As the winter season gets underway, not only are North Lake Tahoe resorts continuing their ongoing investments in the skier experience, this year marks significant milestone anniversaries as Sugar Bowl celebrates 85 years, Palisades Tahoe turns 75, Boreal commemorates 60 years, and Tahoe XC starts its 25th year as a nonprofit organization serving the community.
There’s no doubt that North Lake Tahoe’s impressive concentration of ski areas and outdoor recreation providers have helped shape our community and the distinct California ski culture. They’re what stand us apart from other winter destinations with the unparalleled sense of place and unique character they offer.
Essential to North Lake Tahoe’s success, ski areas are some of our region’s largest employers and have long been the primary drivers of the region’s winter economy. They’ve also pioneered many “firsts.” From offering the first chairlift in California at Sugar Bowl to hosting the first Winter Olympic Games in the western U.S. at Palisades Tahoe, to being on the leading edge of the rise of snowboarding up on Donner Summit, our winter sports legacy runs deep. These mountains have introduced countless first-timers to winter sports and turned out a cadre of Olympic and World Cup athletes.
They’ve also found ways big and small to give back to our community. Whether through support for local nonprofits to hosting events that bring people together and build community, local ski areas have undoubtedly taken an active role in our region since their inception.
As the snow starts to fly and throughout the season, expect to be immersed in local ski history and tradition as area resorts celebrate their legacy and recount the various stories, people and events that made it all possible.
