Sierra-at-Tahoe still trying to start its 75th season: "We're resilient, we'll bounce back"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As ski resorts around Lake Tahoe are experiencing the record December snowfall and large crowds, Sierra-at-Tahoe sits on the sidelines waiting its turn.

The Caldor Fire destroyed key parts of the popular resort when the fire took over the mountain west of Lake Tahoe on August 29 and 30, 2021. After the fire passed and headed to Meyers and South Lake Tahoe, initial assessments were minor damage to the resort, but as the smoke cleared the true devastation was obvious.

"It is our 75th anniversary and we have every intention to try and open part of the mountain this year," said John Rice, the longtime general manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe. "We will continue to do everything within our control to do that."

The damaged chairlifts still need to be repaired. With supply chain issues, the lift parts from Europe have been delayed.

Rice said they are working with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS0 on a plan to mitigate the hazard trees through the El Dorado County Resource Conservation District.

And the work they are doing isn't all at the resort.

"I went to Washington, D.C. to lobby for support from our elected officials," said Rice.

He and his team have submitted a plan for erosion control and tree mitigation, and Rice said he feels they've done all they can for now.

"If we can get the work done in a timely manner we will do everything we can to try and open sometime this season in the springtime," said Rice.

There is a strong base of snow on the slopes, so at this point, spring looks like there will be some good opportunities to ski and ride. They have a base of 106" of snow at the summit, 94" at the base with the two months normally with the most snowfall during winter still ahead.

At the intersection of U.S. 50 and Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, the monthly snow measurement took place on December 30. The snowpack they found was 78.4 inches and 202 percent of average for this time of year,

Rice and the Sierra-at-Tahoe team haven't been alone in their fight to open and have received help from others in the industry.

"We compete but we also pull together when someone needs help," said Rice of the "amazing" support.

Alterra Resorts, the parent company of Mammoth and Palisades, have provided lift maintenance and equipment support, and Vail's Heavenly Mountain Resort has helped with youth programs and free straight-A passes.

"We have a team of dedicated employees who are working hard to get the resort back on its feet," said Rice. "We have a lot of work ahead of us and need things to fall into place, but our resolve is strong."

As a wall of fire bore down on Sierra-at-Tahoe, fire fighting teams from the resort's insurance company, American International Group (AIG) had spent days doing defensible space, cutting branches, and using a thermal gel in Sierra's snowmaking machines to protect buildings and land, and water down propane tanks.

Rice said at the time he was surprised the key building they lost was one made of cinderblock, metal, and steel, one he thought was the most fire-resistant.

As the Caldor Fire moved east toward Sierra, 80 dozers and water tenders along with trucks from the military were trying to defend the trees and buildings. The fire raced 2.5 miles that day and they all had to pull out. Rice was standing on the roof of his office as the fire approached, a perch he had to leave when the first flames arrived and he had to join those pulling out. AIG fire crews stayed and huddled up and flames passed over.

"We are so thankful for them," said Rice just after the fire.

It took a few weeks for Rice and others to be able to assess the complete damage.

"We have been busy bringing experts to Sierra to evaluate and help us outline our plans to open the resort safely, and as soon as possible," said Rice on October 1 on a blog he started on their website. "Engineers, arborists, and representatives from the United States Forest Service have begun the detailed inspections necessary in this effort. What we now know is that there is more damage to the resort than was initially thought. A significant number of trees were weakened by the fire, some of our chairlifts have sustained damage, and other infrastructure requires repair."

From those first days, the recent weeks, the community has poured out its support for the team at Sierra-at-Tahoe. There have been fundraisers for staff, to replace lost personal items that were stored, and to help the resort.

"We're resilient," said Rice. "We faced COVID, then had a strong season. We'll bounce back."

"When we return to Play, we want each and every one of you to be part of building the future of Sierra. We are working on opportunities for you to leave your mark and forever be a part of our story," closed a blog post on November 1.