Not enough parking in Tahoe for all the skiers
By Kathryn Reed
TWIN BRIDGES — Some ski areas in Lake Tahoe are discovering there are consequences to too much snow. And that would be not enough parking to cater to all those people who want to ski and snowboard.
A sign at the base of Echo Summit on Highway 50 warns people that traveling will be slow because the lots at Sierra-at-Tahoe are full. Traffic headed west on Highway 50 was backed up Sunday morning to Sawmill Road.
Sierra-at-Tahoe's lots on Feb. 27 are full before noon. Photo/Kathryn Reed
Once people get to the resort they are not allowed to turn up the driveway and must continue on the highway.
About 11am Feb. 27 one law enforcement official told Lake Tahoe News it had been this way for a little bit. California Highway Patrol officers, El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies and Sierra employees were working the entrance of the ski resort.
Calls to the resort were not returned before this story was published.
A spokeswoman for Heavenly Mountain Resort had no information about parking, but based on this Tweet from the resort at 11:17am, lots are likely to be full as well as Ski Run Boulevard: “Don’t want to mess with driving or pesky parking? We have four base lodges and complimentary shuttles running between all of them!”
Victoria Sabelmik, guest services manager at Kirkwood Mountain Resort at about 11am said, “We are getting close to capacity for parking.” She added Presidents’ Weekend was definitely busier.
Besides the fresh snow, the North American Freestyle Championships are drawing people to Kirkwood today.
It’s not a matter of parking lot size – it’s a matter of access. Ski areas could pave seas of new parking lots (that sit idle all summer), or they could add more free transit. Sure would like to see STHS reopen their ski hill. How many high schools have their own hills? If insurance is an issue, maybe Vail could take over operation as a pubic service to the community. They don’t seem to do very much for this town.
@ Gus very true. They (Vail) has begun buying up all sorts of local businesses including one of the most profitable business in this town, Vacation Rentals. BUY BUY BUY!!!! That’s not the way to do business in a close knit community like this. Be proactive, act with your heart and not your wallet. Vail go back to CO.
Vail we are worthy-please continue to invest in our amazing town. Dont listen to these anti business people.
This article is non-issue. The casino parking lots & garages are never full. There is still plenty of parking there for the Gondola, or if people plan ahead they can park there as well, and take shuttles to all 3 South Shore resorts. Maybe the traffic issues will teach people a lesson. Given human nature it’s doubtful.
Hey Keep Tahoe Cool: Disliking enormous parking lots and wanting the best for STHS does not make me anti-business. Vail is a good company and could really make things better for our kids. Maybe if our schools continue to improve we might attract a corporation or two who could bring good paying jobs so our kids would be able to stay and prosper in their home town. Stay cool!
Hey Gus-A solid educational system like we are building is another key piece to the puzzle. Dont miss the Bus.