California

Vail Resorts Suspends Winter Operations at 2 of Its 3 Australian Resorts

Today, Vail Resorts announced it would be suspending operations at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, its two Australian resorts in the state of Victoria, just a few days after they opened for the season. These closures, which will last until at least August 19, come on the heels of a recent COVID-19 spike and subsequent stay-at-home orders issued by the state.

2 of 3 Australian Vail Resorts Closed for the Season Due to COVID-19

Following its decision to suspend operations at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek just a few days after they opened, Vail Resorts Australia has announced that these resorts will not be reopening for the rest of the season.

Off Peak Podcast Episode 8: We’re Moving to Tahoe!

Sam and Nicole disseminate their plans to move to Lake Tahoe for the 2020-21 winter ski season.

State of Resort Season Pass Policies for the 2020-21 Season

After examining the early-season pricing and assurance differences between Epic and Ikon, we decided to do the same for standalone season pass products. Some mountains offer excellent protections, while others are risky buys.

Squaw Valley Confirms Name Change in the Works

According to a statement put out by the resort, Squaw Valley is getting a name change. The resort says they have put a lot of thought into the derogatory nature of the name “Squaw”, and have decided to remove the word from their name.

Last Day: 2020-21 Mountain Collective Pass With Early-Bird Discount and Third Bonus Day

Today is the last day Mountain Collective is offering its 2020-21 passes at the lowest rate and with a bonus third day at one selected resort. However, the pass currently lacks a mid-season deferment or refund policy.

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The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.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