Tahoe Ski Resorts 2025/26: Opening Dates & Season Passes
NOAA is predicting a La Nina winter, which typically nudges the storm track farther north. This often redirects more moisture into the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. Forecasting a weak La Nina for fall and early winter often means ski resorts open by Thanksgiving.
Historical data from Tahoe’s Central Sierra Snow Lab shows that past weak La Niña winters have resulted in snowfall levels that were between near-average and substantially above-average, especially in the midseason and March/April period.
Lake Tahoe’s ski season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with all four of the region’s major mountains – Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, Mount Rose, and Homewood – gearing up for strong winters.
Additionally, you can generally save money by buying your pass early in the season. Here’s a look at expected opening dates and what’s new with each resort’s season passes for the 2025/2026 ski season.
Northstar California
Opening Date
Northstar typically kicks off around the third week of November. For the 2025–26 season, the projected start date is Friday, November 21. Of course, actual terrain openings will depend on weather and snowmaking, but Northstar consistently targets pre-Thanksgiving.
Season Passes
Northstar is part of the Epic Pass family, offering access across multiple Tahoe resorts and beyond. Passholders can choose between the full Epic Pass or more affordable regional options like the Tahoe Local Pass. Some pass types do carry peak-day restrictions, usually around major holidays like Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas to New Year’s, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, and Presidents’ Day weekend.
Click here for more information.
Palisades Tahoe
Opening Date
Palisades Tahoe has already circled Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as opening day. The resort plans to spin lifts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Season Passes
Skiers and riders here have several choices. The Palisades Local Pass offers unlimited, no-blackout skiing at both Palisades and Alpine. Seniors 80 and older ski free with their own dedicated pass. Palisades is also included on the Ikon Pass, which unlocks access to over 60 destinations worldwide, plus perks like lodging discounts, lesson deals, and savings on friends’ tickets.
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Mount Rose Ski Tahoe
Opening Date
Mount Rose is usually the first to open in the Tahoe area, thanks to its high base elevation. The resort is projecting an opening around Saturday, November 8, 2025. If conditions cooperate, skiers may be able to make their first turns here before anywhere else in the region.
Season Passes
Mount Rose keeps things flexible with multiple tiers:
- Premier Pass: Unlimited access, no restrictions.
- Classic Pass: More affordable but blacked out during key holiday periods.
- Off-Peak Pass: Budget-friendly, with restrictions on weekends and holidays.
- Select Pass: Choose one weekday for consistent midweek skiing.
Pass perks often include food and retail discounts, savings on lessons and rentals, and buddy ticket deals, making Mount Rose one of the best value options around Tahoe.
Click here for more information.
Homewood Mountain Resort
Opening Date
After closing for the entire 2024–25 season during redevelopment, Homewood is officially reopening for winter 2025–26. The resort is targeting Friday, December 5, 2025, as its comeback date.
Season Passes
Homewood is offering several pass categories: Unlimited, Value, Weekly 2-Day, and the True Local Pass for West Shore residents. A big change for 2025–26 is that all passes are unrestricted—no blackout dates at all. Day tickets and passes will remain available to the public, reaffirming Homewood’s commitment to accessibility after a year of uncertainty.
Click here for more information.
Tahoe’s 2025–26 ski season will offer something for everyone. Palisades is setting up for a big, festive Thanksgiving opening. Mount Rose looks ready to claim the earliest turns. Northstar’s Epic Pass connections make it ideal for those skiing multiple destinations. And Homewood’s return to the lineup, with unrestricted passes, is a welcome comeback story for the West Shore.
Whether you’re chasing powder days, looking for family-friendly terrain, or just want the best value, this winter’s pass options and early opening dates mean Tahoe skiers and riders will have plenty to celebrate.
We’ve had a lot of sales activity during the 3rd quarter of the Lake Tahoe real estate market. Contact us today for more information about available homes for sale with easy access to the ski resorts.
