Publisher’s note: Lake Tahoe News is providing a glimpse into what skiers and boarders can expect at Lake Tahoe area resorts for the 2010-11 season.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: Dropping in is easy; dropping in the chutes isn’t

• Projected opening date: early November, weather permitting

• Daily adult lift ticket: $69 off-peak; $74 peak (Dec. 18-Jan. 2); last year’s was $65

Bring your A-game for the Chutes at Mt. Rose.

• What’s new?: Top-to-bottom snowmaking on the Silver Dollar Trail on the Slide Mountain side of the resort provides more access to a popular section that now includes the sun-baked Winters Creek Lodge from last year. Renewable energy makes Mt. Rose greener this year with three new wind spires to power the lodge.

Also, Mt. Rose is adding to its list of daily specials with the third consecutive day free in the group package.

• What’s special about Mt. Rose?: The ski resort deemed closest to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport touts its chutes, with an unrivaled degree of difficulty from a 1,500-foot drop and 40- to 55-degree angle to the bottom. Hold on to your hat.

• Last year’s snow total: 281-plus inches

• Lift hours of operation: ranges from 8:30am to 4pm, depending on the lift

• Skiable terrain: 1,200 acres

• Number of lifts: 8

• Vertical feet: 1,800

• Directions: Take Highway 50 to Spooner Summit then head north on Highway 28 to Kings Beach and turn right on Mt. Rose Highway (Highway. 431) to resort driveway.

• Website

— Compiled by Susan Wood