Record Breaking Keep Sierra Clean Day
Every fall, the Sierra family gathers for Keep Sierra Clean Day to give back to the mountain that has given us all countless memories each winter. Now in its 14th year, Sierra has continued to focus on mountain clean up and responsibility by arming guests with reusable burlap bags donated by Subaru. Additionally, to help reduce paper use, we encouraged electronic preregistration by gifting the first 100 people to do so with a pair of Wells Lamont leather work gloves and a reusable Sierra-at-Tahoe metal straw. Once they had picked up their tools for success, over 460 community members rode up Grandview Express, hiking down the mountain to collectively pick over 3,127 pounds of trash— the most ever —and some interesting finds, as well.
Treasures such as an old Sierra Ski Ranch Ticket, leather ski pole baskets and a pull tab “soda” can (a quick Google search stated that companies stopped making these in 1972) caused friendly debates of age and feelings of nostalgia as we remembered that people have been playing on our mountain for decades.
Newer items such as phones, wallets and cameras caused a different kind of buzz: “Could that be my phone I dropped off Nob Hill that one powder day in February?” “Did you find my GoPro on Lower Main?” All valuables were given to Security in the hopes of being returned with their owners, and some happy reunions have already been made.
After giving the mountain a thorough fall cleaning, participants were invited to enjoy a free lunch as well as music by the talented Adam Bergoch in Solstice Plaza. Local vendors such as Limonada and Global Good Fair Trade joined in the fun, offering sweet sips and unique goods.
As the day came to an end, the air was filled with anticipation for the upcoming season. Sierra is incredibly grateful to everyone who helped take on the important job of keeping our mountain clean, and would like to encourage winter guests to practice pack in pack out methods as we approach the upcoming season.
Now the mountain is ready, its clean slopes eagerly waiting to turn into our favorite winter playground.