21st Annual Downhill Ski Guide, Winter 2021-22

November 17, 2021

Be prepared before visiting

Carry a face mask at all times & use it when close to others or indoors.

Masks are required for anyone unvaccinated while indoors in California, and for everyone regardless of vaccine status in most counties in Nevada.

Some resorts will require proof of vaccination for ages 12 and older for indoor dining.

Buy a pass for the best deal.

Purchase all tickets, rentals and lessons in advance online. There will be limited or no on-site sales.

Some resorts will require ordering food in advance online or through an app. Download ski area apps in advance of visiting.

Be prepared & dress for being outdoors all day, including eating outdoors.

Carry a credit card. Many resorts continue to use cashless systems.

Avoid long traffic lines and limited parking by taking resort shuttles or public transportation to ski areas.

Stay home if you’re not feeling well or have been in contact with someone not well.

ASC Training Center

asctrainingcenter.org
OPEN | Formed 1928

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.

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.

ASC is in the planning stages for a permanent project to install high-intensity 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.

Boreal Mountain Resort

rideboreal.com, woodwardtahoe.com
OPEN | Opened 1964

Events
March 14-15 | Subaru Winterfest

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.

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.

Woodward Mountain Parks | Featuring a network of terrain zones to build skills at from the Woodward Start Park, Woodward Progression Park and the Woodward Peace Park, among others.

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.

Diamond Peak Ski Area

diamondpeak.com
OPENS DEC. 9 | Founded 1966

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.

New park groomer | The resort’s new PistenBully 600 Park grooming machine incorporates the latest grooming and shaping technology.

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.

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.

Donner Ski Ranch

donnerskiranch.com
OPENING TBA | Opened 1937

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 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.

Granlibakken Tahoe

granlibakken.com
OPENING TBA | Sled hill opens Thanksgiving weekend
Founded 1922

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.

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.

Kids sled free | Kids younger than 3 sled for free.

Treetop park | The Tahoe City Treetop Park located at the resort offers aerial adventures for ages 5 and older.

Heavenly

skiheavenly.com
OPENS NOV. 9 | Opened 1955

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.

New lift on tap | The resort will be replacing the existing North Bowl lift in the 2022-23 season with a high-speed, 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 | Kids 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 quick-service (cafeteria-style) restaurants.

Shuttle | Complimentary shuttle service will run between Heavenly Village Base Area and California Lodge Base Area.

Homewood Mountain Resort

skihomewood.com
OPENS DEC. 10 | Founded 1961

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.

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 non-peak days.

Explore the back country | Homewood offers snowcat skiing and back-country training with access to more than 750 acres of back-country terrain.

Kingvale Resort

kingvaleresort.com
OPENS EARLY DEC. | Opened 2020

Events
Dec. 25 | Christmas Celebration
Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Celebration

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.

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.

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.

Grub | The food truck will be offering warm beverages and snacks to guests and a new restaurant will be opening soon.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

kirkwood.com
OPENS DEC. 3 | Opened 1972

Events
Dec. 31 | Torchlight Parade
TBA | Banked Slalom
Jan. 29-30 | Freeride Junior Tour

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.

Kids ski free | Kids ages 4 & younger ski free.

#Kirkwood Deep | The #KirkwoodDeep rider’s competition showcases video footage of the boldest snowboarders and skiers each year. Details TBA.

Expedition: Kirkwood | Expedition: Kirkwood is for the avid adventurer looking for back-country opportunities with a range of clinics and private guides.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

skirose.com
OPEN | Opened 1964

Events
Dec. 11 | Santa Ski Day
Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve fireworks

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.

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.

Northstar California

northstarcalifornia.com
OPENS NOV. 19 | Opened 1972

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 2022-23 season.

Kids ski free | Kids ages 4 & younger ski free.

Make a toast | Enjoy a glass of bubbly from 1:30 to 2 p.m. daily; first-come, first-served.

Palisades Tahoe

palisadestahoe.com

Olympic Valley
REOPENS NOV. 24 | Opened 1949

Alpine Meadows
OPENS NOV. 24 | Opened 1961

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.

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.

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.

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 Olympic Valley including Squaw Peak and Squaw Creek. Such changes must be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for consideration.

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.

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.

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.

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

sierraattahoe.com
OPENS 2022 | Opened 1946

Read Kathryn Reed’s feature “Magic of Sierra-at-Tahoe endures” in this edition

As Sierra-at-Tahoe celebrates its 75^th 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.

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 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.

Sky Tavern

skytavern.org
OPENS JAN. 15 | Opened 1948

Events
Nov. 19-20 | Ski Swap

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.

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.

Shop the Swap | Help the nonprofit that runs the ski hill continue its program at its annual Ski Swap on Nov. 19 and 20.

Soda Springs Mountain Resort

skisodasprings.com
OPENS NOV. 27 | Opened 1935

It’s a winter wonderland of kid-orientated 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.

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.

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort

sugarbowl.com
OPENS NOV. 26 | Opened 1939

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 2022-23 season. The tubing area will offer a safe place for guests and visitors on Donner Summit to play and address a 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.

Tahoe Donner Downhill

tahoedonner.com
OPENS DEC. 10 | Opened 1972

Events
Dec. 25 | Ski with Santa
Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort celebrated its 50^th 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.

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.

Be prepared before visiting

ASC Training Center

Boreal Mountain Resort

Diamond Peak Ski Area

Donner Ski Ranch

Granlibakken Tahoe

Heavenly

Homewood Mountain Resort

Kingvale Resort

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Northstar California

Palisades Tahoe

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Sky Tavern

Soda Springs Mountain Resort

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort

Tahoe Donner Downhill

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