LUXE V.4 Winter 2022

A curated collection by Team Blair Tahoe

A NOTE FROM THE BLAIRS

Winter 2022 brings to a close one of the most interesting years we have seen during our careers. The shifting economy in recent months resulted in upheaval across many industries - including real estate. The Lake Tahoe market remained more insulated than most over the past few months thanks to the incomparable lake lifestyle which continues to hold its value. No matter the situation, we remain committed to helping our clients put together successful transactions. For more insight into why we are optimistic for 2023, check out our “Tahoe Talk” feature on page 5.

In other news, we are thrilled to announce that Team Blair is continuing to expand our presence in the region with the addition of Reno-based agent Tina Reynoso! Tina possesses a thorough understanding of the Northern Nevada market, and will be a strong asset in helping our clients interested in Nevada property ownership.

A few more highlights in our Winter issue: see page 12 for a list of local ski resort opening dates, start your holiday planning with our guide on page 10, and recommendations for some amazing local places to find holiday gifts on page 6.

If you have any questions regarding local real estate, or would like further recommendations for making the most of your time here, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Happy Holidays!

Jamie and Nicole Blair , Esq .

Nicole Blair, Esq. & Jamison Blair

Founding Partners & Owners of Team Blair Tahoe | Compass

LUXEtahoe

8 10 14 6

INSIDE

Did You Know? 4

Tahoe Talk 5

Local Shopping Guide 6

Compass Update 8

Holiday Happenings 10

Ski Resort Openings 12

Current Listings 13

The Gift of Giving 14 COVER

Alpenglow settles in over Bonsai Rock with a delicate dusting of fresh snow.

DID YOU KNOW

LUXURY LIFESTYLE INSIGHTS

C ONDÉ NAST

TRAVELER’S

2022 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS FOR BEST BIG U.S. CITY:

Chicago

Honolulu

San Diego

Nashville

New York City

Boston

San Francisco

New Orleans

Washington, D.C.

Seattle

H OME FLIPPING VOLUMES reached almost $150 billion, or 10% of total home sales, in 2022. (Marketwatch)

P RICES ARE OFF THEIR PEAKS IN 97 OF THE 100 LARGEST U.S. markets, but they’re still roughly 40% higher than they were in 2019, before the pandemic. (Black Knight)

P OPULAR HOMEBUILDING TRENDS HOLDING STRONG: Main floor primary suites and main floor guest suites and studies remain a trend within new construction as do large scullery pantries, wine bars and impressive outdoor living spaces. (Triangle Business Journal)

T HE MOST SEARCHED ARCHITECTUAL STYLE ON GOOGLE over the past years in major cities around the US is ‘Mid-Century Modern’, followed by ‘Modern Architecture’. Interior design search was topped by ‘Bohemian’. Bohemian styles are defined by a lack of structure, opting instead for carefree layers of pattern, texture, and color. (Architectural Digest)

G RANTOR-RETAINED ANNUITY TRUSTS, OR “GRATS,” ARE A wealth-transfer technique that shift investment growth out of an estate to heirs taxfree. They generally work best for assets like stocks that have fallen in value and are expected to rebound relatively quickly. It works like this: assets like stocks in a privately held business are placed into a trust for a specified time, maybe 2, 5 or 10 years. Afterward, any investment growth passes to their heirs and the owner gets back the principal. By shifting any future appreciation out of their estate, the wealthy can avoid or reduce estate taxes at death. The investment growth becomes a tax-free gift to heirs. Absent growth, the asset simply passes back to the owner without a transfer of wealth. (CNBC)

‘N EWSTALGIA’ IS THE most popular home décor design trend of 2022. The look blends vintage and retro furnishings with luxe finishes and top-of-the-line tech, so it feels current and evocative. Elements include sculptural lighting, green everything, jewel toned furniture pieces, and stone and clay materials. (PURE WOW)

TAHOE T ALK Luxury Real Estate Market Outlook

While the historically busy Lake Tahoe summer selling season is over, there is no reason for buyers and sellers to pull back from participating in the market. Late fall is an excellent time to put together a deal on the perfect winter getaway! While national real estate markets are seeing a significant slow down, it’s important to remember that deceleration does not always mean depreciation, especially in Lake Tahoe and other highly soughtafter resort towns. More than ever, the move toward lifestyle investment has become a top priority for homeowners. While nationwide, transactions and dollar volume dropped, most property values in the Lake Tahoe Basin have held steady. Many indicators would suggest we are still in a “Seller’s Market,” with historically low inventory and pent-up buyer demand. On the other side of the coin, interest rates have jumped to 20 year highs to combat inflation, which has spooked many buyers. This is when working with an experienced real estate broker is crucial to both finding your dream home, and determining how to finance it.

Will History Repeat Itself?

After an historic record-breaking run in 2021-2022, the real estate market has

approached an inevitable slow down. Doomsday headlines dredge up fears that history will repeat itself, leading to a post-pandemic version of the 2008 recession. So far, that is not the case, and there are no strong indicators that it will be. In speaking with our clients and our colleagues in the industry, sentiments are not the same now as they were in 2008. Buyers are taking some power back, and sellers are having to concede on pricing, but successful deals continue to come together.

Four key differences in today’s market: Inventory. Current supply is well below where it was in 2008 so inventory will remain in demand. New housing starts were nearly double in 2008 and construction was booming. While new construction has been on fire in 2021 and 2022, it has not been able to catch up to the current demand and so the market is not saturated like it was in 2008. According to research, there is a nearly 6 million home deficit, which will take a huge effort and several years to break even.

Lending Standards. Mortgage standards and requirements are significantly more rigorous today and this has created a strong, credit-worthy homeowner versus

the extremely risky and careless lending practices leading up to 2008.

Qualified Buyers. In 2008, there were many buyers who overextended themselves and their lenders were happy to oblige. Today, over 50% of homeowners have more than $250,000 in equity in their home and over 30% own their home outright.

Long Term Investment. Stock market volatility should drive investors into safer investments. Real estate is a great place to put money when the stock market is jumping around. Home equity grew to over $10 trillion since 2021, so there is a lot of excess value and cash available to continue to invest in real estate and other less volatile investments.

As always, we are here to help you in whatever way we can. Whatever your real estate goals, we have some amazing resources available to discuss your options and opportunities. Our team has more than 50 years of local real estate experience, and we have weathered many market shifts. If you are thinking about investing in your lifestyle or looking to sell your Tahoe home while the values are still at a premium, contact Team Blair Tahoe today.

Once the tryptophan-induced food coma subsides after Thanksgiving, you will probably take a look at your holiday wish list and start strategizing on how to get a few items checked off before the stores get crazy. Fortunately, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to participate in Small Business Saturday (November 26, 2022). We are home to hundreds of independent boutiques, bakeries, independent craftsmen and women, art galleries, and more. You can find amazing, unique gifts at every price point.

NORTH SHORE

TRUNK SHOW

TAHOE CITY TAHOETRUNKSHOW.COM

Trunk Show features an ever-rotating collection of handmade items — ceramics and pottery, wallets, purses and bags, knitted wears and hand screen printed t-shirts, aromatherapy, and all sorts of housewares made by local artists.

PINEAPPLE

TAHOE CITY PINEAPPLETAHOE.COM

An adorable gift and curio shop in Tahoe City. Find something unique for everyone on your list at Pineapple. www.pineappletahoe.com

LOUIE & PIP

TAHOE CITY

LOUIEANDPIPTAHOE.COM

Louie and Pip is a fashionable clothing and home essentials store in the heart of Tahoe City.

RUFFLES & RUFFNECKS

TAHOE CITY

RUFFLESANDRUFFNECKS.COM

Ruffles and Ruffnecks has been a family owned business for more than 40 years bringing a beautifully curated collection of children’s clothing, gifts, and toys.

EAST SHORE

GLASSES WINE BAR

INCLINE VILLAGE GLASSESWINEBAR.COM

See what’s new at Glasses Wine Bar. There are all kinds of books to browse, games to play and, most importantly, wine to drink!

KARMA CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

INCLINE VILLAGE KARMATAHOE.COM

Karma features an ever-changing, unique inventory of fabulous designer clothing, handbags, and accessories for women of all styles, men’s and children’s selections as well.

VILLAGE TOYS

INCLINE VILLAGE VILLAGETOYS.COM

Village Toys has all your favorites! Classic toys, nostalgic candy, games & puzzles, educational & science toys, baby & preschool toys, books, plush toys & puppets, arts & crafts, and more.

TRUCKEE

BESPOKE

BESPOKETRUCKEE.COM

Beautiful locally crafted items for sale in this charming Truckee boutique.

COOKING GALLERY

COOKINGGALLERY.NET

Cooking Gallery in Truckee, CA carries everything your kitchen needs and more. “Suit up” your kitchen and bar with our fabulous selection of quality products and unique decor items.

DRESSED BOUTIQUE

@DRESSED_BOUTIQUE

Get DRESSED in looks you love! Visit this classic women’s clothing boutique in Downtown Truckee.

WORD AFTER WORD

WORDAFTERWORDBOOKS.COM

A local Indie Bookstore located in Historic Downtown Truckee with a thoughtfully curated selection of literature for all ages designed to include diverse authors and characters that appeal to a wide range of tastes, interests and ages.

SOUTH SHORE

TAHOE TOYS & TREASURES

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE TOYSANDTREASURES.COM

Tahoe Toys and Treasures carries games, puzzles, outdoor toys, educational and scientific toys, books, arts & crafts supplies, plush toys, trading cards, and a whole lot more!

WELCOME HOME SHOPPE

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE WELCOMEHOMESHOPPE.COM

The Welcome Home Shoppe, aka “The Cabin” at Tahoe Keys Blvd, offers South Lake’s best selection of unique gifts, locally made art, holiday & special occasion themed decor and accessories. Items change seasonally so there is always something new at “The Cabin!”

WILL & IVEY

STATELINE

WILLANDIVEY.COM

High quality, toxin-free, and sustainably sourced children’s clothing boutique located in South Lake Tahoe.

RENO

SIERRA WATER GARDENS

SIERRAWATERGARDENS.COM

Our indoor warehouse retail space, is a unique finds store selling all types and sizes of succulents, airplants, indoor plants, and gifts.

HAVEN + FLUX

HAVENANDFLUX.COM

Haven and Flux is an intentional luxury coconut soy candle line designed to improve your mental health and the mental health of someone in need.

DORINDA’S CHOCOLATES

DORINDASCHOCOLATES.COM

Foregoing trendiness in favor of incredible flavor, Dorinda’s awardwinning chocolates are all-natural, handmade creations.

WHISPERING VINE

WHISPERINGVINEWINE.COM

Established in 1998, Whispering Vine Wine Co. has been Reno’s Premier Wine and Spirits purveyor for over 23 years.

CELEBRATING COMPASS’ 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN ATLANTA

BY JAMISON BLAIR

After a challenging year in the world of real estate, the annual Compass REtreat provided an incredible opportunity to meet with our fellow Compass agents from across the country, particularly our friends at The Network Group and REALM. After riding the industry roller coaster over the past few months, we really appreciated the chance to catch up with our colleagues and learn how they have handled the recent ups and downs in their regional markets.

Nicole and I came back inspired by the energy and optimism of Compass leadership, and with some great ideas on how to elevate our level of client care even further. Compass is investing so many resources into strengthening how our team members perform individually, and within the greater Compass community. Even though the tough times are not over yet, there are many reasons to be optimistic as we head into a new year.

We were honored to be invited to attend the Compass 100 event, which distinguishes the top performing agents from across the country. We attended several of the educational seminars on offer, but also managed to squeeze in some time for shopping and sightseeing around the city. Our luxury partners at REALM Global also hosted a spectacular evening cocktail hour that gave us a wonderful opportunity to network with the top agents in the business.

To sum up a whirlwind week, the word “community” comes to mind. Whether we were in sessions or at mixers, Nicole and I both really appreciated the sense of collaboration that sets Compass apart as a brokerage. Danielle Wilkie, Compass President of Customer Success, put it succinctly in her recent interview with Inman:

“Collaborating without ego is one of our key entrepreneurship principles. We’re all in this together. Let’s all help

each other be better. Some things I’m hearing from agents is they want more [opportunities to connect] like this. The power of our national network and being the largest independent brokerage in the country; it’s becoming so clear what a distinct competitive advantage that is. Our network [and] our culture is the advantage. It is the value, and we are very excited to think about how we are going to bring the essence of REtreat and the excitement, the learning and the connectivity to our agents’ lives more frequently in 2023.”

Above: Robert Reffkin’s keynote. Left, (from left) Nicole Blair with Compass Founders Robert Reffkin and Joe Frazzano. Below: Jamie and Nicole Blair in Atlanta

Paci c Wholesale Mortgage

We Recommend Pacific Wholesale Mortgage

One of the market’s most proficient direct Mortgage Brokers. We work diligently to help our clients achieve their goals through four key elements: Transparency, Communication, Accountability, and Outworking the Competition.

As a Mortgage Broker, our company works with multiple lenders which benefits you, our clients, by giving you access to the best service, rates and loan programs on the market.

• We promise Elite Client Service and Communication

• Awarded Fastest Purchase Closer in the Nation by the largest Wholesale Lender, UWM

• Self Employed and Jumbo Financing Specialist

• 1031 Exchanges

• We offer Non-QM financing including Bank Statement, Interest Only, and DSCR Loans

• Licensed in California, NMLS 979693

Brandon Burnett (530) 520-3615 brandon.burnett@pacwm.com NMLS # 2007413

Pitt Miller (916) 300-0451 pitt.miller@pacwm.com NMLS # 281323

HAPPENINGS

HOLIDAY

Festive celebrations abound throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin, Truckee, and Reno. Our alpine towns really come to life during the holiday season, and there are many wonderful memories to be made! We included several recommendations to help you get started.

HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH RIDES

SAND HARBOR STATE PARK

Plan an unforgettable horse-drawn sleigh ride experience and take in the glorious views of a snow-covered Sand Harbor. Rides can be scheduled November-December from 11am-2pm, January-February from 11am-4pm. Call 775.588.2953 to reserve a ride, or visit sleighride.com for more information.

HEAVENLY VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE NOV. 25, 2022, 6:30 PM

Stop by the Shops at Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe to celebrate the lighting of the Village’s giant Christmas tree. Wrap up your holiday shopping at any of the highend retailers in the Village, and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

NORTHERN LIGHTS FESTIVAL

NOV. 21 - DEC. 31

INCLINE VILLAGE & CRYSTAL BAY

Northern Lights Festival of Incline Village and Crystal Bay offers multiple opportunities to celebrate the holidays including Brunch with Santa, Northstar Chambers Players Woodwind Quartet Concert, a weekly Sip N Shops and New Year’s Eve parties. Visit northernlightstahoe.com for a full schedule of events.

ELECTRIC HOLIDAY TRAIN OF LIGHTS

VIRGINIA CITY

After strolling along Virginia City’s iconic wooden boardwalks, join us on the Virginia Truckee Railroad’s Electric Holiday Train of Lights. Thousands of LED lights will decorate the V&T’s historic Pullman passenger cars as they travel along the gorgeously lit 2.5 mile route to Santa’s Village at Gold Hill.

Enjoy hot chocolate or cider along with cookies as you travel along, listening to songs of the season. A gift bag will be presented to every passenger. Book your tickets early! Call 775-847-0380.

A CHRISTMAS CHAOS TRUCKEE COMMUNITY THEATER, When The Royal Shakespeare Company doesn’t show up to perform their stirring rendition of A Christmas Carol, it’s up to this intrepid band of hapless actors and technicians to pull together their own production in less than seven hours! Have you ever experienced backstage mayhem? Book your tickets at truckeecommunitytheater.com.

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

DEC. 2-4

PIONEER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, RENO Spirit of the Season, is a classic holiday celebration full of orchestral arrangements, jazzy numbers, traditional holiday tunes and carols. Book your tickets at renophil.com.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR

BLACK & WHITE BALL

EDGEWOOD TAHOE, S. LAKE TAHOE

Harkening back to the days of lively jazz bars, old Hollywood and tuxedos, this red carpet event will transport the property’s Clubhouse to another era where guests can enjoy culinary excellence, a live band and a swanky lounge. Reserve your entry at the Edgewood Lake Tahoe website, and get dressed to impress!

#SKATEFORSCOTTY CONCERT

PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY

Ring in the New Year knowing that you are helping bring a family’s dream to life in honor of their son. Local teenager Scotty Lapp passed away in the spring before his dream of opening Tahoe City’s first skate park could be realized. Proceeds from the #SkateforScotty concert will help fund the construction of a brand new facility for all to enjoy.

GAR WOODS NYE PARTY

CARNELIAN BAY

A fantastic place to ring in the New Year, Garwoods Grill & Bar is a two-story American cuisine restaurant and bar located on the shoreline in Carnelian Bay. Make a reservation now to enjoy their scrumptious New Year’s Eve Dinner Specials, then put on your dancing shoes! Live and house music will be played until the ball drops. Bonus: Party goers will receive festive favors and champagne on the house at midnight! Check out garwoods.com for more information.

BLÜ EGYPTIAN NYE JAMIRIQOUI CONCERT

ALIBI PUBLIC HOUSE, TRUCKEE

This New Year’s Eve show will consist of two sets of Blü with a set of our favorite Jamiriqoui songs and a hype New Years countdown! Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. Bring your squad and come ring in 2023 with us! Ticket purchase required: $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

NYE AT LONE EAGLE GRILLE

HYATT REGENCY, INCLINE VILLAGE Toast your loved ones in style at the elegant Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency on the shores of Incline Village. Make a reservation early to enjoy dinner by the picture windows with sunset views, then welcome 2023 with a topnotch libation!

HEAVENLY VILLAGE NEW YEAR PARTY

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

If it’s fireworks you’re looking for, then head to the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe for their spectacular free NYE party. This event includes live music, ice carving and a Gondola ball drop, timed to coincide with the ball drop in Times Square, New York at 9PM PST. This early wrap up to the event means people can avoid the worst of the plummeting temperatures and head to one of the many local clubs or restaurants to continue their celebrations.

A timeless tradition… heading out into the snowy backcountry to select and return home with a beautiful pine tree ready to decorate for the holidays!

For safety and conservation purposes, special areas have been designated for tree cutting. Permits are required, see below for details.

NORTH LAKE TAHOE & TRUCKEE

TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST There are several locations where permit-only tree cutting is allowed in the area surrounding North Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and surrounding areas up to Plumas County. Visit Visit www. recreation.gov/tree-permits to purchase a tree cutting permit.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT

Christmas Tree permits will only be sold in person at the Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe starting Monday November 14, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.

LTBM Supervisor’s Office

35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (530) 543-2600

2022-23 SKI RESORT

OPENING DATES

Lake Tahoe is world-renowned for its incredible ski resorts and bluebird sky weather. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, skiing in Lake Tahoe provides ample opportunity for skimming through fresh powder with stunning views of the ‘Jewel of the Sierra’ sparkling beneath you.

Avid skiers and snowboarders who have been itching to bring their equipment out of storage since last spring - the time is here! Below is a list of the opening dates of the most popular Lake Tahoe ski resorts. All provide a fantastic experience, whether you are a beginner, or were born with skis on your feet.

See you on the slopes!

BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT OPEN Norden, CA | rideboreal.com

DIAMOND PEAK SKI AREA

OPENS DECEMBER 8 Incline Village, NV | diamondpeak.com

DONNER SKI RANCH OPEN Norden, CA | donnerskiranch.com

GRANLIBAKKEN TAHOE OPENS DECEMBER 16 Tahoe City, CA | granlibakken.com

HEAVENLY LAKE TAHOE

OPENS NOVEMBER 12 S. Lake Tahoe, CA | skiheavenly.com

HOMEWOOD

MOUNTAIN RESORT

OPENS MID-DECEMBER Homewood, CA | skihomewood.com

KIRKWOOD SKI RESORT OPENS NOVEMBER 12 Kirkwood, CA | kirkwood.com

MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE

OPENS NOVEMBER 11 Reno, NV | skirose.com

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA RESORT OPENS NOVEMBER 12 Truckee, CA | northstarcalifornia.com

PALISADES TAHOE OPENS NOVEMBER 18 Olympic Valley, CA | palisadestahoe.com

SIERRA AT TAHOE EARLY DECEMBER Twin Bridges, CA | sierraattahoe.com

SUGAR BOWL RESORT OPENS NOVEMBER 25 Norden, CA | sugarbowl.com

TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL OPENS DECEMBER 9 Truckee, CA | tahoedonner.com

Jamison Blair

CURRENT LISTINGS

11545 HENNESS ROAD TRUCKEE, CA

4 BD | 4.5 BA | 3,901 SF $3,149,000

3080 BROKEN ARROW PLACE OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA

6 BD | 7 BA | 5,970 SF $5,945,000

455 GROUSE DRIVE HOMEWOOD, CA

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,909 SF $1,750,000

608 EJ BRICKELL TRUCKEE, CA

4 BD | 5 BA | 4,766 SF

RECENTLY SOLD FOR $5,550,000

BUYER REPRESENTED

THE GIFT OF GIVING COMMUNITY CAUSES TO SUPPORT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

HUMANE SOCIETY OF TRUCKEE-TAHOE

hstt.org 10961 Stevens Ln., Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 587-5948

It’s fair to say that the vast majority of the Lake Tahoe community are proud “pet people”. Living in such a beautiful, natural landscape tends to go hand in hand with affection for furry friends. Animal welfare is a cause near and dear to many hearts, and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe does incredible work improving the lives of pets through adoption, community spay/neuter and humane education programs.

Founded in 1994 by a group of committed volunteers, the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe has become the driving force in animal rescue and adoption for the Truckee region.

Over time, they have grown from a small grass roots entity to a nationally recognized non-profit organization with many employees and hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Whether you choose to donate time or money, or are looking for a new best friend, check out their website for plenty of ways to get involved, and browse pet profiles that will melt your heart.

TRUCKEE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS

(soon to be Truckee Community Cares) truckeecommunitychristmas.com P.O. Box 2955, Truckee, CA

Truckee Community Christmas is an all-volunteer, non profit 501(c)(3) umbrella organization that coordinates various drives that are happening during the holidays to help families in need in the Truckee area. Our board members work with agencies such as the Sierra Community House, Head Start, Nevada County Health, the STEPP program and area schools and churches to identify needy families and provide grocery store gift cards and age-appropriate toys for each child in the family. The senior program provides grocery gift cards to identified low income seniors and to area homebound seniors.

TAHOE-TRUCKEE TOYS FOR TOTS

tahoe-truckee.toysfortots.org

North Tahoe Events Center 8318 N Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, CA (775) 230-1066

Soon, the familiar Marine’s Toys for Tots drop off boxes will pop up at retail

locations and restaurants all around Lake Tahoe. Unwrapped toys for all ages are welcome and appreciated! Boxes will be picked up on Thursday, Dec. 15 to make sure that toys can be organized and distributed before Christmas. Items can also be dropped at the North Tahoe Events Center until Dec. 13th. Learn more about the annual open-to-all Thanksgiving Community Dinner, or find out about volunteer opportunities online.

HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION

highfivesfoundation.org 10775 Pioneer Trail, Ste. 108 Truckee, CA, 96161 (530) 562-4270

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 2009, High Fives has helped countless injured athletes and Veterans get back to doing what they love. The Foundation aims to be the leader of education and recovery of life-altering injuries in outdoor action sports.

The foundation’s Empowerment Fund provides grants to disabled winter action sports athletes and athletes recovering from life-altering injuries. The foundation expanded its mission to help people injured in mountain sports.

In 2011, the High Fives Foundation along with action sports professional J.T. Holmes created the BASICS Program Services (Being Aware Safe In Critical Situations).The program has produced five safety education documentaries, which are shown in schools, ski clubs, and to industry professionals around the country.

TAHOE BEAR LEAGUE savebears.org (530) 525-7297

Helping humans and bears coexist peacefully in the Lake Tahoe Basin is the worthy cause that drives the volunteers at the Tahoe Bear League. The Bear League is a volunteer-run non-profit organization active throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin, Truckee and beyond that focuses on educating the public on bear safety, with the ultimate goal of keeping black bears safe and wild. The organization pursues a four-pronged approach to accomplishing this mission: Education, Aversion, Response, Community Involvement, and Policy.

Visit: savebears.org to learn more about our local black bears, and how humans can help keep these beautiful creatures happy, healthy, and wild!

NORTH TRUCKEE TAHOE HOMELESS SERVICES

ntthomelessservices.com Church of the Mountains 10079 Church St. Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 386-7954

The mission of North Tahoe-Truckee Homeless Services is to end homelessness in the region, one person at a time. The organization provides a range of services including access to basic necessities and emergency housing in inclement weather, as well as ongoing case management and housing assistance to qualifying individuals. If you are interested in donating to North Truckee Tahoe Homeless Services this winter, a list of requested items include:

Large backpacks

Single person tents

Winter outwear and boots

Hygiene products

Sleeping bags

PROTECT OUR WINTERS

protectourwinters.org

4676 Broadway St. Boulder, CO, 80304 (303) 900-4027

In 2007, pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones saw that more and more resorts he’d always counted on for good riding were closed due to lack of snow. Something was clearly going on, and he felt the need to act. He started Protect Our Winters (POW) to pair passion with policy to address the gap between the impacts that climate change has already had on the winter sports community. With this mission, POW has developed a widespread support network all throughout the Truckee-Tahoe region.

With eleven ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, snow is serious business for our community. The last couple of winters with below-average snowpack, and summer wildfire danger has only heightened the urgency to make a difference. Learn more about this international effort to turn the tide on climate change at www. protectourwinters.org.

From left, Tahoe Truckee Humane Society, High Fives Foundation, Tahoe Bear League, Truckee Community Christmas