Norden, California- People around Tahoe were shocked to hear earlier this month that Homewood will not be operating this winter. The blame game has been going around, with the ski resort blaming locals for slowing down changes for the master plan, while locals have accused the ski resort of planning to go private. It’s a sad situation, but that doesn’t mean that the ski industry can’t make light of what was frankly an odd press release.
In order to create stoke for this upcoming winter, one of the last independent ski areas in the region made light of Homewood’s closing announcement.
Last Friday, Donner Ski Ranch released a parody press release mocking Homewood’s statement, which partially blamed local community members for its closure. Rather than announcing that they’re closing down, Donner Ski Ranch hilariously announced that thanks to the financial backing of Janet’s Pies (the co-owner and piemaker at the ski area), they’ll be able to operate this winter. If only Homewood made homemade pies…
The pies that Donner Ski Ranch is referencing are pictured below, which do make me want to spend lots of money on a flight to try them out.
Although I imagine most Homewood fans got a good laugh out of this, I could see some of them being annoyed at Donner Ski Ranch making light of the situation. Even though it is a relatively longer distance than other ski areas for those who live on the West Shore, it would be cool to see Donner Ski Ranch and other local ski areas offer discounted season passes to displaced Homewood passholders.
We heard last night from Donner Ski Ranch that they have offered displaced Homewood employees a job or free lift tickets to the ski area, which shows you the importance of truly independent ski areas.
Image Credits: Donner Ski Ranch, Homewood Mountain Resort
