Homewood's Master Plan

BY MATTHEW B. BROWN

A rendering of the planned hotel at the base of Homewood Mountain Resort.
Below is a rendering of the planned mid-mountain lodge.

At a recent media familiarization tour I attended on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, I learned some truths that have given me new insight into the offerings on this side of the famous lake:

• Big things are being planned for historic Homewood Mountain Resort, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011.
• The current offerings at Homewood should not be discounted, including incredible views of Lake Tahoe from many of the resort's ski runs and great deals on lift tickets compared to other area resorts.
• West Shore Cafe and Inn is a cozy, affordable retreat for someone looking for more of a throwback Lake Tahoe experience.

Homewood Looks to the Future

Aiming for a blend of history—Homewood's roots can be traced to 1961—and modern green-building practices, the quaint mountain resort will undergo a bold transformation in the next few years.

The Homewood Mountain Resort Master Plan includes a new amphitheater, 75-room boutique hotel, and mid-mountain lodge, which will compete with other resorts and villages that have renovated in the last decade around the lake. For more information about the master plan, call 530-582-6085, visit skihomewood.com/masterplan, or e-mail masterplan@skihomewood.com. 

Homewood Today

I was pleased to learn, given the seemingly annual rising costs of lift tickets at Reno-Tahoe resorts, Homewood offers adult tickets from $44 in addition to new conveniences, technology, and family-focused ski and snowboard programs.

The 'Homewood Guarantee' ensures that every chair lift remains open during the current ski season (weather and conditions permitting). Popular lifts such as Old Homewood Express and Quail and Ellis triple chairs offer access to some of the region’s most popular powder bowls, gladed slopes, and groomed trails—each with views of the lake that rival any area resort. 


Homewood Mountain Resort offers stellar views
of Lake Tahoe.

Also, guests have a new way to interact with the mountain via their smartphones. With Homewood’s mobile app, guests can locate themselves on the trail map, find their friends on the mountain, view current weather forecasts and grooming information, and easily and quickly share content via social media. Additionally, guests can order yummy Homeward Bound Paninis to-go from any smartphone. Visit skihomewood.com/paninis.

I was relieved, after a day of snowboarding myself, to be introduced to the new Big Blue View Bar. Sipping a beverage to the beats of a mid-mountain DJ while meeting some of the Homewood staff was a perfect conclusion to a great day of boarding.


The list of new and improved does not stop there. The resort also offers high-definition streaming web cams—part of explore.org’s Pearls of the Planet initiative—season passes that are valid every day including holidays, a Homewood Family Pass for $599, and a Burton Learn to Ride center, among other things.

Stay at West Shore Café and Inn

The media fam also included two nights lodging and two dinners at the homey waterfront West Shore Café and Inn, right across the street from Homewood. I was able to stay one night and partake in one group dinner, and came away with nothing but pleasant memories. The lodge is only two stories, but the first floor contains a popular restaurant and great views of Lake Tahoe. Take it from me, the food is complimentary to the magnificent views.



Skiers and boarders can take advantage of the Peak to Shore Package, which includes lodging at the West Shore Café and Inn as well as access to the lifts at Homewood. The packages start at $299 per night and are available through May 2013. Each night reserved includes two Homewood lift tickets—valid any day including holidays—complimentary breakfast, car valet, and shuttle service to and from nearby destinations.

Prior to this media fam, I hadn't spent a lot of time on the west shore. That's definitely going to change after my recent visit. If you haven't explored the west side of Lake Tahoe recently, or ever, do yourself a favor and plan a trip soon.