Homewood Mountain Resort has been open to the public since 1962.
We’re keeping it that way.
What is the threat to public access at Homewood?
JMA Ventures + Discovery Land Company originally planned to convert Homewood into a private residence club for the super-rich, similar to Discovery’s ski clubs in Yellowstone and Stagecoach.
Didn’t the developers agree to keep Homewood public?
Yes. Under pressure from regulators and the community, JMA and Discovery agreed to admit “anyone” to ski on the mountain, alongside members of the new Homewood Mountain and Lake Club.
Editorial cartoon (c) Mike English, published in Moonshine Ink, June 13, 2024. Used with permission.
So our work here is done, right?
Not quite. While the developers appear to be following through on their commitments to public access, and are promising to install the gondola this summer, they still have ways of reducing public access over time, as they did at Discovery’s Cordevalle club.
2011 Master Plan architectural visualization (video)
Current development on Fawn St
What are those buildings on Fawn St?
The “mountain modern” condos on Fawn Street are the first residences to be sold to club members. These buildings contradict the “classic old Tahoe” style specified in JMA’s Master Plan, which could set a precedent for the rest of the resort’s architecture.
What’s the latest?
The vibes were high. It felt good to be back on the mountain this winter.
And credit where it’s due: so far, Homewood appears to be following through on several of the commitments we’ve all been watching closely.
Major tree thinning for fire safety purposes was done over the summer.
New capital equipment has been purchased (including snowcats) to improve the skier / guest experience.
Monthly “Home Again” events at Bar 89 have been bringing our community together again, showing an investment in our community.
Season passes are on sale for the 25-26 season.
The Fawn Street condos are complete and ready for sale.
And by all accounts, the gondola installation is moving forward this summer.
Now, it’s up to Homewood Mountain Resort to continue delivering on the broader promises outlined in the Master Plan and Community Access Plan. Follow-through, transparency, and steady progress are what will rebuild trust long-term.
KHP will continue monitoring this project to ensure public access is delivered as promised.
What is our goal?
We want the public recreational access promised in the 2025 Master Plan.
Perpetual: “Smile, Homewood will always be public.”
Public access: Homewood makes good-faith efforts to welcome the public every day.
Pricing: No extreme pricing: pricing not to be used to discourage the public from visiting.
Premises: Public-facing amenities, such as the hotel and skier services, to be available to all.
Public safety: Deliver on promises to North Tahoe Fire to upgrade West Shore firefighting capability.
Penalties: Developers to report ski hill usage to TRPA monthly during the ski season + TRPA penalties for discouraging the public from visiting.
Architecture: to evoke the “Old Tahoe” look of West Shore landmarks such as Vikingsholm and the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion.
