(NORTH LAKE TAHOE, California/Nevada) – Getting to North Lake Tahoe’s snowy ski slopes just got a whole lot easier.

The North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association in partnership with the Truckee/North Tahoe Transportation Management Association and Placer County, the town of Truckee and several ski resorts recently launched the region’s first-ever, area-wide Free Ski Shuttle, serving North Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner Summit. The service runs between area lodging properties to 9 different ski resorts on weekends and holiday weeks now through March 31.

“Our goal is simple,” said Chief Marketing Officer Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association. “Get visitors out of their cars by providing a seamless, hassle-free transportation alternative during the winter months.”

According to Executive Director Jan Colyer of the Truckee/North Tahoe Transportation Management Association, the program is already off to a great start.

“Ridership during the first five days of the Christmas holidays was 395,” said Colyer.

The shuttle’s flexible schedule has also led to more winter enthusiasts partaking in après ski activities and libations since the shuttle service provides drivers.

The shuttle, while greatly enhancing the North Lake Tahoe visitor experience, is also a real winner for the environment.

“Going carless helps reduce traffic congestion and thereby vehicle emissions which can deteriorate the lake’s clarity,” said Chapman. “Lake Tahoe is a fragile ecosystem and we all need to do our part to keep the region pristine.”

The Free Ski Shuttle is a pilot program with 9 participating ski resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Northstar California, Homewood Mountain Resort, Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, Boreal, Soda Springs and Royal Gorge.

In addition to the Free Ski Shuttle, a number of ski resorts offer their own free ski shuttles, such as Alpine Meadows, Palisades Tahoe, Homewood Mountain Resort, Northstar California and Diamond Peak.

The Truckee/North Tahoe Transportation Management Association also runs the Night Rider, a free service that runs until 2 a.m.; the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle during the summer months; and the year-round North Lake Tahoe Express Airport Shuttle that picks ups and delivers passengers to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. For a complete list of public transportation options, including the Free Ski Shuttle, click to www.LakeTahoeTransit.com.