We consider ourselves optimists, always trying to see the glass as half full. And that’s maybe why we hoped that the Sierra Nevada and the rest of California had dodged the brunt of fire season this year. But now, the latest news hits hard. Not one or two, but five ski resorts—possibly more—have been directly affected or are in the path of major fires in both California and Nevada.
So Cal Resorts Under Siege
Just outside LA, in the San Bernardino Mountains, exists a cluster of ski resorts that have been the pulse of the park scene and snow surfing culture. Thanks in part to their proximity to the ocean. But it’s with a heavy heart we report the Bridge Fire has ravaged these mountains. Growing from 4,000 to over 47,000 acres in less than a day, it’s even reached the Mountain High ski resort. Despite the devastation, Mountain High announced that thanks to the firefighters’ hard work, the lodge and main lifts were spared.
As of two nights ago, the Bridge Fire is at 0% containment and knocking on the door of Snow Valley as well as rapidly advancing towards Mt. Baldy. Additionally, Big Bear and Snow Summit are also under threat from these same flames.
Reno’s Ski Resorts Up Next
Nearly 500 miles north, another fire just south of Reno is threatening two more iconic ski resorts east of Lake Tahoe. Known as the Davis Fire, it’s rapid advancement north and west, moving up the leeward side of Slide Mountain, is where Mt. Rose Ski Area and Sky Tavern are located. While crews have managed to keep the fire below these resorts, and the last 24 hours were especially critical they’re still not out of the woods just yet. We’ll have to keep a close eye on what happens over the coming days.
Our Heart Goes Out to All Those Affected
When our friend Rob Calmark, the virtuoso meteorologist, shared his experiences at these Southern California resorts and how they inspired his career, it stirred many memories of our own times at home in Tahoe. It feels like just yesterday when the Caldor Fire surged up the South Fork American River and struck our beloved Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort, forever altering its landscape. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone affected by these events. I hope you find comfort in knowing that all mountain communities stand with you during this challenging time.
Sierra-at-Tahoe – A Glimmer of Hope
Looking back on our own experiences with Sierra-at-Tahoe being ravaged by fire, it took me years to heal and return. But when I finally did, I was so grateful. Although the old version of Sierra-at-Tahoe I remembered was gone, the new one still has the soul of why I fell in love with it in the first place. You can read about that experience visiting again after the fire here. I even got all my friends, along with Jaime and me, to buy season passes!
We hope our story offers a twinkle of hope in these difficult times.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the brave men and women on the front lines battling these devastating fires. We deeply admire and appreciate their courage and dedication.
