TWIN BRIDGES, Calif. — Five years after the Caldor Fire swept through the Sierra Nevada and devastated much of Sierra-at-Tahoe, the historic El Dorado County ski resort is marking a major milestone: completion of its multi-year post-fire reforestation project.
The resort has planted more than 60,000 tree saplings in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the El Dorado Resource Conservation District. Approximately 40,000 of those trees were planted during the summer of 2026 alone, completing a significant phase of the mountain’s long-term environmental recovery.
The announcement comes as Sierra-at-Tahoe prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary during the 2026-27 winter season.
For residents of El Dorado County, the milestone represents more than a ski resort returning to business. It marks years of work to restore a mountain landscape that suffered extensive damage during one of the region’s most destructive wildfires.
The Caldor Fire changed the mountain
The Caldor Fire reached Sierra-at-Tahoe on Aug. 29, 2021, burning through nearly 80% of the resort’s property and damaging forestland, ski terrain, lifts and infrastructure.
The fire destroyed a maintenance building and a surface lift, while extensive tree damage altered the appearance of the mountain and surrounding landscape.
Sierra-at-Tahoe subsequently worked with federal, regional and local partners to assess damage, remove hazardous trees, restore operations and begin the difficult process of rebuilding the forest.
The resort’s recovery involved more than reopening its lifts. Restoring the mountain’s forest ecosystem required a sustained commitment that would extend well beyond the initial reopening.
Sierra-at-Tahoe’s latest announcement confirms that the multi-year planting project has reached completion, with more than 60,000 saplings now planted.
More than 60,000 trees planted
The reforestation effort was designed with both environmental recovery and future recreational use in mind.
Rather than planting trees in uniform rows, the resort arranged the saplings in clusters. According to the resort’s announcement, that approach is intended to support future tree skiing opportunities, provide greater protection from wind and help restore the mountain’s natural environment.
The work was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and El Dorado Resource Conservation District.
Although the planting project is complete, the forest itself will require considerably more time to mature. The newly planted trees represent the beginning of a long-term recovery process, not an immediate return to the mature forest that existed before the fire.
Celebrating 80 years of Sierra-at-Tahoe
The upcoming season also carries historical significance.
Sierra-at-Tahoe traces its beginnings to 1946, when brothers Ray and Floyd Barrett first operated lifts at what was then known as Sierra Ski Ranch.
Eight decades later, the resort is preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary with special events and historical displays.
General Manager and Vice President Dan Healy reflected on the milestone in the resort’s September announcement.
“Eighty years ago, this mountain started as two brothers’ dream to build a ski area on one of the snowiest points in the Sierra Nevada,” Healy said.
“Each generation since has built on that legacy, which we are excited to honor throughout the season while ushering in next chapter of this adored mountain.”
The anniversary celebrations will include an event around Dec. 21, the anniversary of the resort’s original opening, a historical photograph gallery inside Aspen Cafe and anniversary merchandise at Sierra Mountain Sports.
The resort also plans to release a short film highlighting its history, longtime employees, season passholders and its relationship with the South Lake Tahoe community.
New parking rules and technology for 2026-27
The anniversary season will bring several operational changes for visitors traveling to the mountain.
Sierra-at-Tahoe is introducing a new mobile application featuring an interactive trail map, activity leaderboards and a rewards program that allows guests to earn badges for their on-mountain activities.
The resort is also introducing a parking reservation system during weekends and holiday periods.
Under the announced program:
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Parking reservations will be free for Sierra-at-Tahoe season passholders.
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Vehicles carrying four or more people will receive free reservations.
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Vehicles with three or fewer occupants will pay $25 for a reservation.
The program is intended to encourage carpooling, reduce congestion and give visitors greater certainty that parking will be available when they arrive.
The changes are particularly relevant to El Dorado County residents traveling Highway 50 toward South Lake Tahoe, where winter weather and increased recreational traffic can create challenging travel conditions.
A familiar mountain with a new chapter ahead
Located approximately 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe off Highway 50, Sierra-at-Tahoe remains an important part of the region’s winter recreation economy.
Its recovery has involved federal agencies, local conservation partners, resort employees, businesses and visitors who have continued supporting the mountain since the fire.
The completion of the planting project marks an important achievement, but the work of restoring a forest is measured in decades rather than ski seasons.
As Sierra-at-Tahoe approaches its 80th anniversary, the resort is celebrating both its history and the progress made since the Caldor Fire.
For the surrounding community, the message is straightforward: The mountain has endured, the restoration effort has reached a major milestone, and another winter season is approaching.
Opening day and what visitors should know
The resort’s 80th anniversary season is expected to begin in early December, with Dec. 3, 2026, reported as the planned opening date by Active NorCal.
However, Sierra-at-Tahoe’s own September announcement describes opening as dependent on sufficient snowfall, typically between late November and early December. Its published website also notes that operations are weather permitting. Accordingly, Dec. 3 should be treated as a reported target rather than an unconditional opening guarantee.
Visitors can check current operating conditions, ticket information and parking requirements through the resort’s official website:
The resort is located at 1111 Sierra at Tahoe Road in Twin Bridges, California.
