SeeCalifornia.com

A setback to California’s tourist destinations and local economies they support has  been not been seen since September 11, 2001.

Destinations such as Big Bear Lake want to spread the word that they are NOT open for business and guests. Just as a beautiful, late spring snow promised perfect powder for unparalleled skiing in the high Sierras, Mt. Shasta and San Bernardino mountains, the resorts have had to turn away much needed traffic. Here is a sampling:

• Big Bear Lake: WE’LL KEEP BIG BEAR BEAUTIFUL! Short-term lodging facilities are ordered to close until the governor’s “Stay at Home” order and county order prohibiting gatherings have been rescinded. Visiting for snow play is also prohibited at this time. Please check back for updates.
• Mammoth Mountain: All Operations Suspended Until Further Notice
• Bear Valley Resort has suspended operations. No uphill access.
• South Lake Tahoe: Ski Heavenly alert: OPERATING CHANGES AMID COVID-19. RESORT CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. Vail Resorts has announced that its North American resorts and retail stores will be closed for the 2019-20 winter ski season. Dependent on the COVID-19 situation and weather conditions, Heavenly may reopen in late April/early May.
• Norden: Donner Ski Ranch Ski operations suspended. Sugar Bowl operations suspended.
• Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows: CURRENTLY CLOSED. UPHILL ACCESS IS NOT PERMITTED.
• Yosemite Badger Pass Ski Area: Yosemite National Park remains closed to park visitors until further notice.
• June Mountain: All operations suspended until further notice.
• Mt. Shasta Ski Park: WE ARE CLOSED. Due to COVID-19 and for the safety and well being of our employees, guests, vendors and community, we have suspended operations.

The state’s tourism arm is trying to help destinations with their messaging, but there’s not much they can say to alleviate the pain of closures in ski resorts’ prime season. Hundreds of thousands of residents with a passion for skiing and snowboarding are “feeling the burn,” as well.