Sierra-at-Tahoe, CA, Opens Today | New Trail Map Shows Destruction Caused by Caldor Fire

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Sierra-at-tahoe, california, trail map
Sierra-at-Tahoe, CA, 2022/23 trail map.

Sierra-at-Tahoe, CA, opens for the season today, 16 months after the Caldor Fire burned 80% of its 2,000 acres, damaged the maintenance facility, five of the nine lifts and the magic carpet, and equipment like snowcats and snowmobiles. The resort only opened for one weekend last season.

Much of the area’s recognizable terrain and famous tree skiing was destroyed, which can be seen when comparing this season’s trail map to 20/21’s map.

The area impacted the most is the West Bowl area. Previously an area of blue and black runs weaving in and out of tree islands, the bowl is now wide open. The runs are still marked and named, but where there once were trees is now defined as “off-piste terrain open when conditions permit.” The area between Upper Dynamite and Jack Rabbit used to be all trees and is now a double black area called Jack’s Bowl with very few trees up high and more off-piste conditions lower down.

Elsewhere on the mountain, the majority of the tree areas are closed. Snowfall halted work in these areas, and restoration will begin in spring 2023.

Mother Nature has been kind to the resort as they celebrate reopening. 90” so far this season, including 25” in the last week, and conditions should be pretty sweet. The resort is opening with two lifts running Easy Rider and Rock Garden, serving four runs, Broadway, Easy Street, Aspen, and Aspen West. Sierra Playground off-Broadway with jumps, hips, and jibs will also be available, as well as two carpets, Slider and Thunder Gulch.

In addition, in true Sierra fashion, they’re also bringing the vibes:

  • 8-10 am DJ Dave Berkman spinning fresh tunes for your first lap
  • 8:15 am: First 75 chair rider celebration
  • 11-1 pm: Red Bull tasting for a mid-day boost
  • 2-5 pm: Live music in the pub ft. Preacher’s Pickers
  • ALL DAY: Tag us in your fav moments from opening for a chance at a Wells Lamont + Sierra pack

So grab a pass, take a couple of turns, get your winter legs, and join us for cheers in the pub in support of the fabulous work the Sierra crew did.

A new chapter for Sierra is here. The fact that they are opening at all is a minor miracle. The post below from the resort’s social media explains what they’ve been through this last year or so.

Many thought it could not be done…

The long days, endless hours, triumphs, setbacks + an unwavering dedication to getting the job done. The once impossible is now here. Sierra-at-Tahoe will reopen for the 2022/23 season on December 3rd.

We’ll come to reunite, celebrate what we’ve conquered + cheers to a new chapter for Sierra- let’s ring in our 75th anniversary together, in true Sierra style.

With 5 haul ropes + communication lines replaced, 15 million board feet of timber removed, over 700 acres of fire damaged trees mitigated + the rebuilding of our Upper Shop in process, we have essentially built a ski resort in a year. Mitigation efforts officially wrapped up this week + as the teams remove the last pieces of heavy machinery + timber from our slopes, this momentous occasion is cause for celebration.

More details to come on Opening Day operations, as we put the finishing touches on your beloved mountain — so we can all return to the place #WherePlayReignsFree.

As always, conditions permitting but Mother Nature is off to a great start. Stay tuned right here for the latest details on Opening Day Celebrations, to get eyes on the new trail map + start rallying your winter squad to get ready to explore all new terrain — a moment in history that only happens once!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Atlas Tree & Landscape with support from the El Dorado & Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts the U.S. Forest Service, you are our forever dream team.

– Sierra-at-Tahoe Facebook post

Sierra-at-tahoe, california, trail map
Sierra-at-Tahoe 20/21 trail map.

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3 thoughts on “Sierra-at-Tahoe, CA, Opens Today | New Trail Map Shows Destruction Caused by Caldor Fire

  1. While often crowded – particularly in the beginner area, Sierra has lower prices and always a great vibe in mid season. Never had a bad cocktail or a bad day there.

  2. I like how the maps perspective makes the mountain super steep, when it’s not. Great marketing tool.

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