SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — After the first freeze of fall on Tuesday, cold weather fans – and the retailers who outfit them – have their eye on the thermometer.

Snowmaking has already begun at Boreal Mountain Resort west of Truckee, and the winter sports season isn't too far behind.

Dave Siegel of South Lake Tahoe was enjoying the sunshine Wednesday at the Bijou Dog Park, but he's looking forward to the cooler days ahead. The Bay Area transplant has been skiing since 1976 and is hoping this winter will be especially epic.

“Hopefully we'll have El Niño,” said Siegel, who works seasonally for Heavenly Ski Resort. “I could go for some deep powder. Maybe it will be good for the economy if we do.”

Some area sporting good stores have begun swapping summer inventory for new shipments of cold weather gear. Tahoe Sports Ltd. began unveiling new winter outerwear, skis and snowboards last month.

“We usually start very early because people start to get antsy in September,” said store manager Dana Turvey.

When the wind picked up Tuesday and the temperature dipped, the store was busy with tourists rushing in for jackets.

“A lot of people were not prepared for the change in weather,” Turvey said.

Janice Tougas of Mission Viejo was in South Lake Tahoe for a golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. She was shopping for jackets on Wednesday at the Great Outdoor Clothing Company.

“We might need it,” she said, flipping through a display.

Vicki Stromberg, floor manager for the Great Outdoor Clothing Company, said the store has been displaying ski pants, jackets and kids winter wear for the past three weeks. Stromberg herself is gearing up for her 32nd winter in South Lake Tahoe.

“I love winter,” she said. “I love the snow, and when the sun comes out, the sky is so blue.”

Alpine Meadows

(www.skiapline.com)

Opening day: Dec. 5, 2009, conditions permitting.

What's new: The resort offers new chair lift access technology called SKIDATA, which provides skiers and riders with hands-free lift access, and the program allows patrons to purchase lift tickets online from home, thus reducing lines. A new GPS tracking system will be implemented for all kids enrolled in ski and snowboard day camps. A new all-women ski team — Team R.A.D. (Rippin' Alpine Divas) — also will ski out of Alpine this seaon. The Mountainside Dining Experience — which offers patrons a private dinner via a snowcat ride to Alpine's mid-mountain restaurant — is new. Alpine also will host NASTAR ski and snowboard races this year, and the resort also features a revamped terrain park for 2009-2010, according to Alpine press releases.

One can't miss ski pass deal: The College Pass — This pass is $299 and valid at both Alpine and Homewood every day at except holidays during winter 2009/2010.

Boreal

(www.rideboreal.com)

Opening day: Halloween 2009, conditions permitting.

What's new: The mountain is upgrading its snowmaking system, expanding terrain in the Lost Dutchman area, adding a snow cat and hip cutter to the grooming fleet and improving night lighting on the upper mountain, said spokesman Jon Slaughter. Boreal also is adding a new daily TART shuttle bus from Truckee and installing six speakers to provde musin for riders in the CORE terain park.

One can't miss ski pass deal: The iRide Card — This pass lets someone ride two days this season, and get a third day for free.

Diamond Peak

(www.diamondpeak.com)

Opening day: Dec. 10, 2009, conditions permitting.

What's new: Diamond Peak has been finishing up major work on its new snowmaking system, which will allow the resort to make snow faster and more efficient, thus giving it a potential to stay open longer, weather permitting, said spokeswoman Milena Regos.

One can't miss ski pass deal: The Holiday Season Pass — this pass is only valid during the resort's blackout dates. Purchase this pass for $249, and save money and time during the holiday season.

Donner Ski Ranch

(www.donnerskiranch.com)

Officials at Donner Ski Ranch did not return phone calls or e-mails as of press time.

Heavenly

(www.skiheavenly.com)

Opening day: Nov. 20, weather permitting

What's new: Trail enhancements and a new, state-of-the-art tubing lift headline the changes, which also include upgrades to overall food quality and variety, superior snow surfaces, ski and snowboard school programs, and ease of planning/booking a vacation.

One can't miss pass deal: Refer A Friend pass deals for $369. If you refer a friend, you get $20 in on-mountain money. Friends you refer get $20 off the pass price.

Homewood

(www.skihomewood.com)

Opening day: To be determined, although the resort historically opens mid-December.

What's new: The resort offers a new freeride ski team and as well as a new alpine race team for 2009-2010. Both teams are for ages seven to 15. A new GPS tracking system will be implemented for all kids enrolled in ski and snowboard day camps, according to Homewood press releases.

One can't miss ski pass deal: The $29 Day — This ticket is avaialble Monday through Thursday in January thrugh April, except for holidays. These tickets are sold online only, 24 hours in advance, and are valid only for the date of purchase.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

(www.kirkwood.com)

Opening day: Weather permitting

What's new: Fantastic events schedule with a pretty full calendar every weekend from January until the end of the season in April.

One can't miss ski pass deal: Kirkwood is selling passes at fall rates. The Adult 6 Wood (Sunday-Friday, non-holiday) is just $259.

Mount Rose

(www.mtrose.com)

Opening day: Halloween, weather permitting

What's new: Mt. Rose will open the new Slide Lodge, a modern facility with a contemporary style that will be the first of its kind in Lake Tahoe. Located on the southeastern-most edge of the Slide Bowl, the new building will include a restaurant, cozy bar and spacious outdoor deck.

One can't miss pass deal: For visitors, Mount Rose want to offer great deals during the week. Learn more at www.skirose.com.

Northstar-At-Tahoe

(www.northstar@tahoe.com)

Opening day: When conditions permit

What's new:The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe will open on Dec. 9, 2009, featuring ski-in, ski-out access and a restaurant created by renowned San Francisco celebrity chef Traci Des Jardins. The new fixed grip quad chairlift greatly improves access to Northstar Resort's beginner teaching terrain

One can't miss ski pass deal: Get the two-pass Whammy Pass for $399.

Sierra-At-Tahoe

(www.sierraattahoe.com)

Opening day: When conditions permit

What's new: Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort will offer a $35 Learn to Ski/Ride package that includes a 2.5 hour lesson, rental equipment and limited access lift ticket.

One can't miss ski pass deal: Get the two-pass Whammy Pass for $399.

Soda Springs

(www.skisodasprings.com)

Opening day: When there's snow!

What's new: Planet Kids is expanding at Soda Springs, featuring a new location, expanded learning area, new features, new equipment and the best part — a sleigh ride to get there. Also, check out the expanded Tube Town, which extended its moving carpet by 80 feet.

Sugar Bowl

(www.sugarbowl.com)

Opening day: When conditions permit.

What's new: Sugar Bowl opens the Summit Chair accessing the Judah Bowl area of the mountain, for steep yet wide-open bowl skiing. Also new this season is the dedicated ski-cross/boarder-X course that the US Ski Team will be training on pre-Olympics, opening up for public use once the races begin in Vancouver.

One can't miss ski pass deal: Sugar Bowl offers its best rates of the season through Oct. 31.

Squaw Valley USA

(www.squaw.com)

Opening day: Nov. 21

What's new: It's Squaw's 60th anniversary, so look for celebrations all year, including opening day. Movies at the base, and J.T. Holmes will be jumping out cable car, are just two of the many festivities planned.

One can't miss ski pass deal: Oct. 15 is the deadline for season pass sales at the current discounted rate.

Tahoe Donner Downhill

(www.tahoedonner.com)

Opening day: Dec. 18, conditions permitting.

What's new: The resort has upgraded its Rental Shop, which includes more equipment, a computer sign-in system, new boot dryers and more. Also, the resort has added a ticket and lesson location where staff can help patrons get into the right lesson. Also new is the improved Snowflakes Ski School, which will allows the resort to enroll several more 3- to 6-year-olds, and the resort also in the process of launching its new website, which should be running this weekend, according to information provided by ski manager Robert McClendon.

One can't miss ski pass deal: McClendon encourages patrons to follow the resort on Twitter and Facebook this season for exclusive deals.