The recent pandemic may have put a damper on many seasonal activities, but there’s plenty of winter fun to be had on the slopes this season as 209 resorts are open and ready for business.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our guests back to Kirkwood for another incredible winter of skiing and riding. We plan to open up 100% of terrain for our guests as soon as weather and conditions allow. Personally, I can’t wait to get my first turns of the season,” said Joanna McWilliams, communications manager for Vail Resorts, which includes Kirkwood, Heavenly and Northstar.
“We are fortunate that our mountain is naturally spacious and that skiing and riding takes place outdoors…We have designed our winter operating plan to do what we feel matters most, help keep guests safe and provide access to great skiing and snowboarding this winter at Kirkwood,” said McWilliams.
Bear Valley Resort is adapting to COVID-19 by urging guests not to gather in its chalet area.
“We’re encouraging our patrons to embrace a true outdoor experience, and to use their car as a home base rather than the chalet building,” said Laura Kiley, marketing director for Bear Valley Resort.
Bear Valley will also institute face covering requirements, enforce spacing between patrons and reduce indoor dining, but they do not pan to require pre-booking at this time.
Kiley and the team at Bear Valley are anticipating a busy 2020-21 winter season, despite the pandemic.
“We think most people are suffering from some cabin fever and we’ve heard from our community that they can’t wait to hit the slopes and enjoy that fresh mountain air,” she said.
“We do anticipate an increase in demand for skiing this year. We expect pass holders will get amazing value from their passes this year. Bear Valley has so much skiable acreage and the ability to move patrons up the mountain very efficiently, so we’re confident that we’ll continue to be able to provide that ‘off the beaten path’ vibe we’re known for, even with increased demand that COVID-19 is driving,” Kiley continued.
While winter sports enthusiasts are used to checking ahead for weather conditions before heading up the mountain, this season it’s also a good idea to check out all the COVID-19 requirements before making your way to your favorite 209 resort.
209 Ski Resorts
Kirkwood, located south of South Lake Tahoe in the 209, is a true mountain escape. This remote resort features 2,000 feet of vertical drop and over 2,300 acres of terrain ranging from calm, groomed beginner runs to hair-raising cornices and cliffs. Average snowfall at Kirkwood is 354 inches. The resort boasts 86 trails and 15 lifts. The longest trail is 2.5 miles. Base elevation is 7,800 feet and summit is 9,800 feet. The terrain is 12% beginner, 30% intermediate, 38% advances and 20% expert.
Those seeking adventure can check out the Kirkwood Peaks:
Covered Wagon (9,565 ft.) — Accessible from Chair 4 on the backside, Covered Wagon Peak kisses the boundary of Kirkwood and provides access to renowned backcountry terrain through a U.S. Forest Service gate.
Thimble Peak (9,805 ft.) — Kirkwood’s tallest peak and easily identifiable by the Cirque, Thimble Peak provides steep pitches and expert terrain.
The Sisters (9,400 ft.) — The Sisters pack a punch, providing a stretch of notorious chutes and cliff drops that make Kirkwood legendary. Be prepared to go big if you plan to scale this peak.
Glove Rock (9,360 ft.) — Perfect for any expert looking for a steep descent or speedy traverse to powder fields. Glove Rock provides lots of varied terrain and hiking options if you are up for the challenge.
Martin Point (9,249 ft.) — The farthest peak from the Village, but by far the most rewarding. The terrain accessible from Martin Point is pure bliss. For more information on Kirkwood, visit: kirkwood.com
