COLFAX, CALIFORNIA / AGILITYPR.NEWS / December 15, 2020 / Sierra Winter Sports During COVID-19

Winter is here and along with it, snow sports. Resorts have made modifications to keep visitors safe during the coronavirus pandemic. While the outdoors is still a great place to be, planning in advance and understanding the changes made will help everyone to have a great time, responsibly.

While each resort in the Tahoe and Reno area are handling their operations a bit differently, keep these general changes in mind:

Online Reservations

Most resorts are not selling same-day on-site ski passes. Be sure to purchase your pass in advance.

Limited Numbers on the Slopes

Ski and snow play areas are reducing numbers and spreading people out to allow for social distancing. Translate: demand may exceed space available.

Outdoor and Tail Gate Dining

To avoid crowded lodges, many ski destinations are offering take-out options for outdoor and tail gate dining.

Household Members Only on Chair Lifts

Depending on where you ski or board, be prepared for household members only on chair lifts.

Private or Limited Group Lessons

Expect limited, pre-booked lessons with an emphasis on private lessons.

Contactless Lift Entry

RFID gates are being used more frequently at chair lifts. This allows contactless lift ticket entry.

Plan Ahead, Stay Over, Arrive Early

Now more than ever, getting to the snow early has great importance. If you are planning a Tahoe-Reno ski holiday this winter or early spring, plan ahead and consider adding a conservative and COVID-sensitive stop on the way.

Here's a handy winter Covid guide, courtesy of Sugar Bowl Ski Resort: https://youtu.be/NvArNVKHeVY

Historic Colfax

Colfax is a great place to get off the highway, sleepover and make fresh tracks in the early morning.

Colfax, named for 1800’s politician, Schuyler Colfax, is right next to Highway 80 with a motor lodge, bed and breakfast, air BNB farmhouse, delis, and restaurants. Get an early start from this quiet foothill town. Colfax is about 45 minutes from Boreal, Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs, Royal Gorge, and Donner Ski Ranch—with boarding, skiing, and snow play options.

Just a few miles up the Interstate from Colfax, Dutch Flat also offers a historic family/friendly hotel with multiple bedroom suites and discounts for return visits and groups. From the one-block long Dutch Flat town center, find your way to the Monte Vista Inn, a mile or so up the road...this is where the locals go for homemade food in an authentic log cabin.

Know and Go:

Be sure to check for changing policies as you consider these options.

A Sampler from Colfax Area Lodging Selections

Colfax Motor Lodge

https://www.yelp.com/biz/colfax-motor-lodge-colfax?utm_source=ishare

Stone’s Throw Farm

https://www.stonesthrowfarmca.com

Sierra Sun Cloud Inn

http://www.sierrasuncloudinn.com/

Dutch Flat Hotel

https://www.yelp.com/biz/dutch-flat-hotel-dutch-flat?utm_source=ishare

Contact Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce for further details, or drop by the Colfax Visitor Center adjacent to the Colfax Train Station and Colfax Historical Museum at 99 South Railroad Street, Colfax, CA, online at www.colfaxchamber.com, or call 530-346-8888.

Photo caption: Downtown Colfax at night and with snow photos by Alan Shuttleworth. COVID Ski guide video courtesy of Sugar Bowl Resort.