Our Take
Within the Lake Tahoe area, the Epic and Ikon Passes have traditionally been robust to determine between. Ikon affords limitless entry to Palisades Tahoe, which is our highest rated resort within the area. Nevertheless, Epic affords limitless entry to Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Northstar, all of that are respectable choices as properly. Palisades and Northstar are positioned in northern Tahoe, whiIe Heavenly and Kirkwood are positioned in southern Tahoe; because of this, we’d argue Epic beforehand had a leg up for these on the South Shore.
The addition of Sierra-at-Tahoe will possible make the Ikon Go a considerably extra compelling product for these visiting the South Lake Tahoe area. Sierra-at-Tahoe affords aggressive slopes inside a brief driving distance of downtown South Lake Tahoe, and a minimum of traditionally, it hasn’t been as busy as close by Heavenly.
This all being stated, the Epic and Ikon Passes have introduced substantial crowds to the Tahoe area, and there’s now the distinct risk that Sierra-at-Tahoe will change into much more busy subsequent season, detracting from the native really feel that’s made it a well-liked alternative in comparison with the opposite resorts within the area. Sierra-at-Tahoe doesn’t have any on-site lodging, so it’s attainable that the resort nonetheless gained’t see the identical rush of mega-pass site visitors as Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, and Heavenly—however should you’ve seen Tahoe entry roads not too long ago, you’ll know that these vacationing on this space usually are not afraid to commute to their mountains. We’re a bit frightened that with so many Ikon Go holders having to cope with reservation restrictions for Palisades Tahoe this previous winter, the overflow of site visitors will simply make its approach to Sierra-at-Tahoe, which can be an hour south of Palisades however doesn’t have any parking reservation insurance policies presently.
Finally, Sierra-at-Tahoe’s addition to the Ikon Go might deliver much-needed curiosity to the mountain, however there’s an opportunity it brings an excessive amount of of it. We’ll be holding a really shut eye on the crowding state of affairs at Sierra-at-Tahoe—and the remainder of the Tahoe area—over the upcoming season.
Contemplating a visit to Tahoe subsequent season? Take a look at our complete Sierra-at-Tahoe, Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood mountain opinions. Moreover, take a look at our full Lake Tahoe and West Coast rankings, in addition to our Tahoe rankings in video type under.
