Seven major Tahoe-area ski resorts are closing to halt spread of coronavirus

Seven of the Lake Tahoe area’s largest ski resorts, including iconic names like Heavenly and Sugar Bowl, announced Saturday they’re shutting down in an effort to halt the spread of coronavirus.

The three largest Northern California resorts — Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood — will be closed for a week starting Sunday, its owner Vail Resorts Inc. announced Saturday.

Separately, Alterra Mountain Co. said it is suspending operations at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, as well as Big Bear, Mammoth Mountain in the central Sierra and other resorts it owns around the country. The closure begins Sunday morning and will last “until further notice,” the company said.

Sugar Bowl and its sister venue, the Royal Gorge cross country area, also said they’re closed indefinitely.

Also, the Tahoe Donner residential community near Truckee said it will close its downhill and cross-country ski areas for two weeks starting Monday, along with restaurants and most other facilities. Tahoe Donner’s recreation center and snow-play area closed Saturday.

In a letter to skiers, Vail’s Chief Executive Rob Katz said the company will use the week’s closure “to reassess our approach for the rest of the season.”

The decision affects Vail’s other resorts in North America, including those in Colorado, Utah and British Columbia.

The ski industry becomes the latest entertainment sector to fall victim to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the cruise industry, the performing arts and professional sports.

“This decision provides a pause for the entire ecosystem of our mountain resort communities,” Katz said. “It gives everyone the time to assess the situation, respond to ever-changing developments, and evaluate the approach for the rest of season, if we believe it is advisable or feasible to re-open. This was not an easy decision to make, as we deeply considered the impact it will have on our guests, employees, and the people and businesses in our communities.”

He said customers will receive refunds. That will include those who purchased lift tickets for dates after the resorts are tentatively scheduled to reopen.

As for Lake Tahoe resorts with lodging, such as Northstar, Katz said guests “can remain at the hotel through the end of your reservation.”

This story was originally published March 14, 2020 at 4:42 PM with the headline "Seven major Tahoe-area ski resorts are closing to halt spread of coronavirus."