Winter is right around the corner and while some things will always stay the same – epic terrain, deep powder – this year will be different than what you’re used to on the slopes. This guide will help you understand how Truckee-Tahoe ski resorts are adapting to COVID-19 and what to expect for winter. As with any type of trip, before planning a ski vacation in Truckee be sure to check our Know Before You Go page for the latest updates and information for visitors.
Ski Well, Be Well.
Each resort will implement changes unique to its operations, however, some universal health and safety guidelines will be adopted across the board. View all Ski California Member Resort COVID-19 policies.
- Face coverings are required whenever physical distancing cannot be achieved. This includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, except when eating or drinking.
- Social distancing is required on chairlifts, gondolas, and lift lines. Ride with your family or household members.
- Hand washing/sanitizing stations will be readily available.
- Your car is your lodge. With limited indoor facilities, come prepared with extra layers, snacks, and everything you need to turn your vehicle into a basecamp.
- Cashless transactions are encouraged and required in some places.
The 2020/2021 winter season is all about planning. Because reservations are required at many resorts for rental gear, ski lessons, lodging, and tickets, those that book in advance will be able to enjoy a stress-free trip. Start planning your trip now and lock in a Truckee-Tahoe ski-cation, the best social distancing activity out there!
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows
Opening Wednesday, November 25
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows does not plan to require reservations. However, to prevent crowds and congestions, they will be limiting the number of daily lift tickets available online and temporarily eliminating walk-up sales. Shops, lodges and restaurants will continue with operations per Placer County’s reopening status and you can expect simplified menus on-mountain, with grab-and-go meals and expanded outdoor seating options. A variety of half-day ski and snowboard lessons will be available, with a reservation. Visit midweek for the best experience and most availability. A two-layer face covering is required at all times.
- Reservations are not required for lift tickets or season pass holders at this time.
- Daily lift tickets must be purchased ahead of time, online, and will primarily be available midweek
- Ski & snowboard lessons must be reserved at least 36 hours in advance.
- Rentals must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance.
- Indoor dining available with limited capacity, subject to change
- Placer County COVID Information
Northstar California Resort
Open
Don’t forget to make a reservation before you ski or ride Northstar California Resort. This winter, a reservation system is in place to give skiers and riders the space they need with pass holders getting priority access. For the best availability, book daily lift tickets early when they go on sale on December 8th. Indoor dining will be open and available following the health guidelines ofPlacer County’s re-opening status. Full-service bars will be closed, however, packaged beer and wine will be available at various locations. Parking in the Village View and Castle Peak parking lot is free this year.
- Reservations are required for lift tickets and pass holders. Learn more.
- Cashless Transactions Only
- Ski & Snowboard Lessons will be available, with adult and child lessons and a six-person capacity. Lessons must be purchased in advance
- Optional reservation process for rentals with expanded delivery services.
- Northstar is focused on the skiing and riding experience, so some favorite activities will be paused this season, such as snow tubing, ice skating, and s’mores.
- Indoor and outdoor on-mountain dining will be available and the resort will manage capacity
- All guests should check Northstar’s social media channels and website frequently for the most up to date information on skiing and riding, reservations, activities, and the season
- Placer County COVID Information
Sugar Bowl Resort
Opening Friday, November 27
Long known for its small town, uncrowded feel, Sugar Bowl is taking steps to maintain that experience by limiting the number of daily lift tickets and season passes. Plan ahead and purchase your lift ticket online, before arriving at the resort. Tickets will not be available on-mountain. Indoor access will be limited to 15 minute increments at warming zones. Come prepared with everything you need to make your car your base camp in any weather conditions – extra layers, snacks, hot drinks, etc. New this season are RFID gates, allowing touchless scanning.
- Reservations are not required for season pass holders.
- Reservations are required for lift tickets which are only available online, in advance.
- Cashless transactions only.
- No indoor dining.
- Private ski & snowboard lessons available with a reservation.
- Rentals must be reserved in advance.
- Placer County COVID Information
Boreal Mountain California
Opening Monday, November 23
A phased arrival system will be in place for day ticket sales, with a limited daily capacity. Tickets must be purchased online before arriving at the resort. Self-serve ticket kiosks will be stationed in various locations for a contactless pick-up. Season pass holders will have priority access to skiing and riding. Expect outdoor dining options with expanded seating and to-go food options. Indoor warming stations will only be available for 20 minute blocks. Tubing will be offered at reduced capacity.
- Reservations are not required for season pass holders.
- Daily lift tickets must be purchased ahead of time, online.
- Private ski & snowboard lessons must be reserved 24 hours in advance.
- Rentals are open with modifications.
- No indoor dining.
- Advanced reservations required for Tahoe Tubing at Boreal.
- Nevada County COVID Information
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort
Opening Friday, December 11
Celebrating 50 years of skiing this year, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort has provided families with a unique and affordable ski experience – with wide-open bowls and plenty of gentle beginner terrain. This season the daily number of day passes will be capped to help maintain social distancing and the uncrowded slopes Tahoe Donner has always been known for. Additionally, private lessons from their experienced high-quality instructors offer a safe and fun learning opportunity.
Come prepared to make your car your base lodge, as indoor access will be extremely limited. Food will be available for online purchase and pick up at the Downhill Grill. Outdoor seating will be available, however, there will be no indoor dining. New this year are on-mountain picnic locations, perfect for refueling on-the-go.
- Reservations are not required for season passholders.
- Daily lift tickets, lessons and rentals must be purchased ahead of time, online.
- Private ski & snowboard lessons will be available with a reservation.
- Outdoor restrooms will be available.
- Masks covering your nose and mouth will be required in the parking lot, in lines and anywhere social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Shuttle buses will be available to get you from your car to the chairlift area, but the short walk is a great warmup! Face coverings and social distancing protocols will be enforced.
- Nevada County COVID Information
Homewood Mountain Resort
Opening Friday, December 11
This season Homewood Mountain Resort is embracing something they have always been known for, fewer crowds or as they like to say “fewer skiers per acre.” Season pass sales are reduced by 25% and lift ticket sales will be capped each day. Skiers and riders should be prepared to plan ahead and purchase daily lift tickets online, there will be no on-site ticket sales. On-mountain dining is made easy this year with a new online ordering system. Place your order on the lift, take a couple laps, then pick up your takeout when you receive an alert that your food is ready! Indoor dining will be limited and guests are encouraged to use their car as their lodge. This year Homewood has implemented RFID ticketing, scanning, and kiosks for contactless ticket pick-up.
- Daily lift ticket purchases must be made online.
- Reservations are not required for season pass holders.
- Parking reservations are required with daily lift tickets.
- Private ski & snowboard lessons will be available for purchase online and through the phone.
- Rentals will be pre-teched prior to arrival and available for purchase online.
- Dining outlets now offer online ordering and takeout options. Indoor dining will be limited.
- Placer County COVID Information
Cross Country Ski Areas
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center
Opening Friday, November 27
COVID-19 Information
Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
Opening Date TBA
COVID-19 Information
Ice Skating Rinks
Truckee Ice Rink
Opening Wednesday, November 25
Village Ice Skating at Northstar California Resort
Closed
*All opening dates are conditions dependent
Siobhan traveled the American West as a National Park Ranger before setting down roots in Truckee. Outdoor adventure is her bread and butter and most days you can find her skiing, trail running, or backpacking. Follow along with her adventures on Instagram @siokenney.
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