Chase Kacher, a freshman who has been living in Truckee since February is excited for resorts to finally open. “I can’t wait to shred this year and hopefully get good snow,” Kacher said. “I’m not nervous about COVID at all, I trust the resorts and I’m really just ready to ski and have a fun time with my friends.” 

Vail resorts under the Epic pass such as Heavenly (Nov. 20th), Northstar (Nov. 20th), and Kirkwood (Dec. 4th) plan to open requiring reservations in advance. They will not be selling day-of tickets until December 8th, and these reservations will be online only. In terms of lifts, they are only allowing related parties to ride together with limitation options for others. 

Ikon pass holders with Tahoe resorts such as Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows (Nov. 25th) have temporarily suspended walk-up tickets. Reservations are required unless you are a season passholder. You are able to self group on lifts. The outdoor seating has been expanded at the Alpine Base Lodge, Gold Coast Lodge, and KT Base Bar. The resort has spent a total of $1 million to increase its distancing and sanitization methods across both Squaw and Alpine. 

Homewood (Dec. 11) has sold out of their season passes and reduced their mountain capacity. There will be no in person interactions and lift tickets will be capped per-day. At the start of the season, private lessons will only be available by reservation. Lift access will be similar to other resorts, restricted to the party you arrive with. 

Boreal plans to open November 23rd, with day tickets and lessons purchased in advance online. You will be able to choose your time, yet season passholders will have priority access. Unless you come as a party, lifts will be restricted to two riders per chair. Private lessons will still be offered and outdoor dining will be expanded as well. 

Diamond Peak (Dec. 11th) will not require reservations for its passholders but plans to cap season pass sales as well as limit flow on busy holidays and weekends. Small group lessons and private lessons will be available. They have restricted walk-up purchases and you will need to purchase passes and tickets in advance. Similarly, the same household or group can ride together on the lifts. 

Sugar Bowl (Nov. 27th) has currently stopped season pass sales but there is a possibility of reopening if COVID restrictions are lifted in the future. There will be no reservations for season passholders, yet you will need to reserve day lift tickets one day in advance as there will be no walk up. Lessons and rentals must be purchased online in advance and the same parties will ride together on lifts.