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 when the demand for Palisades Tahoe's winter offerings and traffic congestion within the Palisades Tahoe resort community are at the peak; click for Mountaineer's schedule.
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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 during Mountaineer operating schedule. 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 and gear ready at curbside. View Dog Policy.
How much does Mountaineer cost?
Mountaineer is free to passengers. Drivers earn a competitive wage and tips are completely optional. Passengers that choose to tip can do so through the Mountaineer app, with cash, or using driver Venmo account upon request.
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. 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 Lodge "breezeway."
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What ride request wait times should I expect?
You can typically expect to be picked up in less than 15 minutes during low demand periods and in 30 minute or more during high demand periods such as Saturdays + Sundays, 8am-10am, 3pm- 6pm, during holiday periods, and especially on powder days. Click for more.
Can I track 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 and gear ready at curbside when your driver is scheduled to arrive.
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How do I get transported between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows base areas during the daytime?
To go between the two Palisades Tahoe base areas during the daytime, use the Base to Base Gondola daily 9am-4pm. When conditions prohibit the Base to Base Gondola from operating, use the Resort Shuttle. Contact Palisades Tahoe for more information.
What if I want to get to other North Lake Tahoe/Truckee locations without a car?
Use Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transportation (TART) for free bus service to Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. Use Mountaineer to get to TART bus stops in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows.
What is TART Connect and can I use it between Olympic Valley or River Ranch to get to Tahoe City?
TART Connect App is just like Mountaineer and operates throughout North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Use TART Connect based on its operating schedule, to get from Olympic Valley to Tahoe City or River Ranch to Tahoe City. Once in Tahoe City, use the TART bus system and/or TART Connect from there.
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?
Up to fifteen vehicles, each with seating for 9 passengers, will be in service during Mountaineer's operating season based on demand. 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.
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Does Mountaineer have a Lost & Found?
Yes, call 530-240-7439 if you lost or found something when being transported by a Mountaineer.
Is the Mountaineer ADA vehicle specific to Olympic Valley?
No. The ADA vehicle can be requested for transport in 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 to be provided by the child's parent or guardian when a child under eight is using Mountaineer.
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Does Mountaineer help the environment?
Yes. Because nearly 60% 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 do I apply to become a Mountaineer driver?
What achievements and impacts has Mountaineer had?
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Can Mountaineer be chartered for events?
Mountaineer does not operate outside of its winter operating schedule and its vehicles and drivers are not available for charter. Palisades Tahoe runs a charter service in the summer; view here.