California

Sierra-at-Tahoe Rolls Back Pass Prices and Introduces Deferment Option

Sierra-at-Tahoe has announced the rollback of Spring Sale 20/21 season pass prices and the extension of the sale to May 31st, 2020.

Ikon Extends 20/21 Pass Discounts to June 16

Alterra put out a press release this morning announcing an extension of discounted Ikon Pass prices and renewal discounts until June 16. Prices will go up on June 17.

Ikon Adds 21/22 Pass Credits in the Event of COVID-19 Closures This Season

This morning, Ikon released an expanded Assurance Policy on their website. If Ikon Pass destinations close due to COVID-19 between December 10, 2020 and April 11, 2021, passholders will receive a “proportional credit” towards the purchase of a 21/22 Ikon Pass product.

Mountain Collective Launches 20/21 Pass With Pre-Season Assurance and Early-Purchase Bonus Day

The 2020-21 Mountain Collective Pass went on sale this week with no-questions-asked refunds before October 16, 2020 and a bonus free third day “while supplies last.” However, the pass currently lacks a mid-season deferment or refund policy.

Ikon Pass Prices Go up Tomorrow. Here’s What You Need to Know If You’re on the Fence.

With the deadline for Ikon’s lowest pass prices fast approaching, many are debating whether to pick up the pass for next season. Some are concerned the season may be cancelled, while others may want to know how the passes compare to similar Epic Pass products. In this piece, we’ll aim to shed light on both of these topics.

Squaw Valley Considering Name Change

In the wake of major U.S. movements to remove emblems of past minority repression, Squaw Valley’s owners are planning discussions with Native American tribes over the use of the word “Squaw,” which has historical roots as a slur against Indigenous North American women.

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The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.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