This wasn’t just another routine season-opener Saturday at Homewood Mountain ski resort. It was a major reason to rejoice for the neighborhood skiers and riders who have called this modest resort home for decades.
Amidst speculation a year ago when it was closed for the season that this might be the case forever, Homewood has clawed back from near oblivion.
It was a modest opening Saturday (Dec. 27) with three lifts available, but the fact that its scenic slopes were being used again was the bigger issue.
Located off Highway 89, six miles south of Tahoe City on the beautiful west shore. Homewood is known for its tremendous Lake Tahoe views that are visible throughout the mountain. The lake is literally across the street from the ski resort and many of its clientele have lived close by for years.
Clouded in controversy regarding expansion plans for more than a decade, last October Homewood made the shocking decision to shut down for the 2024-25 season to the dismay of many local residents.
Last October when the decision was a startling one – to close for the entire season – no one was quite sure if they would ever ski Homewood again. The resort closed for the 2024-2025 season because their financial partner withdrew support due to delays in getting approvals for major renovation plans, including a new gondola.
Would Homewood Go Private? Rumors of Homewood going private had been circulating for years and some speculated the process would begin in the 2024-25 season. Some locals were concerned because Homewood stated its intention in the past to become private and only be available to the uber-rich.
A new plan had quietly emerged that owners JMA Ventures appeared ready to convert Homewood into a private, members-only resort. The news created anger among Homewood locals, who opposed the change to a private resort.
The Homewood private resort plans appeared to be shelved and progress seemed to be moving forward until the bombshell-like announcement in early October 2024 of not operating for an entire season.
“Without a clear path forward, our financial partner has withdrawn their support for this ski season,” the Homewood website statement said. “As a result, we are now in the regrettable position of being unable to operate or sell season passes for the 2024-25 season. We understand the deep disappointment this announcement will cause. It goes without saying that this decision was not made lightly.”
No New Gondola Yet: While plans are still in place to build a gondola, skiers and snowboarders looking forward to it will have to wait.
The new gondola is being built to replace the Madden chair as part of the Master Plan Project. Parts of the revised plan include the replacement of the Ellis Chair, along with the building of a mid-mountain lodge, a new hotel, and real estate developments.
Homewood stated previously that preparations are being made to begin construction in the summer of 2026. Currently, Homewood officials don’t expect any disruption to the ski experience this season.
Opening-Day Terrain: The Madden Chair will access the resort’s most difficult terrain, excluding areas of thin snow coverage and limited grooming.
On Saturday the resort also had the North Carpet and Happy Platter beginner lifts open.
