FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Ride Info
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 9-passenger, dog-friendly, four-wheel drive van equipped with ski & snowboard racks will pick you up; your ride may be shared. Please have your party and gear ready at curbside.
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 or with cash.
Where does Mountaineer operate?
Mountaineer operates in the Palisades Tahoe resort communities according to its winter operating schedule..
(1) from wherever you are in Olympic Valley to wherever you want to go within Olympic Valley.
(2) from wherever you are in Alpine Meadows to wherever you want to go within Alpine Meadows.
(3) between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, however only from 5pm-11pm.
How do I get transported between Palisades Tahoe base areas during the daytime?
To go between the two Palisades Tahoe base areas, use the Base to Base Gondola, which operates 9am-4pm daily. When conditions prohibit the Base to Base Gondola from operating, please contact Palisades Tahoe for more information.
Will my Mountaineer ride go directly to my destination or will it stop to pick up other passengers?
While some rides will go directly to the passenger's destination, 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.
Where will Mountaineer drop me off and pick me up at Palisades Tahoe ski resort?
For the Palisades base area, Mountaineer drops off and picks up at the Mountaineer Shuttle Stop on the far east side of the Village at Palisades Tahoe, near CoffeeBar. For the Alpine base area, from the Alpine Lodge "breezeway."
When should I request a Mountaineer ride?
It is recommended that during high-demand periods such as Saturdays & Sundays, 8am-10am, 3pm- 6pm, during holiday periods, and especially on powder days, request a ride 30 minutes or more prior to when you want to be picked up. Otherwise, typically request a ride 15 minutes prior to when you want to be picked up. Click for more.
Can I track when my Mountaineer 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.
Can I bring my skis or snowboard on Mountaineer?
Yes. Mountaineer vehicles are equipped with ski & snowboard racks.
Can I request an ADA Mountaineer ride?
Yes, request an ADA ride in the Mountaineer app.
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.
What if I lost or found something during a Mountaineer Ride?
If you lost something during a Mountaineer ride, please call 530-240-7439 and every effort will be made to return the item to you. If you found something, please give the item to your Mountaineer driver or call 530-240-7439.
What are Mountaineer's Health & Safety Protocols?
Click for details.
Other Free North Lake Tahoe & Truckee Transportation Options
What if I want to get free transportation to other North Lake Tahoe/Truckee locations?
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.
Account Info
How do I update my account information (phone number, name)?
Navigate to the menu in the top left corner of the app and tap your name at the top. Then tap your name, email or phone number to update it.
How do I reset my password?
Open the app and select 'Get Started.' In the password box, select 'Forgot your password?' and follow the prompts.
How do I add favorite addresses?
Navigate to the menu in the top left corner of the app and tap 'Favorites', then tap 'Set Home Address', 'Set Work Address', or create and name a new favorite. Once you have saved favorite addresses, they will appear as home screen quick options.
How do I delete my account?
Navigate to the menu in the top left corner of the app and tap your name or profile picture at the top. Then tap ‘Delete my account’ at the bottom of the page. If you would like to request your data be deleted, email support@ridewithvia.com.
General Policies
Zero Tolerance Policy
Mountaineer is powered by Downtowner, which has a strict Zero Tolerance policy. Drivers are prohibited from driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and riders are prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs inside the vehicle. We do not tolerate inappropriate, threatening or violent behavior. If you observe or believe any of the following, please ask the driver to terminate the trip immediately: your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your driver is behaving in a manner that you consider inappropriate or that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or your driver engages in conduct which could be considered unlawful or illegal. If you feel that you are in imminent danger, please contact the police directly by calling 911. After the ride has concluded, please file a report in the app or email support@ridewithvia.com.
Anti-discrimination Policy
Discrimination of any kind against passengers, their service animals, or drivers is not tolerated. This includes discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religious belief or affiliation, gender, sex, sexual identity or orientation, age, veteran status, physical, mental or other disability (actual or perceived), passenger's points of departure and destination, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. Passengers or drivers found to have violated Downtowner's anti-discrimination policy will lose access to Mountaineer. If you believe that you have been subject to discrimination by a passenger or driver, please file a report in the app or email support@ridewithvia.com.
Smoking Policy
Smoking of any kind by passengers and drivers is prohibited, including e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or smokeless cigarettes.
Food & Beverage Policy
To keep our vehicles clean and fresh, please avoid bringing food and non-acholic beverages or Mountaineer rides. If you must bring food or non-alcoholic beverages with you, please insure that all containers are airtight and leakproof.
Dog Policy
For Dog Owners:
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Dogs should be in voice command at all times
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Dogs should be on leash at all times
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Dogs should remain on the floor of the vehicle at all times
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Dogs are to be current on all vaccinations
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Owners take the responsibility and the liability of their dog’s behavior
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If the dog has a history of poor behavior, ie aggression towards people of any kind, is a puppy that is not potty trained, or any other behavior that potentially could intimidate, bother or harm a Mountaineer passenger(s) or driver, the dog owner should not travel with their dog on Mountaineer.
For Other Passengers:
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Passengers should not touch or engage with another passenger's dog while traveling in Mountaineer vehicles unless the dog owner approves it
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Passengers that touch or engage with another passenger's dog do so at their own risk
Other
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.
How do I apply to become a Mountaineer driver?
What achievements and impacts has Mountaineer had?
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.