2020 has a been a year for the history books for many reasons and now we can add a new ski season to that list that will look like no other ski season before it. And, yes, all of our ski areas will be open.
Masks will be required at all resorts; daily lift tickets will be limited or not available at all during the early season at some ski areas; parking may also be limited at some resorts with reservations required at others; lift capacity will be limited; lessons will also be limited or available only for private parties; dining will be limited to outdoor only at some resorts; cash will not be accepted at most locations; and everything will require advance online booking.
I’ve been impressed by the level of planning at our ski resorts from the expansion of RFID tickets (a touchless system) to improved advance reservation systems, as well as a commitment to provide a stellar guest experience while making safety a top priority.
We celebrate the 20th Annual Tahoe Downhill Ski Guide in this edition with a look at many of the changes guests can expect this season. Here are my tips to make the most of the season: Book everything online in advance (weeks or months in advance, if possible); buy a season pass to enjoy the most access; consider buying a season pass to a smaller ski area; and carry a credit card.
Donate to help our community
Over the last several months, Tahoe Weekly has been running a fundraising campaign to get our locally owned and run small business through these tough times, and we appreciate all of the support. While we still need your help to make it through, I want to ask you to make a donation to someone else, as well.
Ten years ago, when I was still an employee of Tahoe Weekly, I started a sponsorship program to help local nonprofits market their critical fundraisers in our magazine. Most nonprofits have little to no budget to buy advertising, but desperately need it to market their events and programs. Those first years we provided about $5,000 in sponsored advertising annually. After I bought the magazine in 2013, I changed that. Now we provide $30,000 to $40,000 in advertising each year, bringing our 10-year total to $385,000. However, due to the pandemic, we are unable to provide any of that.
On the back page of this edition, I’ve highlighted some of the local organizations that we’ve supported through the years and I ask that you consider making a donation to one of these groups. They provide critical services and programs to our community from food to low-income families to shelter to abuse victims; conduct vital scientific research on Lake Tahoe; help the disabled learn to ski and provide outdoor experiences; provide arts and cultural programs in our small community; provide free summer music around the lake; provide animal adoption services; protect our cultural and historical areas; provide beautification programs in our community and much, much more.
