Potential Expansion, Family-Friendly Slow Zones, Eco-Friendly Initiatives Top The List

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE , Calif. – Winter 07/08 –Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is bringing the authentic, down-home vibe back to skiing and snowboarding this winter by focusing on the overall guest experience through programs that have families, expert skiers and riders and BBQ lovers in mind. It’s time to remember why we love winter so much.

HUCKLEBERRY CANYON BOUNDARY EXPANSION
In partnership with the United States Forest Service, Sierra™ Resort is working to incorporate Huckleberry Canyon into its ski resort boundary. The approximately 300 acres at the top of Grandview Express is currently designated as “backcountry” and accessible via five backcountry gates. If finalized by the USFS, the terrain expansion will mean that Huckleberry Canyon will exist inside the special use permitted area. It will greatly increase the amount of expert terrain available within the boundary and will offer those skiers and riders looking for lift-accessed steep and deep a vast tract of forest to explore with natural terrain features that rival the best of what Tahoe has to offer. Locals have long lauded Huckleberry Canyon as having some of the most radical lines nestled in the gorgeous solitude of the Sierra Nevada .

HUCKLEBERRY CANYON UNLOCKED
Expert skiers and riders will be able to take a guided tour of the incredible terrain with a Sierra Resort instructor who knows the best access points, the hidden lines and the natural features throughout the canyon. Tours can be booked through the Adult Ski & Snowboard School .

EARLY LOADS ON POWDER DAYS
On select powder days at Sierra Resort this winter, a randomly chosen group of lucky passholders will get to head onto the mountain 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled opening time. No need to own a fancy condo to get these privileges! The early load opportunity is open to everyone with a season pass. Dates for and winners of the early powder day loads will be announced online approximately 48 hours in advance, depending on the storm cycle.

FAMILY LEARNING PROGRAMS
Recognizing the trend among American families of “time poverty,” Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort’s Ski and Snowboard School will better cater to families who go on vacation to actually spend time together. The Family Private Lesson will offer a personalized experienced with an instructor who is specially trained to teach multiple ability levels in the same lesson. No longer will Mom and Dad say goodbye to their children in the morning, not to see them again until dinner. The Family Private Lesson will enable everyone to ride the lift together while taking their line of choice down the mountain and receiving instruction on how to better carve the groomers, hit the park, launch tricks out of the Superpipe, or enjoy the gladed runs.

Families taking private lessons will also be able to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a new meeting space. And families with kids in Daycare or Wild Mountain Children’s Ski and Snowboard School will be able to register and pay online to reduce the upload time once they arrive at Sierra Resort.

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Sierra Resort is challenging all winter guests to be part of the solution by driving hybrid vehicles and purchasing mini-green tags to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. To make it easy for guests to go green, premium parking spots will be reserved at the resort for those driving hybrid vehicles. The “green lot”, where the parking space lines are painted green instead of traditional yellow, is located front-and-center at the resort, rewarding guests who are taking definitive action to reduce their carbon footprint. The next best thing to driving a hybrid, mini-green tags, which help offset vehicle emissions associated with ski trips to Sierra Resort, are available for purchase at Sierra Resort’s web site from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

Guests also will appreciate that Sierra Resort uses eco-friendly cleaning products in all restaurants, offices, bathrooms and in the base lodge. The eco-friendly products not only keep the surfaces around the resort clean, but they are better for guests who come into contact with those surfaces and for the employees responsible for maintaining the cleanliness. The products support the use of renewable natural resources and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

As part of Sierra Resort’s commitment to be part of the solution, we are working with the local energy provider on a series of projects that includes installing occupancy sensors, CFLs, programmable thermostats and solar lights throughout the resort where appropriate. Through these projects, Sierra Resort is aiming to lower overall energy usage by 10 percent. Finally, Sierra Resort employees have established Project: Green Sierra, an umbrella committee to oversee all of the resort’s environmental initiatives. Look for the Project: Green Sierra logo around the resort this winter.

SKIER/RIDER ON-MOUNTAIN SAFETY PROGRAMS
Also with families in mind, Sierra Resort will introduce Mellow Yellow to the slopes this season. The Mellow Yellow program takes an educational approach to skier and snowboarder safety. Mellow Yellow zones visibly designate an entire run or area as a “go slow area”. Aspects of the program include Mountain Safety personnel clocking speedy skiers and riders with a radar gun, then catching up at the bottom of the run to quiz the skier/rider on his/her speed. If the skier/rider gets it right, they get a token for a free hot chocolate. The fun, friendly interaction is an educational moment to talk to skiers and riders about on-mountain safety.

NEW RESTAURANTSThe 360 Smokehouse BBQ at the top of Grandview Express will entice skiers and riders to follow the overwhelming smell of fresh, flame-grilled meat and indulge in some of the tastiest morsels on the mountain. One of Sierra Resort’s best kept secrets, the lodge at the top of Grandview Express offers spectacular panoramic views of the Lake Tahoe basin and surrounding peaks as well as Huckleberry Canyon . After skiing and riding all morning long, guests will look forward to selecting lunch from a menu that includes traditional BBQ favorites such as brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, ribs and more that Sierra Resort veterans will recognize from West Bowl Bar & Grill.

West Bowl Bar & Grill will reemerge this season as Baja Grill. In keeping with the laid-back atmosphere that entices skiers and snowboarders to take a break from the slopes and recline in Adirondack chairs to soak up some sun, the Baja Grill will be serving fresh fish tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tacos and other Mexican flavors. The healthy menu will feature fresh, recognizable ingredients prepared on-the-spot.

INTERACTIVE TRAIL MAP ONLINESierra Resort continues to upgrade its web site with the latest interactive technology for guests. This season, skiers and snowboarders may plan their entire day on the mountain before they even head up to the resort. The interactive trail map will design a customized ski / ride plan for each guest based upon a set of criteria, such as groomed or ungroomed trails, and ability level. In addition, guests will be able to share and upload their videos to pinpoint locations on the map. Besides offering hours of fun in the cubical during the week, the interactive trail map will allow new guests to familiarize themselves with Sierra Resort before they arrive and will introduce returning guests to trails and areas that perhaps they have missed in their previous visits.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort: Part of the SolutionThe closest major resort to Sacramento , Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is located just 12 miles west of Lake Tahoe and receives an annual average of 480 inches of snowfall. Known for its wind-protected slopes, incredible tree skiing, family programs and parks and pipes that are among the best in the nation, Sierra Resort is committed to environmentally responsible resort operations. For more information, visit www.sierraattahoe.com or call 530.659.7453.