Ski, Snowboard Resorts Around Lake Tahoe Spruce Up For 2024-2025
In California, ski lift construction this summer slowed compared to recent years, reflecting a widespread pause in big-ticket investments for ski and snowboard resorts across the West.
One exception was Bear Valley, where one replacement lift went up and another got a new configuration. The project reflect the new owners' intention to overhaul the efficiency of uphill travel on the easier portions of the northern California mountain.
In its previous position, the fixed-grip Kuma double was redundant with high-speed Mokelumne six-pack. Renamed the Cub chair and moved to the other side of the Mokelumne, it now covers less ground with an additional seat, aiming to ease novice angst as well as allow tricksters to lap the Cub Park more quickly.
Just up the mountain to viewer's left, the 56-year-old Koala double came down and a replacement fixed-grip quad went up. The more modern chairlift will now be more efficient in getting skiers and riders out of the main base area and onto the groomers served by Koala.
Located a two hours' drive from the major cities of the Central Valley, Bear Valley boasts much more difficult and expert terrain than green runs. Trail ratings that lean heavily away from easy slopes is one reason ownership is working hard on beginner terrain and lifts. Its now on the CaliPass, too.
Closely held by Donner Pass-area owners, Sugar Bowl is spending its time and resources to create terrain parks that will hopefully attract and develop top-end freestylers.
This season, Sugar Bowl Parks goes full-on with three distinct progression parks, all served by the Christmas Tree high-speed quad. As freestylers improve, they move up the park chain of difficulty -- from Peregrine Ridge's medium-rated jumps and lines to the larger features at Golden Eagle and finally to the big air at Condor.
Combined with the easier The Falconery, Pine Marten and Caboose out of the base, Sugar Bowl continues a tradition of competitor-friendly mountain, initially for alpine racers and now for freestylers. Recent efforts to designate an alpine racing trail on Mt. Lincoln have stalled, pending negotiations with federal land officials.
At Diamond Peak, the lakeshore mountain has opened the gates into the backcountry for skiers and riders this season. Taking off from the 8,540-foot-high summit of the Crystal Express, the unpatrolled terrain includes east-facing slopes above Carson Valley and western aspect that face Lake Tahoe.
Other highlights at or near Lake Tahoe include:
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Kirkwood has instituted a parking reservation system for weekends and holidays.
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Mt. Rose Tahoe has renovated dining room and added snowmaking.
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Sierra-at-Tahoe has upgraded two chairlifts and repaved parking lots.
