Transformational new lifts, trails, snowmaking, and other infrastructure, plus the return of signature events highlight the 2022-23 winter season in California and Nevada
In advance of the 2022-23 winter season, ski areas in California and Nevada are investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades designed to offer a high-quality, efficient, and memorable experience for skiers and snowboarders. From new lifts and trails to contactless lift access, snowmaking enhancements, and the return of signature winter events, resort guests will have more to explore this season.
“More people came out to ski and snowboard in the U.S. than ever before last year, and resorts in California and Nevada are giving people new reasons to head to the mountains this season. From transformational new lifts to major resort renovations, the commitment our resorts have to re-investing in their mountains and the guest experience is unwavering.”
– Mike Reitzell, Ski California president
On Jan. 28, 2023, Ski California member resorts will also participate in Ski California Safety Day with many offering guest-centric activities and events designed to educate skiers and riders about safety on the slopes. The theme of this season’s effort will center on Ski California’s award-winning Mountain Safety Guide, which is currently undergoing a refresh and will be available in a new digital format that’s easy to navigate. Safety is a priority every day of the season, but Ski California Safety Day emphasizes the resorts’ shared commitment to safety through resort-specific and industry-wide initiatives.
The Ski California Gold Pass is also currently on sale to the public, but less than ten passes remain. The Gold Pass provides unlimited access to Ski California’s 35 member resorts in California and Nevada all season. The pass is fully transferable, meaning it can be shared with friends, family, or employees. Gold Pass holders have advance renewal access at a discounted price.
Highlights of what’s new at some of the resorts in California and Nevada ahead of the 2022-23 season (including anticipated opening dates, all of which are weather and conditions permitting) include:
Bear Valley Resort: This season, new RFID access gates and tickets will offer contactless lift access.Opening: Nov. 25
Big Bear Mountain Resort: Renovation of the Bear Mountain base area has resumed with a $2 million upgrade to Laybacks Bar that includes new windows, radiant flooring, and a redesigned indoor-to-outdoor bar area. The Bear Mountain rental shop also received a $1.2 million update to make the equipment rental process more efficient. A 10-acre parcel on Sandalwood Drive is being turned into additional remote parking, and to address the lack of workforce housing, the resort has purchased the Travelodge Hotel on Big Bear Blvd. to provide housing for seasonal employees. The property will undergo a comprehensive renovation prior to the start of the season. Opening: Snow Summit Nov. 18, Bear Mountain Nov. 25
Boreal / Woodward Tahoe: Select your start time, arrive and get contactless mountain access at Boreal with “Go Time Tickets,” where ticket prices gradually decrease throughout the day. Boreal will host the Subaru Winterfest and the Boreal Banked Slalom April 8, 2023, in addition to many more events throughout the year. Woodward Tahoe’s new All Access Membership offers 360-degree access to a 16-acre hub for all things action sports including access to Boreal. The Take 3, Ride Free lesson 3-packs returns this season, with participants receiving a season pass upon completion of the program. Opening: Nov. 18
Diamond Peak: New RFID access gates have been installed at ski lifts this season, as well as automated lift ticket pick-up kiosks for customers who purchase lift tickets online in advance. A new surface lift at the Child Ski & Ride Center makes it easier for kids ages 3-6 who are learning to make their first turns, and Diamond Peak’s signature events return this season, including Last Tracks wine and beer tastings select Wednesdays from February through April and guided after-hours snowshoe hikes. Opening: Dec. 8
Dodge Ridge: The resort replaced its two 1960s vintage riblet chairlifts with a new triple chair – the Triple Nugget. The new chairlift provides access to the terrain that previously required two lifts and is also significantly closer to the base area lodges. The base area and mid-mountain lodges have undergone extensive structural and aesthetic improvements, along with updated menus and a new outdoor bbq and smoker. Terrain parks will expand this season with additional features for all levels of progression, the resort’s snowsports school will see updated lesson programming, and the resort’s magic carpets will be repositioned to provide additional learning terrain. Opening: As soon as conditions allow
Granlibakken Tahoe: The Granlibakken Tahoe ski and sled hill is scheduled to open to the public in mid-December, though guests at the resort can enjoy the hill as early as Thanksgiving, snowfall permitting. Rentals, including equipment for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the resort’s trails, as well as a warming hut and play area, are also available onsite. Opening: Dec. 16
Heavenly Mountain Resort: The North Bowl lift was upgraded from a fixed-grip triple chair to a high-speed detachable quad, increasing uphill capacity by more than 40% and providing better access to underutilized terrain. On weekends starting in December, a rotating schedule of guest DJs will spin dance tunes from a snowcat on the mountain. The resort’s Spring Loaded event series will return, featuring the Gunbarrel 25, Pond Skim and Spring Fling Rail Jam. Opening. Nov. 18
Homewood Mountain Resort: As part of its forest and fuels management efforts, significant tree thinning was completed over the summer at Homewood. As a result, skiers and riders will have access to over a mile of new tree skiing on five different runs. Opening: mid-December TBD
Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Celebrating 50 years of skiing and riding this season, Kirkwood will host the 28th annual Banked Slalom this season with one day dedicated to kids and families, and the second day designed for adults who want to race through Snow Snake Gully. Opening: Dec. 2
Lee Canyon: With the USFS’s record of decision on the Environment Impact Statement for Lee Canyon’s expansion plan, the resort added three new trails accessible from the Sherwood Chairlift. Opening: first week of December
Mammoth Mountain: This winter, enjoy new restaurants, remodeled lodging and improved infrastructure at Mammoth. Opening December 2022, famed “Top Chefs” Michael and Bryan Voltaggio are bringing their latest restaurant concept to The Village at Mammoth. A multi-year expansion at Woolly’s Tube Park is also underway and this season will offer expanded tubing lanes, new snowmaking, a new elevated conveyor lift, expanded parking and a larger snow-play and sledding area. Opening: Nov. 11
Mt. Baldy: This season, Mt. Baldy will offer snowcat shuttles for backcountry access and sunset dinner cruises. Opening: mid-December TBD
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: Projects underway at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe will transform the ski experience at the resort this winter and beyond. The $7.5 million on-mountain project includes the expansion of the Lakeview zone, trail improvements and a new express chairlift that will open this season. The beginner-rated Lakeside trail will create another, more suitable route from the top of the Lakeview lift to the Around the World ski trail, giving novice skiers and riders greater ability to enjoy lake views while accessing beginner terrain. Opening: Nov. 3
Mt. Shasta Ski Park: The long-awaited addition of the resort’s new Gray Butte lift will provide lift access to 450 acres of new intermediate, advanced and expert terrain. The resort’s Backcountry Cabin program will also continue, offering visitors an immersive experience that can include lodging in a rustic cabin and guided mountain tours. Opening: mid-December TBD
Mountain High: More than $1 million in improvements at Mountain High include increased snowmaking capabilities, the new Rossignol Experience Center offering high-performance rental equipment and full-service instruction, additional terrain park features and renovations to The Foggy Goggle bar. The resort also introduced new multi-week development programs and access to more resort partners through its partnerships with the Powder Alliance and the Indy Pass. Opening: early November TBD
Northstar California: The Comstock Express lift has been upgraded to a high-speed six-person chair to reduce wait times and increase uphill capacity by nearly 50%. As Northstar prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this season, TOST, one of its signature traditions will return, and for the first time, passholders will have early access to the mountain 30 minutes before the general public every Monday starting mid-December through the end of the season, conditions permitting. Opening: Nov. 18
Palisades Tahoe: Set to open this season, the new Base to Base Gondola will make it possible to explore all 6,000 acres of legendary terrain at Palisades and Alpine uninterrupted. In addition, the Red Dog chairlift is being upgraded and will offer a 3-minute ride time and significant upgrades are being made to the Funitel Plaza and the Alpine Lodge. One of only four U.S. resorts featured on the World Cup circuit this season, Palisades Tahoe will host men’s slalom and giant slalom events February 25-26, 2023. Opening: Nov. 22
Rim Nordic: This season nordic skiers will enjoy new rental equipment and a remodeled building at Rim Nordic. Opening: TBD
Sierra-at-Tahoe: Just one year ago, the Caldor Fire blazed through Sierra-at-Tahoe affecting 1,600 of its 2,000 acres, damaging lift towers, haul ropes, disintegrating terrain park features and melting four brand new snowcats. Through collaboration and tireless efforts, Sierra-at-Tahoe will open its entire 46 trail network and celebrate the resort’s 75 year anniversary. New haul ropes, chairs and communication lines have been installed on the Grandview, West Bowl, Puma Express and Nob Hill lifts, and over 14,000 fire killed and damaged hazard trees have been cut and are being removed from the resort. Opening: early December TBD
Snow Valley Mountain Resort: Snow Valley continues to reduce its carbon footprint while improving its night skiing by expanding the replacement of traditional lighting with the latest LED products designed to dramatically reduce energy consumption. A renewed focus on in-restaurant dining arrives, but the resort will also continue to serve a mélange of grab-and-go grub. Opening: Nov. 23
Sugar Bowl / Royal Gorge: The Dining Room at the Sugar Bowl Village Lodge will reopen this winter featuring fine dining with a view. Enjoy Bay Area-inspired California cuisine, and high-alpine lodge ambiance that includes an oversized wood-burning fireplace and a gallery of images that depict the history of Donner Summit. Sugar Bowl is one of 25 destinations that are part of the Mountain Collective this season, and The Sugar Bowl Uphiller will also return for its second season this winter, giving participants the ability to choose how many human-powered “Lincoln laps” they want to do–without the help of a chairlift. Royal Gorge, North America’s largest XC resort, will celebrate its 50th season this winter. Opening: Nov. 25
Tahoe Donner: Tahoe Donner is bringing out the big (snowmaking) guns this winter, with plans to start snowmaking at the Cross Country Center as early as mid-November as conditions permit. The additional snow will help maintain a more contiguous trail system all season long, and allow for earlier availability of cross country ski lessons and programs. The Downhill Ski Resort at Tahoe Donner is gearing up to offer special events, lessons and fun competitions to provide a multitude of activities for all ages and skill levels. Opening: Cross Country Ski Center Nov. 25, Downhill Ski Resort Dec. 9
Tahoe XC: A full slate of events will return to Tahoe XC this season including the “Old Skool Klassic Race,” the Tahoe Rim Tour ski race from Tahoe XC to Northstar, a Women’s Laser Biathlon Relay, the Alpenglow 20k Race and the Great Ski Race, an annual fundraiser for Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue. A host of ski and waxing clinics are also scheduled throughout the season. Opening: December TBD
Learn more about Ski California and its member resorts at skicalifornia.org.
Thanks for carrying that valuable XC ski information!
Maybe you should add Nevada to the story title?
You’re right… done! Thank you.
Sorry to be anal about this, but consider altering the title to something like “Here’s What’s New at California (and nearby) Ski Resorts…” to account for Diamond Peak, Lee Canyon, and Mt Rose.
Agree, my bad. Fixed!