California

Off Peak Podcast Episode 3: A Crowded Affair

We discuss our recently published Northstar review and how the resort stacks up against other Tahoe destinations. We explain our crowd flow ratings in light of an atrociously long Vail lift line that went viral this season.

Off Peak Podcast Episode 7: Resort Lodging

The team highlights notable lodges and hostels from recent trips to Jackson Hole, Whistler, Killington, and other resorts.

Ikon Lowers Pass Prices, Extends Date For Cheapest Rate

This afternoon, we received a press release from Alterra announcing the extension of the cheapest price for the 20/21 Ikon Pass to May 26th, 2020. Ikon has dropped the current renewal price for both the base ($649 to $599) and full ($899 to $799) passes, doubling the initial discount.

Ikon Allows 20/21 Season Passholders to Defer to 21/22

This evening, we received an email from Ikon alerting passholders that all 20/21 season passes will now have “Adventure Assurance” to defer the use of their pass until the 21/22 season. This insurance will be valid regardless of when the pass is purchased.

Vail Resorts Announces Epic Pass Refund Policies, Pass Renewal Credits

This morning, we received an email from Vail Resorts about a number of updates for 20/21 Epic Pass products, including benefits for renewing passholders. All passes will now come with “Epic Coverage”, which will provide refunds for “any portion of the season that is lost” in the event of COVID-19 resort closures. This coverage will also provide insurance on the pass for job loss, injuries, or other personal matters.

A Lift Mystery Solved: Kirkwood’s Covered Wagon Lift Disappearance

After finding no information on the Internet, we did some digging to find out why Kirkwood’s Covered Wagon surface lift was removed.

Mount Shasta Ski Park

The only decently-sized California ski area north of Tahoe offers limited lift lines and stunning views of the Southern Cascades, but it’s hurt by uncompetitive infrastructure and a bizarrely-integrated recent expansion.

Dodge Ridge

The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.

Homewood

While this Tahoe hill can’t hold its own overall against the destination resorts, it boasts an astonishing, one-of-a-kind mountain aesthetic.

China Peak

While it’s no substitute for a true destination ski resort, this Central California mountain offers admirable terrain variety within a convenient driving distance of Fresno.

Sugar Bowl

This California resort can’t match the acreage and vertical drop of competing Tahoe mountains, but it stands out with trails for all ability levels and an extremely demanding expert footprint.

Bear Valley

This Northern California resort has interesting terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels as well as a unique and isolated feel, but it lacks the infrastructure to fully compete with the best resorts in the state.

Northstar

This family-friendly resort offers excellent grooming and a top-tier terrain park, but expert and above-treeline terrain is lacking.

Sierra-at-Tahoe

While it can’t boast the same crazy lake views, striking terrain, or expansive base village as some other Tahoe areas, this moderately-sized resort offers reasonable prices and a local feel.

Kirkwood

This relatively undeveloped mountain isn’t for everyone, but its striking aesthetic, local feel, and extreme terrain are tough to match.

Heavenly

This Lake Tahoe area offers some of the most beautiful slopes we’ve seen anywhere. A few logistical problems diminish the resort’s size advantage.

Mammoth

This massive resort offers a highly competitive experience only hours from Southern California, although variable weather patterns may not make it the best place to fly to.

Palisades Tahoe

Two of Tahoe’s best ski areas have now been linked as one continuous lift-served destination, but the resort still functions as two separate mountains in many ways.