What’s New in North Lake Tahoe Fall/Winter 2021-22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What’s New in North Lake Tahoe Fall/Winter 2021-22

Ski resort opening dates, food & drink, tours & activities, seasonal offerings and more

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 18, 2021 – North Lake Tahoe is the premier winter sports destination. Home to the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America with 11 downhill ski resorts and 10 cross country ski areas to choose from, North Lake Tahoe offers a variety of budget and ability-friendly options for everyone. From skiing and snowboarding to full moon and sunset snowshoe tours, discover new places to explore, dine and experience in North Lake Tahoe this fall and winter.

“We are gearing up for ski season and look forward to welcoming visitors to spectacular winter months ahead,” said Andy Chapman, president and CEO of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. “The early October snowfall delivered a huge boost to our local business community as some travelers made their way to the region to take advantage of the snow. Many visitors have also already booked winter vacations and we are excited for the upcoming winter season.”

 Ski Resort Updates:

• Boreal / Woodward Tahoe will allow guests to select their start time, arrive and get contactless mountain access with “Go Time Tickets,” where ticket prices gradually decrease throughout the day. The resort will also welcome the Subaru Winterfest March 14-15, 2022. Woodward Tahoe’s new All Access Membership offers 360-degree access to a 16-acre hub for all things action.
• Diamond Peak Ski Resort will have new glade skiing areas for skiers and riders to explore this winter. Signature events will return this season, including STOKE Mountain tours on select Saturdays, the annual Ullr Fest Party, Bonfire & Torchlight Parade, Last Tracks wine and beer tastings, Moonlight Snowshoe Tours, the 20th annual DummyDownhill, and the Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival. The Diamond Peak Rental Shop has also upgraded its entire ski rental fleet and ski/snowboard demo equipment with new, beginner/intermediate friendly skis. The resort has expanded its snowmaking capabilities with four new high-efficiency snowmaking guns.
• Homewood Mountain Resort is celebrating its 60th anniversary season and asking patrons to share their Homewood memories for an upcoming compiled video. The Easy As 1-2-3 adult lesson 3-packs resumes this season, with participants receiving a season pass upon completion of the program. Homewood is also bringing deals back this season including the $89 Learn to Ski/Ride special valid Sunday-Friday, non-holiday, and new lift ticket 3-pack specials.
• Looking ahead to the 2022/23 winter season, Rose Ski Tahoe is planning a $7.5M terrain expansion in the Lakeview mountain zone, and a new high speed express lift. The project is expected to be completed ahead of the 2022/23 season.
• Northstar California will continue to require cashless transactions, face masks indoors, reservations at many of its on-mountain restaurants and vaccinations for guests ages 12+ at indoor dining quick-service cafeteria-style restaurants. Reservations will not be required for skiing and riding. The resort will also hold its Holiday Celebration from mid-December through early January. Northstar’s New Year’s Eve Celebration will return December 31 with live music and more. Looking ahead to the 2022/23 winter season, a new high-speed 6-person chair will replace the existing mid-mountain 4-person chair and is designed to reduce wait times and increase uphill capacity by nearly 50%.
• Palisades Tahoe installed a new surface lift in the High Camp beginner area. The new “Take 4” lesson package will save beginner skiers and riders $240 when they commit to four lessons. Mobile food ordering at on-mountain and Village restaurants returns this year, as well as events including Kid-O-Rama (Feb. 19-26, 2022), The U.S. Freestyle Mogul Championships (March 23-27, 2022), and Winter Wondergrass (April 1-3, 2022).
• Sugar Bowl / Royal Gorge will reopen its hotel and all lodges, bars and restaurants will reopen at both resorts. Advance purchase of lift tickets will continue to be required for all visiting guests this season. Face coverings will not be required outdoors, including in lift lines or while riding chairlifts, but they will be encouraged indoors.
• Tahoe Donner Cross Country installed snowmaking for the first time to ensure a high-quality early season snow surface for the center’s learning area and on a 3 km loop. A new PistenBully 400 will add to trail grooming efficiency, and summer trail work was completed to allow for better drainage and snow retention throughout the cross-country trail system
• Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort purchased a new PistenBully snowcat to groom the mountain. The resort also added to its transportation fleet with a new fuel-efficient shuttle bus. Advance purchase of lift tickets, lessons and rental equipment will continue to be encouraged this season.

Downhill Ski Resort Anticipated Opening Days (weather and conditions permitting):

• Boreal Mountain California: Opened Oct. 29, daily operations to resume TBD
• Diamond Peak Ski Resort: Dec. 9
• Donner Ski Ranch: TBD
• Granlibakken Tahoe: TBD
• Homewood Mountain Resort: Dec. 10
• Rose Ski Tahoe: TBD
• Northstar California: TBD
• Palisades Tahoe: Opened Oct. 29, daily operations to resume 24
• Soda Springs: TBD
• Sugar Bowl: Nov. 26
• Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort: Dec. 10

Cross Country Ski Resort/Area Anticipated Opening Days (weather and conditions permitting):

• Auburn Ski Club Training Center: TBD
• Granlibakken Tahoe: TBD
• Northstar California Cross Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center: TBD
• North Tahoe Regional Park Nordic Ski Area: TBD
• Resort at Squaw Creek Cross Country Center: TBD
• Royal Gorge: TBD
• Sugar Pine State Park: TBD
• Tahoe City Winter Sports Park: Nov. 26 (ice rink use only)
• Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center: TBD
• Tahoe XC: TBD

Upcoming Winter Events:

• Backcountry Awareness Week returns 13-17, 2021. The event highlights backcountry skiing/riding safety and stewardship offering a variety of online content and in-person programming for both new and experienced users. Attendees will also have a chance to win prizes and free course spots.
• The Great Ski Race returns March 6, 2022. The 30k Nordic ski race brings together elite races and novices to soak in the beauty of North Lake Tahoe, enjoy post-race festivities all while raising funds for the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team.
• The 3rd annual Pride Ride at Homewood Mountain Resort returns March 24-27, 2022. The event includes a variety of mini events both on and off the mountain including a Dual Slalom Drag Race, Ski Parade down Rainbow Ridge, Virtual Scavenger Hunt and more. Weekend packages are also available for purchase.
• The 40th annual SnowFest returns Feb. 25-March 6, 2022. Dozens of events take place along the north shore to celebrate all things winter including the Gar Woods annual Polar Bear Swim.
• The 16th annual Winter Speaker Series will continue to showcase the outdoor industry’s biggest names. The free, five-show series runs November through February at Olympic Valley Lodge at Palisades Tahoe or can be watched virtually.
• WinterWonderGrass music festival will return April 1-3, 2022. Headliners include Billy Strings, The Infamous Stringdusters, The California Honeydrops and more.

Transportation Updates:

• Squaw Alpine Transit Company (SATCo), the nonprofit created to provide free on-demand shuttle service within Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, will expand the hours of its free Mountaineer service within the two resort communities for the 2021-22 winter season.
• TART Connect, a free on-demand shuttle service on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe has extended its pilot program through this winter and will operate Dec. 10, 2021 – April 10, 2022 in various zones including:
  • Tahoe City/West Shore (daily between 8 a.m. and midnight)
  • Carnelian Bay/Cedar Flat/Tahoe Vista/Kings Beach/Brockway (daily between 8 a.m. and midnight)
  • Incline Village/Crystal Bay (daily between 8 a.m. and midnight)
  • Olympic Valley/Tahoe City (Friday and Saturday between 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.)
  • Northstar/Kings Beach (Friday and Saturday between 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.)

New this year, SATCo will also partner with Placer County to offer the free on-demand service through TART Connect between Olympic Valley and Tahoe City. TART Connect is supported in part by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association and the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. Download the free TART Connect app to request a ride.

New Food & Drink:

• Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Bar of America and Caliente Southwest South have begun weekly drink promotions with live music. Each restaurant will also offer Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday menus and New Year’s Eve festivities. Bookings are now also being accepted for holiday parties.
• Palisades Tahoe welcomes new eatery Sun Bowl this season to provide guests with açai and poke bowl options. The restaurant will also provide vegetarian and vegan options for Village guests.
• River Ranch Lodge and Restaurant resumes its happy hour offerings. Bookings are now being accepted for holiday parties, meetings and conferences. The lodge offers a semi-private room for up to 35 people.
• Sage Leaf in Incline Village recently opened offering breakfast and lunch options. The restaurant is known for its local, sustainable and humanly raised products.
• The National, a new lakefront venue, is opening soon in Tahoe City. A brewery and kitchen by day, The National offers thoughtful and healthy menu options, specialty cocktails, a well curated wine list and freshly brewed beer. Featuring a newly remodeled indoor event space with a bar and dance floor, a heated outdoor patio and waterfront access. The National can host up to 120 guests, with ample parking and accommodations within walking distance.

New Tours & Activities:

• Aplenglow Expeditions has announced access to new terrain and high elevation snow in early seasons. The expanded portfolio of permits now includes the Carson Ranger district of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, including access to Mount Rose and Tamarack Peak. Newly added AIARE courses include 3 day in-person courses, hut-based AIARE 1’s and more.
• Palisades Tahoe new All Mountain Expert 3-Day Camp will be held March 6-8, 2022 and is geared toward advanced and expert skiers that want to explore all 6,000 acres of Palisades Tahoe legendary peaks.
• Tahoe Adventure Company will offer Full Moon and Sunset Snowshoe Tours with optional wine and cheese service. The tour includes snowshoes, poles, knowledgeable guides, natural and human history discussions, trail snacks, hot drinks and permit fees.
• The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center is welcoming back guided tours at Lake Tahoe’s only science center. Tours are approximately one hour long for visitors to enjoy hands-on activities, learn about the lake ecosystem and why it’s changing, and find out how to help keep Tahoe blue. Face coverings are required. Reservations are available through Activity Tickets.

Seasonal/Year-Round Offerings:

• Send a North Lake Tahoe eGift Card this holiday season, a simple way to support North Lake Tahoe businesses year-round. Gift Cards are accepted at various local retailers, restaurants, services and entertainment providers.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is hosting its Holiday Days of Magic throughout the holiday season, which includes Thanksgiving Dinners, a Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Christmas and New Year’s Eve Dinners as well as a New Year’s Day Brunch. Special appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, daily live music and gingerbread house-making activities for families will also be available. Additionally, the resort is offering special après-ski experiences throughout the ski season including a Whiskey & Waffles Cabin and a Champagne & Caviar Bar.

Know Before You Go:

Although restrictions continue to ease in California and Nevada, social distancing and face covering requirements may still be in place at some businesses. In addition, some businesses may continue to require reservations and advanced ticket purchases. Patrons are encouraged to review the region’s Know Before You Go guide and learn more about what to expect and how to travel and recreate responsibly in North Lake Tahoe. Visitors can also take the Traveler Responsibility Pledge and commit to six