This wasn’t an unusual occurrence a decade ago at Sierra-at-Tahoe. Opening the ski resort off Highway 50 near South Lake Tahoe in November was often the norm.
But that certainly hasn’t been the case lately following three drought years. Dependent on Mother Nature more than many other Lake Tahoe ski resorts, Sierra-at-Tahoe happily announced it will open Friday (Nov. 20), it’s earliest beginning of the season in 11 years.
Thanks to a pair of early snow storms and cold temperatures, Sierra will be the eighth Lake Tahoe ski resort to open for skiing and snowboarding in the 2015-16 season. Sugar Bowl is scheduled to become the ninth Tahoe resort to open Saturday.
“The last time we opened this early was 11 years ago,” says General Manager, John Rice. “A November opening is giving us a great outlook for the rest of the season. In a similar year, we logged as much as 499 inches of snowfall. It should still be noted that early season conditions exist and we will open more terrain once conditions permit.”
Sierra-at-Tahoe will run three lifts and two surface lifts Friday. Season Passes and additional products from 2014-15 will be valid for use through Dec. 20.
Sierra-at-Tahoe will open Nob Hill, Easy Rider Express, Rock Garden, Slider and Magic Carpet, providing access to beginner and intermediate trails and the Broadway terrain park. Guests are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for unmarked obstacles. There will be no refunds due to conditions.
Fast Passes will work on Nob Hill and Easy Rider Express. Snow play will be available next to Slider surface lift on Broadway and near the base area (no tubes or sleds will be provided). Preferred parking will be offered in C lot.
As a way of thanking last year’s loyalists, Sierra-at-Tahoe has created “Sierra Bonus Laps,” a program that honors all purchased 2014-15 Season Passes, unfinished 3-PAK lift tickets and unfinished 3-PAK and 10-PAK lesson programs, to be valid through December 20, 2015.
Season Passholders for 2014-15 will need to visit the Sierra Season Pass Office for activation. Sierra Value Season Pass restrictions still apply. Unfinished 3-PAK lift tickets may be redeemed directly at the lift. Unfinished 3-PAK and 10-PAK lessons packages can be redeemed at the appropriate rental location.
For children’s programs, please visit www.sierraattahoe.com or call 530 543-3150 for reservations.
Lake Tahoe ski resorts Opening Dates:
- Alpine Meadows Resort – Open
- Boreal Mountain Resort – Open
- Diamond Peak – December 10
- Donnor Ski Ranch – TBA
- Granlibakken – TBA
- Heavenly Mountain – Open
- Homewood – December 11
- Kirkwood Mountain – Open
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe – Open
- Northstar California – Open
- Squaw Valley – Open
- Sierra-at-Tahoe – November 20
- Soda Springs – TBA
- Sugar Bowl – November 21
- Tahoe Donner – December 11
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel. Thanks for visiting his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
