It’s the quiet ones you’ve got to watch for. Photo: courtesy of Soda Springs media
A Pre-COVID-19 Closure Report brought to you by Ski California
Thanks to diligent, on-going media coverage the world is aware that threat of a human-transmitted, novel virus, COVID-19 has created a new and sadly necessary social barrier among society. It has seized global economies, put the clamps on industry, and generally raised pulses. But however weird the wind may blow due to this viral house guest, the sporting community is still empowered to reflect on the good things it had, and will have again.
A snappy board, quenching beverage, and no better place to be. Photo: P.M. Fadden
Donner Summit, in the North Sierra, is a region famed for epic winters, heaps of snowsport history, and being home to California’s longest continually running ski area, Soda Springs Mountain Resort.
A ski area all to one’s self at Soda Springs. Photo: P.M. Fadden
A cultural favorite because it’s so cozy, Soda Springs is a seedbed for new recruits as well as next generations to skiing and snowboarding. Its family-first winter playground is accessed easily on the Gold Pass and offers terrific tubing and snowshoeing beside classic downhill styles above a warm lodge that houses a strong feeling of community.
Trail map courtesy of Soda Springs Mountain Resort.
Quick Hits:
SUMMIT ELEVATION – 7,325ft
VERTICAL – 652ft
SKIABLE AREA – 200 acres
RUNS – 16
LIFTS – 2 chairs | 2 tubing tows
LONGEST RUN – 1 mile
To term the place ‘cruisie’ doesn’t begin to do Soda Springs justice; it’s patient, it’s welcoming, and its powder snow can surprise you. Arrive there early and it’s very likely you’ll be sharing the whole ski area with only the staff. When it’s time to take rest (or feign work) you can grab a tube, kick back and revel in fresh mountain air from the comfort of inflatable seating.
Turning of the wheels and tallying the history of sport at Soda Springs. Photo: courtesy of Soda Springs media
Soda Spring’s place in the hustle-bustle of the snow industry is both endearing and intrinsic. Aside from the resort’s precedent-setting age, Soda Springs was a favorite spot of pioneers like Tom Sims and Mike Chantry who together organized the first World Championship halfpipe competition of snowboarding, hosted at Soda Springs in the good ol’ days of 1983.
Addressing the needs of the modern era, Soda Springs took another groundbreaking step by partnering with the region’s public utility district to innovate the “Recycled Water Initiative” California’s first snowmaking system that harnesses re-used waterworks. When faced with a lack of available H2O for the critical production of man-made base layers, the resort looked beyond the bounds of ‘the box’ and saw a solution in conservation–and just may have set a new ski area standard along the way.
The Soda Springs canvas is waiting… Photo: courtesy of Soda Springs media
Visit for only a morning or stay a whole month, the convenience and comfort of Soda Springs Mountain Resort are outmatched only by its tie to the heritage of the snowsports we all love. For fun with the family while making new friends, look no further than this small resort with BIG appeal!
Snow Numbers:
Up to date snow expectation courtesy of Accuweather.
Trip Report
