Industry News
Homewood Mountain Resort, California, announced yesterday that it will not operate for the 2024-25 winter season due to financial issues and ongoing regulatory delays.
“We are now in the regrettable position of being unable to operate or sell season passes for the 2024-25 season. We understand the deep disappointment this announcement will cause. It goes without saying that this decision was not made lightly.”
– Homewood Mountain Resort
The resort’s management cited the withdrawal of support from its financial partner as the primary reason for the closure. Delays in securing approvals for updates to Homewood’s 2011 Master Plan, which includes plans for a new gondola and other infrastructure improvements, influenced this decision.
“For many years, Homewood Mountain Resort (HMR) has been subsidizing the community’s ski experience while operating at a deficit during the approved Master Plan’s planning and permitting phases.”
– Homewood Mountain Resort
In a social media post, Keep Homewood Public argued that the decision not to open this season is not tied to the ongoing permitting process, as the owners could operate the ski area regardless. The post says that at a recent TRPA meeting, developers received guidance on maintaining public access, yet their choice to remain closed suggests a lack of intention to do so.
“Do note that there is no reason the mountain opening this year is tied to the HMR amendment application, as the permitting process does not impact current operations. Nothing permitting-related prevents the Homewood owners from running a ski hill this winter, as they have done every winter to date.”
– Keep Homewood Public
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) issued a statement acknowledging Homewood’s announcement. The agency stated it has been working with Homewood management, partner agencies, and community representatives to review proposed amendments to the master plan, including critical issues such as public access. The TRPA emphasized its commitment to informing the community about the ongoing public process.
“The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is aware of the announcement made by Homewood Mountain Resort on October 11 of their decision to remain closed for the 2024-2025 winter season.
The agency has been working with Homewood management, partner agencies, and community representatives to review amendments to the master plan proposed by the property owners and continue to work through critical issues including public access. When Homewood Mountain Resort finalizes their work, the Governing Board will consider the proposal. TRPA understands how important Homewood is to skiers and riders and to the West Shore and we remain committed to keeping the community informed of the public process in the coming months.
Signup for updates by emailing us at HomewoodPlan@trpa.gov. More information, updates, and documents are on the Homewood Master Plan page.”
– Tahoe Regional Planning Agency statement
The closure has raised concerns among residents and local businesses that rely on winter tourism. Keep Homewood Public, a local advocacy group, has expressed disappointment over the closure’s effects on employees and the local economy.
“We are shocked and saddened at Homewood Mountain Resort’s decision to close for the winter season.”
– Keep Homewood Public
We are shocked and saddened at Homewood Mountain Resort’s decision to close for the winter season.
It’s bad enough to…
Posted by Keep Homewood Public on Friday 11 October 2024
Homewood’s management remains focused on navigating the approval process for its redevelopment plans, but the resort’s long-term future is uncertain. The TRPA indicated that the Governing Board will consider the proposal when Homewood finalizes its work.
Over the past few years, Homewood Mountain Resort has undergone significant changes in its operational model and development plans. In 2022, Homewood announced plans to transition to a semi-private resort model, citing financial challenges and competition from larger resorts. This move would have ended day ticket sales and limited season passes to resort residence owners. The plan faced strong opposition from the local community, forming the “Keep Homewood Public” group.
Keep Homewood Public raised numerous concerns about the redevelopment plans, including environmental impacts, increased traffic, and reduced public access. The group even issued a legal objection against the proposed semi-private model, highlighting the community’s strong desire to maintain public access to the mountain.
In response to community feedback, Homewood adjusted its plans in 2023, moving away from the members-only model. The resort announced a new 8-year master plan that included significant upgrades such as:
1. A new high-speed detachable quad chairlift
2. Expanded snowmaking capabilities
3. A new mid-mountain lodge
4. Improved parking facilities
5. Enhanced beginner terrain
The resort’s attempts to modify its 2011 master plan have faced regulatory challenges. The TRPA has been working with Homewood management and community representatives to review the proposed amendments, focusing on critical issues such as public access.
Homewood’s situation highlights the challenges of smaller ski resorts, including declining visitor numbers, competition from larger ski areas, and industry mega-passes.
- Related: ‘Keep Homewood Public’ Raises 50 Concerns about Redevelopment Plans for Homewood Mountain Resort, CA
- Related: Homewood Mountain Resort, CA, Shares 8-Year Master Plan
- Related: Homewood Mountain, CA, Moves Away from Member-Only Model and Plans Major Upgrades
- Related: Organization ‘Keep Homewood Public’ Issues Legal Objection Against Homewood Resort, CA, For its Proposed Semi-Private Model
- Related: Homewood Mountain, CA, Continues Plan to Move to Members-Only Model
- Related: Homewood Mountain, CA to Become Semi-Private Resort, Ending All Day Ticket Sales and Only Selling Season Passes to Resort Residence Owners
