South Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. – October 23, 2012 –The first major snow storm swept through the Sierra this week, dumping 14-18 inches of new snow at Heavenly Mountain Resortand 17-24 inches at Kirkwood Mountain Resortsince Sunday night. Additional snowfall is expected through Thursday.
Historically, almost every year that Heavenly has experienced significant snowfall in October, the following winter was above average. The average October snowfall total is 3.06 inches, with October 2004 experiencing the most recent largest snowfall for the month (24”). The 2004-05 winter recorded the fifth biggest snowfall season on record. With outlets like Accuweather calling for a return to normal snowfall for winter 2012-13, Lake Tahoe’s high annual snowfall average should position Heavenly for a big winter.
“This storm has definitely shifted the mindset of people at Lake Tahoe and has them thinking about winter now. The cooler temps and blanket of snow everywhere really makes it feel and look like winter,” said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly’s general manager. “With this natural snowfall, our powerful, experienced snowmaking operation, and our large grooming fleet, skiers and riders at Heavenly can expect the best, most consistent and reliable snow surfaces at Lake Tahoe.”
On Monday night, Heavenly kicked off snowmaking, firing up the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system. With weather and conditions permitting, Heavenly is slated to open for the 2012-2013 ski and ride season on Friday, November 16. Kirkwood will open on Wednesday, November 21, weather and conditions permitting.
“We’re so confident that we’re going to get the return of the great snowfall that Kirkwood is notorious for that we have invested in snow removal equipment,” said Casey Blann, general manager at Kirkwood. “Kirkwood gets that deep snow, more than anywhere else on the planet, and we are equipped to deal with it this season.”
Receiving more than 600 inches of snowfall every season, Kirkwood has invested heavily in new snow control and snow removal equipment, including a new Howitzer cannon intended to secure the resort’s infamous steeps and get them open on time, and a new Zaugg snow blower that will help keep the parking lots open and accessible. The snow blower is the latest technology used by the California Department of Transportation.
The Pow Package
This season, Heavenly will be offering a limited-time only, exclusive lodging deal whenever the resort receives six or more inches of new snowfall overnight. Currently, Heavenly is offering its first Pow Package, which includes 50 percent off two nights lodging and one free day of skiing. Prices start as low as $111 per person. This deal is only available until midnight on Sunday, October 28. Valid: November 18-December 20, 2012; Sunday-Thursday nights. Call 1-800-HEAVENLY for details or visit www.skiheavenly.com.
Season Pass
The Tahoe Local Pass remains unmatched in value, price and experience with access to more than 263 trails, 14 terrain parks and 10,270 acres of some of the best terrain in the world at Heavenly, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort in California and Nevada. Ski or ride more than four days in one season and, priced at $459, the Tahoe Local Pass pays for itself, then ski or ride for free the rest of the season. Vail Resorts’ entire season pass lineup offers something for every type of skier and snowboarder, including four different season pass options in Lake Tahoe ranging in price from $419 to $699. For more information, visit www.epicpass.com.
About Heavenly
Heavenly Mountain Resort is a world-class destination offering guests a one-of-a-kind combination of scenic beauty, exhilarating on-snow experience and nightlife unmatched in the ski industry. Heavenly is a subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc., the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. One of the largest resorts in North America, Heavenly spans 4800 acres, climbs to Lake Tahoe’s highest elevation at 10,067 feet and features 97 trails for every level of skier or snowboarder. For more information on Heavenly Mountain Resort, please visit www.skiheavenly.comor call 800-HEAVENLY.
About Kirkwood
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is one of the nation's top destination resorts. Located just 177 miles from the Bay Area along scenic Highway 88, its base elevation of 7,800-feet, assures skiers more annual snowfall than any other resort in North America. Kirkwood is recognized by winter purists and national media alike for the quality of its snow and terrain variety and is a true skiers destination. Known for its pristine beauty and action-packed expeditions and events, winter fun includes skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sled dog tours, and backcountry expeditions. An ideal location for weddings and corporate meetings, the Kirkwood Village includes boutique shopping, live music and dining. For more information about Kirkwood Mountain Resort, visit www.kirkwood.comor call 209.258.6000.
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, and the Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties across the United States and in the Caribbean. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.
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