Another storm is expected in a few days, which will be more good news for Bear Valley ski resort, which plans to open Saturday, Nov. 28 for the 2015-16 season.
Storms earlier in the month provided a solid snow base for Bear Valley, which is currently reporting 25 inches for the season. Lifts will start turning at 9 a.m. and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an entire weekend of skiing, snowboarding and family activities.
Bear Valley has also begun snowmaking on the mountain covering 100 acres of terrain. At full operation, the ski and snowboard area offers 1,680 acres of varied terrain, more than 70 trails, two terrain parks featuring more than 18 features, and 1,900 vertical feet. Bear Valley averages over 30 feet of annual snowfall per year.
“We’ve been out packing snow throughout the mountain to ensure great coverage and a solid base. Meanwhile, temperatures have become great for snowmaking,” said Mattly Trent, Director of Guest Safety for Bear Valley. “Winter has been shaping up nicely here in Bear Valley and we’re excited about opening over Thanksgiving weekend.”
Located in the Central Sierra between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe on National scenic Highway 4, Bear Valley ski resort is surrounded by two of California’s largest federally designated wilderness areas. During the winter months, the resort typically provides skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Winterfest at Bear Valley kicks off Thursday, Nov. 26 with a Thanksgiving Dinner prepared by Bear Valley Executive Chef Bob Mason. The weekend will continue with a brand new backcountry film on Friday. The weekend includes live music, a bonfire, open house events and deals at Reba Sports.
Andrea Young named new general manager: The change in management comes as Skyline Bear Valley prepares for the advent of the 2015-16 season. As the new general manager Young brings a vast array of ski industry experience that spans 25 years across all aspect of mountain operations including resort management, human resources, guest services, marketing, risk management administration, hotel operations, and food and beverage.
“I am thrilled by the opportunity to apply my years of ski industry experience and intimate knowledge of Bear Valley to the critical leadership role of General Manager,” Young said. “My goal is to provide strong, ethical, creative and visionary guidance to the dedicated, skilled and knowledgeable team, and to deliver an exceptional guest experience, and I’m excited to be surrounded by such a committed and smart group of people to help lead this charge.”
Additional management changes at Bear Valley include Rosie Sundell as Senior Director, Resort Revenue; Mattly Trent as Director of Guest Safety; and Aaron Johnson as Director of Guest Education and Exploration.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel. Thanks for visiting his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
