Winter Resort Openings

Resort Openings

The last day of skiing for the 2016/2017 season in the Tahoe area was at Squaw Valley on July 15th, 2017. Riders were still making turns on the Palisades, Gold Coast and Shirley Lake into the hot days of summer after celebrating the 4th of July on the slopes. Will 2017/2018 season live up to last season? Snow lovers are keeping a close eye on the weather reports but only time will tell.

The first snow of the season arrived this year on September 21st. After a typical Tahoe fall with temperatures in the 70's, some significant snow is in the forecast for this weekend. It’s time to check your gear, make sure you have your pass in hand and get ready to make your first turns of the season.

Mount Rose was the first resort to open this year on October 27th and 28th. With the north facing mountain and the cold temperatures early in the month, the resort was able to open one run for 2 days of riding. Squaw Valley has run the snow guns this week with low temperatures at night and Northstar is sure to follow.

Winter is coming. The resorts are getting ready. Are you?

Below are some projected opening dates for resorts.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: Open! 
Boreal: Open!
Northstar California: November 17, 2017
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows: Both Resorts are scheduled to open November 17, 2017
Heavenly: November 17, 2017
Kirkwood: November 22, 2017
Sugar Bowl: Late November

Diamond Peak: December 14, 2017




Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012 

Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley Hike

Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley Hike

This does take some coordination and planning ahead as it is best to do a one way shuttle hike. Start by parking one car at Squaw Valley in the main skier parking lot. Then, everyone jumps in the other car for a trip to the start of the hike, Donner Summit. The trailhead starts just past the Sugar Bowl Ski Academy off of Old HWY 40. 

The hike starts out with a rocky stairway switchback path. About a mile in, make sure to continue on the PCT and don’t take the Mt. Judah Loop Trail. Soon you will be on top of Mt. Lincoln feeling like you are on the top of the world with views that go on for miles. From here the trail is clear and the wildflowers are plenty. Pass by Anderson Peak, Tinker’s Knob and Mountain Meadow Lake, a very shallow lake resembling a meadow. Most of the hike stays on or near the crest of the range but there at one point it does dive down into the west side with a tough climb back out. The views, some of the finest in the Tahoe area, are well worth the challenge. 

At about 12 miles into your hike you will get to a junction for the Granite Chief trail. This is where you leave the PCT and head down into Squaw Valley. Now it is down, down, down to the valley floor. The trail is difficult to follow at times but look for the stacked rocks (cairns) as indication you are on the right path. As you are farther down there are many options but no matter which one you follow, you will end up in the parking lot where you left your car at the beginning of the day.
The day will end with 17 miles on your feet, 2,500 feet gained and 4,100 feet descended and a million smiles. There is always the option of après-hike food and drink in the Village at Squaw Valley.

Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012 

2015/2016 Tahoe Ski Pass

2015/2016 Tahoe Ski Pass

The air is getting crisp and Mammoth Mountain has already reported snow flurries.  Are you ready for a big winter in Tahoe? Reports of the monster El Niño continue… have you purchased your season pass yet?  Now is the time as most pass prices will go up in or after October.   Every resort in the Tahoe area has it’s perks.  It will be hard to pick just one.  With Northstar’s Epic Pass you can ski at over 12 resorts, three of which are here in the Tahoe Basin.  Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows has teamed up with Sugar Bowl and Sierra-at-Tahoe to give pass holders bonus days at their resorts.  Squaw/Alpine has also set up their "Worry-Free Guarantee" program giving customers a credit for next season if they don’t use their pass more than 5 times this season.  Sugar Bowl throws in food and beverage discounts and 1 trail pass/lesson/rental at Royal Gorge Cross Country Center.  Diamond Peak and Homewood Mountain Resort always have the best Lake views.  Boreal Mountain has teamed up with Woodward Tahoe with a season pass good for both venues so you can polish your park riding skills on and off the mountain.  What mountain will you choose?  

Northstar 
Passes starting at $499

Squaw/Alpine
Passes starting at $409

Sugar Bowl
Passes starting at $269

Diamond Peak
Passes starting at $349

Ski Homewood
Passes starting at $439

Boreal Mountain
Passes starting at $259

Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012