How to Play at Sierra this Winter Season

Deferral requests received by 12/01/2020:

• Season Pass and other seasonal products are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Any qualifying 2020/21 seasonal product can be deferred for a resort credit to use during the 2021/22 Season.
• For New purchases: Deferrals requested by 12/01/2020 for any reason will receive a resort credit for value paid, less the onsite ticket rate per day, for any days used from date of purchase through 12/01/20.
• For Renewal purchases: Deferrals requested by 12/01/2020 for any reason will receive a resort credit for full value paid.
• Resort credit will not be applied to a 2021/22 product until May 1, 2021. Resort credit cannot be redeemed for cash value and refunds will not be given for 2021/22 products of lesser value.
• The Play It Forward Guarantee is available for season products purchased for the 2020/21 season only and is not applicable for any extended 2019/20 products.
• You may use your 2020/21 resort credit during the 2020/21 season. Prices are based on the current rate at time of re-purchase and you will be responsible for any price difference incurred. Refunds will not be given for a lesser value product.

Deferral requests received AFTER 12/01/2020:

• Season Passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• In the case of documented medical reasons (a physician's statement is required) that prevent the pass holder from skiing/riding for the remainder of the season, a resort credit may be issued. Medical conditions must occur prior to March 15, 2021 and Season Pass must not have been used after the initial symptoms in order to be eligible for any credit.
• Days used will be charged the onsite ticket rate per day plus a processing fee of $40. Resort credit is valid for a 2021-22 season pass only and can be used starting May 1, 2021.
• Cancellation requests do not extend to family members.
• Cancellation requests must be received prior to 04/01/2021.

No refunds or credits will be given on season passes which are not picked up or used. All rates subject to change without notice. 2020/21 Season Pass product eligibility is determined by passholder’s age as of November 1, 2020.

*College Pass Conditions: Purchase your pass today then present your Driver's license/ID, College ID and proof of a minimum of 6 class credits for the Fall 2020 semester/quarter to the Sierra Season Pass Office to receive season pass. You are required to submit all necessary documentation before your pass will be activated for the 2020/21 season. No photocopies or faxes accepted. Original printout of class schedule will be accepted. Student's name must appear on class enrollment form/class schedule. No exceptions.

We’re committed to protecting your health and safety while visiting Sierra.

Our goal is to start the season as soon as snow coverage allows us to open enough lifts and terrain so that everyone can spread out and maintain physical distancing.

We all must do our part and follow Sierra's policies as well as the latest CDC, county and state guidelines.

• Please stay home if you are feeling sick or are exhibiting symptoms of illness.
• Masks are required in the base area, in lodges, indoors, in lift lines, on lifts, and when social distancing with others outside your travel group is not possible.
• Wash hands thoroughly and often. Sanitizing stations are also available around the resort when hand washing is not feasible.
• Respect capacity limits for indoor spaces.
• Practice social distancing, allowing 6 feet of space between yourself and others outside of your travel group.
• Please adhere to all signage and guidelines while visiting, including those directing walking patterns and one-way entries and exits.
• Please avoid congregating in common areas whenever possible.
• Please respect employees at all times, including while enforcing COVID-19-related regulations.

Parking is on a first come-first serve basis.

Will you implement a parking reservation system this season?

No, parking at Sierra will continue to be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What time will parking lots open?

We plan to open the Sierra parking lots by 7 am every day during the winter season but this can vary based on weather.

Will Preferred Parking Passes be sold this season?

Yes, Preferred Parking Passes will be sold and are available for purchase here. Similar to past seasons, they grant guests access to a designated up-close parking lot, provided that parking is available. Parking is on a first come-first serve basis and possessing a Preferred Parking Pass does not guarantee a parking spot.

Will overnight RV/camper or car parking be permitted this season?

We do not permit overnight parking in our lots and that rule will stay in effect this season. This is done for a variety of reasons, including snow removal issues.

Will you operate the Sierra shuttles from South Lake or between parking lots?

We are not offering the shuttle service at all this year.

Stringent cleaning and sanitation practices are of the utmost importance going into the 2020/21 Winter Season. On top of Sierra’s typical cleaning and sanitation protocols, new systems have been put into place in light of COVID-19.

• Sanitation stations will be set up around the base area and lodges for guests and staff to use.
• Cleaning crews will be using the latest disinfectants + protocols to ensure bathrooms and common touch points such as handles, handrails, trashcans, restrooms and fitting and fixtures will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
• All rental equipment will be sanitized between every handling.
• Items in retail that are tried on or returned will be sanitized and quarantined for 72 hours before being put back on the floor.

Physical distancing occurs naturally in lift lines due to the average lengths of skis and snowboards. In addition, Sierra will be implementing “ghost lanes” to allow for more space between lines, and guests will be required to wear face coverings while waiting to load the chair.

Guests will not be required to ride a chairlift with people they do not know and will be asked to self-group with members of their party.

• Masks are required in lift lines, on lifts, and until clear of the unloading area.
• We require all guests to have masks on from the time they enter the lift maze until they are off the lift and clear of the unloading area at the end of the chairlift. This will Sierra lift operators to help guests that have fallen.
• We ask all guests to ensure all members of your riding group are together prior to entering the lift maze to help with line flow.
• Lifts will not be loaded to full capacity. Guests can opt to ride only with people within their party. Willing parties will be allowed to ride together.
• Distancing in lift lines occurs naturally due to the length of ski and snowboarding equipment, but guests should be conscious of, and maintain appropriate physical distancing with guests outside your travel group.
• Lift operations staff will wear face coverings and use appropriate COVID-19 sanitation and mitigation measures while working. Please follow staff instructions.

You should be prepared to enjoy an outdoor experience this winter at Sierra – no matter the conditions – as indoor congregation will not be possible.

We expect and encourage guests to be prepared to be based out of their vehicles as a lodge this season, for booting up, warming up, and refueling.

While we will be offering some food service in our lodges, services will be simplified and occupancy will be limited. The focus will be on preserving lodge capacity for quick warmups and/or restroom access.

Guests should expect to spend minimal time indoors during their visit.

To help control the spread of COVID-19, access to indoor areas at Sierra this winter will be limited.

• All Sierra restaurants will have designated entrances and exits.
• Indoor seating will not be available at this time. Outdoor dining and to-go options will be available with expanded outdoor seating, weather permitting.
• Cash and credit cards will be accepted for payment in addition to Apple Pay and Android Pay.
• Online ordering will not be available at this time.
• With limited capacity, no outside food or coolers will be allowed indoors.

To view hours of operation for our restaurants here at Sierra, visit our dining page to learn more.

Sanitize Procedures:

• Sanitizing spray that is certified by EPA to help kill COVID-19 will be used at all Sierra restaurants.

Our Sierra Ski Rental shop will be open with our standard rental products (no clothing). All rental equipment will be cleaned and sanitized prior to use. In-person rentals may take longer to complete due to indoor space limitations and distancing guidelines.

Renting Equipment:

• Guest will enter the ski rental shop the same as previous years, through the door located on the left-side at the front of the building
• Seating in the boot fitting area will be limited to ten guests at a time.
• Guests will not be able to leave shoes under benches in the boot area. Guests can use a locker or return shoes to their car.

Rental Return Guidelines:

• Rental equipment returns will be the same as previous years, inside the ski rental shop by entering the front door.
• Employees will be wearing gloves to accept poles, skis, boots, and helmets.

Sanitizing Procedures:

• A hand sanitizer station will be set up for guests to use before and after sign in terminals and throughout the rental shop for both employees and guests.
• Hand sanitizer will be placed at the end of each tech bench.
• Plexiglass will be set up at the boot counter to limit contact between guests and employees.
• Ski Tech benches will have plexiglass separating guests and employees. Every other tech bench will be closed to help maintain 6 feet distance between guests and employees.
• Pole station will be separated by plexiglass with an opening for employees to hand guest skis.
• Cashier area will have plexiglass to maintain distance between guests and employees.
• Poles, ski boots, skis and helmets will be sprayed with a sanitizing agent and then returned to their holding racks.
• Credit card pin pads will be faced out, only guests handle their credit card.
• Credit card terminals and sign in stations will be treated with increased sanitation practices determined by usage.
• To ensure good ventilation, box fans will be placed at each window and doors will be propped open.
• Sanitation checklists will be given and completed by all cashiers, ski technicians and boot room attendants.

Our Sierra Snowboard Rental shop will be open with our standard rental products. All rental equipment will be cleaned and sanitized prior to use. In-person rentals may take longer to complete due to indoor space limitations and distancing guidelines.

Renting Equipment:

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• Physical distancing markers will be placed on the floor to promote distancing guidelines that will guide guests through the rental process.
• Rentals will be limited to boards, boots, and helmets. Clothing rentals will no longer be offered this season.
• We will use industry guidelines for sizing to insure fit. Meaning, our staff will no longer physically size bindings to boots while guests are wearing boots.
• Guests will not be able to leave shoes under benches in the boot area. Guests can use a locker or return shoes to their car.
• Once quests receive their snowboard rental equipment, they will be directed to the exit that enters back into the lodge that directs guest’s downstairs to the snow.
• Retail offerings will be limited to essentials such as goggles, gloves, sunblock, facemasks and hand warmers. Goggles will be displayed in cases with boxes keep behind counter. Gloves will be kept behind counter and guests will be asked to sanitize hands before trying on gloves. All sales for such items will be final.

Rental Return Guidelines:

• Rental equipment returns will be the usual outside door at the rental shop.

Sanitizing Procedures:

• When boards are returned; they will be sprayed down with a hydrogen peroxide or equivalent sanitizing solution.
• Helmets will be disinfected with specially formulated helmet disinfectant.
• Each boot will be disinfected as soon as it is returned.
• Carpeted tech benches will be replaced with a non-porous surface that is easier to clean.
• Plexiglass sneeze guards will be installed at all guests facing areas.
• Credit card terminals will be treated with increased sanitation practices determined by usage
• Additional window exhaust fans were installed to ensure good ventilation, in addition to our already present exhaust fans.
• HEPA air purifiers were installed to the shop that will run throughout the day to ensure good ventilation.
• Our staff will fog the entire shop to help disinfect carpeted areas each day at closing.

What we are offering?

A variety of Adult's & Kid’s Ski + Snowboard lessons will be available this season. We are temporarily eliminating all full-day lessons in all of our kid's group lesson programs. We will only be offering half-day lessons for 7-12 year old children, but guests will be free to sign up for both morning and afternoon sessions. More information is coming about our six and under aged ski + ride school programs. Adult group lessons will be available as well as all our Adult’s + Kid’s private lesson options.

What needs to be done before you show up to your lesson

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot in our Adult's + Kid’s group lessons and all private lessons.

What is different with lessons this year?

Instructors and students will be required to wear face coverings at all times, even while skiing or snowboarding. Instructors will have students’ distance from one another and will stay distanced where possible as well. Groups will ride the lifts but will be spaced apart per the resort’s lift riding policies.

Are we offering group lessons?

Half-day group lessons will be available for adults and children ages seven and older, but group sizes will be small.

What does the Learn to Ski/Ride (LTR) process entail?

Please check-in 1.5 hours before the start of your lesson time. After pre-lesson registration and equipment fitting, attendees meet on snow 15 minutes before lesson start time with instructor to discuss itinerary/lesson details.

What is no longer being offered that has been in the past?

There will be no all-day kids group lessons, no large group lessons, and no Daycare or Cubbie Program. No lunch options will be available for any adult or children’s lessons.

Will Daycare be reinstated any time this season?

There is no plan to reopen the daycare this season at this time. We will look to reopen daycare next season.

Can you make a reservation for Blizzard Mountain?

Blizzard Mountain will not be accepting reservations at this time. Customers will purchase tickets at the Blizzard Mountain ticket shack.

Where can you park for Blizzard Mountain?

Blizzard Mountain is most easily accessed from parking lot E. Although you can park in any parking lot to access Blizzard Mountain.

How many people at one time in Blizzard Mountain?

Volume will be adjusted as we progress through the season and will depend upon conditions, open terrain, and current safety practices being observed at the resort. It is planned to start the season at 50% capacity to ensure the highest level of safety for guests and employees.

Will tubes be sanitized between use?

Tubes will be sanitized between uses at the end or beginning of each session. Some tubes will be kept out of rotation to ensure sanitization protocols can be followed with minimal impact to the guest.

Will food be available to purchase at Blizzard Mountain?

Limited pre-packaged food will be available at Blizzard Mountain along with canned drinks including beer.

Are restrooms available?

Portable restrooms will be available at Blizzard Mountain and adjacent to each parking lot for easy guest access as they approach the lodges and snow access.

Snow play policy?

Snow play will be available as conditions and terrain permit. Volume will be managed to ensure that safety for guests is a priority. The season will start with a 50% reduction in snow play capacity.

Bounce house?

The bounce house will not be available at this time as social distancing cannot be observed when in use.

Flat fee for parking, snow play, and tubing?

Walk-up tickets will be available until capacity is reached for snow play and tubing. Pricing coming soon.

Sanitize Procedures:

• Blizzard Mountain staff members will be using the latest disinfectants + protocols to ensure common touch points such as handles, handrails, trashcans, restrooms and fitting and fixtures will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
• Sanitation stations will setup in various locations around Blizzard Mountain.
• Sierra employees will be doing pre-shift health screenings and will ensure COVID-19 safety protocols are being followed at all times throughout the workday.

Our Sierra Mountain Sports retail shop will be open this winter for your shopping desires. Access inside will be regulated to ensure that the indoor spaces allow for everyone to properly distance from each other. We'll also follow best practices in cleaning and sanitization.

• There will be a designated entrance and exit for Sierra Mountain Sports. Arrows will be on the floor to show the exit.
• Physical distancing markers will be placed on the floor near the registers to promote distancing guidelines.
• Guests will not be able to return gloves, but they can try them on with a glove liner or they will have to sanitizer their hands before.
• Guest will be able to try helmets on. Guests will not be able to return helmets.
• Guest will be able to try on jackets and pants.
• The fitting room will be available for guests to use.
• Guests will not be able to try on goggles, facemasks, beanies, socks and baseball hats. Goggles will be in the cases behind the counter. There will be no returns on any of the above items.

Sanitizing Procedures:

• A table with hand sanitizer will be available for the guests once they enter.
• Registers will have hand sanitizer for employee and guest use.
• Credit card terminals will be treated with increased sanitation practices determined by usage.
• Plexiglass sneeze guards will be installed at each register.
• Helmets will be cleaned after a guest tries it on.
• High touched surfaces will be cleaned throughout the day.
• The fitting room will always be locked and cleaned after each use.

Our High-Performance Demo center inside the Sierra Mountain Sports retail shop will be open this winter with our standard rental products. All demo rental equipment will be cleaned and sanitized prior to use. In person demo rentals may take a little longer to complete due to indoor space limitations and distancing guidelines. Access inside will be regulated to ensure that the indoor spaces allow for everyone to properly distance from each other. We'll also follow best practices in cleaning and sanitization.

• We will have a designated entrance and exit for our High-Performance Demo center within the Sierra Mountain Sports store. Arrows will be on the floor to show the exit.
• Physical distancing markers will be placed on the floor near the registers to promote distancing guidelines.
• Demo will use the industry guidelines for sizing (Boots and Demo equipment) to insure fit.
• Guests will not be able to leave shoes in the Demo center. Guests can use a locker or return shoes to their car.
• Once guests have their equipment, they will exit out to the snow by following the dedicated arrows located on the floor.

Sanitizing Procedures:

• A hand sanitizer station will be mounted to the wall before the counters where guests sign in.
• When boards and ski are returned, they will be sprayed down with a hydrogen peroxide solution.
• Helmets will be disinfected with specially formulated helmet disinfectant.
• Each boot will be disinfected as soon as it is returned.
• High-touched surfaces will be cleaned throughout the day.
• The entire demo center will be cleaned again at the end of the day.

Our Sierra In-Town Store will be open this winter for your shopping desires. Access inside will be regulated to ensure that the indoor spaces allow for everyone to properly distance from each other. We'll also follow best practices in cleaning and sanitization.

• All customers will be required to wear a face mask and maintain 6 feet distance from others at all times.
• Trying on of merchandise will not be allowed and the changing room locked. Guests will have 30 days to return unworn merchandise.
• Customers will be able to try on shoes and sandals but will need to use the shoe peds provided by Sierra Staff.
• We ask all guests to hand sanitize or wear a glove to touch merchandise.
• Physical distancing markers will be placed on the floor near the registers to promote distancing guidelines.
• Customers will be able to try on sunglasses. Sierra staff will sanitize after each guest.

Sanitizing Procedures:

• Hand sanitizer and gloves will be available for guests upon entry.
• Guests will be asked to use hand sanitizer or given a glove prior to touching merchandise.
• Retail counter space will have a sneeze guard the length of the counter installed with cut-outs in the plastic for credit card access.
• Registers will have hand sanitizer for employee and guest to use.
• Credit card terminals will be treated with increased sanitation practices determined by usage.
• All merchandise will be cleaned after a guest tries it on.
• High touched surfaces will be cleaned throughout the day.