California

We’ve Adjusted our Terrain Diversity Category to Better Measure Resorts with Fewer Traditional Terrain Areas.

We’ve made a slight adjustment to our terrain diversity criteria to better reflect how typical guests spend time on the mountain. Seven resorts see score changes as a result.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Faces Uncertain 2021-22 Season after Fire Damage, Offers Passholders Refund Options

Due to extensive damage from the Caldor Fire, Sierra-at-Tahoe is unsure of how long it will take to open and how much terrain will be available this season. Pass purchasers are now able to take advantage of a few compensation options.

Palisades Tahoe Sees Record-Breaking Snowfall, Silverado Zone Likely to See Earliest Opening in Years

The resort has been closed for the past two days due to the extraordinary circumstances, but one of North America’s most variably-scheduled mountain zones is likely to open in the coming days.

Palisades Tahoe Base-to-Base Gondola Will Not Operate for 2021-22

More work is needed to complete this 8-passenger gondola, which will provide lift-serviced access between the Olympic Valley and Alpine meadows zones for the first time.

Epic and Ikon Passes Are Going Off Sale. Here’s What You Need to Know If You’re on the Fence.

For prospective multi-day ski resort passholders, now is the last chance to get in on an Epic or Ikon pass product. With final deadlines fast approaching, we’ve compiled all you need to know to make a decision.

State of 2021-22 Ski Resort Operating Plans, Opening Dates, and Updates

In the wake of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant, several resorts have added new mask mandates. No outdoor capacity restrictions have been reinstated as of yet.

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The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.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