Ski and Ride for $40 or less to Benefit Local Schools
It’s a no brainer.
This year you can ride at select North Lake Tahoe ski resorts for $40 or less, and cross-country centers for $15 and help Tahoe-Truckee schools. Duh. Don’t miss the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation Skiing for Schools days.
Tahoe Cross Country ($15) – Sunday through Friday, January 22-27, 2012.
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.
“Expert” an Overused term in Skiing by Gary Bell
What do you suppose would have happened to us if all that rain (yeah remember the rain?) had been snow? Bliss or agony or probably both, you know; just a little agony for short periods while you are trying to get the snow from your driveway to the top of that six foot high pile that lines the full length of your driveway.
Then the only sounds you hear are your heart pounding and the snow hissing as it passes around your knees as you float effortlessly dropping a couple thousand feet of the most pure bliss that exists on this planet! Well that rain was ugly and worrisome for a bit, but we still got our bliss anyway, right!?! read more →
Sierra Avalanche Center Discount Ski Day Feb 7-9 Heavenly
$45 skiing at Squaw and Alpine Meadows with all money going to SAC!
Free Avalanche Beacon Training at Squaw Feb 1 & Feb 15 at 5:30pm
When disaster strikes, be ready to be the one who saves your friend’s life, including your dog’s life.
Learn how to correctly and efficiently use an avalanche beacon at free monthly clinics at Squaw on the 1st and 15th of every month all winter , sponsored by the Squaw elite team – Squaw Dogs. Workshops are from 5:30-7:30pm at Ski Patrol Base in the Red Dog Complex.
Tahoe ski conditons are Heavenly
Thanks to man made snow, Heavenly, Northstar and all of the Lake Tahoe ski resort conditions are phenomenal. Although trails are limited, this is the perfect time to practice carving, hone your skills, and perhaps try something new – like telemark skiing.
After skiing and riding, jump on a bike, take a hike, get on the lake, go climbing or just stroll along one of our pristine beaches and bird-watch. Only in Tahoe.
Buddy Werner Youth Ski League at Sierra-at-Tahoe
Since 1979 adult volunteers have been teaching young skiers side by side through the Buddy Werner Youth Ski League.
Besides being loads of fun, it’s a great way to get your parents out on the slopes every Sunday at Sierra-at-Tahoe. Many of the adult volunteers today were graduates of Buddy Werner themselves, so they understand how much fun it is.
Grab your parents and go!
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!
Snow Camping 101 Excursion Feb 25-26 with the Tahoe Rim Trail
Join experienced Tahoe Rim Trail guides 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 on February 25 and 26, 2012 for just $35.
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.
Eagles and Agriculture Event Feb 24-26
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, during the 9th Annual Eagles and Agriculture Event February 24-26, 2012
Ice Skating at Tahoe
Rarely can you skate on Caples Lake. But the Xmas Valley/Kirkwood crew has been getting it all over Lake Tahoe lately.
The gang has been taking advantage of the cold temps skating at Echo, Kirkwood, Woods and Caples lakes. Truly a rare occasion in Tahoe to be able to skate in the middle of these mountain gems.
For those of you still jonesing to ice skate, head to Squaw’s High Camp, the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center, Northstar-at-Tahoe or the Heavenly Village.
Skiing with Your Dog at Lake Tahoe
While you can’t take your dog to most cross-country ski areas in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, you can take them on a few developed trails and almost anywhere else.
Here are some key spots where you can safely cross-country ski with your dog. Don’t forget the poop bag!
Tour historic estate and 1960 Olympic trails on West Shore
Take a tour through timeless Tahoe at Sugar Pine Point, one of the finest remaining natural areas in Tahoe, and relive the dreams and aspirations of Olympic athletes as you travel along the 1960 Winter Olympic XC trails.
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.
Warren Miller’s “Like There’s No Tomorrow” Dec 29 and 30
It’s the official beginning of winter for many skiers and snowboarders.
Warren Miller’s 62nd movie, Like There’s no Tomorrow, features everything from big mountain skiing, local skiers and riders from Lake Tahoe, terrain parks and lift-accessed fresh to the most exotic settings imaginable. It is the definitive solution for the snow-obsessed and it’s coming to Tahoe during our first big snow storm.
Don’t miss the FREE showing at Squaw, December 29 and 30, 2011 inside the Olympic Village Lodge at 6pm and 8:30pm.
Backcountry Vertical Challenge supports Sierra Avalanche Center
The 2011 Lake Tahoe Backcountry Vertical Challenge represents the region’s first ever free, community–wide fundraising initiative to benefit the Sierra Avalanche Center. In a quest to attain operational dollars for Lake Tahoe’s local avalanche forecasting agency, Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City has challenged the entire Tahoe backcountry community to a cumulative goal of 15 million vertical feet of human-powered uphill travel.
Every single foot of uphill travel matters, and no number is too small. Event runs November 15th through April 30, 2012.
Did you know…Kirkwood has a Cookbook?
Kirkwood is well known for skiing.
And for its local dishes?
You be the judge.
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.
Did you get your ski pass yet?
With over a dozen world-class ski resorts, Lake Tahoe has more choices than any other ski destination.
Are you ready?
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.
Learn to Ski or Board for $30 Dec 10 and 11
Now, there’s no excuse not to learn to ski or snowboard. Tickets, lessons and gear for $30.
Does it get any better?
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 →
Western SkiSport Museum boasts California Skiing Legends
Located next to Boreal ski resort is a treasure trove of California ski history.
It’s the Western SkiSport Museum.
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.
Winter Events at Cedar House
Owners Jeff and Patty Baird are alpine and Nordic skiers who also love to unwind over delicious meals. That’s why they started Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee and winter adventure events so you can learn to skate ski, cross-country ski or snowshoe.
Skiers Hall of Fame inducts Magnifienct 7 November 18
What do these locals have in common?
Alex Cushing, Lynette Davis, Shane McConkey, Tamara McKinney, Wayne Poulsen, Daron Rahlves and Franz Weber, shown here.
Tahoe mountain culture. These seven regional sports pioneers called the “Magnificent 7” are being inducted into the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition (RTWGC) International Sports Hall of Fame on November 18th at the Atlantis Casino Resort.
Taylor Creek Ablaze with Color and Wildlife
This is truly one of Lake Tahoe’s finest hours.
If you haven’t been to Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe to watch the running of the Kokanee salmon, bears fishing and birds soaring below Mount Tallac, you’re missing one of nature’s most spectacular events.
Rim to Reno Trail Building Oct 1-15
The Rim to Reno Trail System will provide more than 20 miles of new trail connecting the existing trails in the vicinity of Mount Rose and creating a new system that includes loop trails along with the connector trail to Reno.
Join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association on Saturdays and Tuesdays in October at the Mt. Rose Trailhead at 9am to help build the trail. Thanks!
Help Build new Trail in South Lake Tahoe Tuesdays and Saturdays
Join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for volunteer trail building workdays in Stateline, Nevada in South Lake Tahoe on the Daggett Summit Trail Project. Workdays are Tuesdays and Saturdays (9:00 am to 4:00 pm). Learn new skills, meet like minded trail enthusiasts, and give back to your community by joining a volunteer trail crew!
Take the Green Sierra Pledge and help Plant Trees
Environmentally conscious skiers and snowboarders can join Project: Green Sierra to become part of the solution, sponsored by Sierra-at-Tahoe.
Free Guided Hikes on the Tahoe Rim Trail in October
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile, twenty-four inch, single-track trail open to hiking, equestrians, and mountain biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. The Tahoe Rim Trail overlaps with approximately fifty miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
To introduce us to this amazing trail in our backyard (or above it), volunteer guides are hosting free hikes throughout October.
Tahoe Keepers launch Voluntary Paddle and Kayak Inspections
Protect your favorite place. Protect your favorite pastime.
Paddlers all over are joining the Tahoe Keepers stewardship community to help protect Lake Tahoe from aquatic invasive species that can ruin our pristine waters and their gear.
A new voluntary online training program will teach you how to guard against inadvertently transporting aquatic invasive species to water bodies within the Lake Tahoe Basin by self-inspecting and decontaminating your boats and gear after each use. It’s easy. It’s free. And, it matters. read more →
TAMBA Mountain Bike Events in September
The Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) is dedicated to the stewardship of sustainable, multiple-use trails and to preserving access for mountain bikers through advocacy, education and promotion of responsible trail use.
Trail work will take place on Mr. Toads Wild Ride on Saturday, September 24th starting at 10 am.
Race for Tara Downhill Benefit Sept 24-25 at Northstar
On September 24-25, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort will serve as host to the 5th Annual ‘Race for Tara,’ a benefit race weekend that is open to downhill mountain bike competitors of all abilities.
Proceeds of the Tara Llanes Classic mountain bike race will go towards the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and Christopher Reeve Foundation to find a cure for spinal cord injury.
BMX Track in South Lake Tahoe
What promotes individual achievement, builds character and social skills, increases self esteem, self discipline and determination, and is great exercise and fun for the whole family?
BMX riding!
Now there’s a track in South Lake Tahoe where you can ride and practice.
Free Public Guided Hikes in August with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Take a hike. Take a hike with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association that is.
They’re at it again, hosting FREE guided hikes every week through the end of August like their Saturday morning “Vistas, Lakes & Wildflower Hikes,” Wednesday “Wildflower Walks,” and a Full Moon Hike.
Check it out, and get outside! The wildflowers are going off. read more →
Did you know…Lake Tahoe has an Underwater State Park?
Why would anyone scuba dive in Lake Tahoe?
There’s nothing to see – right?
Wrong.
Sunrise, Birds and Sierra Beauty with Jim Woods August 8
Discover dabblers, divers and other feathered friends on an early morning walk with local birder and Lahontan Audubon Society member, Jim Woods, at Sorensen’s Resort August 8th.
See what species are coming and going during their annual migration, and what birds stick around all year.
Perseid Meteor Showers Peaking August 12
Get ready for the show! Perseid Meteor Showers will peak August 13. Since there will be a full moon, the best time for viewing is now before dawn until the morning of August 10 to have moonless skies. Before dawn is the best time of night for watching meteors, anyway, since that is when the radiant point for the Perseids is highest in the sky. Bright moonlight will drown all but the brightest meteors from view on the mornings of August 12 and 13 – the peak mornings for the Perseid meteor shower.
Concours d’Elegance Aug 12-13
Exotic wooden boats mark our nautical history in style August 13-14, 2011.
Over 80 classic woodies including Rivas, Centuries, Gar Woods and Chris Crafts from the 1920s will be on display in Carnelian Bay as part of the 39th Annual Concours d’Elegance.
Into Thin Air by David Bunker/Moonshine Ink
The air is feinting and jabbing like an angry middleweight. High above Lake Tahoe, on a rocky, juniper-studded hillside, Kevin Kuhns and Ben Mitchell are taking body blow after body blow, waiting for the wind to relax its guard, let the gloves down for a moment, and allow for a launch into Lake Tahoe’s world-renowned air.
Ta-hoe Nalu Stand-Up Paddle Festival Aug 13-14
The biggest paddle board festival on Lake Tahoe just got bigger.
The Ta-Hoe Nalu Stand-up Paddle Board Festival features two-days of races for paddle boarders of all ages and skill levels. Lakeside entertainment including food, luaus, live music and prizes will top off the races held at Kings Beach on August 13 and 14, 2011.
They’re here. PCT Thru-Hikers. What a Trip.
You’ve probably seen them lately.
Huge backpacks. Shoes dangling.
In need of a shower; a place to stay for the night.
And a glimmer in their eye that no one can possibly understand unless you’ve done it.
Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hikers. Trucking from Mexico to Canada. Talk about life changing.
Tahoe Rim Trail Youth Backcountry Camps July & August
Map and compass orienteering. Wildlife, flora and fauna identification. Astronomy.
It’s all part of the Tahoe Rim Trail youth backcountry camps held in July and August 2011at Lake Tahoe.
MTB Bike Trails TAMBA Fund Raiser at Kirkwood July 30
The July 30th, 2011 Kirkwood Mountain Classic Cross Country and Super D race presented by the Reno Wheelmen will be a fundraiser for the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA).
TAMBA was established in 1988 to have a unified voice and volunteer rider force to help keep trails open. For 23 years, TAMBA volunteers have helped to maintain and build new trails throughout Lake Tahoe and Truckee, and to educate riders about sharing trails with other users and how to ride responsibly to protect our precious resource – Lake Tahoe. It’s all about respect. Three ways – bikers, hikers and horse riders. Share the trail.
This major South Lake Tahoe mountain biking event is #4 of the Sierra Cup Regional Championship series that will be held July 30 at Kirkwood.
Women’s Backpacking 101 August 6-7
The Tahoe Rim Trail is offering a Women’s Backpacking 101 course over the weekend of August 6 to 7, starting at the Big Meadows Trailhead in South Lake Tahoe.
Led by volunteer Tahoe Rim Trail guides and experienced backpackers, Ellen Goldsmith and Sue Henson, the class will introduce the basics of backpacking, trip planning, how to pack, bear awareness, campsite selection and set up, meal preparation and Leave No Trace principles. read more →
South Tahoe Wooden Boat Classic July 29-30
Truckee Trail Updates 24/7
This is so cool.
The Truckee Trails Foundation website provides updates on the mountain bike trail, roads and bikeway conditions in North Shore and Truckee.
Each trail update includes an open status, trail type, difficulty, directions to the trail head, and a description of the trail – written by a local who knows the trail.
And, there’s even a Google Map for each dirt trail so you can pinpoint your ride. Sweet!
Free Guided Hikes on the Tahoe Rim Trail feature Wildflowers, Birds and Astronomy
You can’t beat the views, invigorating fresh air and camaraderie as you hike the famous Tahoe Rim Trail that encircles Lake Tahoe along the crest.
From wildflower and birding hikes and even a family astronomy hike, join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for free guided hikes this summer.
