Season pass holders ski Mt. Rose Oct. 19

Five Lake Tahoe area snow resorts operating this week

With more than a foot of snow forecast for Wednesday, the number of snow resorts open in the Lake Tahoe region should increase significantly.

Five resorts with substantial snowmaking capabilities have opened for the season. That includes Mt. Rose, which opened for season pass holders only on Oct. 13. I has three of its eight lifts operating.

Northstar is operating four of its 20 lifts outside of Truckee, while nearby  Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows has seven of its 42 lifts turning.

Finally, in South Lake Tahoe/Nevada, the Heavenly Mountain Resort has two of its 30 lifts operating.

The expected snowfall, with as much as 18 inches predicted for higher elevations, coupled with another storm forecast for Friday could allow opening of other lifts at these five resorts, while other resorts may swing into operation.

Managers at Kirkwood are hoping to start operations on Wednesday, while other resorts are targeting December openings that could move up with significant snowfall.

In the Southern Sierra, Mammoth Mountain, which has yet to receive any snow, has three lifts open serving eight trails. The conditions have been excellent for snowmaking so the resort has its system cranked up.

To check current conditions and lift operations, please see the website of your favorite resort.