FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT EXTENDS SEASON TO APRIL 16; SNOWCAT ACCESSED BACKCOUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING RESUMES THIS WEEKEND
Abundant Snow and Guided Access to 750 Acres of Tree, Glade, and Bowl Skiing
Offered on Tahoe’s West Shore
HOMEWOOD, Calif. – March 21, 2017 – With a historic winter season underway and more than 527 inches of snow having already fallen on the slopes at Homewood Mountain Resort this winter, the resort announced today it plans to extend the winter season by one week, pushing its scheduled closing day to April 16, 2017. At this time, plans are to run Madden chair, Old Homewood Express, the Happy Platter and North Carpet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday, April 10 through closing day. In addition, thanks to the recent break in storms, Homewood’s operations team has been able to rebuild the snowcat access road to the top of Ellis Peak. Homewood Snowcat Adventures will resume this weekend for those interested in enjoying a guided backcountry experience.
Designed for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders who want a peak to shore experience, Homewood’s snowcat accessed terrain offers guided access to some of the most desirable backcountry terrain on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Participants are shuttled via snowcat to the top of Ellis Peak, just above the resort’s designated ski area boundary, where they’ll find stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness before making their way through over 750 acres of tree runs, steeps, glades, backcountry bowls and fresh snow. Groups of up to 10 people can enjoy laps of up to 1,828 vertical feet from the top of Ellis Peak to the bottom of Old Homewood Express chairlift. After each run, a short chairlift ride takes participants and their guides back to meet the snowcat for another ride to the top.
“Thanks to the tremendous snowfall we’ve experienced so far this winter, those who join us to enjoy the backcountry terrain accessible by Homewood Snowcat Adventures will not be disappointed,” said Kevin Mitchell, general manager of Homewood Mountain Resort. “These tours were specifically designed for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders who want the advantages of the backcountry—including access to fresh snow and ungroomed terrain—without having to do the work of skinning uphill. We also provide lunch and guides, so guests are sure to stay fueled up and find untouched powder stashes during the course of their day.”
Each Homewood Snowcat Adventures tour is led by experienced backcountry guides with a focus on safety, fun and adventure. The maximum group size is capped at 10 people to ensure plenty of powder runs for everyone, with all participants required to be intermediate or advanced skiers or snowboarders. Private group tours can be arranged in advance with a full buyout.
All-day packages with Homewood Snowcat Adventures, which includes lift access at Homewood Resort, lunch and the snowcat tour, are available for $399 per person, per day. Also included are rental of the required backcountry backpack, shovel, avalanche beacon, and probe, as well as professional guides and instruction related to backcountry safety practices.
Homewood season passholders receive a $100 discount for themselves and friends when the group books together for the same day. Groups or companies interested in a day of guided snowcat touring can also reserve a private adventure. Homewood Resort’s demo ski shop also offers powder-specific skis at a special package rate to anyone who books a Snowcat Adventure. For more information, or to a reservation, please call 530.525.2992.
Skiers and snowboarders interested in experiencing Homewood Mountain Resort can purchase lift tickets online in advance for the best available price, with tickets starting at $49. Offering the best value in the region, Homewood’s “Ultimate Pass” is now on sale for the 2017-18 season. Valid all season long with no restrictions or blackout dates, purchase of the Ultimate Pass now also includes free skiing and riding until the end of the current season. Prices start at $419 for adults (ages 19-61), $379 for teens (ages 13-18), $169 for juniors (ages 5-12), $299 for seniors (ages 62-69), and $259 for super seniors (ages 70+). Unrestricted college passes are also available for $259 to students enrolled at an accredited 2- or 4-year college with 9+ units/credits. School-issued photo ID and copy of course registration required as proof of enrollment. Children under the age of four always ski or ride free at Homewood Mountain Resort.
After a day on the slopes and in the backcountry, the perfect way to end the day is at West Shore Cafe with complimentary s’mores and après ski specials offered Friday through Monday. S’mores making ingredients are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the restaurant’s lakeside deck, with other après ski specials including $5 craft brews, $ house wine and $3 off specialty cocktails including the West Shore Toddy beginning at 3 p.m. West Shore Café is open for après Friday through Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dinner reservations can also be made Friday through Monday at West Shore Café for those interested in enjoying the restaurant’s seasonal menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, craft cocktails and stunning views of Lake Tahoe. During the winter, the restaurant is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Dining guests are encouraged to check the restaurant’s website prior to visiting as the restaurant is occasionally closed for private events.
For ongoing updates and more information, please visit www.skihomewood.com, follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HomewoodMountainResort, or on Instagram @SkiHomewood.
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About Homewood Mountain Resort
Located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, Homewood Mountain Resort has been offering families a boutique winter experience since 1961. Summer operations include hiking, mountain biking, mountain-top Farm-to-Peak dinners, special events and more. The Resort’s recent partnership with the Homewood High & Dry Marina further cements its commitment to becoming a year-round destination offering amazing views, exceptional guest service, and recreational opportunities that span from Ellis Peak to the shore of Lake Tahoe. Learn more at www.skihomewood.com.