Lake Tahoe Resorts Closing Dates, Live Web Cams, Upcoming Events, Snow Report, Trail Maps, Public Transit Options

diamond-peak-resort-lake-view

Last Updated May 13, 2025

Thank you for visiting SnowPals ~ SF Bay Area Snow Sports Community (since 1999); gather family and friends for a winter wonderland getaway to enjoy all that Lake Tahoe offers for snow sports ?❄️⛷?” – SnowPals.org ♥

Bookmark this page for easy reference.

May 12, 2025 Central Sierra Snowfall Totals

sierra-snow-lab-snow-totals-may

Tahoe Weather OpenSnow Lake Tahoe Ski Area Last Reported Snowfall on May 12. 2025

opensnow-april-2025-tahoe-resorts-snowfall-totals

Central Sierra / LAKE TAHOE RESORTS CLOSING DATES 2025

Tahoe Donner CLOSED April 6, 2025
Homewood Mtn Resort CLOSED for 2024/25 Season
Northstar California April 20, 2025
Boreal Mountain Resort April 20, 2025
Soda Springs April 20, 2025
Heavenly April 20 2025
Diamond Peak April 20, 2025
Bear Valley April 20, 2025
Sierra at Tahoe April 20, 2025
Granilbakken April 20. 205
Dodge Ridge April 20, 2025
Sugar Bowl April 27, 2025
China Peak April 27, 2025
Mt. Rose April 27, 2025
Donner Ski Ranch May 4, 2025
Palisades Tahoe Memorial Day May 26, 2025

Eastern Sierra SoCal Resorts

Mammoth Mountain June 2025 TBD
June Mountain April 20, 2025
Big Bear Mtn April 20, 2025
Mountain High CLOSED
Mt Baldy TBD – open on weekends

Wanna tap into 2025/26 group discounted ski/snowboard season pass?

QUICK NAVIGATION LINKS:

⭐️ Lake Tahoe/Sierra Resorts Snow Report, Live Cams, Lift + Mountain Conditions, Trail Maps |
⭐️ Tap into Promos from our Partners |
⭐️ Bay Area to Tahoe Ski Bus Schedule + Get a Quote for Corporate, School or a Private Bus Trip to Lake Tahoe Resorts |
⭐️ Best Learn to Ski Snowboard Package Deals |
⭐️ Love to chase POW? Glean some wisdom insights with SnowPals’ member Marc’s powder hound adventures which spanned over 20 years of riding Tahoe resorts freshies |
⭐️ SoCal Eastern Sierra Nevada Resorts |
⭐️ Nordic Cross Country Ski, Snowshoeing Areas |
⭐️ Getting Around Lake Tahoe Transportation Options |
⭐️ National Weather Service Forecast, Winter Driving Tips, Chain Controls, CalTrans Tahoe Roads Conditions |
⭐️ Snow-sports Businesses Cross-marketing Opportunities / Guest Blog Writers |
⭐️ ? RSVP for our fun social meetup events to meet skiers/boarders near you! |

Tahoe Rideshare

Need a ride or got empty seats in your car for a Tahoe rideshare? If you are driving with empty seats in your car, offer a ride and get gas/EV supercharger money compensation to offset your Lake Tahoe gas/EV supercharging trip cost. Meet ski, ride pals in the process; some skiers, snowboarders have made lasting friendships through our rideshare connection, and a few marriages too. SnowPals’ rideshare forum was launched in 1999 with a few friends and have now grown to over 8k+ members strong, consisting of working professionals, college students, retirees, and out of town visitors to Lake Tahoe. Connect with SF Bay Area professionals for Tahoe Ride-sharing/carpooling, plus we have added our own members only WhatsApp real time communication channels so you can arrange rides quickly: join SnowPals to expand your circle of rideshare contacts and ski/ride pals.


Spot any errors on this page, . Thank you!

Follow us on Twitter/X to get real time updates about all things Tahoe.


2024/25 Projected Lake Tahoe Resorts Opening Dates, Snow Totals, Trail Maps, Live Cams, Upcoming Events

Mt. Rose is open | Trail Map | Cam | Conditions | Events Calendar | Mt Rose on Instagram

Palisades Tahoe & Alpine (aka Squaw Valley USA Alpine Meadows) is open with their 75th anniversary festivities, swag giveaways, DJ music & $75 lift tickets 11/22 to 11/27 | Trail Map | Cam | Conditions | Events Calendar | Instagram

Alpine Meadows Trail Map is open | Cam

squaw-alpine

Boreal is open . Check their website for night skiing hours. Trail Map | Cam | Events Calendar | Instagram

Heavenly Mountain Resort is open | Trail Map | Live Cams | Conditions | Events Calendar | Instagram

heavenly-resort-opening-day

Sierra at Tahoe opens Nov 29 | Trail Map | Cam | Conditions | Events Calendar | Instagram

Kirkwood pushed up opening date to NOV 30 | Trail Map | Cam | Conditions | Events Calendar | Instagram

kirkwood-resort

Northstar-at-Tahoe is open | Trail Map | Cam | Conditions | Events Calendar | Instagram

Sugar Bowl is open | Trail Map | Cam | Conditions | Events Calendar | Instagram

Homewood is closed for the 2024/25 winter Trail Map | Cam | Conditions | Instagram

homewood-resort

Diamond Peak opens December 05 | Learn about this Incline Village NV resort that has the best pano lake view in North Lake Tahoe | Trail Map | Cam | Conditions | Events Calendar | Instagram

Tahoe Donner opens December 6 | Trail Map | Events Calendar | Instagram

Donner Ski Ranch opens November 29 | Trail Map | Instagram

Bear Valley November 29 | Trail Map | Cam | Events Calendar | Instagram

China Peak TBA DecemberTrail Map | Events Calendar | Instagram

Dodge Ridge TBA | Trail Map | Cam | Events Calendar | Instagram

Soda Springs November 29 | Trail Map | Instagram

Yosemite’s Badger Pass® Ski Area TBA | Trail Map | Instagram

Mt. Shasta Ski Park Resort opens December TBA Trail Map | Cam | Extended night skiing/riding hours 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM. | Events Calendar | Instagram

New to SnowPals? Join us to expand your circle of ski and snowboarding buddies. Attend our fun casual social meetups to connect with skiers, snowboarders and backcountry ski/split-board enthusiasts close to you for Tahoe trips.



Learn to ski, snowboard deals, discounts

New to skiing, snowboarding and looking to find the best learn to ski, ride package deal which includes rentals, lesson and lift ticket? We put together a useful list of the best deals saving you time searching for them (feel free to share this page with family/friends to plan a ski trip to a Lake Tahoe resort).


One Minute Shred the POWDER GOPRO Video Contest Grand Prize Winner & Submit your video entry to our SECOND ROUND Video Contest

Congrats to Achal for winning our grand prize contest giveaway for our 1st round winner:


ROUND TWO SHRED THE POW 1 MINUTE VIDEO CONTEST: with back to back Sierra winter storms delivering mucho powder snow freshies, share with us your POV 1 minute POWDER shredding video!


NORDIC CROSS COUNTRY SKI, SNOWSHOEING AREAS CLOSING DATES

Granlibakken: is open
Tahoe XC: TBA – opening date TBA
Tahoe Donner: TBA
North Tahoe regional park nordic ski area: TBA; check website for list of areas
Royal Gorge Cross-country ski resort: December TBA
Other Nordic Ski Areas and snow parks/SNO-parks: TBA, visit goTahoeNorth.com

Granlibakken Resort TBA Trail Map | Cam

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort TBA Trail Map

Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area TBA Trail Map

Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area TBA Trail Map

* Plan a Tahoe getaway: browse/book a Tahoe vacation rental or if you have a season pass, join a ski lease to set a new personal record for most ski and ride days.

* Rideshare to your favorite Tahoe resort and expand your circle of friends for POWDER trips using your Epic/Ikon pass to Utah, Colorado, Whistler, Europe, Japan, South America and other worldwide snow destinations.

Snow-sports Businesses Cross-marketing Opportunities

If you have a snow sports business or a business that compliments well with skiing, snowboarding, and/or our year-round pursuit of an active opt outside lifestyle, about cross-marketing opportunities that is mutually beneficial.

Guest Blog Writers

If you are good with the pen and like to share your experience and wisdom about the A to Z of snow-sports and/or have deep insights about Lake Tahoe in all its seasons, how we can add you as a guest blog contributor.

✔ Our first guest author is a resident of SLT: “Eight microbreweries in South Lake Tahoe SLT to choose from but here’s my Fave

Quick Navigation Links:

* Caltrans Road Conditions | Road Traffic Live Cams | Chain Control Advisory

* Discount Ski Bus Trips: one day, overnight, private small groups, corporate ski bus trips

* Join Tahoe ride-sharing / carpool to help reduce carbon emissions and share expenses

* North Lake Tahoe Public Transportation Information

Getting around Lake Tahoe Local Transit – linkingTahoe.com

At Lake Tahoe you can enjoy an abundance of local transit options on the North Shore, the South Shore, and everywhere in between. All public transit routes are now FREE to the user!

TART (Tahoe Truckee Regional Transit)
TART provides bus service along the North and West shores of Lake Tahoe, state Route 89 from Tahoe City to Alpine Meadows, Olympic Valley, and state Route 267 to Northstar and Truckee. TART runs at hourly and 30-minute service intervals. Find out when your bus will arrive with real-time information on Next Bus.

TTD (Tahoe Transportation District)
TTD offers daily service within Tahoe’s South Shore with regular connections to the Carson Valley and Carson City, Nevada. You can find out when your bus will arrive with real-time information on Transit.

TART Connect
TART Connect offers a FREE and easy way to leave the car behind. Enjoy curb-to-curb service and connections to North Shore destinations within three different zones. Download the app to book your trip today!

Lake Link
Lake Link is a FREE, on-demand shuttle which takes you to South Shore beaches, trails, entertainment, and nightlife. Catch the service between 7am and 9pm on weekdays and 7am and 10pm on weekends. Download the app to book your ride!

SKI RESORT SHUTTLES
Many of the ski resorts including Heavenly, Northstar, and Diamond Peak, provide free shuttles to get you on the slopes. Check the resort’s website to find schedules and pick up locations.

Mountaineer provides free seasonal transit within Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows for guests and residents. Download the app and call a ride from anywhere to anywhere within the two valleys.

Park, Ride & Recreate!
TART’s winter park and ride program provides free bus service to Olympic Valley and Northstar on weekends and holidays from Late December through mid-March.

TTD’s seasonal (Summer) East Shore Express provides a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a day at Sand Harbor. Learn more about the Park Tahoe Program and park-and-ride rates along Lake Tahoe’s East Shore.

HOTEL SHUTTLES
Many hotels offer free shuttles to major destinations in and around Tahoe. Check your hotel website or speak with a concierge to find out what services they may offer.

MOUNTAIN BIKING SHUTTLES
Flume Trail Mountain Bikes operates a seasonal shuttle, June through October, 7 days a week. The shuttle is FREE with a bike rental, entrance fee for the State Park is included. You can also take one of the hourly shuttles with your own bike. The shuttle goes from Flume Trail Mountain Bikes next to Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village to Spooner Lake State Park. Then, you can ride your bike back to Flume Trail Mountain Bikes via the spectacular Flume Trail. The classic Flume Trail ride is 14 miles back to the shop/cafe and your car.

Flume Trail Bikes also offers shuttles to Tahoe Meadows to access the Tahoe Rim Trail on even days of the month.

Shoreline of Tahoe offers bike rentals and a seasonal shuttle service to several mountain bike trailheads.

Wanna Ride Tahoe operates a mountain bike and hiking shuttle service daily from 7am until 7pm. Priced per person, the service includes gear, snacks, water, and a ride!

* The above transportation information is provided by LinkingTahoe.com

PUBLIC SHUTTLES

TART (Tahoe Area Regional Transit)

Call 530-550-1212. Regular schedules run 7 days / week from 6:30 AM until 6:30 PM. TART service runs along 30 miles of the North Lake Tahoe shoreline including a shuttle between Tahoe City and Truckee via Hwy. 89. Buses equipped with bike racks in summer and ski racks in winter.

Truckee Transit

Call 530-587-751 for information. Buses run from 9 AM to 5 PM, no service between 1:15 to 2:15, Monday through Saturday. Service from Truckee Airport / Downtown Commercial Row / Donner Lake.

Ski Resort Shuttles and Schedules

– Free Ski Shuttle. Call 800-736-6365 for information. Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Homewood resorts: TART service offers weekend and holiday week schedule.

Night Rider Free Night Service

Call 530-546-2912 for information. Free service stopping at all TART public bus stops at night through the summer and winter with variable schedules.

TIMING YOUR BUS

NextBus.com

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

There are free public transit fixed route service that covers the city of South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV, and Carson Valley.

Visit TART – Transit for the Tahoe Area

Information about the free SLT fare smartphone app, and phone number. This app is for the south shore casino/Heavenly area/east side of the city of South Lake Tahoe.

“Don’t have a smartphone? Call 530-494-0153 to book a ride.”

– Public bus service from and to South Lake Tahoe Airport
Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has a bus stop located at the airport. The bus stop is on route 18X N.B. and E.B.

– BlueGO
BlueGO is a service of the South Tahoe Transit Authority, operated by the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD). BlueGO provides fixed route, demand response, sky shuttles, seasonal trolley service, and commuter express routes on the south shore of Lake Tahoe and to the Carson Valley.

– BlueGO operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For more information, please visit the Tahoe Transportation District website: https://www.tahoetransportation.org/transit/south-shore-services.

– Shuttle Service to & from Reno/Tahoe international Airport
South Tahoe Airporter
(530) 544-5289
http://southtahoeairporter.com

South Tahoe Express
This luxury bus shuttle service offers nonstop service between the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and South Shore casinos and hotel properties. There are 8 daily departures each way from Reno between 5:45 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. and from South Shore beginning at 3:30 a.m. and ending at 11:15 p.m. Purchase tickets through your travel agent, the Welcome Center at the Reno Airport and South Shore Casinos. $27.50 per person, each way. $49.00 round trip. Children 4-12 travel for $15.50 each way or $28.00 round trip with paid adult. CALL 866-898-2463

Amador Stage Lines
Busses for Airport Transfers, Casino Trips, Convention Event Shuttles, Golf Outings, Government contracting, Parties, Party Bus, Ski shuttles, Sporting events, Weddings, Reno ~ Lake Tahoe Bus Trips. 635 Ferrari-Mcleod Blvd. Reno, NV 89512 | 775-324-4444

Heavenly Ski Resort
During the ski season, this resort offers FREE fixed route shuttle service to most South Shore lodging properties. The shuttle runs between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. Call for designated stops. 530-541-7548

Sierra At Tahoe Ski Resort
During the ski season, this resort offers FREE fixed route shuttle service to most South Shore lodging properties. The shuttle runs between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. Call for designated stops. 530-541-7548

Please contact us if any of the above information is out of date or is incorrect; advance thanks. We rely on your feedback to provide Lake Tahoe area transportation options that are clear and accurate.

Screen Shot 2017-11-18 at 3.24.35 PM – source: onthesnow.com



* Extreme cool POWDER Van Adventure shoutout to Chris Benchetler’s fluid style as a skier (athlete and an artist) and his journey to ski fresh powder as he travels around the West Coast USA visiting various powder destinations.

GoPro: Chasing POWder AdVANture with Chris Benchetler in 4K


* What’s it like to ski/ride Japan’s famous dry champagne powder?



This season pass gives you two days of skiing / riding in Japan among 18 other resorts across Alberta, Australia, British Columbia, Chamonix (France) and Valle Nevado (Chile), California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, New Zealand, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. For 2018/19 season, this pass enables you to go where there’s POWder galore!


Caltrans Road Conditions, Road Traffic Live Cams, Highway Patrol Traffic Incidents Report, Chain Control Advisory, Tahoe Seven Day Weather Forecast

* Check to see when the next snow storm is in the forecast. Browse traffic and road webcams. Check Caltrans live feed.

* WINTER DRIVING TIPS

http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html

* CHAIN CONTROLS

http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/chain-controls.html

* Roads, Traffic – Check Current Highway Conditions

http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi

* LIVE TRAFFIC CAMS

http://www.dot.ca.gov/video/

* CHP Traffic Incident Information

http://cad.chp.ca.gov/

* TAHOE ROAD LIVE CAMS

http://newtoreno.com/ca-i80-webcams-donner-summit.htm

* NORTH TAHOE LIVE CAMS

https://tahoetopia.com/webcams

* SOUTH TAHOE LIVE CAMS

https://tahoesouth.com/lake-tahoe-web-cams/

* Tip: before you drive to Tahoe, check Current California Highway Road Conditions & Traffic; Enter Highway Number(s)

Check weather forecast:

On the Beyond Tahoe Snow Destination ‘Bucket List’: where can you ski and ride at midnight, soak in a hot mineral water pool, then follow that up with soju shots and BBQ eats? Dragon Valley, South Korea – site of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

=== SoCal – Southern California’s/Eastern Sierra Ski Resorts ===

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort  opens on November 15 | Trail Map | Live Cams | Events Calendar | Instagram

mammoth-mtn-resort

Mountain High Resort (located in the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County in California) opens December TBA | Trail Map | Live Cams | Events Calendar | Instagram

*All opening dates posted are based on snowfall and could change. Check with the resort directly before you go for the most updated information.

Map of Lake Tahoe Area Ski Resorts

map source: unofficialnetworks.com

For a detailed listing of Tahoe ski resorts, check out our handy guide to all the Lake Tahoe area ski resorts! It’s the fastest way to scan lift ticket prices and compare the resorts to find the perfect one for you.

Looking to join a Tahoe ski lease? Browse our listing, or list yours.

♥ Share this page with friends and family via twitterfacebook.

*If you spot any error on this page or would like to make a suggestion, please email .  Advance thanks!

 

Ski Lease Share Spotlight: South Lake Tahoe Village Ski In Out Heavenly Condo

ski-in-out-condo

Available Spots in our South Lake Tahoe Village Ski Out Condo Ski Lease for 2024/25 Winter

Picture this: you’re between 2 chairlifts: walking distance from one (Stagecoach) and directly above the other (Boulder) at the top of the hill on Tramway Drive in Tahoe Village (Stateline/Kingsbury, NV). If you are at least an intermediate level skier/boarder, you can ski out right to the lift (Boulder chair). Or walk to either one. Or if you don’t feel like walking either, Heavenly and all other shuttles stop right in our parking lot and drop you off in front of either of the 2 chairlifts, so you don’t have to deal with parking. At the end of the day those same free Heavenly shuttles will bring you right back to our doorsteps!

Upper level:

Bedroom 1: 2 Full beds. Closet, views of Carson Valley
Bedroom 2: Twin-over-twin Bunk bed + Full Bed. Closet, views of Carson Valley
Full Bath
Living room: HDTV, Blu-Ray/DVD, etc, Hide-A-Bed Queen Size sofa, fireplace, dining area w/ table for 6
Kitchen with fridge, stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, etc.
BBQ deck
1 extra tri-fold futon on upper level

Lower Level:

California King Size Bed, Memory Foam Queen Size Bed, extra queen size mattress (non-memory foam). HDTV, Blu-Ray/DVD, etc. one more fireplace, one more deck, full bath,

Extra Air beds & mattresses on lower level for

Key Features:

– Tahoe Village Pool and Spa complimentary access (gated)

– Condo has beds for 14, and space for a few extra beds

– Secure Wi-Fi
– Short walk to ‘Fox & Hound’ for a late night drink or an early breakfast (a casino-style restaurant & bar), mini market & ski rentals
– Separate laundry with washer & dryer

Scenic views of trees, mountains, Carson valley and the lake. Snow, giant boulders and trees all around.

Equally close to downtown South Lake Tahoe with shopping, dining, ice-skating, sightseeing, etc. and to Carson Valley (Minden, Gardnerville, etc.) – that’s where locals stock up on food, supplies and gas.

You can also take a shuttle down the mountain and back! Off-street parking in a large parking lot is available.

What’s included in the lease:

Wireless Internet, Garbage, Water, Snow Removal, Cable TV, complimentary access to Tahoe Village Pool and Spa

Please, note: our lease is non-smoking with no exceptions.

Price:

$1599 (+$160 deposit) per person for the entire 4+ -month ski season (Jan-Apr/May); all holidays are included

Lowered occupancy since Covid: limit is 10 members

NO BLACKOUT DATES

View photos of our ski lease.

Contact

to inquire. Please share your LinkedIn profile if you have one, what makes you think this ski lease share is a good fit for you and how many days per week do you plan on staying at the ski lease.

Please feel free to with friends and family ♥ 

?❄️☃️⛷?⛸

Area Map

 

♥ Share this page with friends and family via twitterfacebook. List your ski lease or vacation rental. Browse more ski leases or vacation rentals.

 

 

 

?? Ski Lease Share Spotlight: Kirkwood Resort Chalet w/ Hot Tub, Dog Friendly

kirkwood-ski-lease-2023

Kirkwood Resort Ski & Snowboard Lease / Share (2024/2025 Season)

We have an amazing and spacious 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom Chalet near Kirkwood and are looking for some members to join. It has a hot tub and we accept dogs.

Friday, January 3, 2025 – April 27, 2025 (4 months, 16 weeks)

-$1,595.00 per person (not per group) for 4 full months. That’s only $100 a week for the whole season.

-Will give a deal to couples that share a bed

-Dogs welcome. Must disclose the age, size, and breed.
-Only a short drive from the house to the mountain
-Full time: 7 days a week (weekdays and weekends open)
-3 bedroom (Bedroom 1 – king; bedroom 2 – two twin XL; bedroom 3 – two sets of adult bunk beds, 4 beds)
-3 bathrooms
-Private hot tub jacuzzi
-Video game and cinema room
-Outdoor gas fire pit
-Fiber-optic “lighting fast” Wi-Fi. You can work remote from the Chalet.
-2 car garage
-Plenty of parking
-Lots of storage
-Utilities, cleaning fees, snow removal to be discussed as a group (roughly around $60 per person a month)
-No full time residence, you must have a primary residence elsewhere.
-Guests are welcome (extra fee to help pay for cleanings). Each guest can only stay for a certain number of days otherwise they will have to become a full member.

View house photos (opens in a new window).

Cost

$1,595.00

– Security deposit of $400.00 is due when you sign up (this will be refunded at the end of the lease).

– Final payment of $1,595.00 is due November 1, 2024.

Contact

to inquire.

?❄️☃️⛷?

Note: Please see map for the exact location.

Area Map

 

?Browse ski lease share listings.

?Browse Lake Tahoe rentals and private ski leases .

♥ Share this page with friends and family via twitterfacebook. List your ski lease share for groups/families looking to share a place for the winter or vacation rental / private ski lease.

 

 

 

Volunteer as a National Ski Patroller: training, commitments, and perks

national ski patrol

Volunteer as a National Ski Patroller

Training, commitments, and perks..

This blog article was written by Rick Bulan who’s a 10 year veteran ski patroller at Sierra at Tahoe Mountain Resort

Did you know that if you ski or snowboard on the weekends, most of the ski and snowboard patrollers you see are volunteers?

Most resorts have a small paid “pro patrol” and utilize volunteers on the
weekends.

To become a ski/snowboard patroller you need:

1) “Ski Check” at the resort you are interested in (to verify you can ski/ride every run on the
mountain)
2) Outdoor Emergency Care class (80 hours)
3) CPR for health care professionals (AHA approved)
4) Candidate season at the resort to learn locations, equipment, and radio protocols
You will have to commitment to:
1) $98 NSP annual membership
2) 2 days of off-season skills refresher
3) 14 workdays at your resort

Some of the perks you will receive:

1) Discounts from ski and snowboard companies
2) Season passes from your resort

Why do I do it?

What does your typical ski day look like?

Do you do laps, eat, do more laps, then go home?

Now imagine your ski day getting first tracks in the morning, being able to help others, going
straight to the front of the line, getting deep discounts on food, accessing restricted areas of the resort,
hanging out in the patrol room at the top of the mountain with your fellow patrollers, and being the last
person on a previously busy run at the end of the day as the sun goes watching the alpenglow of last sunlight are memories that never get old. If you enjoy adding to your skiing, first aid and Avy skill-set and like to help people, consider joining.

Author: Rick Bulan www.goldengatefurniture.com
Contact Rick at im [@] richardbulan.com if you still have questions after checking out
www.joinskipatrol.com and https://www.nsp.org

Upcoming Event

Attend our meetup event to learn the ins and outs of volunteering with the National Ski Patrol in Berkeley; here’s your chance to ask veteran ski patrollers why they like what they do and get the 411 on the pros and cons of volunteering, the perks of getting freshies first tracks while helping to keep skiers, snowboarders safe at the resort.

Know of family or friends who would be interested? . Thanks!

New to SnowPals? Join us to meet San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento Area skiers and snowboarders, snow sports Alpine and Nordic backcountry skiers/split-boarders for Lake Tahoe ski trips and powder snow travel destination trips to Epic, Ikon Pass resorts to make the most of your ski season pass.

Kirkwood Under New Management: Oh, By The Way — Part 2 of 2

24 December 2012 

By Vicki Olds, aka Shibumi – “Snowpals Reporter At-Large”

Last week we asked some “locals” how they felt about the new management at Kirkwood. This week we’re highlighting a few dining destinations, and one historic B&B, along the way, and in Kirkwood Valley.

Let’s face it: Kirkwood is Big Mountain Fun—so close to the San Francisco Bay Area, you can practically smell it in the tule fog that makes your passage through the Central Valley, at times, harrowingly poetic. Yet getting from here to THERE can be a long haul, chomping 6-8 hours of your waking life in the to-and-fro, and that’s not accounting for a traffic accident (drive safely, always!) on two-lane Hwy 88. Boo. Goodness gracious, aren’t we lucky to have SnowPals to ride with to make the time fly?

Certainly, hitting the road in the pre-dawn to make the slopes and back by 9pm in a whirlwind, mission-from-God-type, herculean effort, is something many of us have done because, like, there’s no good reason to dally in the valley? Are you one of those people who feels lost if your smart phone can’t find a Starbucks near? Do you race along the byways of the Sacramento River delta, determined to put as many miles behind you as your gas tank and bladder will allow with no favorite pit stop?

LOCKEFORD, CA

On Hwy 88, and about fifteen miles northeast of Stockton, you will find the hamlet of Lockeford, home of the COUNTRY CAFÉ that opens every day at 5:30am. This is the place you bring your big appetite, to leave it behind. Breakfast burritos ($7), chicken fried steak and eggs ($9), and the Combo Special of waffles plus 3 eggs plus 3 sausages ($8.50) are eye openers. Fish & chips, homemade salsas and generous Mexican dinners, such as Chili Verde Steak with rice & beans ($10.29), are served until 8pm—except on Tuesday when the cafe closes at 2pm. Have a beer and try the Gnarley Head house wines, locally-produced by Oak Ridge Winery in nearby Lodi CA.

THE INN AT LOCKE HOUSE is a beautifully restored bed and breakfast operation on property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, about 1,000 feet north from town center on Elliot Road. Proprietors, Lani and Richard Eklund bought the original estate of Dr. Dean J. Locke, founder of Lockeford, twenty years ago; fixed it up with love of finer things for six years, and now offer guest rooms with private baths—some with their own fireplace—all with views of English gardens. They’ll make you an Early Bird breakfast to-go if you want to hit the road before breakfasts are served between 7-9:30am. (209) 727-5715 http://www.theinnatlockehouse.com

JACKSON and PLYMOUTH, CA

Hwy 88 takes a dogleg in Jackson, to merge, briefly, with Hwy 49 in Gold Country. You’ll pass lots of eateries and hotels here. If you want sushi, OKO SUSHI is a gem for tempura lovers. It’s by the Safeway and other fast food joints at the north end of town on Hwy 49. If you keep going north just 12 miles, the town of Plymouth is the unlikely home of Zagat’s “#1” rated restaurant in the whole Sacramento Region, TASTE. Dinner entrees range from $31 to $50; yet we have filled-up on an array of appetizers … and wines! Plymouth calls itself the gateway to famous Amador Wine Country, and Taste is a five-time winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. But it’s not fussy. And you can’t miss it as it seems the only bustle on Main Street. (Gee, I just can’t say enough about this place, so I won’t.) Try it, someday.

KIRKWOOD, CA

You’re here! Before you buckled your boots, there are several hot BREAKFAST options to hold out for. MONTE WOLFE’S MOUNTAIN KITCHEN is to the left of the Kirkwood tickets office, off the main Mountain Village plaza. Daily, from 8a-4:30p, Starbucks coffee is served alongside pastries, eggs, salads, sandwiches and soups. Say hello to Chef “Daddy Wolfe” (he’s a burner) who makes a mean Wolfe Burger with chipotle aioli, cheese, bacon, and sautéed onions—totally non-fattening! There’s a “baked potato” bar and the full-service THUNDER SADDLE BAR here to hoot in, too. Or, slide into the Red Cliffs lodge where the KIRKWOOD GENERAL STORE offers “the best breakfast sandwich on the hill,” with a full service espresso bar, at their deli, as well as other sundry comforts, 7:30a-6p. SNOWSHOE THOMPSONS at Timber Creek, Chair 7, has hot pastries, burgers and pizza—no wonder the kids love it! Open 10a-4:30p, 7 days a week.

Did you know the KIRKWOOD INN & SALOON offers a Saturday Night Prime Rib Dinner ($26.95), and $2 tacos during Happy Hour, Monday through Friday 3-5p? BUB’S PUB (nee Cornice Grill) with nine beers on tap, and veggie and casual menu options served in the glow of big-screen TVs, is everyone’s favorite sports bar. It’s been getting a facelift lately, yet when Bub’s reopens they’ll be serving Pizza & A Pint ($7.25) and Dirty Blonde Ale pints for $4 from 11a-9p. Dinner reservations are required at OFF THE WALL BAR & GRILL but you can enjoy their primo location, and upscale wine and bar choices Sunday through Thursday, with a lunch menu on Friday and Saturday only, from 11a-5p. 209-258-7365

For a full list of Kirkwood noshes, please visit http://winter.kirkwood.com/site/resort-services/resort-dining.

Why not enjoy the ride, on and off the hill?

♥ Share this page with friends and family via email, twitterfacebook.

 

 

 

 

Kirkwood Under New Management: What Does It Mean For Us Locals? — Part 1 of 2

17 December 2012 

By Vicki Olds, aka Shibumi – “Snowpals Reporter At-Large”

What does this mean for us Bay Area Snowpals, and the local Kirkwood crews who have faithfully served us for years–some of us for decades? Find out in this exclusive, two-part Snowpals report.

When Vail Resorts, a premier mountain resort development company based out of Colorado, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort, announced in March 2012 that they were joining forces, some fans of the Kirkwood resort community in California braced, defensively, for big changes; others took a big sigh … of relief.

Kirkwood is a four-season township and recreational services development, located just 11 miles south (as the crow flies) of the Lake Tahoe basin and a 35-mile drive from the city of South Lake Tahoe, on Hwy 88 in California. In the winter, Kirkwood Mountain Resort focuses on skiing and snowboarding, and hiking and mountain-biking activities in the summer. A long-time favorite of San Francisco Bay Area snow riders in-the-know, Kirkwood is famous for its epic vistas (more reminiscent of European valley ski experiences), deep snow, and challenging stacks of terrain. Now, Kirkwood is Vail Resorts’ most western and southern star for this corporation whose mission is the “experience of a lifetime” for luxury, destination-based travelers and property owners.

WHAT’S UP WITH NEW MANAGEMENT

Kirkwood opened their 2012-2013 ski season with all ski lifts operating on Friday, December 7, 2012. It was a shake-down week; a trial run for newbies and employee associates that had stuck around after the Vail Resorts buyout. We spoke with some “olde timers” who have lived, and worked, on the mountain … trying to ascertain the local’s zeitgeist in the valley.

“A lot of people wanted to leave when the new management came in. They’re really liability-minded. I mean, Kirkwood (old management) used to be ‘OK, whatever, make it work,’ and now there are all these rules and regulations. But it’s probably for good … I mean, Kirkwood was losing its ass; up to here in a lot of debt and big ideas. They had a vision for development of the valley that just didn’t fulfill as fast as it could … all these time-shares, condominiums. I blame it on global-warming.”

— 4-yr Kirkwood Maintenance Associate

“Whatever everyone says, I love it. They’re coming professional and we’re in it for the long haul. Now we don’t have to worry about the Big Picture. Vail knows what’s it’s doing. This place is going to be more beautiful than ever.

— Kirkwood Meadows homeowner, since 2002

“A lot of my friends are all ‘no’ … but they just don’t know what’s going to happen. Personally, I think things will get better because if VR hadn’t bought us, no one would be skiing Kirkwood this season. It was that bad. Now we’ll be able to do the right thing for the valley (environmental) development and us skiers. You may not notice it but by this time next year you’re going to see some changes!”

— 3-yr. Kirkwood Ski Rentals Dude

Vail Resorts also owns the venerable California mountain ski resorts of Northstar at Tahoe and Heavenly (aka The Heave) which spans Kingsbury Grade in Nevada to the east, and Ski Run Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe, California to the west. All three resorts are recognized world-class snow riding destinations, with Northstar being more “chic; family-oriented”; Heavenly serving “the masses”; and Kirkwood having a higher concentration of locals saying, “WTF! Let’s ride!” … IMHO.

So, expect Kirkwood to be spruced-up a bit; the facility equipment better maintained (not left out overnight); the walkways and byways around the Mountain Lodge ‘chopped & trimmed’; and signage for services, escapes and splurges a bit more defined. Around Kirkwood Valley, Caples Resort is under new management, and valley restaurants, and the venerable Red Cliffs Lodge, are having face-lifts, too (more on this in Part II of this report).

Safety and guest service considerations are paramount for the sugar daddy, Vail Resorts, whose affiliate, Rock Resorts, is a hotel development concern with operations in the U.S., Caribbean and Jamaica. I couldn’t find much on Vail or Rock Resorts environmental track records, operating in some of the world’s most pristine environments as they do. Yet, the slick “Echo” program video at http://www.vailresortsecho.com/ indicates a long-term, “local ecology”, marketing savvy.

Let’s hope the new mountain resort management comes through for the locals and the communities around NorthStar and Heavenly … and now, Kirkwood, in California—good for us who have been patronizing this year-around, off-the-beaten-path, treasure, and for all who care about preserving the unique environmental resources of Kirkwood Valley, Caples Creek and Silver Lake wilderness areas—and, HECK, the whole Lake Tahoe Basin, in general!

NEXT WEEK:

Kirkwood Under New Management:

What FUN! — Part 2 of 2

+++

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkwood_Mountain_Resort

Kirkwood Mountain Resort opened its ski lifts in 1973. Now Kirkwood is a year-round resort, headquartered in the hamlet of Kirkwood, California, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, Kirkwood, CA 95646, 209-258-6000.

Kirkwood has 2,300 skiable acres, 12 lifts, and 65 trails. With lodge accommodations in the valley (tel. 800/967-7500), and dining options, this is a great year-round destination. The shuttle service to downtown/State Line, South Lake Taho, is $5 each way.

Kirkwood Tickets, Passes, Frequent Flyer Programs

http://summer.kirkwood.com/site/tickets-passes

Vail Resorts, management company

http://www.vailresorts.com/Corp/index.aspx 

Vail Resorts, resort sales & information

http://www.snow.com/

Kirkwood Mountain FaceBook Friends (please “like” on Facebook: it’s good for the locals and will prompt Vaile Resorts to pour more money in to Kirkwood Valley’s future)

https://www.facebook.com/KirkwoodMtn

Map of Kirkwood Valley:

Kirkwood-vallley-map