SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Sierra-at-Tahoe is on track to fully open this winter, the resort announced this week.

Remediation of trees in West Bowl, the area hardest hit by the Caldor Fire, is complete and officials expect tree falling operations to move swiftly across the rest of the resort that was largely spared from the flames.

The West Bowl being completed means the area has been assessed, hazardous trees have been cut, decked, and are being hauled to Tahoe Forest Products sawmill near Carson City with few scattered log truck loads remaining.  

“With our latest updates of trees dropping and the daily changing landscape, some may still be wondering, ‘Is Sierra really going to open this winter?’ Our answer is yes. We are on track for a full reopening of our 46-trail network this winter season,” said a statement on Sierra’s website.

Officials said it focused on the west side of the resort first since it was the most affected.

Assessments of the east side of the mountain indicate “the tree canopy and vegetation has limited to no fire damage across beloved areas such as Huckleberry Canyon.”

The resort will use helicopters near the end of September to assist with hard-to-access areas like those in Jack’s Bowl. 

“While many fire-damaged trees are being removed, the El Dorado Resource Conservation District is diligently preserving every tree possible to protect the experience of skiing among the pines we’ve come to know and love,” the statement said. “We will be sharing an updated map every few weeks to show meaningful progress towards opening day. Now let’s start praying for snow.”