Things will indeed be a bit different this year at our favorite Lake Tahoe and Truckee ski resorts, yet our passion for getting out and enjoying some of the finest slopes in America has not changed.
As best stated by Ski California president Michael Reitzell … “Skiing has inherent advantages during these uncertain times — it happens outdoors in wide-open spaces with constant airflow. The experience will definitely be different this year, but for those who plan ahead and know before they go, it’s undoubtedly going to be one of the most fun, healthy ways to spend time outside this winter.”
See you on the slopes!
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New Rules and Regulations Set for Sierra Ski Resorts
(Photo courtesy of Northstar California)
To help you prepare for the upcoming ski season in Truckee-Tahoe, the Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate group has reviewed all the North Lake Tahoe resort’s websites to provide condensed versions of the new regulations that will be in effect upon your arrival to the High Sierra.
At this time, some of the resorts have projected opening dates, all of which are dependent on snow and weather conditions. Complete details for each resort can be accessed through the links provided for each resort.
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“Making the health and safety” of their guest and employees a top priority, the team at Squaw/Alpine shares their thoughts that “there will be impacts on the mountain … but the skiing and riding that exhilarates use each year will stay the same.”
A recent message from Ron Cohen, President and COO, noted the following:
“Guests should expect COVID-19 related changes to impact a number of aspects of resort operations. The resort team, including the Mountain Operations team, will be facing numerous challenges created by COVID-19 policies and procedures. These may result in delayed lift and terrain openings, particularly on inclement weather days…we are excited to deliver an exceptional guest experience, but everyone needs to understand that the operational challenges are huge, and so remaining flexible and understanding will be prerequisites to having a great time.”
There is an excellent FAQ section on their website. Visit it here for complete details.
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Throughout Northstar’s website they will show you how they have “reimagined” the upcoming ski season for you. Highlights from their website follow:
Commitment to Safety
Face coverings will be required to access our mountain, and we have re-imagined our resort experience to allow for physical distancing.
Pass Holder Reservations
For your safety, we are managing on-mountain access this season. Reservations will be required, and our pass holders will get priority access.
Lift Tickets
Tickets will go on sale Dec. 8 after our pass holders reserve their priority days. Lift tickets will not be sold for the early season, but Epic Day Passes are available now.
Cashless Transactions
For your safety, all transactions across our resorts this season will be cashless (unless required by local regulations). This includes at our hotels, restaurants, Ski & Ride School, activities and all other points of sale.
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Tahoe Donner is also planning for a safe and family-fun filled season and are promoting their operations this year as “Winter at a Distance.” Their website notes that they will be following guidelines from the CDC, local agencies, and national professionals. Proper spacing, hygiene, and reduced time indoors will be enforced.
Fortunately for Tahoe Donner, they have had plenty of time this past summer to learn the best practices for their operations that saw successful re-openings with COVID-19 regulations intact. This winter, they are ready to do the same. Here is what you can expect.
Professional Guidance
Our staff has been consulting with experts on both the local and national level to help provide guidance for winter planning. While things may not look the same this winter, thoughtful decisions are in the works now to shape a season made of equal parts of “stoke and safety.”
Winter at a Distance
While various factors are at play this winter, much of our planning is held on the grounds that mask-wearing and social-distancing protocols will continue. Expect facility access and anything indoors to be limited this winter .
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With this year’s motto noted as “Be Safe. Be Kind.,” Sugar Bowl has rolled out an impressive Guide to the 2020/2021 Season. Their introduction beings like this:
“Our guiding philosophy is to provide memorable outdoor experiences while embracing our shared responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will uphold the best practices of sanitation, mask-wearing, physical distancing and protective equipment. We will maintain our brand ethos of not overcrowding the resort. We will communicate important information so that you know what to expect before you arrive.”
Throughout their online guide, you can learn more about their new “Care Team,” advanced lift ticket purchases, new RFID lift gates, indoor ‘warming zones,’ grab and go food and beverage purchases, and more.
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The largest cross-country ski area in North America looks forward to opening their 140km of groomed trails for all to enjoy the great outdoors – cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing this winter.
According to their website, “they could not be more excited to welcome you back.”
Within the site they, too, have a special section dedicated to their new operations and guest expectations. Among the content you will learn more about what to expect.
“In formulating our plan, we’ve observed how ski areas with summer business have been operating these past couple of months. We have watched how ski areas in the southern hemisphere have conducted their ski and snowboard season and talked with our industry peers who share good ideas and lessons learned.
For a complete list to get you prepared to enjoy their 6000-acre winter playground, see their ‘Personal Responsibilities” page right here.
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Vying for one of the “Top 10” XC ski resorts in the country, this hometown favorite has been practicing their social distance requirements all summer-long through their biking and hiking programs. They will be posting their winter news soon, so stay in touch with their social outlets.
For more information about their upcoming winter season, visit their website at TahoeXC.org or following their postings on Facebook where you can place your vote in the USA Top 10 Poll!
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One of our favorite hideaways during the winter months is over on the lake’s West shore. There is something about the family atmosphere and forever jaw-dropping views that makes the scenic drive always well worth the time invested.
Within their operations this year, they are looking at life with the glass-half-full – which is a refreshing view. Here is how they see your future on the slopes and off.
“Part of our operational plan this winter is to embrace something we have always been known for, fewer crowds. We will be limiting the number of skiers on the mountain daily and have also capped our season pass sales by 25%. With safety as a top priority this will allow us to ensure social distancing on the mountain and throughout our base areas.”
When you visit their site, you can learn more about their operations and how you can prepare your friends and family for a safe, fun, and memorable winter season.
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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow …
There might not be a better way to wrap up this edition with this fine quote from the team at Homewood Mountain Resort”:
We’re no rocket scientists, but we like to think that fewer skiers per acre could result in a higher percentage of powder turns?
On behalf of our entire real estate firm in Truckee, CA, we encourage you to be prepared, be safe, and please be a good neighbor so we can all enjoy the wonders of winter in Truckee-Tahoe in a healthy and happy environment.
Contact Alison and Your Friends at Elder Group Tahoe
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