In the last few weeks, our local North Lake Tahoe resorts have rolled out their plans for the winter of 2020-2021, leaving us scratching our heads. Between suspended pass sales, reservation systems and social distancing protocols, it’s hard to know what to expect. One thing is for sure—this season is going to be unique. Here is what we know so far:

Northstar California Resort

This season is going to look very different at Northstar California Resort, especially for season pass holders. The resort is on the Epic Pass. Everyone is going to have to have a reservation to access the mountain this year—even season pass holders. All pass holders will have access to a “priority” reservation system between November 7 and December 8 (“early season”). “Pass holders” includes people who buy an “Epic Day Pass,” which is basically a one-day lift ticket, so there’s no real benefit for season pass holders here. Everybody who plans ahead gets the same “priority” access. During early season, pass holders will be able to reserve up to 7 “Priority Reservation Days” (PRDs) for the “core season,” which runs from December 8 to April 4. As pass holders use their PRDs, they can book new ones, holding up to 7 PRDs at a time. In addition to reserving PRDs, pass holders can make “week of” reservations throughout the season. Face coverings will be required. Only related parties will be seated together on chairlifts and gondolas, with singles spaced out to avoid contact. Indoor dining will be minimized, with more take-out options for outdoor dining. Bars will be closed, with take-out beer and wine on offer instead. Locker space will also be “minimized,” and diners will be asked to vacate their tables completely when they are done dining. It’s anybody’s guess what this will look like for those of us used to accessing the mountain at will and storing lunches, ice-skates, and after-ski clothing at the lodge. Will we be able to get reservations when we want them?  Once there, will we face long lines? Where do we put our lunches if we’re more comfortable bringing our own food to avoid the lunch line crowds? Will there be anywhere safe to get out of the elements if the kids get hungry and cold? After a lot of back and forth and nearly canceling our Epic Passes multiple times as we mulled over the details of this plan in confusion, our family has decided to give Vail Resorts the benefit of the doubt and try this. Stay tuned for our first-hand account.

squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Resort

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Resort is offering unlimited access to season pass holders, but others might have some trouble accessing the mountain. The resort is on the Ikon Pass.  There will not be a reservation system.  Instead, there will be no “walk up” ticket sales, and advance purchase tickets will be dynamically controlled.  According to the website: “At this time, we expect such tickets to primarily be available midweek, but we will remain flexible as we learn more throughout the season.” Social distancing will be maintained, with face masks required only in indoor areas or where social distancing is not possible. Bars and restaurants will be spaced out to maintain social distance. It seems that this system will benefit season pass holders by keeping crowds down for season pass holders without limiting access or amenities.  Non-season pass holders might have a hard time accessing the resort on weekends and peak days.

Diamond Peak Resort

Diamond Peak Resort is hoping to maintain business nearly as usual with the same sort of social distancing and mask-wearing protocols we’ve seen in our local communities but no firm limits on access for anyone.  The biggest change here is that everyone will have to purchase their lift tickets in advance.  As with the other local resorts, there will be no “walk up” ticket sales.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is following the social distancing, mask and sanitization protocols required by Washoe County. Mid-week clinics and daily specials are “postponed.”

Sugar Bowl Resort

The biggest change at Sugar Bowl Resort is that season pass sales have been suspended to limit access. This is good news for people who already purchased a season pass, but bad news for everyone else. There will be no “walk up” ticket sales, and advance lift ticket sales will be monitored to avoid overcrowding.

Needless to say, this year has not been a good year for plans. With that in mind, we really have no idea what our winter is going to look like. But it is our hope to spend a lot of time on the mountain, getting our kids out of the house, making memories, and enjoying nature. Safety is our first priority, so if we find that it’s difficult to maintain a safe social distance at the resorts and avoid congested indoor areas, we’ll sit this season out.

How do you feel about these changes? What’s your strategy for getting some quality time on the mountain? We’d love to hear from you in the “Comments.”

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