In a disappointing announcement for winter sports enthusiasts, Homewood Mountain Resort will not open for skiing or snowboarding this season. Resort officials cited financial struggles and delays in securing approval for necessary improvements as the reasons for this decision.
"Without a clear path forward, our financial partner has withdrawn their support for this ski season," the resort stated on its website, according to KCRA. . The revision plans for the 2011 Master Plan included a more strategically placed gondola terminal to enhance the skiing experience, among other changes. But the community has seen a division over these plans, some viewing them as harmful to the quaint charm and environment of the locale.
Despite the setback, Homewood continues to extend an olive branch to its staff and the local community. "We are committed to the vision we share with the community for an enhanced, sustainable skier experience at Homewood Mountain Resort that will be available for locals and visitors alike for years to come," Homewood said in a CBS news release issued. They are working on assisting employees by finding alternative job opportunities and maintain that the proposed changes do not overhaul the original Master Plan but rather aim to restore and improve the resort.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, tasked with overseeing development and planning, has acknowledged the importance of Homewood to the region. "TRPA understands how important Homewood is to skiers and riders and the West Shore and we remain committed to keeping the community informed of the public process in the coming months," it said in response to the KCRA news.
This closure adds to the challenges for JMA Ventures, the Bay Area company managing Homewood since 2006 and leading its redevelopment. As uncertainty looms, it's clear that the slopes at Homewood will be silent this winter, leaving both officials and residents to consider the future of this cherished Tahoe destination.
