The weekend of Nov. 14-16 marks the openings of Lake Tahoe’s NorthStar and Heavenly Ski Resorts.

With Lake Tahoe, California, having received over two feet of snow and an El Niño predicted to be right around the corner, this winter season is setting up to be a memorable one.

This preview will give you a brief overview of what to expect from two of Lake Tahoe’s premier ski resorts, along with tips you need to make your journey to the slopes as smooth and cost efficient as possible.

Northstar

Located in Truckee, Northstar is widely regarded as North Lake Tahoe’s premier destination.

Featuring over 3000 miles of skiable land and 97 trails, there is plenty of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Northstar’s renowned terrain parks, ranging from massive jumps to various jibs, wall rides and straight jump lines, are a major attraction for slopestyle enthusiasts everywhere.

Conditions permitting, the parks will feature an 18-foot half pipe as well as a massive 22-foot super pipe.

As phenomenal as the mountain itself is, lengthy lift lines, sky high prices and a rapidly increasing number of beginners clogging runs can make Northstar quite unappealing at times.

Regardless, when the snow conditions are ideal, and the powder is knee deep Northstar never fails to be an epic experience. If you avoid major holiday weekends, your Northstar experience will be significantly better.

Heavenly

Located in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is the only major ski resort located on South Lake Tahoe.

This is a good thing because any other resort would find it hard to compete with the mountains 97 runs and over 4,800 skiable acres.

Heavenly is different from all other Lake Tahoe mountains because of its wide range of runs and an A-plus park scene. However, its various chutes and steep terrain can challenge even the best skiers and snowboarders.

Large crowds are a factor at Heavenly when the conditions are pristine, but because of the size of the mountain and quantity of expert terrain, you can find solitude amongst the chaos.

Heavenly has the best view at the lake, only adding to the appeal of the mountain. Anyone who has ever experienced a sunny day of skiing at Heavenly knows how memorable the view from the mountain is.

To save money on the mountain:

1. Bring your own lunch

As good as that $15 cheeseburger is at one of the many fine dining establishments on the mountain, packing your own lunch is the way to go. Make a stop at the grocery store, buy sandwich materials, snacks and anything else your stomach desires and save some money.

2. Use discounts 

Check out discount lift ticket sites such as Skicoupons.com or Liftopia.

A single day lift ticket for Northstar or Heavenly can run close to $100 if purchased at the mountain. Discount sites offer numerous saving opportunities for you and your friends. There is no reason to pay full price for a lift ticket if you plan your trip in advance.

3. Come prepared

Nothing will zap your wallet like forgetting gear at home and not being prepared. Forgetting things like goggles, ski socks and any other accessory can force you to spend unnecessary money quickly. Don’t be that guy.

4. Rent before you go 

It is crucial to avoid stores on the mountain. Shop here in the Bay Area or at one of the many shops in the town surrounding the mountain. Stores on the mountain always have higher prices and are directed towards people who forget gear or don’t know any better.

5. Avoid peak days

Aside from congested runs and lift lines, vacation days also bring higher prices. If you can, take a weekend trip between the major holidays for minimal lift lines and uncongested slopes.

Grab you gear, lift tickets, friends and head to the snow.