“There’s never been a better time to enjoy the state’s winter wonderland, whether that’s gliding down the slopes, ice skating or enjoying a cozy après ski retreat,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “The travel industry’s collaboration with key agencies ensures visitors can reach their winter getaways safely and with quick, reliable travel information.”
Visit California, Ski California, CalSTA, Caltrans and CHP meet at the start of every snow season to develop a multi-industry approach to safe, snow travel. The organizations remain steadfast in improving safe travel as snowfall blankets roads across the state.
Snow season has already begun in the Sierra, with mountain resorts opening earlier than expected and reporting robust visitation. Families, in particular, are returning to the slopes and other snow areas in greater numbers.
CalSTA, the state agency responsible for overseeing and managing the largest and most complex transportation system in the nation, has taken steps to prepare for winter conditions. Transportation officials throughout mountain areas are meeting with resorts and local officials to better coordinate responses to winter driving challenges.
“California’s winter destinations are the envy of the world, and CalSTA and our departments are working in unison so Californians and visitors from all over the globe are able to get to them safely,” said CalSTA Secretary Toks Omishakin. “Please heed the advice of Caltrans and CHP by giving yourself plenty of time and check road conditions at quickmap.dot.ca.gov before you go.”
Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California's highway and freeway lanes and has implemented new technologies and innovations to improve snow travel. Caltrans will step up use of “pusher trucks” to help clear highways of jack-knifed or disabled big rigs – a program begun more than a decade ago in partnership with the California Trucking Association.
The Caltrans QuickMap app allows drivers to automatically receive real-time notifications about nearby road closures, emergencies and other traffic updates.
Moreover, the agency will work with local law enforcement to keep motorists from evading chain controls by taking unplowed local roads, a maneuver that can create dangerous situations.
“Safety is always Caltrans’ top priority,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “We urge drivers to always be prepared for unpredictable winter weather as they head up the mountains.”
Reminding all travelers to put safety first and follow the rules of the road while traveling California’s roadways remains a top priority for CHP. The enforcement agency encourages snow travelers to plan ahead, charge batteries and fill tanks, buckle up and avoid distractions.
“The CHP will be out on California’s roadways while visitors travel to the state’s alpine destinations,” Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Our goal is the same as yours – to ensure you arrive safely at your destination.”
California is home to one of the longest ski seasons in North America with the ultimate landscape for snow adventures. Destinations and resorts across the state boast new offerings this season from new lifts and trails to contactless lift access, new lodging and restaurants and the return of signature winter events.
"California’s mountain resorts are rolling out the white carpet for guests this year,” said Mike Reitzell, president and CEO of Ski California. “We want our guests to have a great experience on and off the slopes.”
Ski California and its member resorts released a new, digital Mountain Safety Guide this year that gives visitors a common set of safety guidelines used for resorts in California and Nevada.
Meanwhile, Visit California continues to spread the word across its websites and social media networks, reaching millions of followers, about mountain safety, information related to travel in California and new offerings in alpine destinations.
For the most up-to-date information on road conditions and chain controls, travelers can access Caltrans’ online “Quick Map” at quickmap.dot.ca.gov. Travelers are encouraged to consult the CHP and Caltrans’ social media accounts, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, in snow areas for details that may impact their trip. To find a local CHP Area office, go to www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office.
For mountain safety, resort info and more, go to skicalifornia.org.
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ABOUT VISIT CALIFORNIA:
Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to visitcalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com.
Media Contact:
Ryan Becker, Visit California
(916) 505-2842
rbecker@visitcalifornia.com
California Tourism Industry Leaders and State Agencies Partner to Promote Safe Travel During 2022-23 Snow Season
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2022) – As travelers return to mountain destinations across the state this snow season, Visit California, Ski California and key state agencies – the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) – are partnering to keep major roads clear and promote traveler safety.
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