FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Mountaineer?
Mountaineer is an on-demand, app-based microtransit service available to residents and guests of Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows that began in December 2018. The service is offered seasonally in the winter and is available at no cost to passengers.
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When does Mountaineer operate?
Mountaineer operates in the winter months, typically from mid-December to mid-April. Mountaineer's operating schedule is announced by September. During Mountaineer's offseason, no services of any kind are available.
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How do I use Mountaineer?
Download the free Mountaineer app and use it to request a ride from any Olympic Valley or Alpine Meadows location when Mountaineer is operating. After a short wait indicated in the app, a dog-friendly, 10-person, 4WD sprinter-type van equipped with ski & snowboard racks will pick you up. Please have your party ready at curbside. View Dog Policy.
How much does Mountaineer cost?
Mountaineer is free to passengers. Mountaineer driver tipping is completely optional and can be paid through the app or with cash.
Where will Mountaineer take me?
Mountaineer will transport you from wherever you are in Olympic Valley to wherever you want to go within Olympic Valley and Mountaineer will transport you from wherever you are in Alpine Meadows to wherever you want to go within Alpine Meadows. Mountaineer will also transport you between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows in the evenings.
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Where will Mountaineer drop me off and pick me up at Palisades Tahoe ski resort?
Mountaineer drops off and picks up across from CoffeeBar in the Village at Palisades Tahoe and from the Alpine Meadows breezeway.
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What wait times should I expect (from the time I request a ride to the time the van arrives at my pickup location)?
You can typically expect to be picked up in less than 15 minutes. However, 30 minute or longer wait times are possible from 8am - 10am and 3-pm - 6pm, especially on weekends, during holiday periods, and on powder days.
Can I track in the app when my ride will arrive at my pickup location?
Yes, after requesting a ride, you will be able to track in the app your wait time and see your driver once they are on the way to your pickup location. Please have your party ready at curbside when your driver is scheduled to arrive at your pickup location.
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What if I want to be transported between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows base areas?
The Palisades Tahoe Base to Base Gondola transports you between the two base areas daily, 9am to 4pm, when both are open for winter operations, conditions/weather permitting. The Palisades Tahoe Express Shuttle transports you between the two base areas daily, 8:30am to 4pm, when both are open for winter operations. Mountaineer will also transport you between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows in the evenings.
What if I want to get to other North Lake Tahoe/Truckee locations without a car?
Use Tahoe Area Regional Transportation (TART) for free bus service to Truckee and North Lake Tahoe destinations and use Mountaineer to get a ride to TART bus stops in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Download the TART Connect App for free, on-demand service from Olympic Valley to Tahoe City and River Ranch to Tahoe City. Once in Tahoe City use the TART Connect app for on-demand service or the TART bus to get to additional North Lake Tahoe and Truckee locations. Click for operating schedule.
Will Mountaineer go directly to my destination or will it stop to pick up other people?
Passengers should expect to ride share with others. More passengers per Mountaineer van means fewer cars on the road, reduced traffic congestion and increased environmental benefits.
What are Mountaineer's Health & Safety Protocols?
Click for details.
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How many Mountaineer vehicles will be in service?
Thirteen vehicles, each with seating for 9 passengers, will be in service during the operating season. One vehicle is ADA friendly, and all vehicles are dog-friendly.
Can I bring my skis or snowboard on Mountaineer?
Yes. Mountaineer vehicles are equipped with ski & snowboard racks.
Is the Mountaineer ADA vehicle specific to Olympic Valley?
No. The ADA vehicle can be requested from Olympic Valley or Alpine Meadows.
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Can Children under eight use Mountaineer?
Children under eight years old are required by California law to be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of a vehicle. The car seat or booster seat is provided by the child's parent or guardian.
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Does Mountaineer help the environment?
Yes. Because more than 57% of Mountaineer rides are shared, it removes cars from the road and reduces vehicle miles traveled (VMT). View environmental stats.
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How can I apply to become a Mountaineer driver?