Tuesday, Sept 15, 2020 - 2020/21 Winter Operations Update

The notion of play runs deep at Sierra-at-Tahoe, and as we eagerly await the start of the 2020/21 Winter Season, keeping the essence of play alive via skiing and riding is more important to us than ever. Over the summer months our team has been working tirelessly to prepare both the mountain and operational procedures regarding COVID-19 so we can welcome back the Sierra Family to the place Where Play Reigns Free with open (yet socially distanced) arms.

In order to get back to your mountain playground this winter, there are some mandatory rules and procedures that we ask you to follow in compliance with local, state and federal guidelines. Sierra has always lived by the notion that “Respect Gets Respect,” and we request all of our guests respect and follow the new measures put in place. In doing so, you’re playing your part in keeping Sierra open for everyone to enjoy, all season long. Please note that the following list is dynamic, subject to change, and is not an exhaustive list—additional procedures and operational updates will follow as the beginning of the season grows closer.

Face coverings will be required in all indoor spaces, the base area, when loading / unloading a lift, as well as whenever physical distancing cannot be achieved

will be required in all indoor spaces, the base area, when loading / unloading a lift, as well as whenever physical distancing cannot be achieved Physical distancing protocols will be in place for both indoor and outdoor spaces

will be in place for both indoor and outdoor spaces Daily staff wellness checks will be in place for guest and employee safety

will be in place for guest and employee safety Lodge capacity will be limited in compliance with local, state and federal regulations

in compliance with local, state and federal regulations Sierra restaurants have been redesigned to emphasize grab and go options with limited seating available

At this time, Sierra-at-Tahoe does not plan on operating under a reservation system for Season Passholders

for Season Passholders Guests will not be required to ride a chairlift with people they do not know, and will be asked to self-group with members of their party

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas will take place

In addition, Sierra is committed to following the guidelines outlined by the National Ski Area Association’s “Ski Well, Be Well” initiative.

We know that change does not always come easy, but it is through embracing it together that we will find success. With months to go before the start of the season and in a dynamically shifting world, there may be modifications to this list. We will do our best to clearly communicate these updates to you as they come so you can plan your turns this winter. And no, it’s not too early to start your snow dance.



Read official press release here →

Monday, May 4, 2020 Update:

From first pow turns in December, to sunny groomers through February and so much more in between, we’re grateful for the time spent together + memories made last season, #WherePlayReignsFree.

While the times have changed, our commitment to you hasn’t. The investment you’ve made in your local mountain experience is what sustains and inspires us and is why Sierra prides itself on providing the most value for our guests across all of our products. This summer, we will be adjusting and revamping our products to better meet your needs and support you in returning to your winter haven.

For those looking to return to Sierra with flexibility next season, see what we are doing for our loyal Season Passholders with the relaunch of our Spring Season Pass sale. Read official press release here →

Thursday, April 2, 2020 Update:

If you are a current passholder or looking to join our fam next season, we will be sending out updates, details and deadline extension details by the end of the month. Stay tuned, stay healthy and stay classy Sierra Fam!

We are in this, together. Sit back and enjoy this special message from us to you.

If you’re like us, you’ve been trying to find creative ways to keep on playing, even if it’s from your living room. And, with that in mind, we filled a few of our newfound hours by making you a list of ways to keep playing: Ways to Play →

Please continue to be safe and well.

Guest Frequently Asked Questions: Q. Can I pick up my gear from my locker? A. At this time we are not allowing access to the resort to pick up personal belongings as the resort is closed. We have 24 hour security and cameras in place to keep the buildings + your belongings secure. In the event you need to retrieve a personal item for emergency purposes, please email our security at rdefressine@sierraattahoe.com and we will make arrangements to reunite you with your item(s). Q. Can I skin up the mountain while it is closed? A. We are not permitting uphill traffic of any kind at Sierra, as we continue to maintain the safety of our slopes and facilities. Access is not allowed as we continue to perform avalanche control, grooming, mountain maintenance and maintaining our main entry road to prevent hazardous conditions into the foreseeable future. Please make informed decisions if you are considering going into the backcountry. Please use resources such as the Sierra Avalanche Center and our Deep Snow Safety Tips to weigh your options and make the safest choice. If you have an unused product from the 19/20 season you can use it through Dec. 20, 2020. Please see details below: Q. What if I have days left on my 3-PAK or 10-PAK lesson package? A. Any unused days on your 2019/20 3-PAK or 10-PAK will be valid for use on opening day next season, and can be used through 12/20/20. Standard reservation procedures apply. Q. What about my 3-PAK lift ticket? A. Any unused days on your lift ticket 3-PAK will be valid through 12/20/20, and you can head directly to the lift, no need to visit a ticket window. Q. I have a 2019/20 Season Pass, can I use it until 12/20/20 too? A. YES! All 2019/20 Season Passes will be valid through December 20, 2020 including Rental and Parking Season Passes. All Season Passholders can go directly to the lift and enjoy making turns at Sierra. All Powder Alliance benefits are only valid for the season in which the season pass was purchased. Passholders can also use their passholder benefits like BFF Tickets and Free Fridays to share the stoke with your crew! Current passholder restrictions apply. Q: I already purchased my season pass for next season. What kind of compensation is there for the remainder of this season? A: Using your 2020/21 pass now was complimentary, with spring skiing as the added bonus. Should the resort resume operations this Spring, you will be able to use your 2020/21 pass to ski as well as all of next season! Q. What if I bought a lift ticket, rental or lesson package that I couldn’t use? A. If you pre-purchased a product with an arrival date starting 3/7/2020 or after, we will credit your purchase until 12/20/20. Please be sure to stop at any ticket window so we can properly date your product and get you out on the hill! Q. I purchased tickets from a 3rd party retailer, what should I do? A. Tickets purchased from one of our partners will be subject to the vendor’s return policy. Please contact or return to the location where you purchased the ticket to discuss their return policy.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Update:

In consideration of on-going developments with the current health crisis, Sierra-at-Tahoe will continue to suspend operations for the 2019/2020 season indefinitely. As we navigate through the COVID-19 issue, the health and safety of our guests and employees is our primary concern. During this time of uncertainty, we will do our part to help stop the spread of this virus.

We will monitor developments of the public health situation, and depending on the status of public health orders, snow conditions and other relevant factors, we will consider reopening the resort later in the spring season. It is our most important responsibility to act in the best interest of our people and our broader community and are committed to keeping you informed as we move forward, together.

We realize that for those like-minded individuals who gravitate toward spending time in the mountains, this may be difficult to hear. We too are eager to return to our mountain home, and hope to do so with you, soon. Until then, we are grateful for your support and understanding during this unprecedented time and should the situation allow us to resume operations we would gladly finish out the season by taking laps with you.

For guests who have pre-purchased lift ticket and lesson products for arrival starting 3/7/20 please email passoffice@sierraattahoe.com so we can assist you.

Saturday, March 14, 2020 Update:

To Our Sierra Family,

We would like to start by apologizing for the short notice of this announcement, and any inconvenience it may pose to you at this time. After careful consideration, Sierra-at-Tahoe will be suspending operations on Sunday, March 15, for at least 72 hours. We realize that you have many questions and that this news may be disappointing for you to hear—with snow in the forecast, the excitement and joy of a powder day seemed to be just what we all needed. We hope you find comfort that extreme weather is in the immediate forecast, with a high potential for holds across the mountain. We aim to resume operations under sunnier skies with powder-covered slopes.

We will stringently assess resuming resort operations based upon communication with local and state authorities, as well as under the guidance of the Centers of Disease Control. We will be working hard to share these updates with you as we have it.

So, where do we go from here?

If you have made a ticket reservation starting during this time period we will be working to accommodate you, offering refunds or resort credit for a later date. We anticipate high caller volume in the coming days, and ask those who wish for a refund or reservation change to please email passoffice@sierraattahoe.com with your contact information so we can better assist you.

We thank you for your patience, loyalty and understanding during this time of uncertainty and stress. We look forward to many more powder days with our Sierra Family in the future.

Friday, March 13, 2020 Update:

Sierra-at-Tahoe has postponed or cancelled select events that have been identified as “high-risk.” For details on which events have been effected, please visit our events page, here.

In light of emerging uncertainties—in health, at work and in public spaces—we wanted to share what actions Sierra-at-Tahoe is taking to address concerns regarding COVID-19. The health and safety of our guests and employees remains the highest priority at Sierra, and although there have been no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in El Dorado County, we are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Skiing and snowboarding is our passion, and while we plan to stay in operation through the end of the season, we will be doing our due diligence to limit potential exposure and risks for our guests and staff. In addition to our standard daily sanitation practices, we are implementing further disinfecting procedures throughout the resort and have been vigilant in employing the following measures above and beyond these standards:

Administering additional supplies of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissues and gloves throughout the resort

Use of virucide cleaning agents as well as having additional hand washing/sanitizing stations

Creating additional space in our lodge and food and beverage outlets to allow for more social distancing amongst guests

Doubling up on all food and beverage sanitation practices as well as in common areas, with additional attention being given throughout the day as needed.

Limiting capacity in indoor areas throughout the resort to less than 250

Additional sanitizing procedures for our rental equipment

Increasing safety meetings with our employees to discuss being “fit for work” and enforcing those who appear to be sick to stay home

Informing all employees to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth in addition to providing accurate information about protective measures that they can take

Urging all employees to be diligent about washing all equipment and all high touch areas as well as to refrain from shaking hands when greeting others

Minimizing chair-lift capacity, allowing guests the choice to choose who they ride with and not requiring full lifts.

Refilling of reusable cups has been suspended indefinitely and with signage throughout the resort

We share this information as a way to keep us all grounded and will continue to stay connected with our guests, employees, community and authorities as this situation evolves. For the most up to date information of that status of Corona Virus in El Dorado County, please visit here as well as staying informed on information from the CDC.

During times of uncertainty, staying informed and making appropriate decisions for the health of you and your loved ones is of the utmost importance.



