BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS

Backcountry safety starts with you: Pay attention at all times. Here is what you need to know before venturing outside the ski area boundary.

Sugar Bowl, in conjunction with the USFS maintains an open boundary policy. The area beyond the ski area boundary is in its natural state and entering the backcountry involves significant risks including those posed by deep snow, avalanches, steep terrain, cliffs, cornices and other terrain variations. We do not regularly perform avalanche mitigation or ski patrol support beyond our boundary and take no additional measures to mitigate the hazards to which skiers/boarders might be exposed. Persons skiing or riding beyond the ski area boundary assume all risks inherent in the backcountry. Before you leave the ski area boundary, please take the time to educate yourself about the backcountry.

For detailed backcountry access educational resources and the current backcountry report for the North Tahoe region visit the Sierra Avalanche Center website.

Always stay within sight and voice with a partner while skiing/riding in the backcountry. Only access the backcountry through the following Backcountry Gates, only when designated as “OPEN”. Refer to the resort trail map for these specific gate locations:

A. Flower Ridge	D. Judah Bowl #2	G.  Anderson's
B. Tower	E. Roller	H. Patrol
C.  Judah Bowl #1	F. Crest

View Avalanche Advisory

We are happy to allow backcountry access from Sugar Bowl Resort but want to ensure all participants are respectful of the surrounding community. When traveling in the backcountry please be aware of local ordinances including resort boundary entry and exit regulations, the private property rights of others in adjacent areas, trespassing laws, and local parking restrictions.

Uphill use of the resort and its surrounding areas by means of skinning have gained popularity at Sugar Bowl. Skiers and riders must review, agree to and sign the Uphill Use Policy before traveling uphill at Sugar Bowl Resort, and abide by the rules and regulations established by Sugar Bowl and USFS when accessing the resort both during and after operating hours.

Uphill travel is available to season passholders, Uphill passholders and those who purchase an uphill day ticket. Participants may purchase an Uphill Only season pass online. At that time you will review and complete the Uphill Use Policy. Uphill day tickets must be purchased at the ticket window at which time the police will be signed.
Download & Print Uphill Use Policy

Pricing:

$249  Uphill Season Pass (No lift access)

$49  Uphill Day Ticket (No lift access) - (Available at Ticket Window Only)

At Sugar Bowl Resort we strive to deliver a safe and enjoyable resort experience, and we appreciate your attention and cooperation! For daily uphill status call (530) 426-6775.

 

Up-and-Out Backcountry Access:

We also offer an Up-and-Out ticket for those who want to access the backcountry but would prefer to skip the first skin up. Up-and-Out tickets are only available for purchase at the Judah Ticket windows which open at 8:00am. Up-and-Out tickets will not be available for purchase if backcountry gates are closed by Ski Patrol due to conditions.

$44  Single-Scan Up-and-Out Ticket - This ticket is only valid for one gate scan, use it wisely. Suggested lift would be Mt. Judah Express.

$61  Two-Scan Up-and-Out Ticket - This ticket is valid for two gates scans. This allows the user to ride Jerome Hill Express to Mt. Lincoln Express, or two laps on Mt. Judah Express.