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5 Exercises for Skiing & Riding
5 Reasons to Work at Sugar Bowl
Bridget Legnavsky – Our New President & CEO
10 Reasons to be an Instructor at Sugar Bowl
The Green Team
Sugar Bowl’s Wildfire Prevention Efforts
Trains & Donner Summit History
Director of Mountain Operations: Greg Bretz
5 Exercises for Skiing & Riding
Want to know how the pros are getting ready for ski season? Check out this 5-part preseason exercise series with Jamey Conley, Director of Performance at Sugar Bowl Academy. Jamey shows us five ways to prepare the key muscles, or “primary movers” that you’ll use skiing and riding this season– think knees, thighs, glutes and core. This series of exercises are simple to do at home and they don’t require any specialized equipment.
A couple benefits to preseason training include:
- Building overall strength and endurance
- Preventing injury
- Being a little less exhausted on the first powder day of the season
A little background on Jamey…
Jamey has a BS in Athletic Training from Springfield College, where he played on the Men’s Lacrosse Team. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with experience working in collegiate and professional sports settings, as well as in the private setting working with middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. Prior to joining SBSTA, Jamey was a Performance Coach for Altis Performance and for U.S. Ski & Snowboard High Performance.
Exercise 1: The Classic Squat
- Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart (Slightly wider is okay, but avoid trending too wide)
- Get tall through the top of your head and keep your back straight
- As you descend, your goal should be to descend straight downward
- Keep your feet flat on the ground- you should feel weight in your heels all the way to your big toe.
- Make sure your knees are tracking straight over shins
Exercise 2: Lateral Lunge
- Similar to the squat, remember to stay tall in your upper body with a straight back
- From standing, keep one foot anchored while stepping the other foot out to the side.
- Try to hit a 90 degree angle between your hip and your knee
- Drive from the inside edge of the foot
- Lateral Lunges are an important movement especially for skiing. When you are making a big arcing turn with speed, you’re using the same lateral movement as this lunge. Lateral lunges also help us train the muscles that absorb impacts on the hill. Stability prevents injury.
Exercise 3: Single Leg Squat
- Stand facing away from a stable surface (like a coffee table, chair, or bench)
- Shift your weight onto the foot of the leg you’re going to be squatting towards. Slide the other foot forward and lift it off the floor.
- Keeping your upper body tall, squat straight down to tap the bench and be sure to keep your knee tracking straight over your toes.
- This is a great exercise for building stability in the knee joint and preventing injury.
Exercise 4: Dead Bug
- Lay with a flat back on the floor and bring your arms and legs up to 90 degrees (like an upside down table.)
- Take turns extending an opposite arm and leg outwards.
- Keep your back flat to the floor and remember to take deep breaths.
- Building a strong core is essential for being able to control our turns.
Exercise 5: Squat Jumps
- Get tall and set up like you would for a squat.
- Get low and bring your arms down towards your sides (your arms will go where ever your hips go.)
- Explode up to the ceiling and bring your arms up overhead.
- When absorbing the landing, don’t stop stiffly or drop all the way to the floor, try to stop somewhere right in the middle.
- Jumping exercises help build explosive strength in our legs.
While Sugar Bowl Ski Team alumni have gone on to become members of the U.S. Ski Team and to compete at the NCAA Division I level, SBST’s primary objective is to provide a fun environment in which kids learn to love the sport of skiing. They emphasize character development through the challenges faced here on Donner Summit.
5 Reasons to Work at Sugar Bowl
There are a lot of jobs out there, so what makes someone choose Sugar Bowl? There’s something special about working at this quirky independent resort perched on Donner Summit… (Hint: it’s not just our massive snowfall or legendary terrain.) Wanna know what it is? You’re in luck, we’ve compiled our top 5 favorite reasons to be a part of the team.
1. Skiers first, professionals second
Nearly every day of the season, employees have an opportunity to get out and ski or ride during their work day. Their manager will often be the one telling them to take lunch and get out for a few laps. If it’s a powder day, don’t be surprised to hear “stop typing and get your boots on.” Working at Sugar Bowl is a way to integrate a passion for winter sports into a job.
2. Expansive terrain across four mighty peaks, all on your lunch break.
The terrain at Sugar Bowl is legendary and it’s fun to ride all season, in all conditions. If an employee wants to max out a quick lunch, they can often squeeze in 3 hot laps on Disney in 30 minutes. If it’s a powder day, they might venture over to scope out some big honkin’ lines between Sugar Bowl and the Palisades. In the spring, wide open groomers and perfect corn are the name of the game… All this and we didn’t even spill the beans on our staff favorite secret zones to ski!
3. There’s an opportunity for impact at an independent mid-sized resort.
Our base of operations is right here at Sugar Bowl, not at a high-rise office building in another state. The people who run this resort are here at the mountain nearly every day.
We think Sugar Bowl is a Goldilocks-sized company– We’re not too big, not too small. We’re small enough that our employees can directly see and feel the impact of the work they contribute to the resort. At the same time, we’re big enough that, if we channel our resources, we have enough manpower to meet and exceed our goals.
4. Plus tons of perks to sweeten the Sugar Bowl deal.
Where do we start? Employees and their qualified dependents are issued free unrestricted season passes. Additionally, all employees are granted a bundle of $20 friends and family day ticket vouchers to share. Wages have recently increased and now start at $20/hour for most positions. Sugar Bowl has more employee housing than any resort in the region, plus, it’s affordable and fun. The cherry on the cake has got to be our epic employee parties, where a few times a season, we stay open outside of operating hours and run the lifts for the staff to enjoy the mountain privately.
5. Of course we’re a team, but we’re also a community
What happens when you bring together a group of passionate mountain-loving individuals? In our experience, it builds one truly special community. From first-year seasonal staff to year-round employees with decades of experience, everyone on team Sugar Bowl is part of building up our resort’s character.
What really sets Sugar Bowl apart from other resorts is our great team. We are known for regularly going above and beyond for our guests, for our genuine, friendly employees, and our desire to help guests create lasting memories. These elements are at the core of our brand and our culture. We call it “Plus One Service,” a commitment to ensuring we exceed our guests’ expectations.
The Sugar Bowl community is welcoming and full of opportunities for growth. The best way to describe being an employee here is “work hard play hard” which means that in addition to the duties of the job, there’s also often a lot of FUN going around here too!
Direct from our Employees
Speaking of community, let’s bring our staff into the conversation. We asked employees from a range of departments to explain why they choose to work at Sugar Bowl. Trigger warning, their answers might give you the warm-and-fuzzies, or is that just us?
Parker G, Terrain Parks Manager
“Sugar Bowl is independent and family-oriented. It’s definitely not a small mountain but it still has that small-mountain community feel. I have a young family and it’s the kind of place I would want my kid to learn to ski.”
Sarah Duffy, Special Events & Weddings Coordinator
“I have met so many lifelong friends at Sugar Bowl, when I started here I hardly skied and I didn’t know many people in the area. After two years here I am confidently ripping down the mountain with endless ski pals! Plus- it doesn’t get much better than skiing on your lunch break!”
Dave Eastwood, Royal Gorge General Manager
“I work at Sugar Bowl for two reasons – the staff and my love of the outdoors. The staff is like a family and we all work as a team to make Sugar Bowl the best resort in the Sierra. The local outdoor scene is fantastic in summer and winter. Whether it’s cycling, trail running, hiking, skiing or riding, the Donner Summit area has something for everyone.”
Mark Beevor, Executive Director of Hospitality
“I stumbled across Sugar Bowl by accident and have found it combines my passion for hospitality and my love of the mountains. One of our values is that we celebrate resilience. When it is time to come together because of big events or big snow no one misses a beat. We are a community first and our employees go out of their way to help each other, homeowners and visitors. This is not something that is taught but rather is at the very core of everyone that works here and that’s why I love it.”
Joel C, Skier Services Manager
“Having worked at both large, corporate ski resorts and small, independent ski areas over the past 25 years, I can confidently say that Sugar Bowl is the best of both worlds. Being an employee here makes you a part of the Sugar Bowl family. We care about each other, our mountain, our community, and we love to ski and ride!”
Well there you have it, 5 reasons (and then some) to work at Sugar Bowl. Apply today for an opportunity to learn what else is great about our work environment. We can’t wait to show you around.
Bridget Legnavsky – Our New President & CEO
We have big news — and the dusting of snow across the mountain tops is the perfect backdrop for an exciting announcement. Change is the air, and we’re not just referring to the snowflakes. We have a new President and CEO at Sugar Bowl, Bridget Legnavsky.
Bridget hails from New Zealand, where she was the Chief Experience Officer for RealNZ, a tourism company that manages multiple outdoor adventure operations. Two operations under RealNZ are Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Resort, where Bridget has been General Manager since 2014.
Bridget has recently relocated to Sugar Bowl along with her husband (Peter) and two kids (Gustav, 17 and Zora, 12). As a family, they are all about snowsports; Peter is an Olympic ski coach for their son Gustav, an Olympic freeskier in the halfpipe. Their daughter, Zora, is focused on ski racing and will attend the Sugar Bowl Academy this winter.
Are you as excited to get to know Bridget as we are? You’re in luck, because we recently sat down with Bridget for a one-on-one. Check out the interview to get a sense of Bridget’s enthusiasm to lead team Sugar Bowl.
Q: How is your family feeling about moving to the United States?
“The kids are super excited. Zora especially. She thinks it’s going to be an adventure. This kind of thing can be really hard— We’ve been in Wanaka for 30 years and we have lots of connections here, but the way we look at it, this is a great opportunity to go on a family adventure and do something really different, so we don’t end up doing the same thing our whole lives.”
Q: What is something that is different about skiing and riding in New Zealand that people, like myself, who have only ever skied in North America, might not know?
“One of the things that’s unique to Cardrona, is the number of Olympic athletes that congregate there during September. It’s quite an environment. That’s how New Zealand become well-known, due to its results on the world stage in ski racing and park.
The most interesting thing, if you’ve never been to New Zealand, is that you don’t live in the snow. Every day you drive from the town, which is literally always green. In the evenings after skiing, you play golf, go mountain biking, and sometimes in the springtime, you water ski, similar to what it would be like living around Tahoe in the summer.
Since we don’t live in the snow, when you want to go to the mountain, you drive for about 45 minutes up a dirt road. Oftentimes you’ll put on chains, since the roads can be quite difficult. Truckee would be similar to Wanaka, but imagine it always being as green as summertime and then you drive up to Sugar Bowl to come skiing. In New Zealand, we don’t have the same kind of full immersion snow experience as you do in California during winter.”
Q: Is there any jargon that gets used in New Zealand ski culture that we don’t use in North America?
“I don’t know but I’m going to find out really soon. I will probably say something, and people will look at me like, “what is she talking about?” That’s when I’ll start to work out if there is or isn’t jargon.
I notice in ski culture, especially around brand voice, that it’s a lot to do with generation. There’s a lot of words out there like “froth” and all the words that young people are using. One thing that I’ve found is that if you try too hard, you come across like a dork.”
Q: I heard a rumor that you speak Maori, so I was wondering how you say, “Do you want to go skiing tomorrow” in Maori?
“Kei te pirangi koe, ki te haere retireti apopo?”
And how do I say yes, I’ll go skiing with you tomorrow?
You just go, “Hoake.”
Q: Are you a skier or snowboarder?
“I’m a skier, long time skier. I did snowboard a bit back when I was about 20 and working in Japan. It was back in the day when snowboarding was banned from certain areas, so we were only allowed to snowboard on the beginner slopes. I had Sorels that I put my ski boot liners in because that’s how we started snowboarding.”
Q: Can you describe your best powder day of all time?
“I think I’m about to have it at Sugar Bowl this winter!”
Good answer [laughing]
“Yeah, it was on my birthday, and we went heli skiing with my family. The four of us went together but we can only just keep up with the kids now. We spent the whole day heli skiing in the Harris Mountains and that was pretty special. It’s not always just about the powder. It’s more around the environment that you’re in and the people that you’re with that make it really special.”
Q: What is it that inspires you to come to Sugar Bowl and lead the team?
“It was a little bit of stars aligning. Someone contacted me and told me about it. After COVID, the idea of coming over to an American resort to have a look around was really attractive. I was like, “Oh hell yeah, I’m going for a trip.” When I got here, what inspired me the most was the people and the place. People and place, that’s always what inspires me.
I’m blown away by the commitment and resilience of the executive team. Their absolute love for Sugar Bowl — I’ve seen that before — I know you need that. You just can’t run a ski resort like Sugar Bowl without it. It’s never a one-person game, you have to have a talented and experienced team around you and I see that here.
Then, of course, I’m attracted to the style of resort as independent, small, capable of moving fast, and with quite a lot of autonomy. I love what the Sugar Bowl Academy stands for and I love what the villagers stand for.”
Q: What would you say is your approach to building a strong team?
“Getting the right people into the right jobs is really important. You bring together the right skill sets and the talent, and it’s about how you slot together to build the strongest pillar that you possibly can. I’m a strong believer that when people are in a space where they are happy and positive, they are more open and willing to learn, and have the opportunity to be playful, creative and innovative — that’s when the magic happens.
Sometimes we forget what’s important. Make sure you go out for a ski every day. Make sure you go out for a ride. Do something, no matter how busy you are. Get out and remind yourself why you’re here. Stay passionate.”
Q: At Sugar Bowl, is there anything that you are excited to create?
“I don’t want to jump to any conclusions. I’m going to start by listening to what’s going on and react. The resort has to keep moving forward so people want to keep coming back. That will be in the kind of experience they have on the hill, the way our staff treat people, the type of events we run, the food and beverage, the music — everything that makes them want to come back. I don’t think there’s anything mind-blowing there, but I think making sure we maintain relevancy by keeping Sugar Bowl cool is what we’re all about.”
Q: What do you think your biggest challenge will be coming into your new role?
“Well, my challenge is definitely going to be cultural since I come from a different country. I’ve run ski resorts for a long time in New Zealand but I’m going to walk into a completely different culture and different legislation system in a different community. So, as you can imagine, over my time in New Zealand I’ve built up a strong network of people that support me in my staff and the community. Now at Sugar Bowl I’m going to be relying on the team around me to jump in and help. Also, obviously legislation will be completely different in the US than it was in New Zealand, so those are some of my biggest challenges. I’m going to rely deeply on the team around me to help get through those ones.”
Q: Outside of skiing and riding, what would you say that you’re most passionate about?
“It kind of surprises people until they really get to know me — because I can come across as quite resilient and quite strong because I, you know, have grown up in a world of ski area operations — But I love fashion.
And if you saw the number of boxes that I was boxing out now with clothes, it’s absolutely ridiculous. I was sitting there with my daughter before going, thinking — I can’t leave all these here because I just need to be able to wear them. I have got a lot of clothes and I absolutely love fashion. I started up a retail chain in New Zealand and had a few stores in my off time — I just love it.”
Q: That is such a fun fact! I can’t wait to see what fun outfits you wear this winter.
[laughing] “I’m just trying to decide whether to box my gold moon boots or pack them and carry them with me because I don’t know how desperate I would be for them when I arrive.”
Q: Should the community at Sugar Bowl expect any changes this season when you begin your role?
“Absolutely not straight away because the team’s doing a wonderful job. I think where I’d like to start is hearing from the community. We will be reaching out and listening. I will be out and about — they will see a lot of me because I love to ski and I love to eat. So I’ll be around.
I can’t wait to meet everyone and hear what they think. I will definitely be looking at opportunities around environmental sustainability because it’s a real passion for me. I’ll be interested in the resort taking on a stronger position around climate. The team is already moving on that — I think it’s great.
But first and foremost, to get there, we must deliver incredible guest experiences. In order to focus on the guest, we must focus on the frontline staff. I’m a real believer in focusing on how the frontline staff feel about themselves in order to deliver amazing experiences to our guests.”
Q: Last question, and this one involves a little bit of imagination — We’re all eager for opening day, what do you picture opening day at Sugar Bowl looking like?
“I imagine standing at the first lift that opens with champagne, saying hello to everyone, high fiving everyone. The piece that I love the most is watching people’s faces as they get their skis on. You can see it — It’s the feeling that you get under your feet when you ski. So when you watch people go and do their first runs of the season, it’s just so good. I’m looking forward to watching our team lift to it and also to going and doing some runs myself!”
10 Reasons to be an Instructor at Sugar Bowl
If you are a recreational skier/rider, this is your season to become a leader. Start teaching skiing and riding at the Ski & Board School. Being an instructor is a rewarding and fun way to get involved at Sugar Bowl. We have a variety of positions available, so you can find the one that fits you best. Check out these 10 Reasons to be an instructor at Sugar Bowl.
1. You can keep your day job (if you want to!)
As a Ski & Board Instructor, you’ll have a somewhat flexible schedule. If your bread and butter is already coming from a 9-5 job elsewhere, being a ski instructor can be an engaging way to pick up 1 or 2 shifts on the weekends. If you’re hoping to really dive in, we also have full-time roles available.
2. If you’re an average human, you’ll spend 30% of your life at work.
Basically, you spend a ton of time at work, so you better pick a cool job. Working in the ski & ride industry is a great way to pursue a line of work where your passion can turn into a career. As a Sugar Bowl instructor, you should expect to work hard, but you’ll also have plenty of fun in our mountain playground.
3. Get paid to improve your skiing & riding
You may not have realized it at first, but being an instructor will make you a better skier/rider. Think about it… you’ll spend tons of time on the snow, working through different skills. While you’re helping others progress, you’ll be fine-tuning your own skills. For example, helping a skier improve their stance by increasing forward pressure in their boots will make you even more aware of your posture. All season long, while you’re helping your clients level up their skiing and riding, you’ll be improving your skiing and riding simultaneously.
4. Insider access to clinics and resources
One of our instructors’ favorite perks is that they gain access to frequent and engaging on-the-job training opportunities with professional instructors. If you are wondering what a “clinic” entails, think of it as a bite-sized lesson taught by a senior instructor to a group of instructors. Clinics are usually hyper-focused on one skill at a time and you can expect to learn some cool tricks to integrate the skill into your skiing or riding. On-snow instructors and office staff have access to ski & ride clinics.
5. The tips don’t hurt
While tipping is not mandatory, it’s not uncommon to receive gratuity from an appreciative client as thanks for a well-taught lesson. If you are teaching multiple group or private lessons a day, that can really add up!
6. Learning is fun. Turns out, so is teaching.
Who knew weekend fun on the slopes could be so impactful? If you’re already spending most weekends skiing and riding, why not channel your passion for the sport into teaching? You’ll get to spend the whole day on the slopes, meet lots of new people who are excited about snow sports, and get paid at the same time.
7. Become part of a community of passionate skiers & riders
When you sign on as an instructor at Sugar Bowl, you become part of our team. Ski & Board School is a close-knit crew with great respect and appreciation for our fellow team members and coworkers. You’re probably hoping for a positive workplace environment, but here you’ll get more– we pride ourselves on building a strong community.
8. Earn a ski pass for yourself and your qualified dependents
Employees score a free Unrestricted season pass. Plus, you can earn passes for your qualified dependents by working at least 16-hours a week.
– If you have a spouse: that could be a savings of about $2k, depending on your pass types.
– If you have a spouse and 2 kids: that could be a savings of about $3k, depending on your pass types.
9. Pass the torch on to the next generation
You’ve probably spent years (or even decades!) developing your own ski/board skills. Share that knowledge with the next generation of skiers and riders as an instructor. Your guidance can make all the difference to a new skier or rider. On any given day at work, you will help your clients gain confidence, unlock a tricky skill they’ve been struggling with, or simply make sure they have a fun and safe experience on the slopes. Not to mention, you’ll also be saving them the frustration of trying to figure it out on their own. As instructors, we gain a special sense of fulfillment in helping others reach their goals.
10. Learn the art of teaching
We often hear that new instructor candidates feel intimidated that their teaching skills or their ski/board skills may not be good enough to become an instructor. Don’t let that stop you. We welcome intermediate & up skiers and riders to become instructors in our Ski & Board School. If you know how to ski/ride, we’ll teach you how to teach! We’ll help you fine-tune your communication skills and train you in our instruction methods and systems. Come learn the art of teaching with us.
Whew… there you have it! The top ten reasons to become an instructor at Sugar Bowl. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to step it up and apply for a position today. Whether you’re looking for a part-time winter gig or a long-term role, join our team this winter and we’ll show you what our Ski & Board School community is all about.
Available Positions:
– Ski Instructors
– Snowboard Instructors
– Outdoor Supervisor
– Sales & Customer Service
The Green Team
This week, our year-round employees joined forces to carry out another successful “green up” event at Sugar Bowl. Our Human Resources Director, Diane Binder, led the charge to remove trash from the resort and nearby roadways. Diane explains the green team’s mission:
“Every few weeks in the spring and summer we set aside two hours for all employees to step away from their regular work assignment and come together to grab a trash bag, gloves, and a picker and go out to “green up” a section of Sugar Bowl’s grounds.”
“Sugar Bowl’s Core Value #1 is to love and respect nature and the outdoors. Our employees care deeply about the environment and take pride in our mountain being a responsible organization in terms of environmental and sustainability goals. These “green up” events are just one small part of our overall sustainability efforts and great reminder that everyone, regardless of department or job, plays a role in helping to make a positive impact in our community.”
How much trash did the team remove?
“This past “green up” was a huge success. Our team members found a lot of really large and heavy items (rolls of carpet, wooden boards, sheets of metal, etc.) We had three full loads in the back of a pick-up truck of items that were picked up disposed of properly.”
Is participating in a green up event fun, gross, tiring or all three?
“FUN! Our employees enjoy switching up their day to do something different, challenging, and fun. It also helps foster a sense of community and teamwork. Temperatures were in the high 80’s at the “green up” so aside from fun, it was really warm and a bit exhausting due to the heavy items but the team embraced the challenge!”
What was the funniest or most interesting item of trash found?
“My personal favorite at this “green up” was a plush navy blue office chair with wheels that was rolled out from a ditch. However It was a little too gross for anyone to sit on.”
How can other people find out more information about hosting their own “green up” events?
‘It truly doesn’t take much effort aside from coordinating a day, time, and location. Once you have some clean up supplies which are relatively cheap and a few drinks and snacks as refreshments for the teams’ hard work you are good to go. The most important thing is just to make the effort to prioritize these types of events.”
Thanks to our team members who participated in this event. A friendly reminder to all — reduce waste wherever possible and be sure to place refuse into the appropriate recycle/trash container.
Sugar Bowl’s Wildfire Prevention Efforts
The mighty forests stretching across the Sierra Nevada shape Sugar Bowl’s iconic landscape, but amidst the grandeur, wildfire danger looms.
The risk is evidenced by last summer’s Caldor Fire which tore through Sierra at Tahoe and threatened the town of South Lake Tahoe. Even more recently, a 12-acre fire ignited within the city limits of the Town of Truckee, bringing the threat very close to home. As members of this community, we are all responsible for mitigating the risk of wildfire.
To mitigate the risk of wildfire at Sugar Bowl, our team has been taking three steps over the past few years.
- The first has been to reduce low limbs, shrubbery, and other ladder fuels, which could allow an on-site fire to climb from the forest floor to the canopy developing into a crown fire.
- Next is reducing fuels in wooded terrain around the resort, so if a fire does occur in a neighboring forest, we are as prepared as possible to stop the fire from advancing.
- Finally, improving defensible space is necessary as a final line of defense around all homes and buildings in our base area.
What’s Happening Around the Mountain?
Currently, Sugar Bowl is running a team of nine Trail Crew Sawyers focused on removing fuels around buildings and lifts, creating the necessary defensible space required as a last line of defense. A noticeable impact from their efforts can already be seen throughout the resort, where many trees and heavy vegetation have been removed.
This summer, we have begun thinning, laddering, and removing ground fuels in 72 acres west of the resort on our private property boarding the PG&E fire break to our west.
What’s Next?
In 2023, we will thin out an additional 40 acres of forest west of the resort. We also plan to begin developing a “Shaded Fuel Break” towards Crow’s Peak. A Shaded Fuel Break is a defensible space where fuels are significantly reduced to avoid a canopy fire, but not a clear-cut of all vegetation and trees. Fire suppression resources can utilize this location to suppress wildland fires due to the modification of fuels which may increase the probability of success during fire suppression activities.
The Challenge Ahead
As you can tell, we have significant work ahead of us, but the team is up to the challenge. We’re proud of what our team has already accomplished and we’re looking forward to working as a community to continue to build on our efforts.
Tips for Improving Your Defensible Space
Are you feeling motivated to improve the defensible space around your home? Check out this handy guide for the best practices to follow for protecting your home and our community.
Trains & Donner Summit History
Driving by History
When we’re cruising up Old 40 from Donner Lake to Sugar Bowl, sometimes we forget to pay attention to all the history we’re driving past. You’ve probably noticed the horizontal stripe of snowsheds set into the landscape BUT do you know the story behind these train tunnels?
Completing the Transcontinental Railroad
More than 150 years ago, the train tunnels were constructed by thousands of Chinese laborers. The challenging puzzle piece completed a crucial section of the Transcontinental Railroad. This feat of engineering involved drilling through miles of solid granite and building huge walls from the excavated rock. Most of this dangerous work was completed by hand.
Resilient Pioneers
While the pioneers of the infamous Donner Party are often remembered in Tahoe’s history, far fewer realize these railroad tunnels were engineered by Chinese immigrants who endured two big Sierra winters— even bigger than the ‘16-17 season. Not only did the tunnel builders avoid the same fate as the Donner Party, they succeeded in producing one of our nation’s most impressive infrastructure achievements.
Want more information about the train tunnels?
Check out this article (with gorgeous photos) by SF Gate.
Read more about Donner Summit history from the The Donner Summit Historical Society.
P.S. Since you’re into trains…
We’ve got another little known train fact for you. There used to be a ski train that skiers could take directly to Sugar Bowl. How cool is that?
Snowball Specials
This particular photograph was used in the 1930’s as an advertisement for the Southern Pacific railroad’s “Snowball Specials” which ran from the Bay Area all the way to Truckee. The trains would depart from Oakland at midnight and were equipped with all the comforts a skier might need. Of course, there was a well-stocked bar car so travelers could party through the night. There was even a “Ski Hut” that sold socks and mittens and offered professional rental equipment fittings. Arriving at Sugar Bowl early the next morning, skier could enjoy the mountain for the day, returning exhausted on the train that evening. Just sayin’… who else wants to bring back the ski train!?
Director of Mountain Operations: Greg Bretz
Join us in welcoming our new Director of Mountain Operations Greg Bretz. Greg just started at Sugar Bowl this summer but his ski industry experience already spans more than 25 years between stints at Mammoth and Doppelmayr.
Greg’s illustrious career in the ski industry began by chance in 1996, while he was backpacking through the southern Sierra with his young son. While passing through Mammoth, a friend mentioned that there was a job opening for a welder at the mountain. Greg applied and the detour became permanent. He raised his son quite literally on the mountain, who would grow up to become an Olympic halfpipe rider in the 2014 games in Sochi.
From the moment he stepped into his first ski area job, Greg dedicated himself to mastering just about every behind-the-scenes skill that makes any mountain run. We are so excited to add Greg’s expertise and passion to our team. If you’re keen to get to know Greg a little better, check out the interview below:
Q: Can you start by introducing yourself?
“Hi I’m Greg Bret, I’m the Director of Mountain Operations at Sugar Bowl. I’ve been in the ski business since ’96. I’ve worked at Mammoth and Doppelmeyer and I’ve ended up here at Sugar Bowl this summer.”
Q: What’s your approach to managing a mountain?
“I’m kind of a hands-on manager. I love to get out there and work. I’d never ask anybody to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”
Q: What work needs to get done this summer before the snow flies?
“Each lift has state requirements that we have to meet– so there’s line work, motor room work, grip work. Each lift takes about 2,000 man hours of lift maintenance and we try to get it done by November 1. Currently, we’re about to start a big job on the Judah lift and we’re also in the middle of servicing the drive motor on Lincoln.
Q: Can you give us a play-by-play of your current project on Lincoln?
Each year we plan specific maintenance on different drive motors that are on our lifts. This year we did the drive motor on Lincoln. We brought in a crane to remove the motor then we sent it down to a rebuilder in Modesto. When we get it back we’ll put it back in with a crane and load test the lift to make sure everything is working properly and safely.
We’re doing this in the off-season because it would get a little tougher, to say the least, if something were to go wrong in the middle of the ski season. It can take about 3 weeks to rebuild, so we do this planned maintenance to make sure the motor doesn’t fail in the middle of the season.”
Q: What’s the hardest part of your job?
“I’m in charge of planning the day’s events for everybody. I work across a lot of departments– vehicle maintenance, snowmaking, trail crew, lift maintenance, and patrol. During the summer months there are several projects around the mountain that need to be completed, like the weather station at the top of Lincoln and RFID gates over at Royal Gorge. It’s a challenge to plan a schedule that keeps everyone busy and makes sure that our projects get done. The hardest part of the job is tying it all together.”
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
“I’m new to the mountain manger world, mostly I’ve been the Director of Lift Operations and I started as a technician, so I think this year is all about getting everything together. Between plowing the snow, clearing the parking lots, grooming, opening the lifts, and avalanche control, it takes a lot to get the mountain open. I’m excited to get that all rolling and see how well we can do. When everything comes together and the product is perfect for the guest, that’s the most rewarding part of the job.”
Q: What do you love about working in the ski & ride industry?
“Well, the nice thing is, in the positions I’ve had, you pretty much get to ski every day. The opportunity for my son to grow up snowboarding was huge. We had a great time when he was a little kid and he went on to a career in competitive snowboarding, eventually competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. If I wasn’t in the ski industry, and mountain wasn’t his babysitter, that would have never happened.”
Q: What’s special about working at Sugar Bowl?
“Being with Dopplemeyer, I’ve done a lot of work at Sugar Bowl over the years and gotten to know the people and the terrain. It’s an incredible mountain with a great atmosphere. Compared to a lot of other resorts in the area, it has a more laid back vibe and doesn’t feel so crowded. I love being a part of the management team and trying to make the experience better for our guests every day.”
Purchase your lift tickets online in advance for guaranteed availability and the best rates.
The Sugar Bowl Hotel
The Hotel at Sugar Bowl is open for the 2022/23 ski and snowboard season! Amenities such as Nob Hill Cafe, Belt Room Bar, Dining Room and Sporthaus Fitness Center and Spa will also be open.
The Hotel will accommodate guests for Thursday - Saturday night stays only and daily during holiday periods.
Advance Purchase Required
Use our, “calendar-based lift ticket pricing”, to find the best deal for your trip to the slopes. We offer discounts up to 40% off the ticket window rate on specific days this season.
To add-on a Lesson OR Equipment Rental, simply select the "I'm Looking for..." button to find the product category. You can build out your cart and complete your order all in one transaction.
5 Exercises for Skiing & Riding
5 Reasons to Work at Sugar Bowl
Bridget Legnavsky – Our New President & CEO
10 Reasons to be an Instructor at Sugar Bowl
5 Exercises for Skiing & Riding
Want to know how the pros are getting ready for ski season? Check out this 5-part preseason exercise series with Jamey Conley, Director of Performance at Sugar Bowl Academy. Jamey shows us five ways to prepare the key muscles, or “primary movers” that you’ll use skiing and riding this season– think knees, thighs, glutes and core. This series of exercises are simple to do at home and they don’t require any specialized equipment.
A couple benefits to preseason training include:
- Building overall strength and endurance
- Preventing injury
- Being a little less exhausted on the first powder day of the season
A little background on Jamey…
Jamey has a BS in Athletic Training from Springfield College, where he played on the Men’s Lacrosse Team. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with experience working in collegiate and professional sports settings, as well as in the private setting working with middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. Prior to joining SBSTA, Jamey was a Performance Coach for Altis Performance and for U.S. Ski & Snowboard High Performance.
Exercise 1: The Classic Squat
- Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart (Slightly wider is okay, but avoid trending too wide)
- Get tall through the top of your head and keep your back straight
- As you descend, your goal should be to descend straight downward
- Keep your feet flat on the ground- you should feel weight in your heels all the way to your big toe.
- Make sure your knees are tracking straight over shins
Exercise 2: Lateral Lunge
- Similar to the squat, remember to stay tall in your upper body with a straight back
- From standing, keep one foot anchored while stepping the other foot out to the side.
- Try to hit a 90 degree angle between your hip and your knee
- Drive from the inside edge of the foot
- Lateral Lunges are an important movement especially for skiing. When you are making a big arcing turn with speed, you’re using the same lateral movement as this lunge. Lateral lunges also help us train the muscles that absorb impacts on the hill. Stability prevents injury.
Exercise 3: Single Leg Squat
- Stand facing away from a stable surface (like a coffee table, chair, or bench)
- Shift your weight onto the foot of the leg you’re going to be squatting towards. Slide the other foot forward and lift it off the floor.
- Keeping your upper body tall, squat straight down to tap the bench and be sure to keep your knee tracking straight over your toes.
- This is a great exercise for building stability in the knee joint and preventing injury.
Exercise 4: Dead Bug
- Lay with a flat back on the floor and bring your arms and legs up to 90 degrees (like an upside down table.)
- Take turns extending an opposite arm and leg outwards.
- Keep your back flat to the floor and remember to take deep breaths.
- Building a strong core is essential for being able to control our turns.
Exercise 5: Squat Jumps
- Get tall and set up like you would for a squat.
- Get low and bring your arms down towards your sides (your arms will go where ever your hips go.)
- Explode up to the ceiling and bring your arms up overhead.
- When absorbing the landing, don’t stop stiffly or drop all the way to the floor, try to stop somewhere right in the middle.
- Jumping exercises help build explosive strength in our legs.
While Sugar Bowl Ski Team alumni have gone on to become members of the U.S. Ski Team and to compete at the NCAA Division I level, SBST’s primary objective is to provide a fun environment in which kids learn to love the sport of skiing. They emphasize character development through the challenges faced here on Donner Summit.
5 Reasons to Work at Sugar Bowl
There are a lot of jobs out there, so what makes someone choose Sugar Bowl? There’s something special about working at this quirky independent resort perched on Donner Summit… (Hint: it’s not just our massive snowfall or legendary terrain.) Wanna know what it is? You’re in luck, we’ve compiled our top 5 favorite reasons to be a part of the team.
1. Skiers first, professionals second
Nearly every day of the season, employees have an opportunity to get out and ski or ride during their work day. Their manager will often be the one telling them to take lunch and get out for a few laps. If it’s a powder day, don’t be surprised to hear “stop typing and get your boots on.” Working at Sugar Bowl is a way to integrate a passion for winter sports into a job.
2. Expansive terrain across four mighty peaks, all on your lunch break.
The terrain at Sugar Bowl is legendary and it’s fun to ride all season, in all conditions. If an employee wants to max out a quick lunch, they can often squeeze in 3 hot laps on Disney in 30 minutes. If it’s a powder day, they might venture over to scope out some big honkin’ lines between Sugar Bowl and the Palisades. In the spring, wide open groomers and perfect corn are the name of the game… All this and we didn’t even spill the beans on our staff favorite secret zones to ski!
3. There’s an opportunity for impact at an independent mid-sized resort.
Our base of operations is right here at Sugar Bowl, not at a high-rise office building in another state. The people who run this resort are here at the mountain nearly every day.
We think Sugar Bowl is a Goldilocks-sized company– We’re not too big, not too small. We’re small enough that our employees can directly see and feel the impact of the work they contribute to the resort. At the same time, we’re big enough that, if we channel our resources, we have enough manpower to meet and exceed our goals.
4. Plus tons of perks to sweeten the Sugar Bowl deal.
Where do we start? Employees and their qualified dependents are issued free unrestricted season passes. Additionally, all employees are granted a bundle of $20 friends and family day ticket vouchers to share. Wages have recently increased and now start at $20/hour for most positions. Sugar Bowl has more employee housing than any resort in the region, plus, it’s affordable and fun. The cherry on the cake has got to be our epic employee parties, where a few times a season, we stay open outside of operating hours and run the lifts for the staff to enjoy the mountain privately.
5. Of course we’re a team, but we’re also a community
What happens when you bring together a group of passionate mountain-loving individuals? In our experience, it builds one truly special community. From first-year seasonal staff to year-round employees with decades of experience, everyone on team Sugar Bowl is part of building up our resort’s character.
What really sets Sugar Bowl apart from other resorts is our great team. We are known for regularly going above and beyond for our guests, for our genuine, friendly employees, and our desire to help guests create lasting memories. These elements are at the core of our brand and our culture. We call it “Plus One Service,” a commitment to ensuring we exceed our guests’ expectations.
The Sugar Bowl community is welcoming and full of opportunities for growth. The best way to describe being an employee here is “work hard play hard” which means that in addition to the duties of the job, there’s also often a lot of FUN going around here too!
Direct from our Employees
Speaking of community, let’s bring our staff into the conversation. We asked employees from a range of departments to explain why they choose to work at Sugar Bowl. Trigger warning, their answers might give you the warm-and-fuzzies, or is that just us?
Parker G, Terrain Parks Manager
“Sugar Bowl is independent and family-oriented. It’s definitely not a small mountain but it still has that small-mountain community feel. I have a young family and it’s the kind of place I would want my kid to learn to ski.”
Sarah Duffy, Special Events & Weddings Coordinator
“I have met so many lifelong friends at Sugar Bowl, when I started here I hardly skied and I didn’t know many people in the area. After two years here I am confidently ripping down the mountain with endless ski pals! Plus- it doesn’t get much better than skiing on your lunch break!”
Dave Eastwood, Royal Gorge General Manager
“I work at Sugar Bowl for two reasons – the staff and my love of the outdoors. The staff is like a family and we all work as a team to make Sugar Bowl the best resort in the Sierra. The local outdoor scene is fantastic in summer and winter. Whether it’s cycling, trail running, hiking, skiing or riding, the Donner Summit area has something for everyone.”
Mark Beevor, Executive Director of Hospitality
“I stumbled across Sugar Bowl by accident and have found it combines my passion for hospitality and my love of the mountains. One of our values is that we celebrate resilience. When it is time to come together because of big events or big snow no one misses a beat. We are a community first and our employees go out of their way to help each other, homeowners and visitors. This is not something that is taught but rather is at the very core of everyone that works here and that’s why I love it.”
Joel C, Skier Services Manager
“Having worked at both large, corporate ski resorts and small, independent ski areas over the past 25 years, I can confidently say that Sugar Bowl is the best of both worlds. Being an employee here makes you a part of the Sugar Bowl family. We care about each other, our mountain, our community, and we love to ski and ride!”
Well there you have it, 5 reasons (and then some) to work at Sugar Bowl. Apply today for an opportunity to learn what else is great about our work environment. We can’t wait to show you around.
Bridget Legnavsky – Our New President & CEO
We have big news — and the dusting of snow across the mountain tops is the perfect backdrop for an exciting announcement. Change is the air, and we’re not just referring to the snowflakes. We have a new President and CEO at Sugar Bowl, Bridget Legnavsky.
Bridget hails from New Zealand, where she was the Chief Experience Officer for RealNZ, a tourism company that manages multiple outdoor adventure operations. Two operations under RealNZ are Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Resort, where Bridget has been General Manager since 2014.
Bridget has recently relocated to Sugar Bowl along with her husband (Peter) and two kids (Gustav, 17 and Zora, 12). As a family, they are all about snowsports; Peter is an Olympic ski coach for their son Gustav, an Olympic freeskier in the halfpipe. Their daughter, Zora, is focused on ski racing and will attend the Sugar Bowl Academy this winter.
Are you as excited to get to know Bridget as we are? You’re in luck, because we recently sat down with Bridget for a one-on-one. Check out the interview to get a sense of Bridget’s enthusiasm to lead team Sugar Bowl.
Q: How is your family feeling about moving to the United States?
“The kids are super excited. Zora especially. She thinks it’s going to be an adventure. This kind of thing can be really hard— We’ve been in Wanaka for 30 years and we have lots of connections here, but the way we look at it, this is a great opportunity to go on a family adventure and do something really different, so we don’t end up doing the same thing our whole lives.”
Q: What is something that is different about skiing and riding in New Zealand that people, like myself, who have only ever skied in North America, might not know?
“One of the things that’s unique to Cardrona, is the number of Olympic athletes that congregate there during September. It’s quite an environment. That’s how New Zealand become well-known, due to its results on the world stage in ski racing and park.
The most interesting thing, if you’ve never been to New Zealand, is that you don’t live in the snow. Every day you drive from the town, which is literally always green. In the evenings after skiing, you play golf, go mountain biking, and sometimes in the springtime, you water ski, similar to what it would be like living around Tahoe in the summer.
Since we don’t live in the snow, when you want to go to the mountain, you drive for about 45 minutes up a dirt road. Oftentimes you’ll put on chains, since the roads can be quite difficult. Truckee would be similar to Wanaka, but imagine it always being as green as summertime and then you drive up to Sugar Bowl to come skiing. In New Zealand, we don’t have the same kind of full immersion snow experience as you do in California during winter.”
Q: Is there any jargon that gets used in New Zealand ski culture that we don’t use in North America?
“I don’t know but I’m going to find out really soon. I will probably say something, and people will look at me like, “what is she talking about?” That’s when I’ll start to work out if there is or isn’t jargon.
I notice in ski culture, especially around brand voice, that it’s a lot to do with generation. There’s a lot of words out there like “froth” and all the words that young people are using. One thing that I’ve found is that if you try too hard, you come across like a dork.”
Q: I heard a rumor that you speak Maori, so I was wondering how you say, “Do you want to go skiing tomorrow” in Maori?
“Kei te pirangi koe, ki te haere retireti apopo?”
And how do I say yes, I’ll go skiing with you tomorrow?
You just go, “Hoake.”
Q: Are you a skier or snowboarder?
“I’m a skier, long time skier. I did snowboard a bit back when I was about 20 and working in Japan. It was back in the day when snowboarding was banned from certain areas, so we were only allowed to snowboard on the beginner slopes. I had Sorels that I put my ski boot liners in because that’s how we started snowboarding.”
Q: Can you describe your best powder day of all time?
“I think I’m about to have it at Sugar Bowl this winter!”
Good answer [laughing]
“Yeah, it was on my birthday, and we went heli skiing with my family. The four of us went together but we can only just keep up with the kids now. We spent the whole day heli skiing in the Harris Mountains and that was pretty special. It’s not always just about the powder. It’s more around the environment that you’re in and the people that you’re with that make it really special.”
Q: What is it that inspires you to come to Sugar Bowl and lead the team?
“It was a little bit of stars aligning. Someone contacted me and told me about it. After COVID, the idea of coming over to an American resort to have a look around was really attractive. I was like, “Oh hell yeah, I’m going for a trip.” When I got here, what inspired me the most was the people and the place. People and place, that’s always what inspires me.
I’m blown away by the commitment and resilience of the executive team. Their absolute love for Sugar Bowl — I’ve seen that before — I know you need that. You just can’t run a ski resort like Sugar Bowl without it. It’s never a one-person game, you have to have a talented and experienced team around you and I see that here.
Then, of course, I’m attracted to the style of resort as independent, small, capable of moving fast, and with quite a lot of autonomy. I love what the Sugar Bowl Academy stands for and I love what the villagers stand for.”
Q: What would you say is your approach to building a strong team?
“Getting the right people into the right jobs is really important. You bring together the right skill sets and the talent, and it’s about how you slot together to build the strongest pillar that you possibly can. I’m a strong believer that when people are in a space where they are happy and positive, they are more open and willing to learn, and have the opportunity to be playful, creative and innovative — that’s when the magic happens.
Sometimes we forget what’s important. Make sure you go out for a ski every day. Make sure you go out for a ride. Do something, no matter how busy you are. Get out and remind yourself why you’re here. Stay passionate.”
Q: At Sugar Bowl, is there anything that you are excited to create?
“I don’t want to jump to any conclusions. I’m going to start by listening to what’s going on and react. The resort has to keep moving forward so people want to keep coming back. That will be in the kind of experience they have on the hill, the way our staff treat people, the type of events we run, the food and beverage, the music — everything that makes them want to come back. I don’t think there’s anything mind-blowing there, but I think making sure we maintain relevancy by keeping Sugar Bowl cool is what we’re all about.”
Q: What do you think your biggest challenge will be coming into your new role?
“Well, my challenge is definitely going to be cultural since I come from a different country. I’ve run ski resorts for a long time in New Zealand but I’m going to walk into a completely different culture and different legislation system in a different community. So, as you can imagine, over my time in New Zealand I’ve built up a strong network of people that support me in my staff and the community. Now at Sugar Bowl I’m going to be relying on the team around me to jump in and help. Also, obviously legislation will be completely different in the US than it was in New Zealand, so those are some of my biggest challenges. I’m going to rely deeply on the team around me to help get through those ones.”
Q: Outside of skiing and riding, what would you say that you’re most passionate about?
“It kind of surprises people until they really get to know me — because I can come across as quite resilient and quite strong because I, you know, have grown up in a world of ski area operations — But I love fashion.
And if you saw the number of boxes that I was boxing out now with clothes, it’s absolutely ridiculous. I was sitting there with my daughter before going, thinking — I can’t leave all these here because I just need to be able to wear them. I have got a lot of clothes and I absolutely love fashion. I started up a retail chain in New Zealand and had a few stores in my off time — I just love it.”
Q: That is such a fun fact! I can’t wait to see what fun outfits you wear this winter.
[laughing] “I’m just trying to decide whether to box my gold moon boots or pack them and carry them with me because I don’t know how desperate I would be for them when I arrive.”
Q: Should the community at Sugar Bowl expect any changes this season when you begin your role?
“Absolutely not straight away because the team’s doing a wonderful job. I think where I’d like to start is hearing from the community. We will be reaching out and listening. I will be out and about — they will see a lot of me because I love to ski and I love to eat. So I’ll be around.
I can’t wait to meet everyone and hear what they think. I will definitely be looking at opportunities around environmental sustainability because it’s a real passion for me. I’ll be interested in the resort taking on a stronger position around climate. The team is already moving on that — I think it’s great.
But first and foremost, to get there, we must deliver incredible guest experiences. In order to focus on the guest, we must focus on the frontline staff. I’m a real believer in focusing on how the frontline staff feel about themselves in order to deliver amazing experiences to our guests.”
Q: Last question, and this one involves a little bit of imagination — We’re all eager for opening day, what do you picture opening day at Sugar Bowl looking like?
“I imagine standing at the first lift that opens with champagne, saying hello to everyone, high fiving everyone. The piece that I love the most is watching people’s faces as they get their skis on. You can see it — It’s the feeling that you get under your feet when you ski. So when you watch people go and do their first runs of the season, it’s just so good. I’m looking forward to watching our team lift to it and also to going and doing some runs myself!”
10 Reasons to be an Instructor at Sugar Bowl
If you are a recreational skier/rider, this is your season to become a leader. Start teaching skiing and riding at the Ski & Board School. Being an instructor is a rewarding and fun way to get involved at Sugar Bowl. We have a variety of positions available, so you can find the one that fits you best. Check out these 10 Reasons to be an instructor at Sugar Bowl.
1. You can keep your day job (if you want to!)
As a Ski & Board Instructor, you’ll have a somewhat flexible schedule. If your bread and butter is already coming from a 9-5 job elsewhere, being a ski instructor can be an engaging way to pick up 1 or 2 shifts on the weekends. If you’re hoping to really dive in, we also have full-time roles available.
2. If you’re an average human, you’ll spend 30% of your life at work.
Basically, you spend a ton of time at work, so you better pick a cool job. Working in the ski & ride industry is a great way to pursue a line of work where your passion can turn into a career. As a Sugar Bowl instructor, you should expect to work hard, but you’ll also have plenty of fun in our mountain playground.
3. Get paid to improve your skiing & riding
You may not have realized it at first, but being an instructor will make you a better skier/rider. Think about it… you’ll spend tons of time on the snow, working through different skills. While you’re helping others progress, you’ll be fine-tuning your own skills. For example, helping a skier improve their stance by increasing forward pressure in their boots will make you even more aware of your posture. All season long, while you’re helping your clients level up their skiing and riding, you’ll be improving your skiing and riding simultaneously.
4. Insider access to clinics and resources
One of our instructors’ favorite perks is that they gain access to frequent and engaging on-the-job training opportunities with professional instructors. If you are wondering what a “clinic” entails, think of it as a bite-sized lesson taught by a senior instructor to a group of instructors. Clinics are usually hyper-focused on one skill at a time and you can expect to learn some cool tricks to integrate the skill into your skiing or riding. On-snow instructors and office staff have access to ski & ride clinics.
5. The tips don’t hurt
While tipping is not mandatory, it’s not uncommon to receive gratuity from an appreciative client as thanks for a well-taught lesson. If you are teaching multiple group or private lessons a day, that can really add up!
6. Learning is fun. Turns out, so is teaching.
Who knew weekend fun on the slopes could be so impactful? If you’re already spending most weekends skiing and riding, why not channel your passion for the sport into teaching? You’ll get to spend the whole day on the slopes, meet lots of new people who are excited about snow sports, and get paid at the same time.
7. Become part of a community of passionate skiers & riders
When you sign on as an instructor at Sugar Bowl, you become part of our team. Ski & Board School is a close-knit crew with great respect and appreciation for our fellow team members and coworkers. You’re probably hoping for a positive workplace environment, but here you’ll get more– we pride ourselves on building a strong community.
8. Earn a ski pass for yourself and your qualified dependents
Employees score a free Unrestricted season pass. Plus, you can earn passes for your qualified dependents by working at least 16-hours a week.
– If you have a spouse: that could be a savings of about $2k, depending on your pass types.
– If you have a spouse and 2 kids: that could be a savings of about $3k, depending on your pass types.
9. Pass the torch on to the next generation
You’ve probably spent years (or even decades!) developing your own ski/board skills. Share that knowledge with the next generation of skiers and riders as an instructor. Your guidance can make all the difference to a new skier or rider. On any given day at work, you will help your clients gain confidence, unlock a tricky skill they’ve been struggling with, or simply make sure they have a fun and safe experience on the slopes. Not to mention, you’ll also be saving them the frustration of trying to figure it out on their own. As instructors, we gain a special sense of fulfillment in helping others reach their goals.
10. Learn the art of teaching
We often hear that new instructor candidates feel intimidated that their teaching skills or their ski/board skills may not be good enough to become an instructor. Don’t let that stop you. We welcome intermediate & up skiers and riders to become instructors in our Ski & Board School. If you know how to ski/ride, we’ll teach you how to teach! We’ll help you fine-tune your communication skills and train you in our instruction methods and systems. Come learn the art of teaching with us.
Whew… there you have it! The top ten reasons to become an instructor at Sugar Bowl. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to step it up and apply for a position today. Whether you’re looking for a part-time winter gig or a long-term role, join our team this winter and we’ll show you what our Ski & Board School community is all about.
Available Positions:
– Ski Instructors
– Snowboard Instructors
– Outdoor Supervisor
– Sales & Customer Service
The Green Team
This week, our year-round employees joined forces to carry out another successful “green up” event at Sugar Bowl. Our Human Resources Director, Diane Binder, led the charge to remove trash from the resort and nearby roadways. Diane explains the green team’s mission:
“Every few weeks in the spring and summer we set aside two hours for all employees to step away from their regular work assignment and come together to grab a trash bag, gloves, and a picker and go out to “green up” a section of Sugar Bowl’s grounds.”
“Sugar Bowl’s Core Value #1 is to love and respect nature and the outdoors. Our employees care deeply about the environment and take pride in our mountain being a responsible organization in terms of environmental and sustainability goals. These “green up” events are just one small part of our overall sustainability efforts and great reminder that everyone, regardless of department or job, plays a role in helping to make a positive impact in our community.”
How much trash did the team remove?
“This past “green up” was a huge success. Our team members found a lot of really large and heavy items (rolls of carpet, wooden boards, sheets of metal, etc.) We had three full loads in the back of a pick-up truck of items that were picked up disposed of properly.”
Is participating in a green up event fun, gross, tiring or all three?
“FUN! Our employees enjoy switching up their day to do something different, challenging, and fun. It also helps foster a sense of community and teamwork. Temperatures were in the high 80’s at the “green up” so aside from fun, it was really warm and a bit exhausting due to the heavy items but the team embraced the challenge!”
What was the funniest or most interesting item of trash found?
“My personal favorite at this “green up” was a plush navy blue office chair with wheels that was rolled out from a ditch. However It was a little too gross for anyone to sit on.”
How can other people find out more information about hosting their own “green up” events?
‘It truly doesn’t take much effort aside from coordinating a day, time, and location. Once you have some clean up supplies which are relatively cheap and a few drinks and snacks as refreshments for the teams’ hard work you are good to go. The most important thing is just to make the effort to prioritize these types of events.”
Thanks to our team members who participated in this event. A friendly reminder to all — reduce waste wherever possible and be sure to place refuse into the appropriate recycle/trash container.
Sugar Bowl’s Wildfire Prevention Efforts
The mighty forests stretching across the Sierra Nevada shape Sugar Bowl’s iconic landscape, but amidst the grandeur, wildfire danger looms.
The risk is evidenced by last summer’s Caldor Fire which tore through Sierra at Tahoe and threatened the town of South Lake Tahoe. Even more recently, a 12-acre fire ignited within the city limits of the Town of Truckee, bringing the threat very close to home. As members of this community, we are all responsible for mitigating the risk of wildfire.
To mitigate the risk of wildfire at Sugar Bowl, our team has been taking three steps over the past few years.
- The first has been to reduce low limbs, shrubbery, and other ladder fuels, which could allow an on-site fire to climb from the forest floor to the canopy developing into a crown fire.
- Next is reducing fuels in wooded terrain around the resort, so if a fire does occur in a neighboring forest, we are as prepared as possible to stop the fire from advancing.
- Finally, improving defensible space is necessary as a final line of defense around all homes and buildings in our base area.
What’s Happening Around the Mountain?
Currently, Sugar Bowl is running a team of nine Trail Crew Sawyers focused on removing fuels around buildings and lifts, creating the necessary defensible space required as a last line of defense. A noticeable impact from their efforts can already be seen throughout the resort, where many trees and heavy vegetation have been removed.
This summer, we have begun thinning, laddering, and removing ground fuels in 72 acres west of the resort on our private property boarding the PG&E fire break to our west.
What’s Next?
In 2023, we will thin out an additional 40 acres of forest west of the resort. We also plan to begin developing a “Shaded Fuel Break” towards Crow’s Peak. A Shaded Fuel Break is a defensible space where fuels are significantly reduced to avoid a canopy fire, but not a clear-cut of all vegetation and trees. Fire suppression resources can utilize this location to suppress wildland fires due to the modification of fuels which may increase the probability of success during fire suppression activities.
The Challenge Ahead
As you can tell, we have significant work ahead of us, but the team is up to the challenge. We’re proud of what our team has already accomplished and we’re looking forward to working as a community to continue to build on our efforts.
Tips for Improving Your Defensible Space
Are you feeling motivated to improve the defensible space around your home? Check out this handy guide for the best practices to follow for protecting your home and our community.
Trains & Donner Summit History
Driving by History
When we’re cruising up Old 40 from Donner Lake to Sugar Bowl, sometimes we forget to pay attention to all the history we’re driving past. You’ve probably noticed the horizontal stripe of snowsheds set into the landscape BUT do you know the story behind these train tunnels?
Completing the Transcontinental Railroad
More than 150 years ago, the train tunnels were constructed by thousands of Chinese laborers. The challenging puzzle piece completed a crucial section of the Transcontinental Railroad. This feat of engineering involved drilling through miles of solid granite and building huge walls from the excavated rock. Most of this dangerous work was completed by hand.
Resilient Pioneers
While the pioneers of the infamous Donner Party are often remembered in Tahoe’s history, far fewer realize these railroad tunnels were engineered by Chinese immigrants who endured two big Sierra winters— even bigger than the ‘16-17 season. Not only did the tunnel builders avoid the same fate as the Donner Party, they succeeded in producing one of our nation’s most impressive infrastructure achievements.
Want more information about the train tunnels?
Check out this article (with gorgeous photos) by SF Gate.
Read more about Donner Summit history from the The Donner Summit Historical Society.
P.S. Since you’re into trains…
We’ve got another little known train fact for you. There used to be a ski train that skiers could take directly to Sugar Bowl. How cool is that?
Snowball Specials
This particular photograph was used in the 1930’s as an advertisement for the Southern Pacific railroad’s “Snowball Specials” which ran from the Bay Area all the way to Truckee. The trains would depart from Oakland at midnight and were equipped with all the comforts a skier might need. Of course, there was a well-stocked bar car so travelers could party through the night. There was even a “Ski Hut” that sold socks and mittens and offered professional rental equipment fittings. Arriving at Sugar Bowl early the next morning, skier could enjoy the mountain for the day, returning exhausted on the train that evening. Just sayin’… who else wants to bring back the ski train!?
Director of Mountain Operations: Greg Bretz
Join us in welcoming our new Director of Mountain Operations Greg Bretz. Greg just started at Sugar Bowl this summer but his ski industry experience already spans more than 25 years between stints at Mammoth and Doppelmayr.
Greg’s illustrious career in the ski industry began by chance in 1996, while he was backpacking through the southern Sierra with his young son. While passing through Mammoth, a friend mentioned that there was a job opening for a welder at the mountain. Greg applied and the detour became permanent. He raised his son quite literally on the mountain, who would grow up to become an Olympic halfpipe rider in the 2014 games in Sochi.
From the moment he stepped into his first ski area job, Greg dedicated himself to mastering just about every behind-the-scenes skill that makes any mountain run. We are so excited to add Greg’s expertise and passion to our team. If you’re keen to get to know Greg a little better, check out the interview below:
Q: Can you start by introducing yourself?
“Hi I’m Greg Bret, I’m the Director of Mountain Operations at Sugar Bowl. I’ve been in the ski business since ’96. I’ve worked at Mammoth and Doppelmeyer and I’ve ended up here at Sugar Bowl this summer.”
Q: What’s your approach to managing a mountain?
“I’m kind of a hands-on manager. I love to get out there and work. I’d never ask anybody to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”
Q: What work needs to get done this summer before the snow flies?
“Each lift has state requirements that we have to meet– so there’s line work, motor room work, grip work. Each lift takes about 2,000 man hours of lift maintenance and we try to get it done by November 1. Currently, we’re about to start a big job on the Judah lift and we’re also in the middle of servicing the drive motor on Lincoln.
Q: Can you give us a play-by-play of your current project on Lincoln?
Each year we plan specific maintenance on different drive motors that are on our lifts. This year we did the drive motor on Lincoln. We brought in a crane to remove the motor then we sent it down to a rebuilder in Modesto. When we get it back we’ll put it back in with a crane and load test the lift to make sure everything is working properly and safely.
We’re doing this in the off-season because it would get a little tougher, to say the least, if something were to go wrong in the middle of the ski season. It can take about 3 weeks to rebuild, so we do this planned maintenance to make sure the motor doesn’t fail in the middle of the season.”
Q: What’s the hardest part of your job?
“I’m in charge of planning the day’s events for everybody. I work across a lot of departments– vehicle maintenance, snowmaking, trail crew, lift maintenance, and patrol. During the summer months there are several projects around the mountain that need to be completed, like the weather station at the top of Lincoln and RFID gates over at Royal Gorge. It’s a challenge to plan a schedule that keeps everyone busy and makes sure that our projects get done. The hardest part of the job is tying it all together.”
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
“I’m new to the mountain manger world, mostly I’ve been the Director of Lift Operations and I started as a technician, so I think this year is all about getting everything together. Between plowing the snow, clearing the parking lots, grooming, opening the lifts, and avalanche control, it takes a lot to get the mountain open. I’m excited to get that all rolling and see how well we can do. When everything comes together and the product is perfect for the guest, that’s the most rewarding part of the job.”
Q: What do you love about working in the ski & ride industry?
“Well, the nice thing is, in the positions I’ve had, you pretty much get to ski every day. The opportunity for my son to grow up snowboarding was huge. We had a great time when he was a little kid and he went on to a career in competitive snowboarding, eventually competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. If I wasn’t in the ski industry, and mountain wasn’t his babysitter, that would have never happened.”
Q: What’s special about working at Sugar Bowl?
“Being with Dopplemeyer, I’ve done a lot of work at Sugar Bowl over the years and gotten to know the people and the terrain. It’s an incredible mountain with a great atmosphere. Compared to a lot of other resorts in the area, it has a more laid back vibe and doesn’t feel so crowded. I love being a part of the management team and trying to make the experience better for our guests every day.”
Purchase your lift tickets online in advance for guaranteed availability and the best rates.
The Sugar Bowl Hotel
The Hotel at Sugar Bowl is open for the 2022/23 ski and snowboard season! Amenities such as Nob Hill Cafe, Belt Room Bar, Dining Room and Sporthaus Fitness Center and Spa will also be open.
The Hotel will accommodate guests for Thursday - Saturday night stays only and daily during holiday periods.
Advance Purchase Required
Use our, “calendar-based lift ticket pricing”, to find the best deal for your trip to the slopes. We offer discounts up to 40% off the ticket window rate on specific days this season.
To add-on a Lesson OR Equipment Rental, simply select the "I'm Looking for..." button to find the product category. You can build out your cart and complete your order all in one transaction.
Located atop Donner Summit | 11:00 am to 3:00pm Saturdays & Sundays + Holiday Mondays (July 4th and Labor Day)
Located at the crest of Donner Summit along Old 40, the Summit Haus features awesome locally-crafted sausages with homemade accompaniments and a beer garden.
On the menu:
- Frankfurter w. Sauerkraut & Smothered Onions
- Grilled Andouille Po'Boy w. Smothered Onions & Slaw
- Grilled Portobello "Dog" (a veggie alternative)
- Sides include: Potato Salad, coleslaw, baked beans and tomato salad
- Cold beer & soft drinks
- Plus, a daily special or two!
New this summer, we will host live music at Summit Haus on select Saturdays. Summit Haus will be open 11am - 8pm on these dates, with music from 5pm - 8pm.
- July 16 - Miranda Rae Love
- July 23 - Jeff Connor
- July 30 - James Clark
- August 6 - Bread & Butter Band
Have peace of mind knowing your lift ticket purchase will be refunded if your plans change. Trip Flex is an optional $20 add-on to each lift ticket. (Learn More)
How to Add Trip Flex: After you select the age group for the ticket, scroll down (on desktop or mobile) to the section called "Upgrade Your Experience". Click on the circle to the right of Trip Flex to add to each of your desired lift ticket selections. Trip Flex cannot be added once your purchase is complete.
Winter Warm-Up
Come meet some of the Sugar Bowl team, hear about what's happening at the resort and get stoked for winter. Each shop employee attending will get a free Sugar Bowl lift ticket, free pizza, free beer + wine. (Please note, you must be at the event from 7:00-7:30 if you want the free lift ticket!)
Book Online and Save
To add-on a Lesson OR Equipment Rental to a calendar-based lift ticket order, OR to purchase a discounted, combination Lift Ticket, Lesson and/or Equipment Rental Package, click on the LESSONS & RENTALS tab.
Unfortunately, purchases from each tab will require separate orders and payments. We apologize for this inconvenience we hope to solve in the coming months.
Book Online and Save
To add-on a Lesson OR Equipment Rental to a calendar-based lift ticket order, OR to purchase a discounted, combination Lift Ticket, Lesson and/or Equipment Rental Package, click on the LESSONS & RENTALS tab.
Unfortunately, purchases from each tab will require separate orders and payments. We apologize for this inconvenience we hope to solve in the coming months.
Advanced Ticket Purchase: Cancellation Policy
- All purchases are final and cannot be cancelled, refunded or transferred to another person.
- Tickets may not be cancelled or transferred to another day for any reason including weather conditions or road conditions/closures.
- All tickets and passes are subject to restrictions described in the product description and/or pickup instructions.
- Your credit card will be charged for the amount shown, regardless of whether or not the purchased ticket(s) is/are used.
- We do not guarantee driving conditions, snow conditions, weather conditions, open terrain or number of lifts operating.
Select Resort
Select Pass Type
December Lift Ticket Special
$99 Any Day in December is Your Ticket to Fun. Kids Ski for $49 Any Day All Season. We’re making it easier and more affordable than ever for families and passionate skiers and riders to say “yes” to a day on the mountain at Sugar Bowl. Buy all-day lift tickets online at least two days ahead and pay just $99 any day in December, including weekends and holidays (youth and seniors are $79 any day in December). The deal gets sweeter with kids ages 6-12 skiing and riding for only $49 any day all season long.
Tahoe's Best Value
Have a day on the slopes that your family can afford. At Sugar Bowl, we pride ourselves on offering a big mountain, with huge value. From the time you save driving, the money you save on tickets, rentals and lessons, plus the quality of the mountain terrain, it all adds up to an unmatched experience on the snow. Check out all of the terrific ways to save at Sugar Bowl during the holidays.
Sugar Bowl Lesson Options
Lesson Types:
Children Group Lessons (Ages 4-5)
Guaranteed class size of 3. All-day or half-day options. Due to limited availability, these lessons are not available for online bookings but reservations can be made over the phone (more info)
Children Group Lessons (Ages 6-12)
Guaranteed class size of 3. All-day or half-day options. Ski or Snowboard.
Guaranteed class size of 3
We specialize in children's ski, provided by quality professional instructors, with additional focus on safety, fun and learning. Children's lessons are offered at both Judah and Village base areas. Sugar Bowl currently only offers ski lessons for ages 4-5.All day lesson package starts at 9:45am and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a full day lesson, rental equipment, full mountain lift ticket, and lunch. Sign-up for an Early Drop Off for only an additional $35 if you are looking to hit the slopes when the lifts start spinning at 9am.
Half day lesson packages are offered at 9:45am or 1:00pm and also requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a half-day lesson (2hr.), rental equipment, and full mountain lift ticket. Lunch is not included with half-day lesson packages.Guaranteed class size of 3 students per instructor.
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
All day lesson package starts at 9:45am and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a full day lesson, rental equipment, full mountain lift ticket, and lunch. Sign-up for an Early Drop Off for only an additional $35 if you are looking to hit the slopes when the lifts start spinning at 9am.
Half day lesson package is offered at 9:45am or 1:00pm reservations highly recommended. This package includes a half day lesson, all day rental equipment, and full mountain lift ticket.
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
Sign up for our lesson package and get a half day ski or snowboard lesson, full day lift ticket and all day equipment rental.
Ages 4-6 | $315
With a maximum class size of 3 participants per coach, we guarantee an intimate learning environment and close supervision in our children's group lessons for ages 4-6. Select a morning session (9:45 am to 12:00 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm).
Ages 7-12 | $240
For children ages 7-12 who want to learn how to ski or snowboard, select a morning session (9:45 am to 12:00 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm).
Ages 13+ | $240
It's never to late to learn! For our adult and teen lessons, select a morning session (10:00 am to 12:15 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm).
Lessons should be booked online at least two (2) days in advance of the preferred lesson date. Inside of two days days, please call (530) 426-9000, option 3, to inquire about availability. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays. View Cancellation Policy
How to determine your ability level
Packages include a half day group lesson, rental equipment and an all-mountain lift ticket.
Morning Half Day Lessons
10:00 am to 12:15 pm
All ability levels
Afternoon Half Day Lessons
1:00 pm to 3:15 pm
All ability levels
Guests renting equipment should arrive at least one-hour prior to the lesson start time.
Lessons should be booked online at least two (2) days in advance of the preferred lesson date. Inside of two days days, please call (530) 426-9000, option 3, to inquire about availability. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays. View Cancellation Policy
A lesson-only option is also available for $185.
A lift access product (lift ticket or season pass) is required to participate in any lesson.
Reservations are highly recommended to ensure availability. Please book at least 24 hours in advance. Space does sell out on weekend and holiday periods. Download and submit the form below to reserve your private lesson.
Fantastic Conditions. Look No Further Than Sugar Bowl.
2016/2017 Season Extended into May
Sugar Bowl will be open Friday - Sunday only, until May 7th
Ski or ride into May this season thanks to 49" of snowfall year-to-date. Sugar Bowl will finish the season operating Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April 28 - 30 and again on May 5 - 7, with only the Village Portal lifts and services. Parking at the Gondola is encouraged. Please check sugarbowl.com for daily updates. Lift Tickets will be discounted: Adult- $88, Young Adult/Senior - $71, Child/Super Senior - $51 Ski & Board School will only be offering private lessons for $99. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (530)426-6772. |
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| Fri - Sun, April 28 - 30 | Fri - Sun, May 5 - 7 | |
| Scheduled Lifts: | ||
| Disney Express | 9:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Mt. Lincoln Express | 9:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Christmas Tree Express | 9:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Nob Hill | 9:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Village Gondola | 7:00am - 7:00pm | 7:00am - 7:00pm |
| Jerome Hill Express | * | * |
| Mt. Judah Express | - | - |
| White Pine | - | - |
| Village Portal: | ||
| Village Lodge | ✔ | ✔ |
|
✔ | ✔ |
|
✔ | ✔ |
|
✔ | ✔ |
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$99 Privates Only | $99 Privates Only |
|
✔ | ✔ |
|
10:00am - 6:00pm | 10:00am - 6:00pm |
|
Lunch Only | Lunch Only |
|
7:30am - 2:00pm | 7:30am - 2:00pm |
|
8:00am - 2:00pm | 8:00am - 2:00pm |
| Judah Portal: | ||
|
- | - |
|
** | ** |
|
- | - |
|
- | - |
|
- | - |
|
||
|
- | - |
|
- | - |
| ( ** ) May open if demand requires ( - ) Closed for the day. | ||
Post Season Uphill Travel is Closed
- Uphill travel is closed inside the Sugar Bowl Resort boundary.
- Area is closed, not patrolled & snow safety mitigation is not performed.
- Ski area is not maintained for public use.
- Within the ski area boundary, man made objects, lift towers, snow roads and other hazards exist.
- Avalanches may occur.
- Palisades and surrounding area is closed to all activity.
- Access Forest Service Land at your own risk.
- Enter at your own risk.
Stay two nights plus get lift tickets for two, as low as $374/night
Sugar Bowl is the closest resort to Sacramento and the Bay Area, and the historic Sugar Bowl Hotel is the closest lodging to the lifts. Enjoy slopeside lodging and two (2) Adult 1-day lift tickets per nights stayed, for as low as $374 per night, based on double-occupancy. In addition to uncrowded slopes and the most snow in Tahoe, get a cozy room and hotel amenities including a classic dining room, the inviting Belt Room Bar, and access to the Sporthaus spa & fitness center with outdoor lap pool, hot tubs and fitness equipment.
The Pre-Christmas Ski & Stay Package is valid for 2-night minimum stays from December 9-10 or December 16 -22. Includes lift tickets per night stay valid the consecutive day from. Package subject to tax and additional restrictions may apply. Offer subject to availability, rooms may sell-out.
Ski & Stay package lift tickets may only be used between the arrival and departure dates of the reservation, are non-transferrable, not for resale, and may not be refunded or canceled for any reason. Travel insurance is recommended
Renting ski/snowboard equipment at Sugar Bowl provides you with an easy and convenient way to enjoy a day on the slopes. Our expert team will expertly fit the equipment to ensure a comfortable and memorable day on the mountain.
Our basic ski package features skis from K2 with Dalbello boots, while the Performance Ski Package offers state-of-the-art models from Volkl with Dalbello boots. Snowboarders can select from a variety of sizes from Burton and K2.
All rentals must be purchased online, 2+ days in advance of your visit. There will be no opportunity for day-of, walk-up rentals.
During the online purchase process, you’ll be asked to select a rental fitting appointment time. There are limited appointments available in each time slot. If your preferred date/time is not available, check back. We will frequently adjust inventory.
Guaranteed class size of 3
We specialize in children's ski, provided by quality professional instructors, with additional focus on safety, fun and learning. Children's lessons are offered at both Judah and Village base areas. Sugar Bowl currently only offers ski lessons for ages 4-5.All day lesson package starts at 9:45am and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a full day lesson, rental equipment, full mountain lift ticket, and lunch. Sign-up for an Early Drop Off for only an additional $35 if you are looking to hit the slopes when the lifts start spinning at 9am.
Half day lesson packages are offered at 9:45am or 1:00pm and also requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a half-day lesson (2hr.), rental equipment, and full mountain lift ticket. Lunch is not included with half-day lesson packages.Guaranteed class size of 3 students per instructor.
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
All day lesson package starts at 9:45am and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a full day lesson, rental equipment, full mountain lift ticket, and lunch. Sign-up for an Early Drop Off for only an additional $35 if you are looking to hit the slopes when the lifts start spinning at 9am.
Half day lesson package is offered at 9:45am or 1:00pm reservations highly recommended. This package includes a half day lesson, all day rental equipment, and full mountain lift ticket.
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
Our instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and have the highest level of teaching expertise. They are highly skilled in turning an enthusiastic first-timer into a lifelong skier or snowboarder. Instructors can also take advanced riders to the next level while exploring some of the best spots on the mountain that only locals know about. Everyone in the lesson can access the chairlifts faster by using the express line bypassing the general line.
This season, Private Lessons must be booked online, at least 2 days prior to your arrival. Secure your spot early, as most days will sell out.
Includes a one-hour group lesson, plus an all-day equipment rental and beginner lift ticket. Lift ticket valid on White Pine and Flume Carpet for the full-day. Available for skiing only, ages 6+. This package is only available at the Judah Base Area.
Lesson Times | 10:00am, 11:00am or 1:00pm
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
Stay two nights plus get lift tickets for two, as low as $374/night
Sugar Bowl is the closest resort to Sacramento and the Bay Area, and the historic Sugar Bowl Hotel is the closest lodging to the lifts. Enjoy slopeside lodging and two (2) Adult 1-day lift tickets per nights stayed, for as low as $374 per night, based on double-occupancy. In addition to uncrowded slopes and the most snow in Tahoe, get a cozy room and hotel amenities including a classic dining room, the inviting Belt Room Bar, and access to the Sporthaus spa & fitness center with outdoor lap pool, hot tubs and fitness equipment.
The Pre-Christmas Ski & Stay Package is valid for 2-night minimum stays from December 9-10 or December 16 -22. Includes lift tickets per night stay valid the consecutive day from. Package subject to tax and additional restrictions may apply. Offer subject to availability, rooms may sell-out.
Ski & Stay package lift tickets may only be used between the arrival and departure dates of the reservation, are non-transferrable, not for resale, and may not be refunded or canceled for any reason. Travel insurance is recommended
From now through noon November 11th treat yourself to a slopeside stay at the historic Sugar Bowl Hotel! We are offering an exclusive discount on slopeside, Mountain View rooms (only – 1 queen bed). No clearing your car, sitting in chain check, or finding a parking spot the morning of. Instead, wake up on your own accord, skip on down to the café for a morning latte, reserve a table in our Dining room and enjoy a made to order breakfast, then walk out refreshed to grab first chair.
Book a stay during the 96-Hour Sale and save BIG on any midweek (Wednesday and/or Thrursday night, non-holiday), stay, through the rest of the season with this sweet deal. Rooms from $209 per night, and include 2 lift tickets per night stayed (1-night minimum stay required, Wednesday - Thursday, non-weekend, non-holiday stay). Additional restrictions may apply. Offer subject to availability, rooms may sell-out. Rate does not include tax.
Looking for a different room type? During the 96-Hour Sale we are also offering 15% off all room types for Wednesday and Thursday night stays (tickets not included with the 15% discount).
Ski & Stay package lift tickets may only be used between the arrival and departure dates of the reservation, are non-transferrable, not for resale, and may not be refunded or canceled for any reason. 96-Hour Sale rates may not be combined with any other offer and subject to sell-out.
629 Sugar Bowl Rd.
Norden, CA 95724
