Tahoe ski resorts delay season opening with warmer weather; Heavenly opens Monday

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (KGO) -- Several major Tahoe ski resorts have delayed plans to open due to a lack of snow coverage.

ABC7 News checked in with Sierra ski experts for what's open and what's not and what that means for skiers and snowboarders hoping to hit the slopes this holiday week.

So far, the 2025 ski season is getting off to a slow start.

"We had some unseasonably warm temperatures heading into the last week," said Cole Zimmerman with Vail Resorts, Tahoe Region.

LIST: Tahoe ski resorts 2025-26 season opening dates

Heavenly Mountain Resort delayed its opening this weekend and is now opening on Monday.

"We originally planned to open on the 21st, but Mother Nature took a little longer to join the party here," Zimmerman said. "But in the last week though, we got 20 inches of snow and some really good temperatures for snowmaking."

Heavenly will open for skiing and riding.

"We're excited to have people back sliding around on snow this season," Zimmerman said.

Opening days for other resorts are still up in the air.

"Heavenly says they're going to open up Patsi's and Powderbowl. North Star is on hold. Kirkwood, Sugar Bowl and some of the other resorts are on hold," said Kevin "Coop" Cooper, a Sierra ski resort consultant.

Palisades Tahoe is delaying its opening day because there hasn't been enough snow.

Cooper described how the season has panned out so far and how atmospheric rivers have impacted snow conditions.

"We had a really good start to the season, Mother Nature laid down some moisture early on, grounds frozen, temperatures dropped," he said. "We've seen three really good AR (atmospheric river) events come through; upper elevations are covered. But unfortunately, Mother Nature is warming up a bit right now. So, that's going to close the snow-making window."

If you are hoping to hit the slopes before or after Turkey Day, "Just be ready to have early-season conditions. Make sure you check the websites out," Cooper said. "You want to Go to Mt. Rose. Go to Heavenly. Those are your two resorts that will be open for this Thanksgiving week."

Kirkwood Mountain Resort plans to open Dec. 5.