An Institution: Sierra Ski and Cycle Works
It all started more than three decades ago when he decided to move to South Lake Tahoe, for just one winter. That one winter turned into 35 years and the beginning of a lifelong love affair with Tahoe.
Meet Gary Bell, back country pioneer and owner of Sierra Ski and Cycle Works (SSCW) in South Lake Tahoe. The big fun in the small shop since 1980. read more →
Eco-stylist Heather River of Truckee opens Bespoke
Her energy and creativity is endless. It all stems from her deep appreciation of the environment, fashion and functional art.
As a seamstress, shop owner, mother, community volunteer and artist, Heather’s tastes and talents are manifested in her latest creations and her new shop – Bespoke.
Meet Heather River, eco-stylist and entrepreneur from Truckee.
Barbara Ricotta: Master of Holistic Health
She has the magic touch. Her gentle manner and extensive medical experience has made her one of the top holistic health providers in Lake Tahoe, who specializes in craniosacral therapy and acupuncture.
Meet Barbara Ricotta, RN, MA, L.Ac. of North Lake Tahoe.
Barbara discovered holistic wellness in the mid 1980s while working as a critical care nurse. Inspired by her many clients who were seeking a higher level of health and well-being, she subsequently embarked on a career in holistic health and wellness.
Truckee Artist Recreates Historical Landmarks: Greg Zirbel
Here’s one for the birds. After 30 years, this Truckee local is back home and has brought a little something with him, amazing talent. Greg Zirbel, artist and owner of NeatTweets has taken his Tahoe Truckee High School woodshop skills, mixed them with his love of art, nature and a little historical lumber and turns out the most beautiful birdhouses you’ve ever seen.
Not just birdhouses, historical landmark replicas are his specialty. These functional master pieces are not just birdhouses, but function as feeders as well. Each one has a story of its own and are well documented which really adds to there appeal. read more →
Long Live the Real Skiers by Gary Bell
So you have your new super fat twin tip skis or that new board with rocker.
You can ride switch all day long, throw down corked threes in the big pipe, you’ve dropped the cross on Mount Tallac, won a race or two during gay week and skied Powderhouse in the full moon!
Yep pretty hot, right? Well let me tell you about two of my favorite skiers first and then we can take a vote.
Bear Boxes with Art & Soul by Bob
Bob had a great idea.
Growing up in Kings Beach you see, Bob always shared something in common with his neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bear.
Trash.
Yes, Bob loves trash.
Geoff Clarke, Sustainable Mountaineer
His obsession with backcountry skiing and adventure all started at age eight. He’d hike up Hobbit Hill in South Lake Tahoe with his dog, Sugar, and ski down.
As the adventures have grown longer and more challenging since chasing Sugar four decades ago, he’s still charging.
Meet Geoff Clarke; mountaineer, backcountry guide, photographer and green builder.
Art & Energy Unite at the Bridge with Sharon
Once you meet Sharon Freewoman you’ll never forget her.
A North Lake Tahoe local for 33 years, Sharon has made The Rainbow Bridge a favorite place to find locally made products and art.
Sharon has been a leading purveyor of community for our mountain town through her guiding wisdom and open heart.
Holiday Home Show with Mountain Gypsy – Ann Thennes Dec 9
The Holiday Home show is a collection of local artists selling their wares such as Tahoe Mountain Soap, hand carved wooden ornaments, gourd bowls, original painting and prints, fun pottery, hand knit exquisite shawls, jewelry and more. 10% of all sales go to support local charities. The event will be held at 940 Sunset Drive in South Lake Tahoe, on Sunday Dec.9. 10am to 3pm.
Your host is Ann Thennes, the Mountain Gypsy
Acquainted with the Cold by Lexa Hillyer On Sale at Bona Fide Books
Restless and exhilarating, Lexa Hillyer’s inaugural collection spins headlong into a rush of sound and image, revealing the possibilities hidden beneath a thin layer of ice or snow. Acquainted with the Cold, winner of the 2011 Melissa Lanitis Gregory Poetry Prize, begins with a seduction and ends with a call: “Barred owl, I’m ready./Convince me of eternity.” Through her poems, Hillyer invites the reader to live more fully, to delve into the wild possibilities open to us all.
Order online today at Bona Fide Books.
The Ski Bum Life by Gary Bell
Someone asked me the other day if I was a ski bum.
This was a question that had me standing there going, “huh well uh.”
More Alive Now: Simple Nutrition to Change Your Life by Susan Frailey RN BSN
Through her own life changing experiences, Susan has witnessed the profound and powerful benefits of simple nutrition for herself and her family. Now she wants to share it with you.
Susan Frailey RN BSN from South Lake Tahoe recently published her breakthrough approach to nutrition in her new book, More Alive Now: Simple Nutrition to Change Your Life.
Through her innovative nutritional tools that make sense, are easy to follow, and will last a lifetime, Susan has joined Andrew Weil and Michael Pollan as a pioneer in the art of nutrition committed to help us achieve optimal health through simple daily decisions. As a mother of an autistic child, a full time health practitioner, entrepreneur and business owner, if Susan can do it, anyone can. read more →
Tahoe Rim Trail, 3rd Edition by Tim Hauserman
Tahoe Rim Trail 3rd Edition 2012, is written by local author Tim Hauserman who has hiked the entire trail, every inch. He’s biked the open sections, has volunteered to build trail sections, and is one of the biggest advocates for the TRTA.
He’s one heck of a writer too.
An avid adventurer and explorer, Tim moved to Tahoe when he was two years old, and has since racked up countless miles along the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Sawyer Wooden Board Company
His love for Lake Tahoe and paddling naturally led to the creation of his small wooden stand up paddle board manufacturing company in South Lake Tahoe.
Meet Garrett Villanueva, co-owner of Sawyer Wooden Board Company.
Garrett and his partner Jacob Quinn, have extensive backgrounds in woodworking, sustainable building design (LEED certified), and a deep passion for surfing and stand up paddling.
Eric the Mountain Gardener: How to Winterize Your Mountain Garden
“Water seldom, but deeply. Plant bulbs now. Plant, divide and transplant perennials now to give you a huge jump on spring. Plant or transplant any trees and shrubs while the soil is still workable. Deciduous trees and shrubs put on as much as 80% of their annual root system expansion in the fall.”
This is how to prep our Tahoe gardens in the fall according to Eric Larusso, horticulturist, botanist, arborist and co-owner The Villager Nursery in Truckee.
Get your skis and boards tuned. I threw in that one 
read more →
Nancy Tieken Lopez: The Art of Nature
Nancy Tieken Lopez started art hikes when receiving her Masters of Fine Arts from San Jose State University over fifteen years ago. Nancy studies included an emphasis in bronze sculpture and installation art and lead to more ephemeral materials of earth installations with music, dance and poetry.
Hand Painted Custom Bellies by Jen Gessler
Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for the expecting mother?
What about a hand-painted custom belly.
Tahoe’s Backcountry Babe: Rosie Hackett
Known affectionately by her friends as Rosebud, she is the head instructor in Lake Tahoe for us babes, that’s Babes in the Tahoe Back-country.
We like to call her Rock Star, based on those ski moves. read more →
Pro Bike Racer opens Frame Shop in South Shore
She’s a pro mountain bike downhill racer.
And art framer.
Meet Tasa Herndon.
RearView Miracles by Heather and Hillary
When driving down the road of life, often we don’t know how good we have it, until we see it in the rear view mirror.
To help us remember the beauty of the past and the magic of the moment, Hillary Dembroff and Heather Kovac of South Lake Tahoe have created crystal hangings and jewelry charged with metaphysical and healing properties they call RearView Miracles.
Belly Dancing with Namira
“Dancing is like oxygen to me…I need it to live!”
Meet Namira. Belly dancer from South Lake Tahoe and ski pro.
Todd Offenbacher: Tahoe Adventure Film Festival Creator
He’s on a mission.
Turn every single person on to the outdoors and fitness. Period.
With his hilarious antics and positive attitude on and off the screen, Todd Offenbacher, world-class climber and Lake Tahoe TV host, embraces every day to the fullest and encourages us all to do the same. While he has taught us all not to take ourselves or life too seriously, Todd has made it his passion to remind us why we chose to live in this special place.
North Shore Ski Pioneer JT Holmes presents July 7 at Squaw
He’s more than good looking, more than big mountain slayer, more than a pro. He’s one of us; one of our Tahoe elite athletes who’s always bringing it home.
Don’t miss Squaw Valley ski legend J.T. Holmes at the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn on Saturday, July 7 at 7:00 p.m. when he shows never before seen footage from recent adventures, and discusses how he’s carved out a career skiing, base-jumping and speed flying. It’s all part of the SVI speaker series called “Adventurers in Sport and Spirit.”
Wendy Gems: Handmade Pearl, Gemstone and Sterling Silver Jewelry
Whether she is running, biking, hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, gardening, shoveling or skiing, you will find her getting outside daily to enjoy it.
Besides being a Tahoe enthusiast, Wendy is a homeschool mom, local artist and entrepreneur. She has lived in South Lake Tahoe since Spring 1999, and started Wendy Gems in 2011 — handmade jewelry designs, crafted using natural gemstones, Freshwater Pearls and Sterling Silver. Some of her favorite local businesses include Thai Orchids, Freshies, Sprouts, Nel’s Hardware, and Beads Etc. We agree! read more →
Handwoven Tapestries and Rugs by Romiti
They have been creating their handwoven award-winning tapestries and rugs for almost 40 years.
Each expressive piece is made by hand, entirely original from the fleece to the finished product.
Meet the Romitis, Judith and Lawrence, of Incline Village.
Todd Jackson: Big Blue Adventurer
Todd takes full advantage of the endless recreation and adventures located out his front door year round in North Lake Tahoe.
Whether skiing backcountry, at the resort or on the groomed skating trails in the winter, or mounting biking, hiking and sailing competitively in the Monday night Laser fleet, Jackson keeps himself active.
His passion for fitness and Lake Tahoe has also landed him at the helm of two successful businesses including Adventure Sports Week Tahoe.
Magic Mineral Salt Soap and Bath Salts made in Incline Village
Kiss the itches goodbye, and get softer skin, relax and kick that flu with this soap and bath salts made in Incline Village.
What’s the secret ingredient? Minerals from the Dead Sea, of course!
Impressionistic Quilts by Karen Colbert
Is it a Monet? No
Renoir? No
Degas? No!
It’s a Colbert.
Locally made Longboard Skateboards
Did you know…Tahoe has its own skateboard manufacturer?
Tahoe Longboards was started by Chuck Vogt in 1997 in Kings Beach. Chad Thomas, local photojournalist and woodworker, has joined Chuck as co-owner, co-fun hog, co-local entrepreneur and they have launched all new 2012 boards.
The secret to their success after 15 years going strong is unrivaled craftsmanship, and small batches of boards. The small batches allows them to maintain a tight grip on quality-control, adapt quickly and keep things fresh. (And probably go out and ride more…)
Soap (and lotions) Made in Tahoe
Tahoe Mountain Soap Company was started by long-time locals, Dave Carr and Jan Carpenter, more than a dozen years ago in South Lake Tahoe.
Their handcrafted, all vegetable soaps are blended in South Lake Tahoe and made with pure Tahoe water.
Besides being locally made, the soaps contain no alcohol, artificial colors or preservatives. And, they’re highly addictive, especially when you lather up with their natural sponges. read more →
Threads by Bruce Rettig included in PacificReview’s SHACKLED
Many of you know Bruce Rettig from his award-winning advertising campaigns and design. But did you know he’s an accomplished author?
His short story, “Threads,” was just published by PacificREVIEW, a west coast arts review annual that features works that explore identity in the context of West Coast/California culture. Guest contributors have included Ai, Alurista, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Oliver Mayer, and William T. Vollmann and now, South Lake Tahoe’s Bruce Rettig. Congrats!
Succulent Planters by Barbara Wesson
As an avid succulent collector, Barbara found it almost impossible to find suitable pots for her specimen plants.
That’s when she decided to make her own and share them with other succulent collectors (and every art lover!)
Meet Barbara Wesson of South Lake Tahoe.
The Push, A South Pole Adventure for Adaptive Athletes
It’s a first for adaptive athletes who literally pushed the limits and themselves. Grant Korgan, lead by Tal Fletcher and Doug Stoup, made it to the South Pole on January 17, 2012 on the 100-year anniversary when Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova expedition reached the earth’s most remote spot.
Did you know…Truckee has a Farm? Meet The Shaws.
Farmin’ Family – Truckee clan starts town’s first major farm
by Melissa Siig, Moonshine Ink
This article is a reprint from the Print Edition of Moonshine Ink, the Independent News Source for Truckee and North Lake Tahoe.
It was a book that changed the life of the Shaw family.
Upon the recommendation of a cousin in Berkeley, the family of five got Michael Pollan’s “Omnivore’s Dilemma,” the seminal book about America’s food culture, on audio tape and listened to it whenever they were in the car. read more →
Jamie Anderson, Slopestyle Phenom
Jamie Anderson, a South Lake Tahoe native, is easily considered one of the top female snowboarders in the world.
And she’s headed to the 2012 Winter X Games along with Sierra-at-Tahoe team riders, Hannah Teter, and Maddie Bowman. Go get em girls!
Get an Elite Feet Fit for Peak Performance
“I love my boots!” “Did I tell you…I L-O-V-E my boots!”
Boasting after every run, this non-stop declaration captured the transformation I watched unfold right in front of me. She went from a good skier to a carving maniac; fast, strong, fluid. She was back on track thanks to her custom foot beds made by Christian at Elite Feet in the Northstar Village.
Fountain Art Fair Features Tahoe Fine Artist Reds Regan To Benefit Art For Progress
Primitive contemporary fine art painter Reds Regan will be featured at the Fountain Art Fair Armory Show March 9-11 at the 69th Regiment Armory in Manhattan.
The Tahoe artist is exhibiting an original 9-foot framed painting at the Armory show which benefits Art for Progress, a non-profit organization providing creative arts education programming for under-served youth. The acrylic painting titled “Minotaur Dream” is shown here, and features a hand-sculpted frame. The piece was inspired by Greek art and mythology with a modern emphasis on beauty and the beast. read more →
Tahoe Mountain Sports Owner Dave Polivy Honored by Leave No Trace
Dave Polivy, the owner of Tahoe Mountain Sports in Kings Beach, was honored by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics nonprofit as one of its extraordinary member-activists of 2011. The honor highlights Polivy’s efforts to promote Leave No Trace principles, as well as those of 10 other member-activists from across the nation, who were selected from some 60 nominees.
Hat Couture & Wearable Art by Nancy Louise Olson
Form Follows Function is her motto.
Wearable art is her way of connecting with the natural world. Recently published in a national magazine, she has attained recognition deserving of her amazing talent.
Meet Nancy Louise Olson, multi-media fiber arts and hat couture.
Tahoe Fire Glass by Molly B
Molly B of Tahoe Fire Glass has specialized in kiln fired and porcelain jewelry since 1983.
This delicate art form requires meticulous skills and talent due to the fragility of the precious materials used in the settings.
Looks like Molly is a pro!
Bluebird Designs in Truckee
Have you ever wondered what form your silver mis-matched spoons or your metal wall hangings will take after the visit to the dump?
If they are fortunate enough to end up into the hands of Truckee metalsmith Jessica Hall, they will be worked with love and devotion as she resurrects them into a stunning piece of hand-crafted jewelry.
Meet Jessica at Truckee Thursdays June 16, 2011.
The Art of Nature by Printmaker Michelle Murdock of Quail Lane Press
Through her eco-friendly handcrafted prints and cards, she has captured the art of nature and the nature of art.
Meet Michelle Murdock, printmaker, artist and owner of Quail Lane Press in Tahoe City.
Michelle’s intention is to make relief prints about the environment that do not hurt the environment.
Marquetry Masterpieces by Tom Beebe
He’s been sharing his passion for fine woodworking and marquetry since 1973 when he moved to Truckee.
Meet Tom Beebe, master craftsman and artist.
Did you know…Truckee has a Winery?
You may have seen the little red barn along the river.
It’s the Truckee River Winery where they’ve been making wine since 1989.
The Santa Diet by Santa
Taking a leap of faith, Santa has introduced a new diet book that make love the main ingredient.
Thomas O’Connor from Lake Tahoe legally changed his name to Santa Claus and he lives and thrives spreading his gospel of love, hope and forgiveness.
Santa has gone healthy and has a new diet book. He’s slimmer and trimmer than ever and spreading his gospel of love with impeccable taste.
Read his story.
Ty Dayberry. Freeheel skier extraordin – AIR.
He started telemark skiing at age 10.
By 21, he’s taken his freeheel art to a higher level.
Handbags with Funk & Fashion by Kahlil
Local designer comes full circle, reclaiming herself in the process.
From the big city lights to mountain alpenglow, Kahlil Johnson of Riverside Studios is making her mark with her signature handbags and accessories.
After learning to make shoes in 1996, Kahlil landed a job as a shoe designer in New York City in 2001. At night, she studied handbag construction at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Upon returning from the Big Apple to the Greenest Little Mountain Town, Kahlil started her own line of signature handbags, and accessories to boot.
Can panties change the world? Ask Jenn.
Jenn thinks so.
That’s why this creative Lake Tahoe activist started Pantyline Productions.
Benefit Fund & Prayers for Dean Seppa
Long-time South Lake Tahoe resident and dear friend, Dean Seppa, passed away on December 2nd with his family by his side.
A benefit fund has been established to assist with medical expenses. If you would like to help, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo branch for the Dean Seppa Fund or online. Please leave a message for the Seppa Family at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanseppa
Dean’s family is so grateful for your positive thoughts and prayers.
Scott Williamson, Unsung Super Athlete by Tim Hauserman
Scott Williamson, Unsung Super Athlete
by Tim Hauserman
One of America’s greatest athletes lives with his wife in a small, simple apartment in Truckee. Not many people have heard of Scott Williamson. He doesn’t score touchdowns, ride his bike around France, or win gold medals in the Olympics. He walks. But to say that he walks is like saying Fred Astaire danced. Scott walks very long distances, very fast.
