support your local mountain while getting a pretty sweet deal for the season - the earlier you buy, the more you save!
 

Lease your gear and apparel

Especially if you’ve got growing kids or want to try-before-you-buy, renting is an awesome option for gearing up for the season. If you think you’ll rent more than a couple times, season leases save you money, help you avoid unnecessary trips to the store and lines at the resort, on top of giving you the flexibility to head up whenever you feel like it - you’ll be glad you’re ready on those powder days. Check out our snow rentals!
 

Keep an eye on the weather

If a storm is coming in and conditions could look dicey, avoid the drive, whether that means heading out earlier or rescheduling altogether - your safety comes first. Before you head out, don’t forget to make sure you have everything you need with our handy checklist!
 

Make a contingency plan

Some resorts will require a reservation in advance and will not have lift tickets available at the counter. If you don’t have a reservation for the day (and it’s required), there’s plenty of great places in Tahoe for sledding, snowshoeing, or even building a snowman.
 

Plan for parking - or take our bus!

Anyone that's visited a ski resort in the last few years knows that parking is an issue. Palisades is rolling out a paid parking system, and other resorts might, too. We highly recommend our Ski Bus to save you the drive and the parking woes, but we might be a little prejudiced.

PREPARE YOUR CAR, TOO

If you do need to drive yourself, know that winter weather is never predictable - it's important to be safe and prepared. Besides tire chains, Caltrans recommends you stock your car with the items below:
 

• Snow brush & ice scraper - keep your windows clear of snow so you can see it all
• Shovel - a lifesaver for when your car gets snowed-in
• Blankets & extra clothing - stay comfortable with warm blankets and your favorite hoodie
• Gloves - especially helpful for when you're installing chains
• Water & snacks - great to have if you're snowed-in, even better to have if you're not
• Flashlight - don't forget the batteries!
• First aid kit - always a necessity, whether you're snow-bound or not

Go to the next article:  Sports Basement's Snow Trip Essentials