Tahoe
21st annual
downhill ski guide winter 2021-22
Ryland West | Diamond Peak
BY K AT H E R I N E E . H I L L
be prepared before visiting Carry a face mask at all times & use it when
Some resorts will require ordering food in
close to others or indoors.
advance online or through an app. Download ski area apps in advance of visiting.
Masks are required for anyone unvaccinated while indoors in California, and for everyone
Be prepared & dress for being outdoors all
regardless of vaccine status in most counties
day, including eating outdoors.
in Nevada. Carry a credit card. Many resorts continue Some resorts will require proof of vaccination
to use cashless systems.
for ages 12 and older for indoor dining. Avoid long traffic lines and limited parking Buy a pass for the best deal.
by taking resort shuttles or public transportation to ski areas.
Purchase all tickets, rentals and lessons in advance online. There will be limited or
Stay home if you’re not feeling well or have
no on-site sales.
been in contact with someone not well.
nordic skiing
biathlon
scenic gondola
childcare
cat skiing
tubing & sledding
back-country access
night skiing
military discount
ice skating
fat tire biking
mini snowmobiling
roller coaster
face masks required
snow shoeing
DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE
Beyond the fire M A G I C O F S I E R R A - A T- T A H O E E N D U R E S S TO RY & P H OTO S BY K AT H RY N R E E D
T
his ski season was supposed to be about celebrating 75 years of schussing down the slopes at Sierra-at-Tahoe. Unfortunately, the resort doesn’t know what lifts will spin this winter and has announced that it won’t open until 2022. The Caldor Fire that ripped through Eldorado National Forest in late summer/ early fall caused significant damage to some of the lifts and many of the trees.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Sierra threw a big party for, from
left, Jamie Anderson, Maddie Bowman and Hannah Teeter after they competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics. There is a reason the lift that accesses this vista is called Grandview.
“We do know that the trails + area accessed by West Bowl Express will be inaccessible this season, as we restore that section of the mountain for seasons to come,” read a Sierra-at-Tahoe Instagram post on Oct. 24. Even though the ski resort’s insurance company brought in private firefighters before the flames reached that section of Highway 50, fire has a way of doing
Brothers Ray and Floyd Barrett opened Sierra Ski Ranch in 1946. Vern Sprock purchased it in 1956. In 1993, Fibreboard bought it and renamed it Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort. It has been owned by Booth Creek Ski Holdings since 1996.
what it wants. Most of the buildings were saved, but the cables on some of the 14 lifts that are scattered across 2,000 acres are the problem. So are all the damaged trees. On the resort’s website is a Guest Frequently Asked Questions about what to
Winter for Fun Everyone!
expect this season. It gets updated as more information is available. Find more details in this ski guide, as well. In part, the Nov. 1 update reads: “Holding the vision, trusting the process. As resorts are spinning their first chairs for the 2021-22 winter season, the yearning to join them in this historic, early opening runs deep here at Sierra. And while we’re stoked for our friends Mammoth Mountain, Palisades Tahoe + Boreal Mountain in this celebratory event, the daily grind to join the winter lineup continues at the place Where Play Reigns Free.
“ When we return to play, we want each and every one of you to be part of building the future of Sierra.” –Sierra-at-Tahoe website
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING · SLEDDING SNOWSHOEING · ICE SKATING
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE ‘21-22 SEASON
Limited walk-ups will be permitted, but not guaranteed.
RESERVE ONLINE AT
TCPUD.ORG/WINTER Visit tcpud.org/winter for more Know Before You Go tips, details on sessions, season passes, and reservations.
530.583.1516 251 NORTH LAKE BLVD. TAHOE CITY
“We have substantial work ahead of us before we are able to announce our opening day for this season, and it is unlikely that we will open in 2021 - so we have set our sights on resuming operations in early 2022. With a delayed start to the season, the recent snow is a strong reminder of what we are working toward, and we will not stop until we are all making laps on Grandview. “When we return to Play, we want each and every one of you to be part of building the future of Sierra. We are working on opportunities for you to leave your mark + forever be a part of our story.”
WONDERFUL MEMORIES REMAIN The fire changed a lot of things for a lot of people. And while it might be trite to mourn the damage to my favorite South Shore ski resort when whole towns, such as Grizzly Flats and Greenville, were leveled this year, the loss is wrapped up in so many wonderful memories of skiing at Sierra. I’ve never been a huge tree skier, but I loved the trees at Sierra. I loved that I could find stashes of powder a day or two after a storm. The special events were fun. The food was good. Sierra has always had a friendly, noncorporate vibe. It was welcoming. And all those Olympians it has produced. I skied there with friends and family. I skied for work, I skied just to have fun. None of those things will change as the resort repairs the fire damage. It’s possible Sierra will be even more magical for having endured this significant setback. Sierra has weathered many storms — ownership changes, drought, rain on snow, a pandemic, short seasons, lack of personnel, road closures and so much more. Resilient is what this resort is. It takes some pretty special people — from the general manager to the lifties — to create this sense of belonging. The fact that the resort has been honest about what is going on makes me like it even more. Transparency with guests is going to get some converts to the slopes even with limited terrain this season. This isn’t just a ski resort: it is a community. It’s a place that will always be special to me. n
DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE
Bill Briner
Centenarian ski patroller honored
Fundraising for ski museum The SNOW (Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter) Sports Museum has announced it will launch a capital campaign for a new museum in 2022 in Olympic Valley, according to the recently released 2021-22 Vision Report. The nonprofit was formed in 2008 to create a museum honoring the unique history of winter sports in the Sierra Nevada and the Olympic Winter Games in 1960. In 2015, the foundation identified a preferred site in Squaw Valley Park. Placer County is now working with the foundation to complete the land entitlement and Environmental Impact Review. The museum is envisioned to include a Winter Sports History Museum of the Sierra Nevada, exhibit collections that will be shared with Palisades Tahoe, Western SkiSport Museum and Gatekeeper’s Museum; an Olympic Museum to commemorate the winter games held in Olympic Valley and the West Shore in 1960; an education center; community event space; café and museum shop; and a visitor information center. | thesnowmuseum.org
Nordic resorts open Along with the downhill ski resorts opening or preparing to open in the Tahoe Sierra, a number of local Nordic ski resorts are also opening for the 2021-22 season. Nevada Nordic has opened its Tahoe Meadows location off Highway 431 for the season with both Royal Gorge Cross Country and Tahoe Donner Cross Country opening on Nov. 26. The Tahoe City Winter Sports Park opens on Nov. 26 with its ski trails open depending on conditions. As well, local state parks are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as conditions permit. Look for our annual Tahoe Sierra Nordic & Snowshoe Guide publishing in December.
Tickets benefit avalanche center The Vail Resorts EpicPromise program is offering tickets to Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood that benefit the Sierra Avalanche Center. The tickets are $129 and good any day this season with no blackouts. Purchase tickets online. | sierraavalanchecenter.org
Palisades Tahoe and The Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter (SNOW) Sports Museum recently honored ski legend Martin Hollay, a 101-year-old former ski patroller, known across Tahoe for his many contributions to the ski industry, according to a press release. Hollay notably had an important role in the 1960 Winter Olympic Games held at Palisades Tahoe. He built the crosscountry track and still participates in cross-country skiing at age 101. Originally from Hungary, Hollay served as a ski patroller for many decades and contributed greatly to the formation of the Heavenly Area Ski Patrol. The ceremony was held in The Village at Palisades Tahoe on Nov. 2. Hollay told stories from his long history on snow to the crowd in attendance. During the ceremony, Dee Byrne, president and COO of Palisades Tahoe, presented Hollay with a metal sculpture made from old lift parts from the resort and a complimentary Palisades Tahoe season pass, as attendees sang a round of “Happy Birthday.” Martin recently turned age 101. Eddy Ancinas, the vice-president of the sports museum board and a past IOC guide at the 1960 Winter Olympics, said the museum eventually looks forward to telling the stories of Hollay and other legendary people who have worked behind the scenes to make the ski community what it is today. Her husband, Osvaldo, who was a competitor at the 1960 Winter Olympics, closed the ceremony with a yodel. | palisadestahoe.com
Plates for Powder returns The Tahoe Fund is again offering the popular Plates for Powder program. Those who purchase a new Lake Tahoe license plate in either California or Nevada before April 1, 2022, through the Plates for Powder program receive a free lift ticket to one of eight participating Tahoe downhill or Nordic resorts, or a Tahoe City Sports Park season pass to be used during the 2021-22 winter season, while supplies last. Plate sales and renewal fees support the development of hiking and biking trails and watershed restoration projects. Participating resorts include Diamond Peak, Heavenly, Homewood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, Tahoe XC and Tahoe City Winter Sports Park. | tahoeplates.org
Whether you’re taking on a DIY project, outfitting your Tahoe home, or gearing up for your next winter adventure Mountain Hardware and Sports has what you need to take on life in the mountains.
11320 Donner Pass Road | 10001 Soaring Way #105 | Truckee, CA
mountainhardwareandsports.com
DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE
boreal mountain resort Opened 1964
OPEN
Jake Pollock | Boreal
asc training center
Founded 1928
OPEN 55 30
15
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
Courtesy ASC Training Center
% of terrain
25km # of trails
10
Events Dec. 31 | Night Sprint Under the Lights & NYE Party The Auburn Ski Club Training Center, a nonprofit winter sports facility, is one of the few training centers in the country to offer Alpine, Nordic, Biathlon and Snowboard programs in one facility. Its athletes range from first-time skiers and riders to Olympic-level and U.S. Team professionals. ASC is also one of the oldest ski organizations dating back to 1928. Read about the history of the club at TheTahoeWeekly.com.
skiable acres
380
The resort kicked off its 2021-22 winter season opening on Oct. 29 for Halloween weekend – it’s earliest opening date since 2011 – after a storm brought more than 3 feet of snow to the ski area. The resort is open depending on weather conditions.
# of trails
41 Night skiing | ASC will be introducing cross-country night with temporary lights on 1.5km of trail for four weeks beginning in mid-December. Hours and details will be announced in the future and some night races will be offered. Regular trail passes will be good for night skiing.
vertical feet
500 terrain parks
8
Boreal’s Go Time Tickets offers guests the ability to purchase tickets online, select a start time, arrive and receive contactless mountain access. Tickets and entry may be limited at each start time, but prices gradually decrease throughout the day.
ASC is in the planning stages for a permanent project to install highintensity LED lighting on 2.5km of cross-country trail with plans for another 3km in the future. Lighting improvements for the race arena are also in the works. n
Woodward Mountain Parks | Featuring a network of terrain zones to build skills at from the Woodward
asctrainingcenter.org
Founded 1966
36
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
655 # of trails
43 vertical feet
1,840 terrain parks
2
Events Dec. 24-25 | Santa & Penguin Pete visit TBA | Last Tracks Jan. 14, Feb. 11 & March 18 | Moonlight Snowshoe Hikes Jan. 31-Feb. 6 | IVGID Community Appreciation Week Feb. 4 | Ullr Fest Torchlight Parade & Party March 6 | Retro Ski Day March 14 | Pi Day March 20 | Dummy Downhill March 26-27 | Luggi Foeger Uphill/ Downhill Festival April TBD | Diamond Cut Video Awards Diamond Peak has upgraded its snowmaking systems with four new TechnoAlpin TR8 high-efficiency snowmaking guns and it will be testing one of TechnoAlpin’s latest TT10 tower fan guns this winter.
diamondpeak.com
Free kids’ pass | Kids 8 and younger get a free season pass with the purchase of an adult Unlimited pass. All-Access Pass | Become a Woodward Tahoe All-Access Member and enjoy access to both Woodware and Boreal for a monthly membership fee. Feel Good Fridays | Enjoy $25 lift tickets with proceeds going to a nonprofit on Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 18 & April 8. Ride the Magic | Play this interactive game that’s a throwback to the 1980s video games to earn discounts at borealmagic.com. n
donner ski ranch
Founded 1937
New park groomer | The resort’s new PistenBully 600 Park grooming machine incorporates the latest grooming and shaping technology.
Ryan Salm | Diamond Peak
46 18
Start Park, Woodward Progression Park and the Woodward Peace Park, among others.
rideboreal.com, woodwardtahoe.com
diamond peak ski area OPENS DEC. 9
Events March 14-15 | Subaru Winterfest
New gear | The rental shop has upgraded its entire ski rental fleet for the 2021-22 season with new, beginner/ intermediate friendly Salomon Distance 72 and QST Max Jr skis. As well, look for new gear in the demo fleet. Ski free | Children 6 and younger and adults older than 80 years ski for free. Glade zones named | Diamond Peak’s gladed tree skiing zones offered advanced terrain for experts filled with natural obstacles like pillows, rock drops and more. The community was asked to suggest names for these new areas during the last ski season and Diamond Peak will be announcing the names this season.
TBA 50 25
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
505 # of trails
52 vertical feet
1,000+ terrain parks
Video contest | The Diamond Cut video edit contest is back for a fourth year, so grab a camera and film yourself having fun at the resort to enter starting Jan. 1. Snowshoe tours | Enjoy guided 3-mile roundtrip Moonlight Snowshoe Hikes to Snowflake Lodge. Shuttle | Diamond Peak offers two shuttles serving Incline Village. n
25
Courtesy Donner Ski Ranch
skiable
2
Among the oldest and most iconic ski areas in the Western U.S., Donner Ski Ranch is a family-friendly resort that features a variety of terrain. It is also of the few remaining independently owned and operated family ski resorts. Donner Ski Ranch boasts more than 500 acres of sheer fun at one of the highest base elevation ski areas in the Sierra. For beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, Donner Ski Ranch offers easy access to novice runs. Advanced skiers and riders can
donnerskiranch.com
enjoy untouched lines at Donner Ski Ranch’s aggressive high-mountain and backside terrain. Old School Days | Enjoy throwback pricing on lift tickets and packages deals on select days with adult tickets only $49. The Pie | Don’t leave with a slice of fresh-baked yummy pie. The Old 40 Bar & Grill is known for its tasty cuisine with locals, but the star attraction are the pies. n
DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE
granlibakken tahoe
Founded 1955
Founded 1947
SLED HILL OPENS FOR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
25
Courtesy Heavenly
OPENS NOV. 19
TBA
40
heavenly
45
35
20
35 NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
Courtesy Granlibakken
% of terrain skiable acres
10 # of trails
1
While Granlibakken opened in 1947, the historic ski and sled hill originally known as Ski Canyon has been the site for winter sports dating back almost 100 years.
vertical feet
300
The ski hill is perfect for beginners, approachable, uncrowded and easily viewed from the deck and warming hut making it great for families. Family Fun | The resort offers popular tubing lanes served by snowmaking systems along with the Benny the Bear snow play area, which is open daily in the winter.
Skiing & Riding | The ski hill and ski school are open Friday to Sunday during the season and daily during holidays. There is also a Nordic trail around the property and an access trail to Page Meadows.
skiable acres
4,800 # of trails
97 vertical feet
3,500 terrain parks
1
Kids sled free | Kids younger than 3 sled for free.
Events December | Heavenly Holidays TBA | Gun Barrel 25 TBA | Pond Skim TBA | Spring Fling Rail Jam Overlooking the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is one of the most unique snow sports destinations with skiing and riding in two states – California and Nevada. From 34 miles of wide-open, groomed cruisers to 1,600-foot plunges in double-black diamond canyons, Heavenly has something for everyone. Then, after a day on slopes, enjoy the après ski scene, local brewpubs, diverse dining and Vegas-style nightlife. The DJ Cat returns this season on weekends starting in December, and the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster will be operating this season.
Treetop park | The Tahoe City Treetop Park located at the resort offers aerial adventures for ages 5 and older. n
New lift on tap | The resort will be replacing the existing North Bowl lift
granlibakken.com
in the 2022-23 season with a highspeed, 4-person chair to increase uphill capacity and reduce wait times at the Stagecoach and Olympic lifts on the Nevada side of the resort. Kids ski free | Ages 4 & younger ski free. Après Tracks | Helly Hansen Après Tracks are back this season offering guests staying Sundays at select lodging partners the chance to ski a run after the resort closes and enjoy a special après-ski at Lakeview Lodge. Masks | Face coverings will be required in indoor settings including in restaurants, lodging properties, restrooms, retail and rental locations, and on buses. Face coverings will not be required outdoors, in lift lines, or on chairlifts or gondolas, unless required by local regulations. Dining | Guests will be required to book a reservation to eat at many on-mountain restaurants and says that it intends to open reservations one day prior to visits. As well, guests 12 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations to dine at indoor, on-mountain quickservice (cafeteria-style) restaurants. Shuttle | Complimentary shuttle service will run between Heavenly Village Base Area and California Lodge Base Area. n
skiheavenly.com
EricaZakrzewski | Homewood Mountain Resort
homewood mountain resort
Founded 1961
OPENS DEC. 10 50
15
35
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
1,260 # of trails
64 vertical feet
1,650 terrain parks
4
Homewood Mountain Resort continues to offer skiers and riders access to uncrowded slopes, incredible ski terrain and phenomenal views on runs that look like one could ski or ride into Lake Tahoe. This season will mark 60 years of skiing and riding at Homewood Mountain Resort, and to celebrate the occasion the ski area is inviting people to share memories for its History Project online. Earn a free pass | Learn how to ski or ride with the Easy as 1-2-3 deal and earn a free ski pass for the season after completing the three beginner lessons.
skihomewood.com
Kids and active military ski free | Ages 4 & younger ski free throughout the season and active-duty military can ski or ride for free during nonpeak days. Explore the back country | Homewood offers snowcat skiing and back-country training with access to more than 750 acres of backcountry terrain. n
If you’re going to Ski Tahoe You should really See Tahoe SEASON PASSES, LIFT TICKETS & GIFT CARDS ON SALE AT
DiamondPeak.com
DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE
kingvale resort
kirkwood mountain resort
Opened 2020
Opened 1972
OPENS DEC. 3
50 35
12
15
30 38
20
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED | EXPERT
% of terrain
% of terrain Courtesy Kingvale
skiable acres
20 # of trails
3
Events Dec. 25 | Christmas Celebration Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Celebration
vertical feet
250 terrain parks
0
The newest kid on the block, Kingvale Resort off Interstate 80 will be open again for the 2021-22 season with two new surface lifts – a handle tow and a magic carpet – and offering three times the skiable terrain as last season.
Tickets | Lift and sledding tickets may be purchased online and are included in any of its lesson packages. Private lessons area also available. Book at snowschoolers.com.
skiable acres
2,300 # of trails
86 vertical feet
2,000 terrain parks
3
Grub | The food truck will be offering warm beverages and snacks to guests and a new restaurant will be opening soon. n
Courtesy Kirkwood Mountain Resort
OPENS EARLY DEC.
Events Dec. 31 | Torchlight Parade TBA | Banked Slalom Jan. 29-30 | Freeride Junior Tour
Expedition: Kirkwood | Expedition: Kirkwood is for the avid adventurer looking for back-country opportunities with a range of clinics and private guides.
An adventure lover’s paradise, Kirkwood Resort undeniably delivers when it comes to thrills, chills and adrenaline. Perhaps it’s the double black diamond steeps, the miles of cornice or the deepest snowpack in the region at 600 inches annual. From young families with young rippers, to stoic alpine adventurer seekers, Kirkwood does not disappoint.
Masks | Face coverings will be required in indoor settings including in restaurants, lodging properties, restrooms, retail and rental locations, and on buses. Face coverings will not be required outdoors, in lift lines, or on chairlifts or gondolas, unless required by local regulations.
Kids ski free | Kids ages 4 & younger ski free.
The ski area and tubing hill opened last winter during the pandemic, but the area has its roots in winter fun dating back to the 1960s.
#Kirkwood Deep | The #KirkwoodDeep rider’s competition showcases video footage of the boldest snowboarders and skiers each year. Details TBA.
kingvaleresort.com
kirkwood.com
mt. rose ski tahoe
Dining | Guests will be required to book a reservation to eat at many on-mountain restaurants and says that it intends to open reservations one day prior to visits. As well, guests 12 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations to dine at indoor, on-mountain quick-service (cafeteria-style) restaurants. n
northstar california
Opened 1964
Opened 1972
OPEN
OPENS NOV. 19 60
30
40 13
10
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED | EXPERT
% of terrain Courtesy Mt. Rose
% of terrain skiable acres
1,200+ # of trails
60+
Events Dec. 11 | Santa Ski Day Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve fireworks
vertical feet
1,800 terrain parks
2
27
Courtesy Northstar California
20
Plans are underway to expand the Lakeview area of the mountain to include additional ski terrain and a new high-speed chairlift. Estimated to be the largest capital improvement project in the resort’s history, the new lift will be a key piece of Mt. Rose’s efforts to enhance the overall experience in the Lakeview mountain zone, which will include trail additions, existing trail improvements and new skier traffic patterns. The expansion is estimated to cost $7.5 million dollars and is expected to be completed for the 2022-23 winter season.
skirose.com
The new, beginner-rated Lakeside Trail will create another route from the top of the Lakeview lift to the Around the World ski trail, giving novice skiers and riders greater ability to enjoy lake views from Mt. Rose. Expanded snowmaking | On-mountain improvements underway include a more than $1 million investment in snowmaking infrastructure on the Mine Train, Slide Bowl and Race Arena trails. Slope grading work designed to reduce obstacles and allow for earlier terrain opening is also in progress on Bruce’s Run. n
skiable acres
3,170 # of trails
100 vertical feet
2,280 terrain parks
8
Events Nov. 19-21 | Opening Weekend Celebration Dec. | Noel Nights TBA | Spring it On Northstar’s diverse terrains and 100 trails allow families to progress together and explore their adventurous side. New lift on tap | A new high-speed, 6-person chair is in the works and will replace the existing mid-mountain, 4-person Comstock Lift for the 202223 season. Kids ski free | Kids ages 4 & younger ski free.
northstarcalifornia.com
Make a toast | Enjoy a glass of bubbly from 1:30 to 2 p.m. daily; firstcome, first-served. Masks | Face coverings will be required in indoor settings including in restaurants, lodging properties, restrooms, retail and rental locations, and on buses. Face coverings will not be required outdoors, in lift lines, or on chairlifts or gondolas, unless required by local regulations. Dining | Guests will be required to book a reservation to eat at many on-mountain restaurants and says that it intends to open reservations one day prior to visits. As well, guests 12 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations to dine at indoor, on-mountain quick-service (cafeteria-style) restaurants. n
DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE
palisades tahoe
Opened 1949
45
30
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
3,600 # of trails
170+ vertical feet
2,850 terrain parks
Events Nov. 26-27 | Welcome to Winter celebration Dec.-March dates | Snowshoe Tour & Dinner Feb. 19-26 | Kid-O-Rama Feb. 22 | Double the Love, Double the Fun group elopement/vow renewal March 23-27 | U.S. Freestyle Mogul Championships April 1-3 | Winter Wondergrass April | Snow Golf May | Cushing Crossing Along with the new Palisades Tahoe name bringing both ski areas under one name, the resort also opened a month earlier than planned, marking only the third time in its history that the resort opened in October for the Halloween weekend.
5
Opened 1961
OPENS NOV. 24
Courtesy Palisades Tahoe
REOPENS NOV. 24 25
alpine meadows
Courtesy Palisades Tahoe
olympic valley
25
35
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
Two of the lifts that carried the word squaw in its name have also been renamed. Squaw One is now Wa She Shu, meaning The People or The Washoe People, and Squaw Creek lift at the Resort at Squaw Creek has been renamed Resort Chair for the time being. The Resort at Squaw Creek is also undergoing a rebranding effort.
Olympic Valley including Squaw Peak and Squaw Creek. Such changes must be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for consideration.
As an extension of the renaming process, Palisades Tahoe is providing tribe members free access to resort activities, including free tickets and rentals, and has installed a Washoe exhibit at High Camp.
Mobile ordering | Mobile ordering for dining outlets on-mountain and in the Village will be available again this year on the Palisades Tahoe app and online.
Geographic name changes | Placer County is also in the process of renaming Squaw Valley Park and Squaw Valley Road and is working with the Washoe Tribe to rename geographical points in
40
New lift, eatery | A new surface lift has been installed in the High Camp beginner area and the new eatery Sun Bowl has opened in the Village at Palisades Tahoe for breakfast and lunch.
Rahlves joins the team | Olympian Daron Rahlves has joined Palisades Tahoe as a member of its athlete team. Rahlves, who grew up skiing at the resort, has long been recognized for his athletic accomplishments along with his work as an ambassador for the Tahoe ski community.
Gondola on tap | The base-to-base gondola connecting Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows will be open for the 2022-23 season, resort president and COO Dee Byrne announced at a recent Good Morning Truckee meeting. Follow updates at blog.palisadestahoe.com. Shuttle expanded | The free Mountaineer shuttle operating between Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley will offer expanded service for the 2021-22 winter season, partnering with TART Connect between Olympic Valley and Tahoe City on Friday and Saturday evenings.
% of terrain skiable acres
2,400 # of trails
100+ vertical feet
1,802
The on-demand shuttle service will run from Dec. 10 to April 10 daily in Olympic Valley and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in Alpine Meadows.
sierra-at-tahoe
Opened 1946
OPENS 2022 50 25
25
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
2,000 # of trails
47 vertical feet
2,212 terrain parks
6
As Sierra-at-Tahoe celebrates its 75th season, the resort is working to recover from damage sustained from the Caldor Fire that occurred this year and has pushed back its opening date to early 2022.
Read Kathryn Reed’s feature “Magic of Sierra-at-Tahoe endures” in this edition. The resort is still assessing the damage according to an update from its website: “That evaluation will determine what operations look like for opening the resort for the 2021-22 winter season. Repairs, routine yearly maintenance + annual inspections continue on Nob Hill, Short Stuff, El Dorado + Easy Rider Express, as well as mitigation for fire-damaged trees along ski trails accessed by these lifts. The operating status for individual trails accessed by each of
sierraattahoe.com
these lifts is still unknown as they undergo inspection.” Areas closed | “Based on initial assessments, we do know that the trails and area accessed by West Bowl Express will be inaccessible this winter,” the update reads. “In addition, many of the in-bound tree skiing areas, such as Jack’s + Avalanche Bowl, will likely be closed for the season.” Grandview Express | “Grandview Express’ haul rope, which suspends the ski lift’s chairs, was damaged during the fire and a replacement cable is currently in production in Switzerland. Due to these challenges, Grandview Express will be delayed, and we currently do not have an estimated date for allowing access to this lift,” according to the website. Follow updates at sierraattahoe.com/blog. n
Jason Peters | Sierra-at-Tahoe
palisadestahoe.com
THE BEST PLACE TO BEGIN TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL SKI RESORT Safe, Low-Angle Learning Terrain 40% Novice 60% Intermediate
Affordable and Convenient Private and Group Lessons Book Online
Some of the Region’s Best Instructors
Public Lift Tickets Start at $78 for Adults and $48 for Children Ages 7-12 Book Online
GET SKIING AND RIDING TODAY! TAHOEDONNER.COM/DOWNHILL
sky tavern
soda springs mountain resort
Opened 1935
Opened 1948
TBA
OPENS JAN. 15
40
30
30
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
# of trails
4
Sky Tavern is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit learn to ski and ride program and was recently awarded the National Ski Areas Association Conversion Cup for 2021.
vertical feet
900 terrain parks
1
The Conversion Cup was awarded to the ski area “For its devotion to teaching local youth the sport of skiing and riding, and the resort’s mission to support those who would like to experience snowsports.” It is the only nonprofit, volunteer-staffed ski area to have won the honor.
Volunteer run | Sky Tavern is unique among local ski areas in that is not only a nonprofit, but also a co-op that is run by volunteers who man the lifts, teach the lessons and perform every task around the resort to teach kids how to ski and ride. Seasons passes are required to access the ski area along with a few hours of your time. Upgrades | The old Pony Tow Lift is being moved to the terrain park for the 2022 season and a snowmaking and lights project is in the engineering phase.
200 # of trails
15 vertical feet
550 terrain parks
1
It’s a winter wonderland of kidorientated fun at Soda Springs from the Planet Kids snow play area for ages 7 and younger featuring tubing carousals, tubing lanes, snow volcanoes to climb and more to the 10 tubing runs for the whole family to enjoy at Tube Town.
Shop the Swap | Help the nonprofit that runs the ski hill continue its program at its annual Ski Swap on Nov. 19 and 20. n
skytavern.org
tahoe donner downhill
Opened 1939
Opened 1972
OPENS NOV. 26
OPENS DEC. 10
38
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
1,650 # of trails
103 vertical feet
1,500 terrain parks
2
TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY OPENS NOV. 26
Cath Howard | Sugar Bowl
45
Sugar Bowl has resumed selling season passes but is limiting the number of passes being sold. However, daily lift tickets are available in advance online only. Day ticket pricing will vary depending on the day of the week and time of the year and is subject to change, so purchase tickets early. Lodging, dining reopen | The Hotel at Sugar Bowl and all lodges, bars and restaurants will reopen including The Dining Room at Village Lodge and the Belt Room Bar. Face coverings will not be required outdoors, but they will be encouraged indoors. Tubing area | Sugar Bowl is investing $2 million on a new tubing area along Sugar Bowl Road to open in the 202223 season. The tubing area will offer a safe place for guests and visitors on Donner Summit to play and address a
sugarbowl.com
Family Pass | One of the best deals around is Soda Springs’ Family Access with full access to the resort for two adults and two kids. The pass includes access to the lifts, Tube Town, Planet Kids, Woodward Start Park and the sleigh and is good every day all season with no blackout dates. n
skisodasprings.com
sugar bowl ski resort 17
Courtesy Soda Springs Mountain Resort
Events Nov. 19-20 | Ski Swap
skiable acres
SNOWPLAY OPENS NOV. 26
60 40
critical safety issue as many visitors are playing in unsafe areas along Old Highway 40, Greg Dallas, the resort’s president and CEO said at a recent Good Morning Truckee meeting. The 7.75-acre site will feature groomed 600-foot-long tubing lanes and a Magic Carpet. A snowmaking system will also be installed with lights and music for nighttime tubing. Forest health | Dallas also said that the resort is actively working to manage potential wildfire risks in areas surrounding the ski area and is developing a comprehensive master plan for the restoration of Van Norden Meadow. Sugar Bowl has also been working with Placer County and local agencies to help develop the Donner Summit recreation master plan to address trailhead, parking and facilities access. n
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
120 # of trails
17 vertical feet
600 terrain parks
2
Events Dec. 25 | Ski with Santa Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021 and continues to provide families a unique and affordable ski experience with wide-open bowls, uncrowded slopes and gentle beginner terrain. New groomer | Focused on offering a high-quality snow surface, Tahoe Donner purchased a new PistenBully snowcat to groom the mountain.
tahoedonner.com
New lodge on tap | Plans for a new lodge are underway. The lodge was built in 1971 as a real estate office and after an extensive review, it was decided by the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors to replace the lodge. The lodge is owned and operated by the Tahoe Donner Association, which is still in the planning process for the lodge. Tickets | Advance purchase of lift tickets, lessons and rental equipment is encouraged for all guests. n
Courtesy Tahoe Donner Downhill
150
Courtesy Sky Tavern
skiable acres
% of terrain