Lake Tahoe area ski resorts set to open early after recent snow

Lake Tahoe area ski resorts are set to open a little earlier than usual this week because of recent storms that blew in with a few feet of snow and good snow-making conditions too. Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort moved up their opening dates to Wednesday instead of Friday. Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Squaw Valley ski resort plan to open on Friday also a bit ahead of schedule.

--Northstar will operate four lifts and six trails, including beginner and intermediate terrain, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. Ski schools for adults and kids, and the skating rink will open too.

--Heavenly will open with two lifts and two runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. A third lift and the mile-long Orion trail are expected to open this weekend. Half-day beginner lessons will be available on opening day.

--On Friday, Kirkwood will open one lift and five trails, and Squaw Valley plans to open four lifts (Searchlight, Red Dog, Squaw Creek and First Venture) and four runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Southern California ski resorts opened early too, with Mountain High in Wrightwood being first on Sunday followed by Bear Mountain and Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake on Monday.
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