The Four Season Destination Unveils Ski Resort Opening Dates, Winter Events and A New Seasonal Air Route

RENO, Nev. (November 21, 2024) – Reno Tahoe announces the latest developments for the 2024-2025 winter season, with fresh updates from ski resorts, hotels, and destination partners. After a record-breaking summer that saw Reno-Tahoe International Airport welcome its highest passenger traffic in nearly two decades, the “Biggest Little City” is ready to welcome winter enthusiasts back for another season.

“Reno Tahoe is ready to welcome guests for an exhilarating winter season, where urban energy meets outdoor adventure,” says Mike Larragueta, President and CEO of Reno Tahoe. “Whether travelers are carving fresh powder at our world-class ski resorts, immersing themselves in festive local events, experiencing the nightlife and top-tier amenities at our casino resorts, or exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene, Reno Tahoe offers the perfect gateway to an unforgettable winter escape.”

With premier ski resorts only 30 minutes from downtown Reno, travelers can take advantage of the urban basecamp with special ski season promotions at top city hotels and ski resorts to kick off the winter season:

  • Rose Ski Tahoe: Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe opened the 2024-25 winter season on Friday, November 8, becoming the first Tahoe-area resort to open, thanks to early snow, optimal temperatures, and its high base elevation of 8,260 feet. In celebration of its upcoming 60th anniversary, Mt. Rose has invested $2.2 million in upgrades, including a revamped dining area with a new Taco Bar, enhanced snowmaking, trail improvements, and a new snowcat for superior snow conditions. This season, the resort will also expand its popular ‘Open Late’ hours to both Fridays and Saturdays, beginning in February 2025.
  • Palisades Tahoe: Palisades Tahoe is celebrating its 75th anniversary with exclusive $75 lift tickets only available on opening day, November 22. New investments for the season include $1.4M in snowmaking upgrades and a shift to Neste renewable diesel in all of the resort’s snowcats. The Little Bear Café will debut near the Tram, offering baked goods made by the resort’s in-house pastry chef, plus coffee, salads, sandwiches, and locally sourced goods.
  • Diamond Peak Ski Resort: Diamond Peak is projected to open sometime between December 5-12, with a new backcountry access gate at the top of the Crystal Express Chairlift, providing skiers and snowboarders access to nearby backcountry zones. Skiers can opt for the new 3-Day Flex Pass, offering three days of skiing for as low as $120 per day for adults. The Incline Village Parks & Recreation Department will also host Community After-Hours Snowshoe Hikes to Snowflake Lodge.
  • Heavenly Mountain Resort: Opening on November 20, Heavenly is back with expanded experiences including Brews and Views at Lakeview Lodge and the thrilling Toyota Air + Après big-air event from March 1-3. New this season, My Epic Gear offers members access to premium ski and snowboard equipment with in-resort delivery, while Spring Loaded returns with events like the Gunbarrel 25 mogul challenge and Pond Skim. Guests can also enjoy Heavenly’s new Golden State Kitchen at California Lodge, serving healthier fare for a post-slope recharge.
  • Northstar California Resort: Opening on November 21, Northstar opens with highlights like the 2 pm Tōst—a unique ski-up toast with cider or sparkling wine overlooking mountain views. The holiday season brings Winter Wonders from December 15-31, featuring live music, ice skating, and family activities, while the 4th Annual Women’s Only Weekend provides coaching, on-mountain tours, and après gatherings.
  • Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Opening December 6, Kirkwood is bringing back signature events like the Banked Slalom, New Year’s Torchlight Parade, and the springtime Slush Cup pond-skimming event. This season also sees continued sustainability efforts, including food waste digestion upgrades and expanded waste sorting. Ski and Ride School offerings range from beginner lessons to the Expedition program, which provides advanced coaching and guided backcountry experiences.
  • Whitney Peak Hotel: The non-gaming property is celebrating 10 years in Downtown Reno and is now a part of the Hilton family of properties in its Tapestry Collection. Guests can currently book the “Stay and Ski” package which includes 20% off Palisades Tahoe lift tickets, complimentary breakfast at the hotel’s on-property restaurant, Café Whitney, and a 4-pack of local beers for guests.
  • J Resort: Travelers can stay at one of Reno Tahoe’s newest renovated casino resorts with on-site access to the developing Neon Line District featuring art pieces from Burning Man. Guests staying during the winter season can enjoy 50% off lift tickets at Mt. Rose and Palisades Tahoe.

Reno Tahoe is ideal for travelers looking for a place to unwind after a long day on the slopes, with dynamic dining options, top-rated hotel offers and thrilling events. See below for festive happenings, hotel deals, new restaurants, exciting exhibits and more.

  • Reno Santa Crawl: Set for December 14, this annual event brings over 20,000 Santas to downtown Reno, creating the world’s largest Santa-themed pub crawl with 40 participating bars and venues.
  • Christmas on Ice: At Eldorado Resort Casino from November 22-December 29, world-class synchronized and freestyle figure skaters perform on real ice, alongside a talented cast of singers and dancers, delivering a dazzling holiday show.
  • Christmas on the Comstock: A short drive from Reno, Virginia City’s December festivities include the Electric Holiday Train O’Lights, a 40-minute steam engine ride decorated with thousands of lights.
  • Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade: Celebrating its 37th year, Sparks will host the 2024 parade with a Cowboy Christmas theme on Saturday, December 7. Festivities begin Friday, December 6, with the annual tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and complimentary hot chocolate for attendees.
  • Grand Sierra Resort: On December 15th, The Grand Theatre will welcome the classic ballet production of The Nutcracker. From December 19-31, the venue will host Santa’s Epic Holiday Show, featuring holiday-themed holograms, cirque performers, and more.
  • Atlantis Casino Resort Spa: For the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday holidays, the resort is offering up to 30% off on stays of 3 or more nights. Check into the newly renovated premier rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains or bright city lights and enjoy on-site offerings from upscale restaurants like Atlantis Steakhouse and Bistro Napa, treatments at the luxurious Spa Atlantis, indoor and outdoor pools, plus a world-class gaming space. This deal is valid for bookings through April 30, 2025.
  • Silver Legacy at THE ROW: Multi-Michelin-starred chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay has made his mark on Northern Nevada with the opening of his second Reno restaurant, Ramsay’s Kitchen, which is inspired by Chef Ramsay’s travels abroad.
  • Nevada Museum of Art: The only accredited art museum in Nevada’s newest exhibit Deep Time: Sea Dragons of Nevada tells the story of the prehistoric ichthyosaurs that called Nevada home millions of years ago when the state was submerged beneath waters of an ancient sea. The exhibit, available through January 2026, explores the rise and fall of these ancient creatures through paleontology, art, history and design.

For the holiday season, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is offering nonstop JetBlue flights from JFK to RNO from December 19-January 6.

J Resort announced a $130 million investment in new developments including $5 million towards a new J Resort’s Festival Grounds. Set to start construction in January, the north expansion will include parking, more gaming and a new food & beverage option. Other planned projects include a 400-seat banquet hall called Rolling Art which will include a display featuring Jacob’s own European sports cars with “Big Five” Ferrari supercars. A new west expansion is expected with an 800-seat banquet and meeting space plus a spa and an indoor-outdoor rooftop pool.

Jacobs Entertainment also signed a deal with concert and live entertainment production company JMF Presents. The new J Resort’s Festival Grounds will allow the hotel-casino to attract up to 200,000 people for more than 40 events each summer. The grounds will accommodate up to 15,000 people at a time once completed.

To learn more about all that Reno Tahoe has to offer, visit: https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/