HERE’S A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT TO EXPECT AROUND THE LAKE THIS SEASON
PALISADES TAHOE
The resort formerly known as Squaw/Alpine changed its name to eliminate the “S” word, considered offensive by Native American groups (be sure to visit the Washoe exhibit at High Camp to learn more). “Palisades” refers to iconic cliff formations at both resorts that have long been the challenging domain of expert freeskiers.
Otherwise: Rebranding of the adjacent resorts, which together offer some 6,000 acres of skiable terrain, will take some time, as will construction of a new gondola linking the base areas. New this year: A carpet lift at the High Camp beginner area in Olympic Valley, the return of indoor dining, and après-ski activities (including live music at the KT Base Bar).
Mobile food ordering continues, a social feed has been added to the Palisades app and many special events are on the schedule. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Unvaccinated guests must wear a mask indoors.
palisades
tahoe.com. VAIL RESORTS (HEAVENLY, KIRKWOOD, NORTHSTAR)
No reservations will be required for Epic passholders this year, although advance online ticket sales are required for non-pass holders. For COVID-19 safety reasons, guests will be required to book a reservation to eat indoors, and those over 12 years old will be required to show proof of vaccination. Masks are mandatory but no proof of vaccination is required to access indoor restrooms or lockers.
Coming up: A new high-speed six-pack lift at Northstar will replace the existing mid-mountain Comstock lift, but it won’t be ready until next year. Heavenly also is getting some lift upgrades.
Look for live music and après-ski action to resume at the Heavenly and Northstar base villages. At Kirkwood, Expedition Kirkwood is back with guided backcountry outings.
MORE INFO >> Check out specific protocols and special events at epicpass. com, as well as the various ski resorts’ websites, including www.skiheavenly. com, www.kirkwood.com and www.northstar california.com.
MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE
A $7.5 million terrain expansion will open next year. Employees this year are required to be vaccinated, but while there’s no vaccination mandate for guests, masks will be required indoors.
“Most of what this sport is about is being outdoors,” notes Mike Pierce, director of marketing. “This year,” he says, “we’re doing a lot of food and beverage, but with a reduced menu. We’re still encouraging people to ‘make your car your base lodge’ and tailgate or eat outdoors on the decks.”
Improved snow-making operations will ensure more reliable conditions this year. For experienced skiers, Alpenglow Expeditions will lead guided backcountry outings.
skirose.com.
MORE INFO >> SUGAR BOWL / ROYAL GORGE
“We’ll open up indoors a lot more than last year, and that will be one of the biggest changes,” says Jon Slaughter, Sugar Bowl’s executive director of marketing and sales. The dining room at the main lodge and the Belt Room Bar will reopen, as will the historic Hotel at Sugar Bowl, accessed by gondola. Children’s ski school is also making a comeback.
No masks are required outdoors but they’re encouraged indoors, Slaughter says.
At sister property Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski
Resort, the Summit Station Lodge will reopen. More snowshoe access is being added, along with more dog-friendly trails.
MORE INFO >> sugarbowl. com, royalgorge.com
HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT
You can’t beat the Lake Tahoe views from this West Shore resort. Look for a bevy of learn-to-ski specials. For advanced skiers and riders, Homewood Snowcat Adventures offers expeditions into the backcountry. For non-skiers, there’s a sledding and snow-play area at the base.
MORE INFO >> skihomewood. com
BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT / WOODWARD TAHOE
Ski early in the day and pay more, later in the day and pay less — and know that Boreal is the only Tahoe resort offering night skiing this season. To encourage young rippers, kids 8 and under get a free pass with adult purchase of an unlimited season pass. Meanwhile, Woodward Tahoe is an indoor “Bunker” facility where action sports-lovers can learn, develop and master their sport, from skateboarding to skiing, trampoline and “parkour” training disciplines.
MORE INFO >> rideboreal.
com DIAMOND PEAK SKI RESORT
Community-operated and very casual, Diamond Peak is one of few Tahoe resorts that will allow walk-up ticket sales this year. Sign up for Last Tracks wine and beer tastings, departing from the scenic Snowflake Lodge at 4 p.m. on weekends.
MORE INFO >> diamond peak.com