Thank you for booking a lesson with Sierra-at-Tahoe. We’ve created this “Pre-Arrival Guide” just for you to make every minute of your vacation unforgettable - including your experience before arriving at Sierra.
Our goal is always to get you onto the snow as quickly as possible. To ensure a smooth start to your day please read the tips below and we’ll have you cruising the slopes in no time.
Before Your Visit
Please wear gear that will keep you warm, dry and safe. We recommend:
- Face coverings are required for all lessons (cloth neck gaiters that completely cover the nose & mouth are permitted).
- Dress in layers. You may arrive cold, but warm up once you get moving.
- Non-cotton full length socks, under-layers, and hat. Wool or synthetic materials work best to wick moisture away from your body keeping you warmer.
- Water-proof and insulated jacket, pants, and gloves or mittens.
- Goggles
- Sunscreen is recommended, even on cloudy days.
Helmet rentals are available at the mountain.
Hats, gloves, sunscreen and other items you might forget are available at the Sierra Mt. Sports Shop.
Getting to Sierra-at-Tahoe is easy! Sierra is the first major resort up U.S. Highway 50 and the closest major resort to Sacramento and the Bay Area - located 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe, about 90 minutes from Reno and roughly three hours from the Bay Area.
While we think fresh snow is the bees knees, sometimes driving in it is not so fun. Keep your journey hassle-free by staying up-to-date on current road conditions, such as chain control restrictions and weather advisories. Hit up the CalTrans crew for the 411 on roads by swinging by www.dot.ca.gov or giving them a ring at 800-427-7623.
Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes here in the mountains, which is why it's important to be aware of conditions and prepare accordingly. Stay in the loop by checking our daily Mountain Conditions Report, which also lists a 5-day forecast, or by calling our Snow Phone at (530) 659-7475 before you head up to Sierra for your lesson.
Parking is on a first come-first serve basis and possessing a purchased product from Sierra (including a preferred parking pass or lesson product) does not guarantee a parking spot. We suggest arriving early as parking fills up quickly on weekends, peak days, holidays + powder days. We plan to open the Sierra parking lots by 7 AM every day during the winter season but this can vary based on weather.
Utilize the Preferred Parking Lots
Time is of the essence on a powder day. Sierra’s Preferred Parking, available for just $30 per day, gets skiers and riders out of the car quicker and onto the slopes for first tracks. At day’s end, the short walk to the car will be a welcome treat that even the fittest quadriceps will appreciate after a full day on the slopes.
Plus, all our parking in our lots at Sierra for our guest, besides Preferred Parking, is FREE!
Text "conditions" to 64600 to get the latest reports on conditions, lifts, parking + more info straight to your phone.
Adult Learn to Ski/Snowboard Online Special Cancellation Policy: Non-Refundable Non-Transferable.
Adult All Mountain Group Lessons Cancellation Policy: Non-Refundable Non-Transferable.
Explorer Program Lessons (Ages 7-12) Cancellation Policy: (1) For single day Cancellations made before 7am the day prior to your reservation: No charge. (2) Cancellations made between 7am the day prior and 7am the day of your reservation: $50.00 cancellation charge. (3) No Call/No Show or cancelling after 7am the day of the reservation: CHARGED FULL PRICE.
Do Your Part to Play Today
Before we jump to the high-fives (now elbow-fives) and good times, there are some important operating guidelines we have to share with you.
Please follow the below COVID-19 guidelines and please check our How to Play page every time you plan to visit. Thank you and we can't wait to see you on the mountain.
During Your Visit
You must have a reservation for your ski & ride lessons before you arrive. Walk ins will not be available.
Please plan to arrive an hour before your lesson start time for registration.
As mentioned above, parking is on a first come-first serve basis and possessing a purchased product from Sierra (including a lesson product) does not guarantee a parking spot. We suggest arriving early as parking fills up quickly on weekends, peak days, holidays + powder days.
To allow for ample time to complete the check-in process, please check-in at the following time for your lesson.
Adult Learn to Ski/Snowboard Online Special Lesson:
Morning Lesson: Please check-in at 8:30 AM before the start of your 10 AM lesson.
Afternoon lesson: Please check-in at 12:30 AM before the start of the 1:30 PM lesson.
Check-In process is completed at the front of the Learn To Ski/Ride Building located at the main entrance of the Base Area.
During the check-in process, you will complete pre-lesson paperwork and get fitted for your ski or snowboard equipment.
Adult All Mountain Group Lessons:
Morning Lesson: Please check-in at 8:30 AM before the start of your 10 AM lesson.
Afternoon lesson: Please check-in at 12:30 PM before the start of the 1:30 PM lesson.
Check-In process is completed at the front of the Learn To Ski/Ride Building located at the main entrance of the Base Area.
During the check-in process, you will complete pre-lesson paperwork and get fitted for your ski or snowboard equipment.
Explorer Program Lessons (Ages 7-12):
Morning Lesson: Please check-in at 8:30 AM before the start of your child's 9:30 AM lesson.
Afternoon lesson: Please check-in at 12:15 PM before the start of the 1 PM lesson.
Check-In process is completed at the front of the Learn To Ski/Ride Building located at the main entrance of the Base Area.
Parents will be responsible for taking their children through the entire registration and rental process. During the check-in process, you will complete pre-lesson paperwork and your child will get fitted for their ski or snowboard equipment.
Adult Learn to Ski/Snowboard Online Special Lessons:
After pre-lesson registration and equipment fitting, attendees meet ON SNOW outside of the Solstice Eatery in the base area 15 minutes before lesson start time (9:45 AM or 1:15 PM) with instructor to discuss itinerary/lesson details.
Adult All Mountain Group Lessons:
After pre-lesson registration and equipment fitting, attendees meet ON SNOW outside of the Solstice Eatery in the base area 15 minutes before lesson start time (9:45 AM or 1:15 PM) with instructor to discuss itinerary/lesson details.
Explorer Program Lessons (Ages 7-12):
After pre-lesson registration and equipment fitting, drop off is in the lesson coral behind the Children’s Ski & Ride School. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the lesson start time (9:15 AM or 12:45 PM) with instructor to discuss itinerary/lesson details.
No lunch or snack options are provided with your lesson. However, Sierra's on-hill food options cover all the bases, from Southern-style BBQ, juicy burgers and soul-warming chili to ancient grain rice bowls, surf tacos and Spainish-style bocadillos ... we've got something for everyone to tantalize your taste buds + refuel while on the slopes.
Lift Operations
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Holidays: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Peak Days: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
(November 27-29, 2020 | December 19 - January 10, 2021 | January 16-18, 2021 | February 13-21, 2021)
After Your Visit
Sign up to our email newsletter to make sure you'll never miss an opportunity to play at Sierra. Our email subscription service is here to bring you the relevant news YOU want to read. We’ll keep you up on all things Sierra, give you the latest scoop on our parks + conditions, and alert you when it dumps 6+ inches of snow overnight!
We love to see what you're up to around Sierra. Get featured on our channels and this page by simply taggin your pics with @sierra_at_tahoe and #WherePlayReignsFree.
It’s been a season unlike any other, but the passion for purpose propels us forward, day after day + to chase our own sensation. Get an insider perspective on what it’s like to work at a ski resort + rediscover your personal “why?”
Before we jump to the high-fives (now elbow-fives) and good times, there are some important operating guidelines we have to share with you. Please check back every time you plan to visit.