Glen Plake Gunbarrel 25 at Heavenly April 7
Do laps all day with Glen Plake at his 9th 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 7, 2013 ♦
Customer Appreciation Day at Sierra April 15
What a great season! To thank you, Sierra-at-Tahoe is offering $25 tickets during its Customer Appreciation Day on Monday, April 15th, with a few lifts running from 10am to 2pm.
All of the proceeds raised from the day’s lift ticket sales will be donated to sponsor youth recreation and education including youth baseball, soccer, swimming, and other youth activities. Thanks Sierra! read more →
U.S. Alpine Championships at Squaw March 20-24
The Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships are on at Squaw, March 20 -24. Here’s your chance to watch America’s top skiers including Squaw’s Olympic gold medalist Julia Mancuso, Olympian Marco Sullivan and Olympic hopeful Travis Ganong compete on their home-turf as they gear up for next year’s winter games in Sochi, Russia.
U.S. Freestyle Championships at Heavenly March 29-31
Catch the world’s top mogul and aerial athletes compete for the U.S. Freestyle Championship title at Heavenly March 29-31, 2013. With high-flying aerials, bumps and jumps, concerts, fireworks and a chance to meet the freestyle superstars, you won’t want to miss this awe-inspiring event.
“Heavenly has a tradition of hosting the biggest Freestyle events in the land, dating back to the 1970s Hot Dogging contests,” said Glen Plake. “The 2013 Freestyle Nationals belong at Heavenly, and for the competitors, what a pleasure to be competing on such hallowed ground!” read more →
Ski for $35 to Benefit Local Schools
It’s a no brainer. Ski or ride at Tahoe ski or cross-country resort with special discounted lift tickets to help our local schools.
It’s part of the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation Skiing (TTEEF) for Schools Days that we love to support.
Head to Sugar Bowl March 23 through 29 for just $35.
Sierra Avalanche Center Discount Ski Days
Backcountry skiing and riding are sweet! Avalanches are not. Don’t get caught.
Check the Sierra Avalanche Center website link daily, and attend the SAC ski and ride days. All ticket sales go to SAC, our backcountry life line.
Rahlves’ Banzai Tour Finals at Sugar Bowl March 9-10
Daron Rahlves, four-time Olympian, World Champion and Truckee local, has refined the classic Silver Belt race that started at Sugar Bowl in the 1940s. Now called the “Banzai Tour,” the event mixes big mountain freeride action with ski and boarder-cross strategy in a mad-dash race series held at four ski resorts.
Don’t miss the final round where it all started – Sugar Bowl over the weekend of March 9 and 10, 2013.
Free Avalanche Workshops at Squaw March 15
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 the free monthly clinic at Squaw on March 15, 2013, sponsored by the Squaw elite team – Squaw Dogs. Workshops are from 5:30-7:30pm at Ski Patrol Base in the Red Dog Complex.
The GREAT Ski Race March 3, 2013
The fastest time is 1 hour and 7 minutes to race 30 kilometers or 18.43 miles. Shizam! It all began 36 years ago with only 66 racers.
Today, thousands of skiers participate in The GREAT Ski Race to raise money for the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team. Don’t miss the largest Nordic ski race west of the Mississippi on March 3, 2013. read more →
The North Face Masters of Snowboarding February 13-17
The North Face Masters of Snowboarding presented by PrimaLoft will take place February 13-17, 2013 at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.
The event will feature top big mountain snowboard competitors battling for The North Face Masters of Snowboarding champion title, $15,000 in prize money and a chance to advance to the 2014 SWATCH Freeride World Tour by The North Face.
Freeskiing World Tour at Kirkwood Feb 27-March 3
Don’t miss what has arguably become one of the biggest events of the year to take place at Kirkwood. Entering its 16th season at Kirkwood, the North American Freeskiing World Tour 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 skier Josh “Baby J” Daiek will compete at his home mountain, and host his fellow skiers February 27 through March 3, 2013.
Currently Baby is on the top, so come on out and cheer him on. Go Big Baby J!
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.
Mountain Safety Tips for Tahoe Skiers by Gary Bell of Sierra Ski and Cycle Works
Well where is it? What happened to that sick Tahoe winter? Everyone kept saying “Oh it will come, don’t worry, it will snow.” Even that Spoke Junkie dude in November said, “Just wait, once it starts you will never forget it!” Right, we won’t forget this winter. Oh, I know, Miracle March three hundred inches, and then Marvelous May. Yeah right. I’m not going to say it’s over or anything like that, but as I write this, it sure feels like spring out there.
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!
Learn to Ski or Board for $30 Dec 8 and 9
Now, there’s no excuse not to learn to ski or snowboard. Tickets, lessons and gear for $30.
Does it get any better?
Jeremy Jones’ Further Ski Film rocks Squaw Dec 29
Squaw Valley will host two showings of “Further” on December 29 with Jeremy Jones, Jonny Moseley and local athletes to support Protect Our Winters and Girls on the Run Sierra.
Squaw Valley will be showing two showings of Jeremy Jones’ big mountain snowboarding movie “Further” on December 29 to support Protect Our Winters (POW) and Girls on the Run. All shows will be attended by athletes Jeremy Jones, Jonny Moseley, Ralph Backstrom, Iris Lazzareschi and JT Holmes – all of whom will be signing posters before the start of each show.
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.
Skiers will meet every Sunday from December 11,2012 through March 25, 2013 from 8 AM to 3 PM, but if demand warrants, a Saturday program may be available.
Grab your parents and go!
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.
Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar and Squaw open November 17, 2012.
Are you ready?
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.”
Tall Treez Film Festival with Jamie Anderson Nov 16
Tall Treez, a South Lake Tahoe snowboard and film company, is teaming up with Lake Tahoe snowboarder Jamie Anderson to host its 3rd Annual Film Festival on Nov. 16 at the Horizon Casino Resort at Stateline.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. for just $12.
Jamie and Tall Treez are having a jacket drive to give to under-privileged kids in Tahoe. Bring your slightly used jackets, and you will receive 2 FREE Raffle tickets for a chance to win TONS of new gear. read more →
Legend of Aahhh’s Film Debut Nov 2 at Squaw
Many old school skiers remark that this film changed their lives as they watched Scot ski the steep and deep on skinny skis with power and grace.
Filmmaker Greg Stump, who revolutionized the genre of ski films with “Blizzard of Aahhhs,” brings his new semi-autobiographical film “Legend of Aahhhs’ to Squaw Valley on November 2. Preceding the showing of the movie, Stump will join legendary skier Scot Schmidt, and current freeskier phenom Timmy Dutton for a panel discussion moderated by Squallywood author, pro skier and sports psychiatrist, Dr. Robb Gaffney. read more →
Warren Miller’s “Flow State” Nov 29 and 30
It’s the official beginning of winter for many skiers and snowboarders.
Warren Miller’s 63rd movie, Flow State, 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, November 29 and 30 at Montbleu.
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.
Did you know…Kirkwood has a Cookbook?
Kirkwood is well known for skiing.
And for its local dishes?
You be the judge.
Olympians Headline Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows US Ski Team Day April 7
Who can forget his famous dinner roll that clinched his gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Legends of American skiing, including Olympians Julia Mancuso, Jonny Moseley, Shannon Bahrke, Marco Sullivan, Tamara McKinney and many more, will hit the slopes at Squaw Valley April 7 for the first Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows US Ski Team Day. Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal will also appear as a special guest.
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.
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.
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!
Echo Lakes Splitfest March 2-4 for Sierra Avalanche Center
This 2nd annual celebration in Tahoe’s backcountry with splitboarders, AT skiers and teleskiers is open to all ages and abilities. Just $10 gets you in each day, and all money supports the Sierra Avalanche Center.
Head to Strawberry Lodge in Kyburz March 2-4 to gather with the mountain tribe to check out new backcountry gear, and have a chance to win some free gear at the raffle on Saturday night or even a ski, board or bike tune from Sierra Ski and Cycle Works.
Here’s Jonny! Moseley named Chief Mountain Host at Squaw
Who can forget his famous dinner roll that clinched his gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
And, chances are you’ve heard him as the new voice of the Warren Miller ski movies. Well now you can ski with Jonny Moseley on his home mountain.
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 →
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 →
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.
