Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Employ New COVID Protocols for Post-Storm Operations, Delaying Openings

The Summit Express six-pack at Alpine Meadows on Saturday. The lift was on patrol hold for much of the morning.

For the first time since COVID-19 became a factor, Lake Tahoe’s Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows have rolled out major weather-mitigation operations this morning. Due to the need for social distancing among staff, the two mountains anticipate that avalanche mitigation and lift de-icing will take longer than usual this year. Squaw Alpine’s blog provides detailed examples of the necessary operational changes.

At the beginning of the day, all of Squaw Valley’s upper mountain lifts and Alpine Meadows’ Summit and Scott chairs were still on patrol hold due to ongoing mitigation work. As of 11AM PT on December 26, Alpine Meadows’ Summit Express and Scott chairs are still on hold.

Our Take

We’ve commended Squaw and Alpine in the past for efficient post-storm safety operations; in a typical season, the resorts tend to carry out most avalanche-mitigation and other necessary operations before the resort opens (although delays do occur). The past track records from these areas manifests COVID’s impact on the speed at which workers can safely carry out these crucial tasks. As storms occur throughout the season, expect similar resiliency hits at other resorts across the country.

Considering a ski trip to Lake Tahoe this season? Check out our comprehensive Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows mountain reviews. Additionally, see our guide on 2020-21 resort operations for up-to-date information on COVID-related changes; as of December 26, California continues to mandate major travel restrictions.