“We are anticipating another promising season, and are excited to showcase our winter wonderland to snow enthusiasts from around the world,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “Visit California applauds Caltrans’ snow removal efforts year after year, keeping resort areas open for business and allowing a safe and scenic drive to the mountains.”
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 the Lake Tahoe area, 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. New to this year’s fleet, Caltrans is pilot testing five ice breakers that will help travelers get to their winter destinations safely.
“The men and women of Caltrans work hard to keep our mountain highways open and safe for motorists, but we rely on the public’s help and cooperation as well,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “During this winter season, we remind everyone to stay patient and attentive to ensure everyone gets to their destination safe and sound.”
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.
“Our resorts do an unbelievable job getting open through the challenges of winter, but none of it would matter without Caltrans clearing roads for guests to reach our resorts,” said Michael Reitzell, President of Ski California. “We value our partnership with Caltrans and we will continue to support their round-the-clock efforts.”
For the most up-to-date information on road conditions and chain controls, travelers can access Caltrans’ online “Quick Map,” which can be accessed by visiting 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 for your next trip, visit http://www.visitcalifornia.com/catch-winter-wave.
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. According to Visit California, spending by travelers totaled $126.3 billion in 2016 in California, generating 1.1 million jobs in the state and $10.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about Visit California, go to www.travelmattersca.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to www.media.visitcalifornia.com.
Media Contact
Kayla Woods
(916) 233-0257
kwoods@visitcalifornia.com