Rahlves’ Banzai Tour starts Feb 11 at Kirkwood
This winter, big mountain freeride action meets ski and boarder-cross strategy in a mad-dash race for a $80,000 during the “Rahlves’ Banzai Tour”.
Daron Rahlves, four-time Olympian, World Champion and Truckee local, has refined this classic race that started at Sugar Bowl to include four resorts. The first race takes place at Kirkwood, February 11 and 12, 2012. Don’t miss it.
Ski and Ride to Benefit Local Schools March 24-30 at Sugar Bowl
It’s a no brainer.
This year you can ride at select North Lake Tahoe ski resorts and cross-country centers with discount tickets and help Tahoe-Truckee schools. Duh. Don’t miss the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation Skiing for Schools Days at Sugar Bowl Saturday through Friday, March 24-30, 2012 for only $35!
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 Ski Days
$50 skiing at Heavenly 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!
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.
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.
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.
Kirkwood Offers Private Resort-Based Snowcat Skiing/Riding Through June 2011
Good job Kirkwood. With record breaking snow through May and cooler temperatures, Kirkwood is launching resort-based Cat Skiing available through the month of June for intermediate and advanced skiers and must be booked in groups of 12.
Mad Cow Downhill at Alpine Meadows May 8
Take the last run of the ski season at Alpine Meadows on Sunday, May 8, 2011 from 2pm to 3pm during the Mad Cow Downhill race.
The skier and snowboarder who reach the finish first snag a 2011/2012 Midweek Plus Sunday season pass which will hang from the finish line arch. Start time is 2pm.
Customer Appreciation Day at Sierra April 25
What an incredible winter we had! Quite the understatement. Get out on Sunday, April 24th, and enjoy the last day at Sierra-at-Tahoe. And, to thank you, Sierra will offer $25 tickets during its Customer Appreciation Day on Monday, April 25th.
All of the ticket sales will go to support local youth sports teams. read more →
Local Merchant Day at Squaw April 7
They want to say thank you to locals.
Squaw Valley USA is offering $39 lift tickets to local merchants and employees during the 2011 ski season.
Mark your calendar to take advantage of Lake Tahoe ski culture.
Last day is April 7, 2011.
FREE Avalanche Beacon Training at Kirkwood April 3
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. Last one this season is April 3 from 10am to 11:30am. Don’t miss it.
Glen Plake Gunbarrel 25 at Heavenly April 9
Do laps all day with Glen Plake at his 8th annual mogul marathon on one of North America’s toughest black-diamond bump runs, Gunbarrel, at Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe.
GB25 takes place Saturday, April 9, 2011. ♦
US Professional Ski Patrol Olympics April 26-28 at Squaw
Which ski resort patrol has what it takes to win Gold?
Squaw Valley USA is hosting the second annual nation-wide Helly Hansen Professional Ski Patrol Olympics April 26 through April 28, 2011. Ski Patrollers from all over North America and Canada will be competing for glory and $10,000 in cash and other prizes such as avalanche probes, backpacks compliments of Helly Hansen, Alpine Traverse, Recco and BCA.
Telemark Clinic at Kirkwood March 12
Free your heel and your mind with follow.
Or how about this.
Learn to telemark ski on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Kirkwood during their 1 day Telemark Clinic.
Ability Celebration at Alpine Meadows March 25-26
Alpine Meadows ski resort is hosting disabled skiers from all over the country for a fun day of ski racing and on-hill activities on March 25, followed by the annual Ability Bash fundraiser on March 26, 2011.
Everyone is invited.
R.A.T.S. and Polebanger Races at Heavenly Feb 16
What are you doing Wednesdays from noon to 2pm?
You’re competing in the RATS races on World Cup at Heavenly that’s what. It’s a tradition that celebrates Tahoe ski culture. The town league racing series starts February 16, 2011.
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.
Support Sierra Avalanche Center Dec 10 and Learn Beacon Skills
A benefit for Sierra Avalanche Center at The Divided Sky in Meyers will take place Friday, December 10th starting at 6pm.
The $10 cover charge for this South Lake Tahoe event will all go to SAC, the organization that educates backcountry riders in the Tahoe and Truckee area about snow conditions.
Learn how to use your beacon, watch old school skiing/riding movies probably with some old school locals featured, and win prizes. read more →
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.”
SkiGreen Tags Keep Tahoe Cool
Living in Tahoe really puts global warming in your face.
We get it.
Less snow means shorter ski seasons, less wildflowers, less kayaking, and a lower lake level.
While we all do our part daily to conserve water, buy local, recycle and re-use, did you know you can do more?
Now we can all help, thanks to our local ski resorts.
Torstein Horgmo joins Northstar Pro Team
Torstein Horgmo, one of the world’s top riders, has joined the Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Professional Freestyle Team and will represent the resort in competitions including the Winter Dew Tour, Winter X Games and other high profile winter events.
Sky Tavern Ski Area
Located in the very northeastern nook of Lake Tahoe on Mt. Rose Highway is Sky Tavern, an important piece of Nevada’s heritage.
Since 1948, the Sky Tavern Junior Ski Program has taught tens of thousands of kids winter sports. Today the program is still going strong through extensive volunteer efforts dedicated to preserving Tahoe ski culture.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country is Open
That grin on the face of JoJo Toeppner tells the story. The manager of the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center is looking out at four feet of fresh snow and more at the higher elevations. The center is a whirlwind of activity as staff prepares for opening day on Thursday. A classic Sierra snow storm has lifted their spirits more than usual, which is saying a lot.
Ski with Jonny Moseley at Squaw December 22-30
Ski with Olympic Gold Medalist, Jonny Moseley December 22-24 and December 26-30, 2010 at Squaw Valley USA at 2pm.
“The Way I See It” a Matchstick Productions Ski Film Oct 2 & 4
Ski season is right around the corner. Lake Tahoe had a phenomenal season during 2009/10, and with summer’s sporadic rain storms we know Mother Nature will deliver the goods once again.
Get in the mood with Matchstick Productions’ newest movie, “The Way I See It” showing October 2nd in South Lake Tahoe and October 4th in North Lake Tahoe. read more →
Far West Ski Association Honors The Video/Audio Tour Guide AROUND TAHOE
When the 600 plus members of the Far West Ski Association convene for their 80th annual convention in June at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, California, they will honor two of North Tahoe’s more creative ski industry professionals, Darin Talbot and Robert Frohlich.
Both Talbot and Frohlich, long time mainstays of the Tahoe ski scene, are recipients of the 2010 Warren Miller Award for their ambitious and highly entertaining “Around Tahoe: Lake Tahoe’s Ultimate Skiing and Snowboarding Video/Audio Tour Guide.” read more →
Ski and Bike Kirkwood July 4
Only at Lake Tahoe. With all of the amazing snow we received this season, you can ski and snowboard at Kirkwood on July 4, then follow it up with mountain biking. Chair 6 will run Sunday, July 4, from 10am to 2pm.
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, music and win great raffle prizes on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
Art, Music and Snowboarding Rail Jam at MontBleu March 27
Tahoe’s elite local snowboarding athletes will be competing for a $2,000 cash purse prize at the Salomon Backyard Bang rail jam at South Lake Tahoe’s MontBleu Casino and Resort on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 4pm to 7pm.
Live music and a special showing of the “I AM SNOWBOARDING” art project immediately follows.
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.
