Ski Season is Approaching!

November 9, 2020

Ski season is approaching!  Mountain resort operators in California and Nevada will open this season with new health and safety procedures; Guests encouraged to ‘Know Before You Go’.

Mandatory Face Coverings & Personal Responsibility

To ensure public health and help ski areas stay open this season, resorts will require guests and employees to follow established guidelines, including the use of face coverings and physical distancing. Resorts will require face coverings whenever physical distancing cannot be achieved. This includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, except when eating or drinking.

Know Before You Go

Similar to how frequently skiers and riders check the weather forecast in the winter, before traveling to resorts this season, guests should check in with the resort(s) they intend to visit to ensure they are familiar with current policies and procedures, as they are subject to change.

Opening Dates

While opening dates vary by resort, most have announced they intend to wait until they can have adequate ski trails open in order to spread guests out on the mountain. In some cases, resorts may limit early season operations to pass holders only.

Lift Tickets & Season Passes

Before visiting resorts this winter, skiers and riders should check with the resorts they intend to visit to determine whether lift tickets must be purchased in advance. Season pass holders should also anticipate and review new requirements and individual resort procedures this year.

Lessons & Equipment Rentals

Resorts will offer ski and snowboard school lessons and equipment rentals this winter, but guests should expect modified procedures. Guests are encouraged to learn what individual resorts have planned, and to reserve lessons and equipment rentals online in advance when possible.

Chairlifts

The length of skis and snowboards inherently helps to maintain physical distancing within lift lines, and many lines and procedures will differ from “normal.” Specific chairlift queuing, loading and riding guidelines will be posted by each resort, so guests should learn about each resort’s procedures before they arrive.

Lodges and Food & Beverage

Food and beverage offerings will be available, but they will be different from years past, and guests will see reduced capacities in indoor spaces. Many resorts will encourage outdoor dining, offer “grab and go” options, and recommend use of personal vehicles as the “lodge” this year. Guests can learn more by visiting the website of the resort(s) they intend to visit.

Cross-Country Skiing

Like the downhill resorts, Nordic ski areas offer an exceptional way for snowshoers, cross-country and skate skiers to spend time outdoors. The human-powered nature of these activities in vast, open trail networks makes it easy to maintain physical distance from other participants. Guests should check in with Nordic resorts prior to arrival to make themselves aware of each area’s current health and safety policies and procedures.

Here is a list of  the local Tahoe ski resorts and a link to the new updated COVID-19 requirements for the 20-21 ski season:

Squaw Valley/ Alpine Meadows

Heavenly/ Northstar/ Kirkwood

Sugar Bowl

Homewood 

Diamond Peak 

Sierra At Tahoe

Mt. Rose