Off Peak Podcast by PeakRankings

Sam and Nicole discuss the logistics, benefits, and drawbacks of their winter living in Tahoe—and highlight some noteworthy experiences.

Relevant Links:

Off Peak Podcast Episode 12: Tahoe Ski Bums

Tahoe depth map (looks even better in person)

Squaw Alpine’s Gondola Looks to Be on Track for Winter 2021. Here Are Our Initial Thoughts on the Project. 

Sam interviews three long-time Tahoe residents—who also happen to be his roommates.

Relevant Links:

Follow Dave on Instagram: @halfcabking

Sam finally drives across the country after his tumultuous first attempt.

Sam starts his road trip to Tahoe…two months earlier than expected. Along the way, he learns some valuable life lessons.

The team reconvenes from afar to dive into recently released 2020-21 operations plans from around the skiing world. Later, Sam and Nicole offer some valuable advice for those booking trips with children this season.

Note: This episode was recorded before Vail Resorts said they may remove their reservation system if proven unnecessary.

Relevant links:

Epic/Ikon: 2020-21 pricing, reservation, and COVID protection policies: https://peakrankings.com/content/epic-or-ikon-which-should-you-choose

Jackson Hole 2020-21 ops plan: https://www.peakrankings.com/content/jackson-hole-adding-bootpack-to-rendezvous-peak-details-additional-operational-plans 

Big Sky 2020-21 ops plan: https://www.peakrankings.com/content/big-sky-announces-2020-21-operating-plans-may-add-bootpack-to-lone-peak 

Killington 2020-21 ops plan: https://www.peakrankings.com/content/killington-announces-operating-plans-for-the-2020-21-season 

Arapahoe Basin 2020-21 ops plan: https://www.peakrankings.com/content/arapahoe-basin-releases-2020-21-season-details-will-not-require-reservations 

Sam and Nicole disseminate their plans to move to Lake Tahoe for the 2020-21 winter ski season.

The team highlights notable lodges and hostels from recent trips to Jackson Hole, Whistler, Killington, and other resorts.

The team discusses the PeakRankings navigation score and hones in on two particularly egregious examples. Sam gives kudos to Vail Resorts for a recent resort upgrade. Nicole, George, and Sam share what they’re drinking.

Sam and Nicole go into detail about what they learned after attending UDOT’s Little Cottonwood Canyon public access meeting this week. Later, the team discusses recently announced U.S. visa restrictions and how they may hurt the ski industry.

Relevant links:
Why Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon Gondola—Or Any Traffic Relief Project—Won’t Be Coming Anytime Soon: https://www.peakrankings.com/content/why-utahs-little-cottonwood-canyon-gondola-wont-be-coming-anytime-soon 

Cottonwood Express Proposal: https://www.dropbox.com/s/g0bjoposmk30a1g/Little%20Cottonwood%20Canyon%20-%20Boring%20Company%20tunnels%20proposal.pdf?dl=0 

Visa restriction article: https://www.fragomen.com/insights/alerts/president-trump-imposes-ban-h-1b-l-1-h-2b-and-j-1-entry-beginning-june-24 

Following her recent surgery to address the issue, Nicole details the shoulder injury she obtained while skiing two seasons ago. In addition, we discuss the wacky events that accompanied the day of the incident.