Skiing & Boarding  in the Time of COVID-19

 Since the start of the pandemic, more and more people have been taking refuge in the outdoors. Trails have seen an increase in users, and outdoor companies have been selling out of tents, bikes and anything else that helps people get outside. With the ski season upon us, there’s sure to be more people than ever eager to hit the slopes. 

“Skiing has inherent advantages during these uncertain times — it happens outdoors in wide open spaces with constant airflow. The experience will definitely be different this year, but for those who plan ahead and know before they go, it’s undoubtedly going to be one of the most fun, healthy ways to spend time outside this winter,” says Mike Reitzell, president of Ski California. 

After an abrupt and early end to last year’s ski season, resorts throughout the country have been working tirelessly to develop safety measures to open this season. Resorts have invested millions of dollars in technology and sanitizing procedures to help guests maintain social distancing requirements and help prevent the spread of the virus. Though all of the resorts are in alignment with basic protocols around safety, the procedures will vary from resort to resort. We’ve reached out to our favorite resorts to get some pre-season guidelines of what people can expect when they hit the slopes this winter. 

The most important thing to remember is that these procedures are subject to change, so just like a surfer checks the surf report before heading to the mountains, skiers and boarders need to check the resort they are heading to before they go. It will be up to each of us to do our part to keep each other safe and help keep the resorts open for a long season.

Badger Pass Ski Area

Yosemite National Park • Closed for the season

travelyosemite.com/winter/badger-pass-ski-area 

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Bear Mountain

Big Bear Lake

• Reservations required? No 
• On-site ticket sales? No, purchase online, by app or by phone.
• Pre-purchase discounts? 20% on rentals 72 hours in advance.
• Cancellation policy? 72 hours in advance for a refund.
• Lodge rules? You must have a pass to be in base areas and indoor spaces monitored. 
• Don’t miss Experience breathtaking views from the top of  Southern California’s highest lift-served peak (8,805 feet) then enjoy Bear Mountain’s longest and steepest run, Geronimo (1.5 mi/2.4 km).

bigbearmountainresort.com 

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Bear Valley Resort

Bear Valley

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales available? Yes 
• Pre-purchase discounts? Yes, Dynamic Pricing, purchase early and save.
• Cancellation policy? Non-refundable.
• Lodge rules? Guests encouraged to base out of their vehicles, and time spent indoors will be limited.  
• Don’t miss For those seeking adventure, Lunch Run is a unique skiing experience that is more reminiscent of a European Alps excursion dream. While only classified as an intermediate run, this path is not for the faint of heart. Check with Ski Patrol about conditions. 

bearvalley.com 

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Boreal Mountain Resort

Soda Springs

• Reservations required? Not for pass holders.
• On-site ticket sales? No, purchase in advance.
• Pre-purchase discounts? Yes, with Go Time Tickets, guests customize their start time and price.
• Cancellation policy? Non-refundable; transfer dates are available with restrictions. Change fee and rate difference may apply.
• Lodge rules? Only “grab and go” food is available this season. 
• Don’t Miss Woodward Mountain Parks and the new beginner lift, California Cruiser. Take the Cedar Ridge lift for snowy laps in the trees, and catch the sunset at the top of Accelerator chair.

rideboreal.com

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China Peak

Lakeshore

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales? Yes
• Pre-purchase discounts? Yes, purchase online for best rates.
• Cancellation policy? Non-refundable.
• Lodge rules? No rules on reservations, limited seating, new outdoor covered seating at four locations.
• Don’t Miss Make sure to catch the view of Huntington Lake from the Buckhorn side deck. The Face is too steep for most, but the local studs lap it all day with fresh snow. Have Tristan make you the best Bloody Mary in skiing.

skichinapeak.com 

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Diamond Peak Ski Resort

Incline Village

• Reservations required? Not for passholders
• On-site ticket saleS? No, purchase on-line in advance. On-line day-of sales possible when inventory is available. 
• Pre-purchase discounts? Yes, purchase in advance for best rates.
• Cancellation policy? Lift tickets and equipment rentals are non-refundable. See website for lesson cancellation policy.
• Lodge rules? Outdoor dining only. 
• Don’t Miss Enjoy panoramic views of Tahoe from Crystal Ridge, a great intermediate groomer. Be sure to visit Wild Bills BBQ at Snowflake Lodge or on the Base Lodge Deck.

diamondpeak.com

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Dodge Ridge Ski Resort

Pinecrest

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales? Yes
• Pre-purchase discounts? No 
• Cancellation policy? Lift tickets and equipment rentals are non-refundable. See website for lesson cancellation policy.
• Lodge rules? Limited only to those purchasing food. No outside food or beverages allowed. “Grab and go” food and additional outdoor seating available. 
• Don’t Miss Explore the expansive Granite Bowl on the backside of the mountain (Chair 8) and get some freshies off of chairs 7 and 8. 

dodgeridge.com

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Donner Ski Ranch

Norden

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales? Yes 
• Pre-purchase discounts? No
• Cancellation policy? Not applicable
• Lodge rules? First come, first served, limited access, quick in and out, no seating available (purple tier). We will have restrooms outside and “grab and go” food. 
• Don’t Miss Take in the view of Donner Lake at the top of Chair 1; make sure to get a lap in on North Trail and Lyla’s Run.

donnerskiranch.com 

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Heavenly 

South Lake Tahoe / Stateline NV

• Reservations required? Yes, pass holder and day ticket reservations required. 
• On-site ticket sales? No
• Pre-purchase discounts? No, all passes and tickets are pre-purchase.
• Cancellation policy? Passes and lift tickets are non-refundable.
• Lodge rules? There will be capacity limits and seating restrictions. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food, snacks, and hydration as lodge options will be limited. Full service bars will not be open this season. Cash NOT accepted.  
• Don’t Miss Ridge Run is a favorite run; plus don’t miss the food at Tamarack Lodge and the view from the California Trail. Get freshies at Mott Canyon.

skiheavenly.com

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Homewood 

Homewood

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales? No, purchase on-line only.
• Pre-purchase discounts? Yes
• Cancellation policy? Season passes and lift tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Check website for more info.
• Lodge rules? Guests are encouraged to use their vehicles as their lodge. 
• Don’T MISS Rainbow Ridge; plus be sure to check out the newly refurbished Ellis Chairlift.

skihomewood.com 

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June Mountain

June Lake

• Reservations required? No 
• On-site ticket sales? No, must be purchased in advance. Limited.
• Pre-purchase discounts? For certain products, yes.
• Cancellation policy? Refund and change vouchers are available.
• Lodge rules? Access to lodges and indoor facilities will be prioritized for pass and ticket holders.  
• Don’t Miss Family friendly resort. Don’t miss the view from the Chalet.

junemountain.com

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Kirkwood 

Kirkwood

• reservations required? Yes, pass holder and day ticket reservations required. 
• on-site ticket sales available? No
• pre-purchase discounts? No, all passes and tickets are pre-purchase.
• Cancellation policy? Passes and lift tickets are non-refundable.
• Lodge rules? See Heavenly’s lodge restrictions.  
• Don’t Miss Monte Wolf is a favorite run; don’t miss the food at Wall Bar and the view from the top of the Sunrise lift. Get freshies at Wagon Wheel Bowl.

kirkwood.com

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Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Lakes

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales available? No, must be purchased in advance. Limited.
• Pre-purchase discounts? For certain products, yes. 
• Cancellation policy? Refund and change vouchers are available. 
• Lodge rules? Access to lodges and indoor facilities will be prioritized for pass and ticket holders.  
• DON’T MISS 3,500 skiable acres, an 11,053’ summit, 9 terrain parks and 25 lifts all add up to infinite fun.  

mammothmountain.com

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Mt. Rose

Reno, NV

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales available? No. Pre-purchase on-line only. 
• Pre-purchase discounts? No. All tickets are pre-purchase
• Cancellation policy? With Rose Pass Safe Guard, passholders have until 12/15/20 to get a full refund or credit their purchase towards next season.
• Lodge rules? No reservations required for the lodge. Facilities will have overall capacity limits and seating restrictions to meet required indoor operating guidelines.  
• Don’t Miss Kit Carson Bowl has been a long time locals’ favorite; nothing beats Slide Bowl first thing in the morning.  

skirose.com

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Mt. Shasta Ski Park

McCloud

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales available? Yes, but on-line purchase encouraged.
• Pre-purchase Yes, up to 20% off.
• Cancellation policy? Refundable 10 or more days before arrival date; transferable 4 to 9 days before arrival date. 
• Lodge rules? Open at limited capactiy for food and seating for dining. Guests  are encouraged to use their vehicles as their lodge as much as possible.  
• Don’t Miss Enjoy breakfast sandwiches from Mud Creek, great views from the top of Douglas Butte, get freshies on Red Tail, and a stellar run on Eagles Flight.

skipark.com

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Northstar California

Truckee

• Reservations required? Yes. Pass holder and day ticket reservations required. 
• On-site ticket sales available? No, pre-purchase on-line only.
• Pre-purchase discounts? No, all passes and tickets are pre-purchase.
• Cancellation policy? Passes and lift tickets are non-refundable.
• Lodge rules? See Heavenly’s lodge restrictions.  
• Don’t Miss Ax Handle – plus don’t miss the food at Bourbon Pub and the view from East Ridge. Get freshies at The Backside.

northstarcalifornia.com

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Sierra-at-Tahoe 

Twin Bridges

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket? Only if available.
• Pre-purchase discounts? Yes, save up to 30% off ticket window price.Cancellation policy? Play It Forward guarantee for Season Passholders and day-of ticket holders have options if they are unable to attend on their reserved day.
• Lodge rules? Limited food and seating.
• Don’t Miss The long lap from Grandview to West Bowl.

sierraattahoe.com

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Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows

Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket Sales? No
• Pre-purchase discounts? Yes, rates are based on availability, so the earlier you purchase your tickets the better.
• Cancellation policy? COVID-19  related refunds, credits or rollovers  available. Lessons fully refundable until 3pm two days prior to the lesson.
• Lodge rules? Limited seating and time limits indoors. There will be additional outdoor seating and “grab and go” food. 
• Don’t Miss KT-22 is voted North America’s favorite chairlift, rising nearly 1800 vertical feet straight from the base. Lakeview chair at Alpine Meadows has a picture perfect view of Lake Tahoe at the top, and fun intermediate terrain. Perfect for the whole family.

squawalpine.com

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Sugar Bowl Resort

Norden

• Reservations required? No
• On-site ticket sales available? No
• Pre-purchase discounts? Day lift ticket pricing is based on availability, so the earlier you buy, the better price. 
• Cancellation policy? Non-refundable. 
• Lodge rules? Indoor access limited to using the restroom, purchasing “grab and go” (hot and cold) items to eat outside, and for taking  15-minute breaks in monitored warming zones. Lockers unavailable, so guests should use their car as their base lodge and storage area. 
• Don’t Miss Rahlves’s Run, a high-elevation cruiser from the top of Mt. Lincoln, named after four-time Olympian and Sugar Bowl Ambassador Daron Rahlves. Check out The ‘58 for freshies.

sugarbowl.com