Visit California is delighted to partner with both Ski California (California Ski Industry Association) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to keep major resort roads clear and accessible for residents and tourists this 2018-19 snow season.
“Caltrans’ herculean effort to address the roads following snowfall keeps our resort areas open for business and allows for a safe and scenic drive to the mountains for travelers near and far,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “We are thrilled to showcase our winter destinations to ski, snowboard and après ski enthusiasts from around the world.”
Caltrans oversees the maintenance and operations of more than 50,000 miles of roadway on the State Highway System. The Caltrans equipment shops and maintenance yards in and around Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Kingvale have been preparing more than 250 pieces of equipment from plow trucks to rotary snow blowers to avalanche control equipment for the winter. Caltrans is pilot testing two ice breakers in its fleet this year to help travelers get to their winter destinations safely.
“Caltrans works around the clock to keep our mountain roadways clear so motorists can reach their destinations safely,” said Caltrans Director Laurie Berman. “We ask travelers to be alert and use caution to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of others.”
Ski resorts and winter sports are big business in California, with more than a $1.5 billion impact on the state’s economy, according to Ski California. California’s tourism industry and Caltrans understand the vital importance of keeping resort roads clear and supporting local businesses each year during ski season.
“Along with glorious snow that makes California a top winter destination in the world, winter can bring challenging road conditions, said Michael Reitzell, President of Ski California. “Caltrans works hard to clear the roads for visitors to make their way to our resorts, making it possible for our world-class industry to operate.”
For the most up-to-date information on road conditions and chain controls, travelers can access Caltrans’ online “Quick Map” at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
From snow surfing or building a surfing snowman, to tubing, hot-tubbing or enjoying a perfect powder day, California is home to one of the longest ski seasons in North American with the ultimate landscape for a snow adventure. To discover what it means to Catch the Winter Wave in California and start planning your next trip, check out visitcalifornia.com/catch-winter-wave. To see what’s new on the slopes this season visit media.visitcalifornia.com.
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 inspire travel to California. Travelers spent $132 billion in 2017 in California, directly supporting more than 1.1 million California jobs and $10.9 billion in state and local tax revenue. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com.