What happens when a local ski venue at Lake Tahoe closes? What happens to skiers who can't afford other, as corporate ski resorts raise prices, again? Locals and visitors suffer mightily. This week the owners of Homewood Ski Resort announced abruptly that the slopes at Homewood would not be open for the '24-25 ski season. They claim that a cash loan necessary for operations is not forthcoming and money is not available to fund necessary startup costs(labor, equipment, and maintenance).
This move opens another chapter in the ongoing saga of the site that Placer County, El Dorado County, and TRPA has approved for a village constructed of homes, condos, and commercial properties. No action has been started here, yet. Wary lenders and weary San Francisco owners have been twiddling their thumbs while keeping eyes on the weather and climate. In addition, the economy has also played a large role as Covid-19 rippled through the State, public gatherings were determined to be "unsafe". Now owners can point to the uncertainties surrounding the 2024 presidential election with a Mad Man facing off with a respected Democrat. Who wins and who loses will make a difference for skiers and resort owners.
Meanwhile, the West Shore, aka The Best Shore, awaits the outcome of this blatant attempt to blackmail Placer County, et al, into a decision sooner rather than later. West Shore property owners, business owners, and visitors and vacationers all play into the questions. Make a reservation or not? Buy a pass for Palisades Resort, or leave the snowboard in the closet until next year? No snow has fallen in the north Sierra yet, but it could happen anytime in October(none in the forecast). Mechanics are stirring with their tools and machines, waiting in the wings for winter's opening moves. Aren't we all? The Mayor was in Wyoming last week and experienced glorious conditions on the Snake River, now at a yearly low level. The Rockies are waiting and the Teton Mountains are grey granite colored-no powdered sugar on top of Grand Teton. Maybe within the month, conditions will change.
Off shore winds are predicted for northern California and PG&E has warned of power outages in event of winds that could down power lines of the grid. We'll see.
Wax your skis and boards, watch the skies for the first cyclonic storm. Soon to come.
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