Each ski season in Lake Tahoe, most ski resorts do some major and minor tweaking to their mountain. Sierra-at-Tahoe is no different, and recently announced new additions for the 2014-15 ski season.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort’s additions include the Solstice Plaza and Eatery in full operation, experience-based learning programs for skiing and snowboarding, as well as new Unlimited Season Pass perks and the NewSchoolers Invitational. Each advancement is geared toward upholding an enhanced on-mountain and overall experience for guests while preserving the convenience and value Sierra is known for.
“We welcome guests of all ages and skill levels at Sierra,” Sierra-at-Tahoe General Manager John Rice said. “By giving them a place to relax during a day of skiing or riding, to meet with friends and family and potentially grab food or drinks, it makes spending a day on the mountain more accessible for everybody.”
Here’s what’s new for the upcoming season at Sierra-at-Tahoe.
Solstice Plaza in Full Operation: Sierra-at-Tahoe invested $5 million in a new 30,000 square foot deck and 9,000 square foot base area facility that offers a new après scene and enhanced guest services as well as a new retail shop, demo center and restaurant – Solstice Eatery, featuring internationally flavored ancient grains bowls.
Along with Solstice Eatery, Sierra introduces the new indoor/outdoor Corkscrew Bar with full liquor license and the Golden Bear Terrace featuring California-centric barbeque flavors based on California lifestyle and attitude, highlighting craft beers from California. Guests can enjoy delectable new options while relaxing around fire pits on a large outdoor deck overlooking the action on the mountain and enjoying live music and events throughout the course of the season.
“Weddings, retreats, concerts; the opportunities are endless,” Rice said. “Along with the new plaza in full effect, experience-based learning adding to the progressive nature of snowsports and unique passholder benefits, Sierra Resort will celebrate a great season with a reveling spring concert series.
Experience-Based Learning Programs: Committed to helping the snow sports industry grow and retain first-time skiers and riders, Sierra-at-Tahoe offers lessons in a hassle-free environment, where guests will feel comfortable trying the sport and most importantly, enjoying it. An entire area is dedicated to learning, including two magic carpets, a high-speed quad and a Learn To Ride center. Employees are trained on anticipating needs of first timers and certified within the program to instruct on sculpted, contour-based Smart TerrainTM, designed to help turns and gliding in a safe and controlled environment. This program is in collaboration with Snow Park Technologies and Snow Operating Staff to fuel the desire for progression in snowsports.
Burton Star Wars™ Experience – Building off of the success of Yoda’s Riglet Park, the Burton Star Wars™ Echo Base now offers a snowboarding program for kids ages 7-12. The new Burton Star Wars™ Echo Base gives kids 7-12 the opportunity to learn how to snowboard using terrain-based teaching, iconic Star Wars™ characters and Burton Learn to Ride technology and techniques. Young snowboarders will get the chance to “defeat the dark side” and become Jedi Knights by conquering their fears of sliding on snow. Kids will learn to snowboard in a one-of-a-kind environment unlike any other in the universe.
Powder Alliance Goes International: With the purchase of a Sierra-at-Tahoe Unlimited Pass, skiers and snowboarders of any age become members of the Powder Alliance and receive access to 36 free days of skiing on select days at some of the best resorts in the West. This year, that freedom extends internationally to Silver Star Mountain Resort in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. Other resort partners include Crested Butte, CO; Snowbasin, UT; Stevens Pass, WA; Timberline, OR; Schweitzer, ID; Angel Fire Resort, NM; Bridger Bowl, MT; China Peak, CA; Mountain High, CA; Arizona Snowbowl, AZ and Mt. Hood Skibowl, OR.
The membership applies to Sierra Unlimited Passes. Tickets are valid Sunday – Friday, non-holiday and must be used during the 2014-15 season. Sierra Resort guests are encouraged to visit Powder Alliance for a complete list of holiday dates and additional resort benefits.
New Schoolers Invitational: Formerly the Tanner Hall Invitational, this event brings the best in freestyle competitors to the slopes of Sierra-at-Tahoe. Tanner Hall, an accomplished all around freeskier with multiple X Games gold medals in both slopestyle and superpipe, will invite fifteen of the best skiers in the world to participate in a one-of-a-kind event with a feature built by Snow Park Technologies that will progress skiing and offer a different format than traditional slopestyle contests. Past competitors include Henrik Harlaut, Phil Casabon and Candide Thovex. The 2015 event is scheduled for March 28th, rounding out a fantastic Spring lineup.
For more information, visit www.SierraAtTahoe.com or call 530 659-7453.
