Taking a skiing trip to Tahoe this year will be different from the previous years before today. With the coronavirus outbreak taking over the world, it would be tough to go all-out and have fun without any worries. Last season, the pandemic forced several skiing spots across the state to shut down their business doors early. The epidemic caused drastic changes to everyone who wants to experience and indulge in winter activities by the mountains.
These changes include COVID-19 guidelines and protocols to safeguard everyone’s security from the still deadly virus. Mandatory face coverings are a prerequisite to enter ski resorts in all public areas. Booking ski classes and purchasing transportation tickets ahead of time is a must. People should observe strict social distancing protocols. All the previously mentioned regulations diminished the last-minute plans to go on a skiing trip to the snowy summits. This year’s winter requires you to plan your winter vacation early.
Despite the modified measures of the “new normal,” National Ski Areas Association communications director Saia Isaac assures locals and tourists that some things remain unchanged.
“As an industry, we want to be sure that people can still have access to snow, sunshine, fresh air, and the freedom of playing in the mountains,” Isaac said. “What remains true is that people need outdoors, and we want to do everything we can to make sure that happens this winter, ” he added.
For your skiing trips and needs, here’s what you need to know about Tahoe’s top three ski resorts:
1. Squaw Valley
A spacious village with stores and restaurants await you at Squaw Valley at North Lake Tahoe. Purchasing a transport ticket or Ikon pass lets you access over 6,000 skiable property between Tahoe City and Truckee. If you plan to take on a trip to Squaw Valley, the resort’s doors will welcome guests once again on November 25 of this year.
Machine-made snow on Squaw Creek and Red Dogs chairlifts would be made available for customers who want to have fun doing snow-based activities. The tourist center will not require bookings for pass holders in the meantime – be sure to check their official Twitter page for more updates. Additionally, the resort allows its guests to get food take-outs from nearby food hubs like Tremigo, Fireside, and Wildflour Baking Company.
2. Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl is a traditional yet charming ski center located atop Donner Summit, giving off family-friendly vibes to locals and visitors alike. The resort is not one of the mega passes, including imposing a limit on purchasing daily transport ticket sales. Due to the previously mentioned information, Sugar Bowl would be one of Tahoe’s least crowded ski areas during the winter season. The resort gave no specific date for its reopening yet, but it is aiming to resume its business sometime during the Thanksgiving season.
Additionally, the Sugar Bowl resort made no announcements regarding what landscapes will open. However, if you’re a current season pass holder, the ski spot allows you to skin uphill at the resort. Furthermore, the hotel’s chef renovated the menu specials allowing you to take food back to your room.
3. Boreal
The Boreal ski resort is one of the most affordable hotels in the Tahoe area. Additionally, it is also one of the closest places to the Bay Area, located beside Interstate 80 on Donner Summit. New skiers and riders get attracted to its under-the-night lights shredding and terrain parks until 9:00 p.m. The hotel plans to begin operations on November 23.
Boreal would open its Castle Peak Quad for this year’s winter season, and other terrains would follow. You need to purchase the tickets online in advance to secure yourself a spot in the resort’s daily capacity limit. Additionally, Boreal has one of the best learn-to-ski programs, perfect for newbie riders or skiers.
