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.”
North American Freeskiing Championships at Kirkwood March 3-7
Don’t miss what has arguably become one of the biggest events of the year to take place at Kirkwood.
Entering its 13th season at Kirkwood, the North American Freeskiing Championships brings some of the nation’s best big mountain skiers to take on the permanently closed terrain of The Cirque which is open only twice each year for this event and its counterpart The North Face Masters.
Kirkwood skiers, Josh “Baby J” Daiek and Craig Garbiel, will compete at their home resort, and host their fellow skiers on March 3 through 7, 2010.
Soulcycler Rick Gunn “Words and Images” at Sierra Nevada College March 3
On July 1, 2005, he started his journey from the Golden Gate Bridge. Thirty-three countries, 25,811 miles and 34 months later, he returned to South Lake Tahoe.
Rick Gunn, photographer, writer and adventurer, will present his Soulcycler bicycle journey around the world through words and images on Wednesday, March 3, at the Sierra Nevada College at 7pm. It’s free and the public is invited.
SnowFest! Arctic Paddle March 13
Of course. Leave it to a bunch of locals on this one.
To mark SnowFest! in true Tahoe fashion, the Lake Tahoe Paddleboard Association is holding a stand up and paddle race on Saturday, March 13. The race starts at 2pm so these hard core athletes can ski first.
FREE Avalanche Beacon Training at Kirkwood March 7
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
These statements are often true in the heat of an avalanche rescue op. While avalanches can be avoided by checking conditions at Sierra Avalanche Center, choosing a less risky route, or just baking cookies in your cabin, sometimes the snow hits the fan and you have to deal.
That’s why Kirkwood created Beacon Basin free of charge, and offers free Beacon Clinics the first Sunday every month.
Ability Celebration at Alpine Meadows March 16-21
In addition to the Wounded Warrior Ability Camp, Disabled Sports has scheduled a full week of skiing, snowboarding, racing, and parties called Ability Celebration held March 16 – 21 at Alpine Meadows.
Everyone is invited.
4th Annual Buckle Up Big Air for G.T.S. March 20 at Sierra-at-Tahoe
Skiers and snowboarders will unite to throw down on a custom slopestyle course in memory of Sierra Freestyle Skier, Greg Smith, and to spread Seatbelt Safety Awareness at Sierra-at-Tahoe.
Come out and enjoy the fun, competition, BBQ, great music and win great raffle prizes on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
Skiing for Schools March 20 at Sugar Bowl
This is a no brainer.
Want to ski North Shore for $25 or less, and help Tahoe-Truckee schools?
Lake Tahoe Weather
Click here for the most up to date weather in Tahoe-Truckee. read more →
Sierra Avalanche Center. Your Backcountry Lifeline. SAC 2010 Ski Days Announced!
Backcountry skiing and riding are sweet! Avalanches are not.
Don’t get caught. Check this website link and/or call the hot line at (530) 587-2158.
Hike 165 miles with Tahoe Rim Trail Angels July 24-Aug 8
Don’t miss the angel-assisted annual Thru-Hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail and help raise money for maintenance of this iconic Lake Tahoe trail.
It’s 15 days of pure bliss, or the closest you can get to it by hiking 165 miles along the crest of Lake Tahoe July 24 – August 8, 2010.
Lake Tahoe Represents at 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver
Hannah, Elena, Julia, Marco, Daron, Nate and Errol. Wyle, Tucker, Murphy and Rasco.
Congratulations to our local Lake Tahoe and Truckee athletes who will compete in the 2010 Winter Olympics at Vancouver February 12 through February 28, 2010.
Ski-Cross Competitions with Daron Rahlves at Sugar Bowl February 1-3, 2010
Sugar Bowl will host two sanctioned U.S. Skiing FIS Nor-Am Cup ski-cross competitions February 1-3, 2010.
Top-level competitors from around the world will race the new ski-cross course on the Tunnel 41 trail, including locals Daron Rahlves and Errol Kerr who will battle it out on their own home turf before they meet again in Vancouver on February 21.
Nate Holland of Squaw to compete in Snowboard Cross at 2010 Winter Olympics
Inspired by early snowboard movies with Sean Farmer hucking himself off the Fingers of KT-22, Nate Holland moved to Squaw Valley in 1999.
Eleven years later, Nate is headed to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver once again to compete in the Snowboard Cross.
Way to go Nate!
Jamaica Ski Team rooted at Alpine Meadows
They may have just one member, but the Jamaica Ski Team (Errol Kerr that is) has made Alpine Meadows its training grounds for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, February 12 – 28, 2010.
Errol Kerr, 23, has taken the ski cross world by storm and has officially qualified for the Winter Games.
Hannah and Elena to compete in Halfpipe at 2010 Winter Olympics
Hannah Teter representing Sierra-at-Tahoe and Elena Hight riding for Northstar-at-Tahoe are headed to Vancouver to compete in the 2010 Winter Games February 12-28, 2010. They’ll be competing against each other in the Halfpipe event.
But first, they will show their stuff at the Winter X Games held January 28-31 in Aspen.
Way to go ladies!
The North Face Masters at Kirkwood Feb 25-27 with Rose
She won the Women’s North Face Masters event at Kirkwood in 2009, and is back to defend her crown in The Cirque on February 25 through 27, 2010.
Rose Daiek of South Lake Tahoe is the lady to watch and to beat.
Intro to Biathlon Clinic Feb 26 at Northstar
Northstar-at-Tahoe has opened the only permanent biathlon range on the West Coast and is offering training and competition clinics.
Glenn Jobe, U.S. Olympic biathlete and Far West Nordic coach, is in charge and has set up private lessons and clinics for small groups to learn and compete in this historic ultimate ski-endurance sport. read more →
Mt. Rose Chutes Challenge Feb 27
Test your big mountain riding in the legendary Chutes at Mt. Rose on Saturday, February 27, 2010 starting at 11am.
Tahoe Nordic Search And Rescue
It sends chills up your spine.
A person lost in a blizzard. Or worse – a child. Luckily we have some of the most experienced and dedicated, hard core rescuers in the Sierra.
Tahoe Nordic Search And Rescue.
1960 Olympic Winter Games Museum
On Thursday, February 18, 1960, under storm-threatening skies, the greatest winter athletes in the world gathered in Squaw Valley.
It was the beginning of the VIII Olympic Winter Games and many notable events and achievements like Carol Heiss pictured here who won a Gold Medal in Women’s Figure Skating.
Heavenly Tubing Hill gets High Marks
As if the mountain isn’t fun enough, Heavenly added a tubing hill. It has 5 buffed lanes, each over 500 feet long with a 65-foot vertical drop.
And, in usual Heavenly fashion, it is meticulously maintained and groomed to perfection for tubing aficionados.
Impressed by the size of it, I just had to try it even though the skiing was superb.
8th Annual Eagles and Agriculture Event Feb 19-21
You know you’ve seen them. Eagles and birds of prey flock to the Carson Valley to feast.
It’s a bird lover’s paradise, and you can win $125 prize each for best birding and best agricultural/wildlife photo during the 8th Annual Eagles and Agriculture Event February 19-21, 2010.
First Tracks in West Bowl: Saturdays at Sierra-at-Tahoe
Famous for stormy powder days and perfect corduroy runs, now Sierra-at-Tahoe is giving you one more reason to brag.
First tracks in West Bowl on Saturdays + a continental breakfast before the rest of the Universe gets there!
I’m in.
Olympic Heritage Celebration Jan 8-17
The Olympic Heritage Celebration is a 10-day festival of re-enacted events, sporting competitions on snow and ice, and recognition of legendary and current Olympians. Events and programs for all ages will be held at venues at Squaw Valley USA, on the West Shore and around North Lake Tahoe from January 8-17, 2010.
It all begins with a commemorative Olympic Torch Relay on Friday, January 8, starting at 9am from Sugar Pine Point.
Ski Like a Girl. Ingrid Backstrom of North Lake Tahoe.
She defines the phrase “ski like a girl.”
But this is no ordinary girl. Or skier.
North Lake Tahoe pro freeskier Ingrid Backstrom.
Blue Angels Ski Club at Heavenly
It was Heavenly’s first alpine ski racing club dating back to 1957.
Today, it’s been reincarnated as the Heavenly Ski & Snowboard Foundation. The Blue Angels Ski Club.
Carpool to Kirkwood and Help Keep Tahoe Cool!
Who said ski resorts don’t care.
Most of the Lake Tahoe ski resorts have launched ride sharing programs to reduce emissions including Kirkwood’s K-Pool.
Exposed Ski Lines caught in Squallywood Book by Robb Gaffney
If you liked the 1st edition, you’ll love the 2nd.
Squallywood
A Guide to Squaw Valley’s Most Exposed Lines by Robb Gaffney, MD.
Happy Winter Solstice! Lake Tahoe is ON!
It’s official. Winter started at 9:47 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2009 PST.
It appears Lake Tahoe and Truckee locals have been very good since the ski season is in full force.
With over a dozen world-class ski resorts, Lake Tahoe has more choices than any other ski destination. Are you ready? 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 just won the women’s snowboard slopestyle final at the first stop of the 2009-2010 Winter Dew Tour in Breckenridge, earning a 92.00 in the final, the highest score earned in a women’s snowboard slopestyle event in the history of the Winter Dew Tour. Anderson threw out a backside 180, a switch back 540 and a backside tailslide on the rainbow rail.
Getting Lost in a Winter Wonderland by Robert Frohlich
Upon arriving to the Lost Trail Lodge, the first person to greet you isn’t a person at all, but a Great Pyranees named Opie. The giant yet gentle dog’s immediate friendship is a hearty welcome within the wilderness setting and creates an easy, relaxed tone for one of snow season’s most unique getaways.
“I named this place Lost Trail because people are always getting lost off the backside of Sugar Bowl or along the Pacific Crest Trail and somehow end up here,” explains David Robertson, owner and operator of the wilderness outpost.
NEW Sleds donated to Sierra Avalanche Center by Thin Air Moto in Truckee
With 13 avalanche fatalities in the United States in 2009, awareness and safety precautions while traveling in the backcountry are extremely important.
The Sierra Avalanche Center received quite the gift this holiday when two brand new 2010 Polaris 800 Dragon snowmobiles (valued at over $20,000) were donated, once again, for use during the 2009/10-winter season. read more →
Ski and Watch Movies with Jonny Moseley at Squaw December 26-January 2
Ski with Olympic Gold Medalist, Jonny Moseley December 26 thru January 2, 2010 at Squaw Valley USA at 1pm.
And, don’t miss watching The Incredibles with Jonny on December 30 at 6pm. It’s all free.
Did you know…Kirkwood has a Cookbook?
Kirkwood is well known for skiing.
And for its local dishes?
You be the judge.
Skiing Legend Daron Rahlves Becomes Restaurateur in Truckee
Daron Rahlves, the most decorated American Downhill and Super G skier in history, has a number of passions, with skiing and food are at the top of his list. So it’s logical that Rahlves recently joined the ownership team of Moody’s Bistro & Lounge, an acclaimed restaurant in Truckee, one of the most popular ski towns in America.
Teters and Anderson looking towards 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver
Sierra-at-Tahoe’s Elite Team wants to represent U.S. snowboarding at Vancouver.
With the 2010 Winter Games just a few short months away, Olympic hopefuls Hannah Teter and Elijah Teter from Sierra-at-Tahoe are looking toward the U.S. Grand Prix qualifying events in December with high expectations of landing a spot on the U.S. Olympic Snowboarding Team.
Snow Camping 101 Excursions, Jan 16-17 & Feb 27-28 with the Tahoe Rim Trail
Join two experienced Tahoe Rim Trail guides (Jordan Summers and Wayne McClelland) and staff, on an overnight excursion and day trip designed to share the joys of winter camping and exploration in the backcountry overlooking Lake Tahoe with an emphasis on safety, comfort, and fun.
Pick from two winter overnight trips on January 16-17 and February 27-28, 2010. And they’re free!
They want You…to wear their clothing.
Although you may not be qualified to join this local army, you can at least look like one of them.
The Southshore Soldiers have started a clothing line. read more →
Get “In the Mood” for Winter and help Tahoe Forest Cancer Center Dec 3
Action snowsport photography and video from around the world highlight the 14th annual “In The Mood” benefit for the Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, Thursday, December 3rd, at Resort at Squaw Creek.
“After all these years the event has grown from a cozy crowd to attracting over 600 people,” says Robert “Fro” Frohlich, President of Snowtribe Productions, a cancer patient, and co-organizer along with Hank deVre for the charitable evening. “It’s a fun party, a celebration of the coming of winter, and a great way to give back to the community.”
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream named after Tahoe Pro Snowboarder Hannah Teter
Slide over Wheaties.
To commemorate her ongoing humanitarian efforts in Africa, Ben & Jerry’s has honored fellow Vermont native and gold medalist snowboarder Hannah Teter with its newest flavor, Maple Blondie.
It is the first flavor created for an athlete by the company.
As part of Ben & Jerry’s social mission, a portion of the ice cream sales will benefit Hannah’s Gold, Teter’s charity that funds various projects in Kenya.
Tahoe’s Wind Powered Ski Resorts
Running a ski resort takes a lot of energy. Lifts, snow making, lights, etc. Just so we can have fun and be comfortable.
But electricity causes pollution, right? Not if you tap into the wind like some of our ski resorts. read more →
Warren Miller’s “Dynasty” Dec 3 and 5 at Montbleu
It’s the official beginning of winter for many skiers.
Going to the new Warren Miller movie, that’s what! Dynasty is the 60th WM movie and features lots of footage shot at Lake Tahoe and around the globe.
Two shows take place at Montbleu in South Lake Tahoe on December 3 and 5, 2009.
Coogan Kelly Memorial Rail Jam @ Squaw December 11
His friends say he was one of the most naturally talented and well-rounded snowboarders of all time.
His gentle spirit and love of riding is being honored at the 3rd annual Coogan Kelly Memorial Rail Jam at Squaw Valley USA on December 11, 2009.
Hey Beginners! Learn to Ski or Board for $25 – Dec 12&13 on North Shore
Now, there’s no excuse not to learn to ski or snowboard. Tickets, lessons and gear for $25.
Does it get any better? Yep – the daily deal is good at nine North Shore resorts.
Winter Survival Workshop with TNSRT @ Sorensen’s Dec 12
Hopefully, you’ll never need to know what to do if you get lost out in a Sierra winter. But it’s better to know what to do just in case.
Members of the nonprofit, all-volunteer Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team (TNSRT) will lead an easy snowshoe and cross-country ski trek to cover planning and preparation, proper dress and equipment, emergency shelters, etc on December 12 at Sorensen’s in Hope Valley.
Star Parties & Galilean Telescopes Dec 12 & 13
Galileo’s Dream was for everyone to own and/or look through one of his telescopes to see the wonders in the heavens that he saw.
Now, you can be part of the dream and celebrate the Galilean Telescope’s 400th anniversary with a star party at Sand Harbor State Park on December 12 and 13 provided by Space Science for Schools in Incline Village.
18th Annual Snow Gods Ball, Dec 19 @ Squaw
It’s the annual tribute to the Snow Gods and a benefit for the Squaw Valley Avalanche Awareness Education Fund.
The benefit ball features live music by Orgone, door prizes, raffle prizes, silent auction items, and of course – a tribute to Ullr and the other snow gods. It all starts at 8pm at the Plaza Bar at Squaw on Saturday, December 19.
Northstar Lifts & Ice Skating Open Nov 21
Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort and its Ice Skating Rink opens on Saturday, November 21st. Access to the ice skating rink is always free, and skate rentals are just $5.
Heavenly opens November 21
With the strength of the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system, Heavenly Mountain Resort will open for skiing and snowboarding on Saturday, November 21, 2009, weather permitting, at 9am with almost 40 acres of available terrain accessed by the Heavenly Gondola, Tamarack Express and Dipper Express Chairlifts.
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