Ski resorts prepare to open

ALPINE MEADOWS " Ski resort representatives from around Lake Tahoe are setting antipated opening dates and getting ready for new features this winter.

Following Boreal Mountain Resort's opening Thursday, resorts plan to open around late November, many with new things to offer this winter. Heavenly Mountain Resort anticipates a Nov. 21 opening, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort plans to open sometime this month. Sierra-at-Tahoe is dependent on snow and hasn't announced a date.

Squaw Valley USA and Northstar-at-Tahoe are shooting for a Nov. 22 opening. Northstar representatives said the resort has spent the off-season expanding Lookout Mountain, adding 500 vertical feet and more than 100 acres of new terrain.

Anticipating a Nov. 26 opening, Alpine Meadows promoted its new Last Chair Bar and Restaurant in the Main Lodge and its new executive chef, Chris Patrick, who came from Park City, Utah, where he was the executive chef for Bistro 412.

Diamond Peak representative Kayla Anderson said the resort is continuing to blow snow while awaiting a Dec. 11 opening. With a $4 million renovation to its Base Lodge and a Private Last Tracks offer, Diamond Peak is excited to unveil their new mountain to the public.

"With Private Last Tracks, skiers and boarders can take the last chair up for the day, enjoy delicious food and wine, and then ride down freshly groomed trails to the base area," Anderson said.

Representatives took part in the annual winter recreation luncheon Thursday at Alpine Meadows.

Not limited to ski resort updates, the winter recreation luncheon gave representatives from 37 businesses and organizations a chance to hear what's new in the Tahoe business world.

Though they were excited to talk about their own companies, almost everyone was pulling for a productive winter with a lot of snow.