2009-2010 Ski Resort Information
October 4, 2009
By Ryan Slabaugh and Kevin MacMillan
www.SierraSun.com
HOMEWOOD
Website: www.skihomewood.com
Opening day: To be determined, although the resort historically opens mid-December.
What’s new: The resort offers a new freeride ski team and as well as a new alpine race team for 2009-2010. Both teams are for ages 7 to 15. A new GPS tracking system will be put in place for all kids enrolled in ski and snowboard day camps, according to Homewood press releases.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
The $29 Day - This ticket is available Monday through Thursday from January through April, except for holidays. These tickets are sold online only, 24 hours in advance, and are valid only for the date of purchase.
DIAMOND PEAK
Website: www.diamondpeak.com.
Opening day: Dec. 10, 2009, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Diamond Peak has been finishing up major work on its new snowmaking system, which will allow the resort to make snow faster and more efficient, thus giving it the potential to stay open longer, weather permitting, said spokeswoman Milena Regos.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
The Holiday Season Pass - this pass is only valid during the resort’s blackout dates. Purchase this pass for $249, and save during the holiday season.
TAHOE DONNER
Website: www.skitahoedonner.com.
Opening day: Dec. 18, conditions permitting.
What’s new: The resort has upgraded its Rental Shop, which includes more equipment, a computer sign-in system, new boot dryers and more. Also, the resort has added a ticket and lesson location where staff can help patrons get into the right lesson. Also new is the improved Snowflakes Ski School, which will allows the resort to enroll several more 3- to 6-year-olds, and the resort also in the process of launching its new website, which should be running by next weekend, according to information provided by ski manager Robert McClendon.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
McClendon encourages patrons to follow the resort on Twitter and Facebook this season for exclusive deals.
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE
Website: www.sierraattahoe.com.
Opening day: When conditions permit
What’s new: Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort will offer a $35 Learn to Ski/Ride package that includes a 2.5 hour lesson, rentals and limited access lift ticket.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal: Get the two-pass Whammy Pass for just $399 this winter.
DONNER SKI RANCH
Web site: www.donnerskiranch.com.
ALPINE MEADOWS
Website: www.skiapline.com.
Opening day: Dec. 5, 2009, conditions
permitting.
What’s new: The resort offers new chairlift access technology that provides hands-free lift access and lets patrons purchase lift tickets online. A new GPS tracking system will be put in place for kids enrolled in ski and snowboard day camps. The resort also features a revamped terrain park for 2009-2010, according to Alpine press releases.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal: The College Pass - This pass is $299 and valid at both Alpine and Homewood every day at except holidays during winter 2009/2010.
KIRKWOOD
Website: www.kirkwood.com.
Opening day: To be determined, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Fantastic events schedule with a pretty full calendar every weekend from January until the end of the season in April.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
Kirkwood is selling passes at fall rates. The Adult 6 Wood (Sunday-Friday, non-holiday) is just $259.
BOREAL
Website: www.rideboreal.com.
Opening day: Halloween 2009, conditions permitting.
What’s new: The mountain is upgrading its snowmaking, expanding terrain in the Lost Dutchman area, adding a snow cat and hip cutter to the grooming fleet, and improving night lighting on the upper mountain, said spokesman Jon Slaughter. Boreal also is adding a new daily TART shuttle bus from Truckee and installing six speakers to provide music for riders in the CORE terrain park.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal: The iRide Card - This pass lets someone ride two days this season, and get a third day for free.
HEAVENLY
Website: www.skiheavenly.com.
Opening day: Nov. 20, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Trail enhancements and a new, state-of-the-art tubing lift headline the changes, which also include upgrades to overall food quality and variety, well-groomed snow surfaces, ski and snowboard school programs, and ease of planning/booking a vacation.
One can’t-miss pass deal: Refer A Friend pass deals for $369. If you refer a friend, you get $20 in onmountain money. Friends you refer get $20 off the pass price.
MT. ROSE
Website: www.skirose.com.
Opening day: Halloween, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Mt. Rose will open the new Slide Lodge, a modern facility with a contemporary style that will be the first of its kind in Lake Tahoe.
Located on the southeastern-most edge of the Slide Bowl, the new building will include a restaurant, cozy bar and spacious outdoor deck.
One can’t-miss pass deal: For visitors, Mount Rose want to offer great deals during the week.
NORTHSTAR
Website: www.northstar@tahoe.com.
Opening day: To be determined, conditions permitting.
What’s new: The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, opens Dec. 9, 2009. The new fixed-grip quad chairlift greatly improves access to Northstar Resort’s beginner teaching terrain One can’t-miss ski pass deal: Get the two-pass Whammy Pass for $399.
SODA SPRINGS
Website: www.skisodasprings.com.
Opening day: To be determined, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Planet Kids is expanding at Soda Springs, featuring a new location, an expanded learning area, new features, new equipment and the best part - a sleigh ride to get there. Also, check out the expanded Tube Town, which extended its moving carpet by 80 feet.
One can’t miss ski pass deal:
Season passes are just $99 for kids ages 5 through 12.
SUGAR BOWL
Website: www.sugarbowl.com.
Opening day: To be determined, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Sugar Bowl opens the Summit Chair accessing the Judah Bowl area of the mountain, for steep yet wide-open bowl skiing. Also new is the ski-cross/boarder-X course the US Ski Team will be training on preOlympics, opening up for public use once the races begin in Vancouver.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
Sugar Bowl offers its best rates of the season through Oct. 31.
SQUAW VALLEY
Website: www.squaw.com.
Opening day: Nov. 21, conditions permitting.
What’s new: It’s Squaw’s 60th anniversary, so look for celebrations all year, including opening day.
Movies at the base, and J.T. Holmes’ jump out of the cable car, are just two of the many festivities planned.
One can’t miss ski pass deal: Oct. 15 is the deadline for season pass sales at the current discounted rate.
