Hank de Vré 12
Puzzles & Horoscope 14
Winter Family Fun Guide 15
Praxis Skis 22
Tahoe Megastorms, Part II 24
Skiitour 25
Kid Friendly Tacos 28
Cedar House Pub 29
The Tahoe Sierra offers a smorgasbord of winter fun activities for all ages and abilities, including for those that don’t ski.
To make the most of your time in Tahoe (even if you’re a local), I suggest tackling my 16th Ultimate Tahoe Winter Bucket List. From skiing to snowshoeing, to sledding and snow angels, local events to competing in races, there’s something for everyone and hopefully at least a few things you didn’t know you could do in Tahoe.
Every bucket list is different. I try to pepper in new adventures along with classic outings and even some tips for how to be a steward of Tahoe. One winter bucket list item I’ve featured many times through the years is the first one – skiing all 16 downhill areas in the region in one season. I know there must be at least a few of you that have accomplished this feat, but to date no one has reached out to me to claim that title.
If you tackle No. 1 or any other items from the Bucket List, be sure to tag us @thetahoeweekly #thetahoeweekly. The person who tackles the most Bucket List items by the end of March (you’ll have to post photos and tag us as proof), will win a prize from Tahoe Weekly. Check out my past bucket lists at TheTahoeWeekly. com/bucket-list.
Sledding is a winter rite of passage for kids. I remember my brother spending hours after every snowstorm building us the ultimate sledding course as kids.
Ken would head out in the morning to build a sledding lane from the top of a hill in our yard that meandered through trees and rocks, complete with an ice bridge that traversed our driveway, down another hill and continuing deep into the forest. My sister Michelle, Ken and I (along with all the neighborhood kids) would spend every moment sledding it until it melted.
Building a backyard sledding lane is still a fun family activity, but our region also offers scores of safe, sledding areas from groomed lanes at local resorts to SnoParks with parking. But, for some reason, many visitors head to non-designated sledding areas off the sides of highways and Interstate ramps, park illegally along roadways blocking traffic, sled in contaminated snow (with fuel, oil, road salt and trash), and sled into busy roadways endangering everyone. Then, many leave behind piles of broken sleds, doggie bags and trash.
Local officials have tried to address these issues through visitor education and outreach, providing corrals to collect broken sleds and spending countless dollars to collect trash, but the problems continue as Priya Hutner writes in her story “Sledding trash, traffic persists” as part of our annual Family Fun Guide.
If you’re looking to spend the day sledding, I urge you to visit one of our tubing areas. You can find a list in this edition in our Winter Family Fun chart or at TheTahoeWeekly.com/winter.
Most provide you with tubes or sleds, groomed lanes and some will take you back to the top of the hill. Many also offer hot chocolate and snacks, music and night sessions. Leah Pivirotto also shares the best spots for little ones in her story “Winter fun for babies & toddlers.”
E. HillP.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96148 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113
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TAHOE WEEKLY is published bi-weekly year-round with one edition in April and November by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Wednesdays.
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A family enjoys a day skiing at Northstar California with view of Lake Tahoe. Northstar celebrates its 50th anniversary this season with a weekend of events on tap from Jan. 27 to 29; details in this edition. As well, skiing at Northstar during the 50th anniversary season is No. 5 on our Ultimate Tahoe Winter Bucket List in this edition. | Northstar California
Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years
Fed By: 63 streams and 2 hot springs
Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)
Watershed Area: 312 square miles (808 sq km)
Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F (5.61˚C)
Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F (11.1˚C)
Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F (18.3˚C)
Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet (3,317 m)
Average Snowfall: 409 inches (10.4 m)
Permanent Population: 70,000
Number of Visitors: 15 million annually
Email anne@tahoethisweek.com for details
Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California.
LAKE CLARITY:
2021: 61 feet avg. depth (18.6 m)
1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet (31.21 m)
AVERAGE DEPTH: 1,000 feet (304 m)
MAXIMUM DEPTH: 1,645 feet (501 m) Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, or 589 m, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.
VOLUME: 39 trillion gallons (147.6 trillion liters)
There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons (284 liters) of water per day for 5 years.
NATURAL RIM: 6,223’ (1,897 m)
Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. (1,897-1,899 m) The top 6.1’ (1.8 m) of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water (91,845 m).
SIZE: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide (35 km long, 19 km wide) Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.
SHORELINE: 72 miles (116 km) Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles (307 km). If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water (.38 m)
This iconic sight is part of an old volcano. Take in the view from Cave Rock State Park.
GATEKEEPER’S MUSEUM (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org
Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia in Tahoe City.
KINGS BEACH northtahoebusiness.org
Kings Beach is a popular spot for dining and shopping with the North Shore’s largest sandy beach located in the heart of town. Free parking at North Tahoe Beach, Brook Street, Minnow and the Christmas Tree lot on Hwy. 28.
NORTH TAHOE ARTS CENTER (530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com
Featuring works by local artists with locations in Kings Beach and Tahoe City.
TAHOE CITY visittahoecity.com
Popular for shopping and dining with historical sites. Visit the Tahoe Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge. Peer into Watson Cabin (1908) for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove St., Jackpine St. and Transit Center.
TAHOE SCIENCE CENTER
Tues.-Sat. by reservation (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org
University of California, Davis, science education center at Sierra Nevada University. Exhibits include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+.
WATSON CABIN (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org
Watson Cabin, built by Robert Watson and his son in 1908, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places (summer tours).
HIGH CAMP
(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com
Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, events and more. Ticket required.
OLYMPIC MUSEUM (800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com
Palisades Tahoe, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960, celebrates its Olympic History with the Tower of Nations with its Olympic Flame and the symbolic Tower of the Valley at Highway 89. The Olympic Museum at High Camp features historic memorabilia and photographs. Tram ticket required.
EXPLORE TAHOE (530) 542-2908 | cityofslt.us
Urban Trailhead at base of Heavenly Gondola with local exhibits and programs.
HEAVENLY (775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com
Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views. Ticket required.
LAKE TAHOE MUSEUM
Sat. (closed holidays) & by appt. (530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org
Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. Pick up walking tour maps.
TAHOE ART LEAGUE GALLERY (530) 544-2313 | talart.org Featuring works by local artists & workshops.
TALLAC HISTORIC SITE (530) 541-5227 | tahoeheritage.org Once known as the “Grandest Resort in the World” as the summer retreat for three San Francisco elite families with the Baldwin Estate, Pope Estate & Valhalla. Grounds open year-round. Tours in summer.
DONNER SUMMIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY donnersummithistoricalsociety.org
At Old Hwy 40 & Soda Springs Rd. 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40.
EMIGRANT TRAIL MUSEUM (530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov
The Emigrant Trail Museum features exhibits and artifacts on the Donner Party (1846-47) at Donner Memorial State Park. See the towering Pioneer Monument.
KIDZONE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Tues.-Sat. | (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org Interactive exhibits, science & art classes for kids up to age 7. BabyZone & Jungle Gym.
MUSEUM OF TRUCKEE HISTORY Fri.-Sun. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhibits cover different eras in Truckee history.
OLD JAIL MUSEUM (530) 659-2378 | truckeehistory.org One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses used from 1875 until May 1964 (summer tours). Closed for winter.
TOWN OF TRUCKEE truckeehistory.org | truckee.com Settled in 1863, Truckee grew quickly as a stagecoach stop and route for the Central Pacific Railroad. During these early days, many historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown.
TRUCKEE RAILROAD MUSEUM Sat.-Sun. & holidays truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com Learn about the historic railroad. Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot.
WESTERN SKISPORT MUSEUM Closed this season (530) 426-3313, ext. 113 | auburnskiclub.org Showcasing the history of skiing, exhibits include antique ski and snowshoe equipment, and a pair of 8-foot-long skis used by legendary mail carrier John “Snowshoe” Thompson. On Donner Summit next to Boreal.
EAGLE ROCK
Eagle Rock, one of the Lake’s most famous natural sites, is a volcanic plug beside Highway 89 on the West Shore. Trail to top is on the south side.
FANNETTE ISLAND (530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov
Lake Tahoe’s only island is in Emerald Bay & is home to an old tea house. Boat access only. (Closed Feb. 1-June 15 for nesting birds.)
HELLMAN-EHRMAN MANSION
Parking fee | parks.ca.gov
(530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours
Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion. See boathouses with historic boats and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. Summer tours.
VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE
(530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov | vikingsholm.com
Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle (interior tours closed for season), see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House.
Find more places to explore at TheTahoeWeekly.com
North Tahoe & Truckee (TART) | laketahoetransit.com South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org
California road conditions quickmap.dot.ca.gov, (800) 427-7623
Nevada Road conditions nvroads.com, (877) 687-6237 or 511 (while in Nevada)
East Shore
Spooner Lake State Park (775) 831-0494
Kings Beach
Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., July-Aug.)
Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463
South Shore At Heavenly Village. (530) 542-4637
Tahoe City 100 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 581-6900
Truckee 10065 Donner Pass Rd. (530) 587-8808
U.S. Forest Service | Incline Village 855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)
U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe 35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600
U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City 3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)
U.S. Forest Service | Truckee 10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558
National Forest access info fs.fed.us/r5/webmaps/RecreationSiteStatus
an epic winter in Tahoe. Tahoe’s snowpack is already 250 percent of normal and it’s only January.
It’s the first winter since 2020 that everything is back to normal-ish and many resort amenities and events that have been shuttered for the last 3 years have finally returned. Make the most of this winter with 100 of the best things to do in Tahoe this season. Share your adventures checking off our Ultimate Tahoe Winter Bucket List by tagging us @thetahoeweekly #thetahoeweekly.
1. Go for the Ultimate Bucket List challenge. Ski all 16 downhill ski areas this season. 2. Ski Tahoe’s largest ski area – Palisades Tahoe. The new Base to Base Gondola now links both base areas. 3. Ski at North America’s largest cross-country area – Royal Gorge. Celebrating 50 years. 4. Ski to The Royal Gorge itself – a 4,417-foot-deep gorge. 5. Ski Northstar. It’s the resort’s 50th anniversary. Be sure to check out the new Comstock Express lift. 6. It’s Kirkwood’s 50th anniversary, as well. Plan an outing to ski at Kirkwood. 7. Take a clinic & improve your skiing skills. 8. Learn to skate ski. Hint: Tahoe Weekly’s Tim Hauserman teaches at Tahoe XC. 9. Take a biathlon clinic at ASC Training Center. 10. Ski Tahoe Meadows while learning about forest ecology on Feb. 2. 11. Ski the free groomed cross-country trails at our local parks: Donner Memorial, Plumas-Eureka, Spooner or Sugar Pine Point state parks, along with Bijou Community Park and North Tahoe Regional Park.
12. Explore the Nordic venues of the 1960 Winter Olympics on a guided snowshoe tour at Sugar Pine Point State Park every Saturday & Sunday.
Learn the history of the Donner Party of 1846 during a historian-led snowshoe tour at Donner Memorial State Park every Saturday & Sunday.
Snowshoe in the woods and look for animal tracks in the snow.
Snowshoe the East Shore Trail from Sand Harbor. It’s 6-miles roundtrip; pack a picnic.
Camp in the snow. Sugar Pine Point and Grover Hot Springs state parks both offer winter camping.
Learn the basics of snow camping with Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s Snow Camping 101.
Can’t make the class? Read our tips for snow camping online.
Rent a fat tire bike and explore local trails. Hint: You’ll need a packed trail; try the groomed snowmobile trails.
20. Bike at Kirkwood’s or Northstar’s cross-country centers. Both offer fat tire bike access. 21. Take a turn on the ice. Local ice rinks are listed in our Winter Family Fun chart in every edition. 22. Try ice hockey, broomball, curling or ice dancing. 23. Snowshoe along the shores of Big Blue at Sand Harbor State Park. 24. Snowshoe or ski through the historic grounds at Tahoe Tallac on the South Shore. 25. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Sand Harbor State Park. 26. Snowshoe to the Chalet at Alpine and enjoy dinner.
27. Ready to head into the backcountry? You’ll need to complete you avy training first. 28. Next, you’ll need your backcountry gear. 29. Learn the avalanche forecast. 30. Know your backcountry etiquette. 31. Head out with a backcountry guide. 32. Ski to a backcountry hut. Reservations fill up fast. 33. Snowmobilers, take a motorized avalanche class.
34. Cross-country ski under the lights at Auburn Ski Club on Wednesdays & Fridays. 35. Night ski at North Tahoe Regional Park during Nordic Nights on Jan. 27, Feb. 24 & March 24. 36. Take a full moon snowshoe tour with Tahoe Adventure Company (a long-time Tahoe Weekly supporter). 37. Explore the night sky during a Snowshoe Star Tour offered monthly on the North Shore.
38. Join the Twilight Snowshoe Tours at Northstar every Saturday. 39. Snowshoe to Snowflake Lodge during Diamond Peak’s twilight tours on Jan. 27, Feb. 10 & March 10.
40. Celebrate winter with Ullr Fest on Feb. 3 at Diamond Peak.
41. See the Longboard Revival Races at Plumas-Eureka State Park held monthly.
42. Think you can race down the slopes on 9- to 16-foot longboards? Competitors are welcome at the races.
43. Only two more dates left for the Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series.
44. Don’t miss the McKinney Cup pitting some the fastest skiers in the sport against each other in Giant Slalom at Mt. Rose.
45. The World Cup comes to Palisades Tahoe Feb. 24 to 26. Get your tickets while you can.
46. Think you have what it takes to compete in Sugar Bowl’s Banked Slalom on Feb. 25.
47. SnowFest! March 2 to 12: 2 weeks of fun-filled days including 2 parades, fireworks, the Polar Bear Swim and much more.
48. The Great Ski Race on March 5 is the largest Nordic ski race in the West.
49. The Pain McShlonkey Classic on March 25 is a Tahoe original. Come in your most outrageous ski duds.
50. WinterWonderGrass brings the best of bluegrass, acoustic roots and Americana music to Palisades Tahoe, returning for the first time in 3 years: March 31 to April 1.
51. Forget downhill racing. How fast can you climb the mountain in an uphill ski race? Join the fun at Diamond Peak and Sugar Bowl.
52. Pond Skims are a rite of passage in spring. Check out the festivities and join the fun at Heavenly, Northstar and Sugar Bowl.
53. Wrap up the season with downhill dummy antics at Diamond Peak.
54. Take a cruise on Lake Tahoe. Check with the visitor centers for tours near you (there’s a list in Sightseeing in this edition).
55. Take a guided snowmobile tour; check with local visitor centers.
56. Explore the indoor rock climbing walls around the region.
57. How about indoor skateboarding? There’s one on the South Shore.
58. Enjoy the work of local artists at the nonprofit Tahoe Art League in South Lake Tahoe and North Tahoe Arts with art centers in both Kings Beach & Tahoe City.
59. Take the kids to the Kidzone Children’s Museum in Truckee. For infants up to age 7.
60. BMX, scooters, gymnasts, mountain bikes and more are welcome for indoor fun at Woodward Tahoe.
61. Release the excess energy with axe throwing.
62. You’ll need to work together as a team to make it out of Trapped in Tahoe.
63. Bowling lanes on both ends of the Lake offer fun for everyone.
64. Go outside and just play with a good old-fashioned snowball fight.
65. Make a snowman or snow angel.
66. Warm up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
67. Make a backyard sled run or two.
68. Visit a local sled hill.
69. Tube at the local ski areas – the runs are long and fast, and some will even take you back to the top.
70. Go fishing. Winter is the best time for Mackinaw on Lake Tahoe. You’ll need a guide.
Drive around the Lake. Stop & take lots of pictures (be sure Emerald Bay is open first). Hint: Take our Sightseeing page in this edition with you.
Leave the driving to someone else. Book a tour with Around Tahoe Tours. 73. Drive through Cave Rock. Stop & take photos at Cave Rock State Park. 74. Visit the Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village, Nev. 75. Visit the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City to learn about local history. 76. Walk across the more than 100-year-old Tahoe Dam at Lake Tahoe’s only outlet. 77. Take the Aerial Tram to High Camp at Palisades Tahoe and visit the Olympic Museum. 78. Learn about local history and the Donner Party at Donner Memorial State Park’s visitor center and museum.
79. Visit the 104-year-old Pioneer Monument at Donner Memorial that commemorates the early pioneers that crossed the Sierra.
80. Visit the Museum of Truckee History and the Truckee Railroad Museum, both located at the Truckee Depot to learn about the town’s rich history.
81. Take a walking tour of historic downtown Truckee. Maps available at the visitor’s center in The Depot.
82. Take the Heavenly Gondola to the top of the mountain. The scenery is breathtaking.
83. Meander along Tahoe’s small towns and shopping areas to take it all in.
84. Take in the fresh air and relax. Your vacation has finally started.
85. Take local transit. Free on-demand shuttles are offered through TART Connect (North Shore & Truckee), Lake Link (South Shore) and Mountaineer (Olympic Valley & Alpine Meadows).
86. Purchase non-plastic sleds (the plastic ones break and degrade into microplastics harming wildlife and waterways).
87. Pack out your litter, including your broken sleds. Carry trash bags with you. 88. Tip your servers and your guides. 89. STOP for pedestrians; they have the right of way. 90. Bag the poop and pack it out – yours and your dogs. Seriously. There are no magic forest gnomes picking up those doggie bags. 91. Practice the Leave No Trace Principles. 92. Help Save our Snow. Download the app and learn how to save our snowpack. 93. Take it slow. Drive slowly to protect pedestrians and enjoy the views. 94. Adopt a fire hydrant. Dig it out and keep your neighborhood safe (even if it’s your vacation home). 95. Dispose of ashes properly. 96. Ditch disposable water bottles. Buy a reusable one and Drink Tahoe Tap. 97. Purchase local art to remember your trip. 98. Find Tahoe Tessie. Download the AR game app. 99. Dine at a restaurant with views of Lake Tahoe. 100. Plan your next trip to Tahoe now.
Northstar California is celebrating its 50th anniversary with three days of free festivities from Jan. 27 to 29. Expect a weekend full of fun including live bands and DJs in the Village, ice carving expos, ice bar, drone show and other family-friendly activities. Each day from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tôst have a ski-up, mountain-view experience with complimentary champagne. | northstarcalifornia.com
Jan. 27
12-3 p.m. | DJ at the Summit 1-3 p.m. | Tôst on the East Ridge 2-5 p.m. | Live band in the Village 5-7:30 p.m. | DJ in the Village 7:30-9 p.m. | Diggin Dirt in the Village TBD | Ice Bar/ice carving expo at Overlook Bar
Jan. 28
1-3 p.m. | Tôst on the East Ridge 2- 5 p.m. | New Wave Crave in the Village
5-7 p.m. | DJ in the Village 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Face painting in the Village 7-8:30 p.m. | The Illeagles in the Village 8:30-8:45 p.m. | Drone show in the Village TBD | Ice Bar/ice carving expo at Overlook Bar
Jan. 29
1-3 p.m. | Tôst on the East Ridge 2-5 p.m. | Bread & Butter in the Village TBD | Ice Bar/ice carving expo at Overlook Bar
UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center’s has unveiled its Find Tahoe Tessie app, after more than a year of planning and development. Find Tahoe Tessie is an augmented reality (AR) gaming app, which places the mythical Tahoe Tessie in and around Lake Tahoe.
UC TERC
While using the app, players become scientists and throughout the game find scientific tools used for various lake experiments, explore Tahoe through local excursions and apply scientific knowledge that will help find Tahoe Tessie.
There are many scientific discoveries to be made throughout this app and while this fun is for the entire family, the learning objectives target students in Grades 3 to 5. At the end of the game, players will have improved comprehension and a better understanding of climate change and its impacts on freshwater ecosystems.
Capture (a photo) of Tahoe Tessie thriving in Lake Tahoe, share content on social media and learn about the impacts of climate change on the lake, Tahoe Tessie and other aquatic organisms. There are multiple Tessies to be found and viewing Tahoe Tessie in augmented reality can be done anywhere, but she looks best at the lake. | tahoe. ucdavis.edu
Palisades Tahoe and Teton Gravity Research (TGR) joined forces for the ultimate snow sweepstakes. There is no purchase necessary to enter to win a personal film shoot with TGR at Palisades Tahoe this winter. The winner and a friend will be flown to Palisades Tahoe for a five-day, four-night trip, which in cludes time on the mountain with a TGR cinematographer, a personal edit and two 2023-24 Ikon Passes. A winner will be announced the first week of February 2023.
Must be age 21 or older. Entries close Jan. 31. | app.viralsweep.com
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25
Volunteer Litter Sorters Needed
Clean Up The Lake, Zephyr Cove, 9 a.m., (530) 5627131, cleanupthelake.org
RUFF (Read up for Fun)
Truckee Library, Truckee, 10:30-11 a.m., (530) 5827846, nevadacountyca.gov/336/Truckee-Library
Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov
North Lake Roundtable
Tahoe National Brewing Co., Tahoe City, 6 p.m., (775) 298-0267, tahoeprosperity.org
THURSDAY, JAN. 26
Family Storytime
Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries
Preschool Storytime (Tahoe City)
Tahoe City Library, Tahoe City, 10:30 a.m., (530) 5462021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library
FRIDAY, JAN. 27
50th Anniversary Celebration
Northstar, Truckee, 10 a.m., northstarcalifornia.com
Interpretive Mountain Tours
Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com
Snowshoe Tour & Chalet Dinner
The Chalet at Alpine, Alpine Meadows, 4 p.m., (800) 403-0206, palisadestahoe.com
Evening Snowshoe Hikes to Snowflake Lodge
Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 5 p.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com
Nordic Nights
North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Vista, 5 p.m., northtahoerecreation.com, (530) 546-4212
Exploration Echo Snowshoe Trek
Echo Lakes Sno-Park, Echo Lakes, 9 a.m. to noon, (775) 298-4485, tahoerimtrail.org
Ski California Safety Day
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, Truckee, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., (530) 587-9400, tahoedonner.com
50th Anniversary Celebration
Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 10 a.m., northstarcalifornia.com
Interpreter-Guided Snowshoe Tours
Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours
Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
Tahoe Rim Tour
Tahoe XC, Tahoe City, 9 a.m., tahoexc.org
50th Anniversary Celebration
Northstar, Truckee, 10 a.m., northstarcalifornia.com
Interpreter-Guided Snowshoe Tours
Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
North Lake Tahoe SnowFest! will take place from March 2 to 12 this year and organizers are encouraging community groups, businesses and organizations to become a parade entry or a sponsor in the parades. Volunteers are needed, as well.
Tahoe City SnowFest! Parade will be on March 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. down North Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Parade entries are limited to 50 entries, the cost is $50 each. Online forms must be completed by Feb. 14. | tahoesnowfest.org
On March 11, North Tahoe Business Association will produce the annual Kings Beach SnowFest! Parade from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. between Secline Street and Raccoon Street along Highway 28. Parade entries are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25 per entry and sponsorship begins at $150. Online forms must be completed by Feb. 24. | northtahoebusiness.org
The 13th annual Ullr Fest Parade & Community Party at Diamond Peak in Incline Village, Nev., will be held on Feb. 3. Join the community for an outdoor celebration while raising funds for the Diamond Peak Ski Team.
The evening will include a torchlight parade, bonfire, music, raffles, food, drinks and more. Come dressed in your best Ullr attire; the event is named for the Scandinavian god of winter, regarded as the patron saint of skiers. Ullr hats will be available for purchase while supplies last. Admission and parking are free. | diamondpeak.com
SnowFest! Palisades Tahoe Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation
BY MIKE A.K. AKAY
Sincecoming to America at age 9, speaking only Dutch, Hank de Vré rose to the top of his profession as one of history’s premier ski photographers. When he talks about his career that started in the early 1980s at Palisades Tahoe, his great humility only allows him to speak of others, continually thanking those who have mentored him, those whom he respects as artists and those whom he has photographed, monuments of moments frozen in time that we can enjoy forever.
His No. 1 priority is safety and not doing more than his subjects can handle with the philosophy that “no pic is worth getting hurt for.” While looking out for each other, he has filmed the biggest names in skiing all around the world; there’s a funny story with Brad Holmes in Chile, another with Shane McConkey here at Hater’s Huck BASE jump and then in Switzerland with John Tremann. Hank’s stories and experiences are endless as he talks about Scot Schmidt, Jonny Moseley, ad campaigns for United Airlines, all these jobs stemming from a reputation he built from published photos in POWDER Magazine (back when it was cool) to dropping in to shoot stills during the filming of the iconic ski movie, “Blizzard of AAHH’S.”
Ironically, Hank came to Tahoe from New Jersey and took a job as T-Bar operator at Tahoe Ski Bowl (now part of Homewood) without knowing how to ski. Local legend Tom Lippert mentored him, telling Hank to be persistent and to keep submitting his photos to publications in spite of numerous rejections. Hank’s persistence led to success. In addition to being published in just about every ski publication on the planet, his success has been cemented in ski lore as the featured photographer for two books; Robb Gaffney’s “Squallywood” and Eric and Rob DesLauriers’ “Ski the Whole Mountain.”
RATTLESNAKE
Easy to advanced Steep canyon and side slopes at lower end of trail with 7 miles of groomed access. Upper elevations feature ridges and bowls. Route follows Rattlesnake Road to Magonigal Summit. Trailhead at Cisco Grove exit north off Interstate 80.*
YUBA PASS
Easy to advanced | fs.usda.gov
Hank de Vré
Hank has become an expert skier by necessity – in order to follow the above-mentioned skiers along with many others such as Aaron McGovern, Chuck Patterson, Daron Rahlves and Jeff Engerbretson, to name a few. And then again, Hank is thankful to his wife Meg for her years of support and help in his photo business and, of course, in raising their two great boys.
He also voiced his appreciation for the support of Scott Gaffney and Matchstick Productions, for without them he wouldn’t have been flown by helicopter to remote Alaskan mountain faces to get pictures of the people he loves being around. Like all ski photographers, he earns what little pay he gets and ultimately is here for the camaraderie among skiers and the shared experiences that he feels have enriched his life so fully.
Hank says, “The lifestyle is the payoff.” The energy and stoke that he brings to skiing is palpable. He has inspired local filmmaker and legend Tom Day in many ways. He describes Hank as persistent, always looking for the shot and the light and “one of the hardest working and most passionate photographers I know.”
Years ago, Hank started a photo show for locals along with the late writer Robert Frohlich. They called it “In the Mood” and would prepare the show by taking submissions from local photographers to create a slideshow that would get people excited for the upcoming ski season.
Hank wants to see that kind of energy live on here at Tahoe and other ski towns and remain an important part of ski culture. And guess what? He would be thankful if that happens.
Thank you, Hank, for stoking us up with your great pics.
In the next edition, I’ll talk with Hank’s brother Raymond de Vré, a Tahoe coaching legend. n
The route north from Yuba Pass off Highway 49 is popular for snowmobilers, and shares the trail system with Nordic skiers for the first mile before branching off. For skiers and snowshoers, the route goes north for 2 miles with views of the Sierra Valley, then leads west for 1 mile and rejoins the snowmobile trail. For a short loop, go south (a left) on the snowmobile route back to Yuba Pass. Alternately, you can continue west through a meadow for 1.5 miles, then head south (a left) onto the Lunch Creek Ski Trail 1.25 miles, then north (a left) on 3 Knobs Trail for 1.5 miles. 3 Knobs Trail ends back at the snowmobile trail. Snowmobilers can head north from the branch 1 mile in and travel through Gold Lake Highway. Then, head south to Bassett’s or north to Gold Lake. This route offers a variety of terrain and beautiful views of the Sierra Buttes and the Lakes Basin. More than 100 miles of trails. Take Highway 89 north of Truckee, and then take Highway 49 to Yuba Pass. Trailhead parking is 6 miles east of Bassett’s Station.*
BROCKWAY SUMMIT & MARTIS PEAK
Easy to advanced Brockway Summit off Highway 267 offers an abundance of areas to ski with turnouts on both sides of the highway where Nordic skiers and snowshoers can follow logging and utility roads. For snowmobilers, the best access and limited parking about one-quarter mile north of Brockway Summit below the top of Highway 267 on the Truckee side. No groomed trails, but many old lumber roads exist. Take a good map, as it’s easy to become turned around.
Easy to moderate Ski or snowshoe along an old road that meanders through a forest and into a cluster of meadows. Take Highway 89 south from Tahoe City, then turn right on Pine Avenue and right on Tahoe Park Heights Road. At the crest of the hill, take the middle fork, which becomes Big Pine Road, then take a left on Silver Tip. The parking area is at the top of the road.
TAHOE MEADOWS
Easy to advanced On Mount Rose high above Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Meadows offers an expansive area where skiers can stretch their legs. Head up Highway 431 from Incline Village until you reach the meadows before the summit. South side designated for skiers and snowshoers, while the north side is designated for snowmobilers. Heavy weekend use.
HOPE VALLEY
Easy to moderate Sno-park on the south side of Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Much of Hope Valley is open to snowmobiling, but some areas are not; stay in designated areas. Ungroomed routes to Willow Creek (8.5 miles) and Tamarack Lake (1 mile) and groomed routes to Blue Lakes (11.5 miles) and Forestdale (3.5 miles). Stage from Hope Valley Sno-Park.*
TAYLOR CREEK
Easy | (530) 573-2600 or fs.usda.gov
Developed for beginners, this well-marked series of trails allows skiers to explore the area. Terrain is mostly flat and is good for the entire family. Take Highway 89 to Cathedral Road and park in the Sno-Park. Marked trails start at the parking lot with three trails near Fallen Leaf Lake. On the lake side of Highway 89, follow the road to access the Tallac Historic Trail.*
CABIN CREEK TRAIL
Easy to moderate
Marked route follows old logging roads and Cabin Creek Road for 3 to 6 miles. The terrain has gentle, rolling slopes. Cabin Creek Road south of Truckee on Highway 89. The unmarked trailhead is 1 mile from the highway. Limited parking is available in a road cut, when plowed.
DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Easy | (530) 582-7892 or parks.ca.gov
The park is mostly flat and open year-round. Skiers can enjoy the forests and boulder fields, glide down to the lake and meander through the park. Unmarked, 9.6-km, skierpacked trail starting near the Emigrant Trail Museum. For the more adventuresome, glide over the hills into Coldstream Canyon. Parking fee. TART
LITTLE TRUCKEE SUMMIT
Easy to advanced | (530) 994-3401 or fs.usda.gov
Marked routes with 110 miles of groomed trails follow roads to Webber Lake and Yuba Pass, Rim and Ridge Loops, Bald Ridge Loop and Treasure Mountain, Pass Creek Loop, Independence Lake Loop, Meadow Lake Loop and Jackson Meadow. Trailhead at Jackson Meadow Road, 14 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. Overnight camping OK in parking area. Heavy use.*
PETER GRUBB HUT & CASTLE PEAK
Moderate to advanced | clairtappaanlodge.com
A marked Nordic ski trail begins at the Castle Peak/Boreal interchange on Donner Summit off Interstate 80, west of Truckee. Take the Castle Peak exit and follow it for onequarter mile to the intersection for the trailhead to the north. Follow unmarked trail to Peter Grubb Hut. Overnight parking available at the Sno-Park*. For overnight stays at the hut, call (530) 426-3632 for reservations.
POLE
Easy to strenuous
Unmarked trails follow roads along Pole Creek and Silver Creek Drainages. Trailhead 6 miles south of Truckee on Highway 89. Some parking on west side of highway.
SAGEHEN
Easy to moderate
An unmarked route follows the road to the creek bottom. Lateral roads offer many side trips. Trailhead at Sagehen Summit on the west side of Highway 89, 8 miles north of Truckee. Limited parking.
BLACKWOOD CANYON
Easy to advanced
The meadows in Blackwood Canyon offer a great place to get into the wilderness off Highway 89 on the West Shore. Follow Highway 89 south from Tahoe City and park at the Kaspian Recreation Area. Skiers can glide along the road (not plowed) or through the meadows. Snow-mobilers should follow the road about 2.5 miles, then take a left across the bridge and continue up Barker Pass Road to large open areas, steep bowls and many roads. Limited parking.*
Easy | fs.usda.gov
Meeks Meadows on the West Shore off Highway 89 offers a vast area to ski. The trailhead is across from the Meeks Bay Fire Station; look for the log cabin with red trim. Follow the U.S. Forest Service road or meander through the meadow and down to Meeks Creek.
SUGAR
Easy to moderate | (530) 525-7982 or parks.ca.gov
The Ed Z’berg/Sugar Pine Point State Park is a spectacular spot to cross-country ski or snowshoe among the dense forests of the West Shore or along Lake Tahoe’s shores.
The park offers more than 18 km of marked ski trails. Three groomed trails begin at the campground, 9 miles south of Tahoe City, with two skier-packed trails on the lake side of the park, accessed from the Day Use entrance. Winter camping available. Guided tours and programs. Parking fee. TART *Sno-Park permit required; (916) 324-1222 or ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks.
Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours
Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
Sock Drive: Share, Care & Give a Pair
Inside Incline, Incline Village, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., (775) 354-9745, insideincline.com
El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5
North Tahoe Toddler & Me
North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 10 a.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com
Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries
Preschool Storytime (Kings Beach)
Kings Beach Library, Kings Beach, 10:30 a.m., (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library
North Tahoe Golden Hour
North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 11:30 a.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com
Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov
Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries
El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5
RUFF (Read up for Fun)
Truckee Library, Truckee, 10:30-11 a.m., (530) 5827846, nevadacountyca.gov/336/Truckee-Library
Storytime
Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov
IV Quad
Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 3 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries
Weird Science Wednesdays
Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries
Tahoe Winter Exploration Series Nordic Tour
Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead, New Washoe City, 9-11 a.m., (775) 298-4485, tahoerimtrail.org
Family Storytime
Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries
Preschool Storytime (Tahoe City)
Tahoe City Library, Tahoe City, 10:30 a.m., (530) 5462021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library
Ski with a Ranger
Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m., (530) 543-2790
Interpretive Mountain Tours
Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com
Ullr Fest Parade & Community Party
Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-1176, dpsef.org
Snow Camping 101
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Stateline, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (775) 298-4485, tahoerimtrail.org
Coffee With a Cop
Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 10:30 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
Interpreter-Guided Snowshoe Tours
Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours
Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
Aloha, Hawaii: Presentation on the 2022 Pacific Cup
Tahoe Yacht Club, Tahoe City, 6-8 p.m., (530) 5814700, tahoeyc.com
Snow Camping 101
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Stateline, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (775) 298-4485, tahoerimtrail.org
Interpreter-Guided Snowshoe Tours
Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours
Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org
Crawl Space
El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5
North Tahoe Toddler & Me
North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 10 a.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com
Family Storytime
Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries
Preschool Storytime (Kings Beach)
Kings Beach Library, Kings Beach, 10:30 a.m., (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library
Bilingual Songs With Brooke Chabot
KidZone Museum, Truckee, 11:30 a.m., (530) 5875437, kidzonemuseum.org
North Tahoe Golden Hour
North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 11:30 a.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com
Reading Furends
Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov
Skin Track Chats | Truckee Public House
Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 6 p.m., (530) 536-5029, alibialeworks.com
Play & Learn Program
El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8
RUFF (Read up for Fun)
Truckee Library, Truckee, 10:30-11 a.m., (530) 5827846, nevadacountyca.gov/336/Truckee-Library
Storytime
Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov
The Giving Fund Winter Speaker Series
The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, Truckee, 5 p.m., (530) 587-9400, tahoedonner.com
Financial Literacy Seminar
SLT Library Meeting Room, South Lake Tahoe, 5-7 p.m., saintjosephclt.org
CHECK CONDITIONS AT TAHOEBIKE.ORG
• Keep dogs leashed
• Pedestrians must yield to bikes
• Don’t stop on the trail; move to the side
• E-bikes allowed on most paths; check in advance
• Cyclists call out when passing pedestrians
• Limited service in winter. Pack out all trash, including dog waste bags.
EAST SHORE
EAST SHORE TRAIL
Easy-moderate | 6 miles RT | tahoefund.org Runs along Lake Tahoe and connects to Hwy. 28 from south end of Incline Village, Nev., to Sand Harbor State Park. Parking near Ponderosa Ranch Road. Electric assist OK. Paid parking. TART
NORTH SHORE
INCLINE VILLAGE Easy | 7.4 miles RT | washoecounty.us Walking path runs along Hwy. 28 through Incline Village. Access to shopping and parks. Paved between both intersections of Southwood Blvd. Boot packed between east intersection of Southwood Blvd. and Country Club Drive. TART
LAKESHORE BOULEVARD
Easy | 5 miles RT | washoecounty.us Runs along Lake Tahoe Boulevard and connects to Hwy. 28 at each end of Incline Village. Park at Preston Field on Hwy. 28. Electric assist OK. TART
NATIONAL AVENUE Easy | 1.8 miles RT Starts on shore of Lake Tahoe at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and continues up National Avenue past Grey Lane. Parking at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. TART
PINE DROP TRAIL
Easy | 3 miles RT | northtahoeparks.com Located at North Tahoe Regional Park the trail connects to Pinedrop Lane off Highway 267. Parking fee.
TAHOE CITY TO CARNELIAN BAY Easy-moderate | 8+ miles RT | tcpud.org First 2.5 miles mostly level with a half-mile climb up Dollar Hill. Cross Highway 28 to access 2.2-mile section to Fulton Crescent above Carnelian Bay. Public parking at 64 Acres, Commons Beach, Jackpine and Grove Streets, and Dollar Hill. Electric assist OK. Section from Dollar Hill to Fulton Crescent boot-packed only. TART
TRUCKEE RIVER CANYON
Easy | 9+ miles RT | tcpud.org 4.5 miles from the Tahoe City wye to Alpine Meadows Road, with trails continuing to Olympic Valley. The trail is scenic, separate from the highway, and is mostly flat terrain with a few short, gentle grades with trout fishing, river rafting and picnicking along the way. Connects with Olympic Valley Road or continue to Truckee. Public parking at 64 Acres and Olympic Valley Park at Olympic Valley Road. Electric assist OK. TART
OLYMPIC VALLEY
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Easy | 4 miles RT | tcpud.org
A 2-mile trail runs beside Olympic Valley Road to the ski area with views of the meadow and surrounding peaks. Public parking at Olympic Valley Park or Village at Palisades Tahoe. Electric assist OK. TART
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
AL TAHOE BOULEVARD
Easy | 3.2 miles RT Connections Lake Tahoe Boulevard (Highway 50) and Pioneer Trail with access to Lake Tahoe Community College.
CAMP RICHARDSON BIKE PATH
Easy | 6 miles RT The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities. Limited parking.
SAWMILL TO MEYERS
Easy | 7 miles RT Section cleared along Sawmill Road starting at Lake Tahoe Boulevard then connects to run along Highway 89 to Meyers ending at Luther Pass Road.
SIERRA BOULEVARD
Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Barbara Ave.
SKI RUN BOULEVARD
Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Pioneer Trail.
SOUTH SHORE BIKE PATH Easy | 7 miles RT | cityofslt.us
Follow the bike trail along South Shore, with sections along Lakeview Commons, Reagan Beach and playgrounds. Public parking at Parks and Recreation lot on Rufus Allen Boulevard.
TRUCKEE
DONNER PASS ROAD
Easy | 5.4 miles RT Runs through the heart of the town of Truckee from the west end to historic downtown Truckee.
DONNER PASS RD. TO MOUSEHOLE Easy | 1.8 miles RT Runs along Highway 89 connecting Donner Pass Road to the Mousehole.
JOEGER DRIVE
Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Soaring Way and runs along Joeger Drive to River View Sports Park.
STEVENS LANE TO ALDER DRIVE
Easy | 2 miles RT Runs from Stevens Lane along Donner Pass Road, turns down Rue Ivy to connect to Alder Drive. Park at U.S. Forest Service office on Stevens Lane.
TROUT CREEK TRAIL
Moderate | 3 miles RT
Wooded path from Trout Creek Park (paid parking) in downtown Truckee to Northwoods Blvd. (parking free).
TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL
Easy | 10 miles RT | tdrpd.org
Stretches from downtown Truckee to Truckee River Regional Park, River View Sports Park and Glenshire. Park at either park or East River Street. Electric assist OK. TART
WEST SHORE
TAHOE CITY TO MEEKS BAY
Moderate | 25+ miles RT | tcpud.org
Mostly separate from the highway, the trail includes a few miles of highway shoulder and residential streets.
Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Access to picnicking, beaches and playgrounds. Public parking at 64 Acres. Electric assist OK. TART
North Tahoe & Truckee | laketahoetransit.com
South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
An expansive and social mood should be evident by now. Yet, practical considerations are still strongly influencing your focus. As well, an inclination towards retreat is also present. How will you harmonize all three impulses? Perhaps give each their time and aim for synthesis.
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
You want to be seen, heard, and heeded. If this is not naturally forthcoming, you may resort to leverage tactics such as increased diplomacy, charm, or the sharing of grand visions and elaborate strategies. Any and all such measures are a good idea along with reminding others of prior efforts and of your worth.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)
Aquarius time is one during which you tend to wax philosophically. Intellectual ventures are also more likely. These could manifest as desires to explore new places by way of travel. If you can’t go literally, a good book might do the trick. Narrow the gap between dreams and reality.
Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)
A process of deep changes and transformations, even veritably amounting to some kind of metamorphosis has shifted into high gear. The larger feature of this process has already been underway for the past 2-3 years yet has arrived at it final and perhaps deeper stages. Tune in and cooperate.
Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)
A growing commitment to solidify foundations for the sake of public and professional success is getting a big boost now. The Aquarius impulse is synchronizing with meeting new people and engaging in new modes of communication. Make your mark on the world with precision.
Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)
Shifts and changes in your overall lifestyle continue. Positively, you are consciously aware of these inclinations and are following through with deliberate action. This is your invitation to enter into a whole new level of higher-quality living and health. What can you do to embrace this opportunity?
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Fun, play, and creativity are floating on your airwaves. Given other, more sobering realities, these could be combined to come up with new ideas, methods, and strategies to adjust to changing circumstances. You probably know that meaningful changes are required so get down to business with the fun.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You are coming to a clearer realization of who you are and are not, who you love and do not, and what you want and need and do not. This process of turning on the lights in the core of your being could manifest as important changes on relationship fronts as well, including both beginnings and endings.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Many new realizations are coming to your awareness. This process will continue for a few more weeks especially and could amount to you seeing yourself and the world, and yourself in the world in new ways. Be willing to take note of the incoming realizations with intentions to elaborate upon them.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
This time of year is one during which building upon new foundations is important. This can include increasing your network of friends and key people in positions of power and authority. Yet, it can also be a good time to let go of associations with people who seem to be a negative influence.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)
A pioneering impulse is leading you to be more assertive. This can manifest as an increase in social activity. Yet, it also indicates that some changes close to home are part of the plot as well. A reassessment of your values and priorities is likely with spiritual ideals on one hand countered by practical realities.
Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
A busy time behind the scenes is extra likely now. It includes the formulation of new concepts and approaches. The time is right to prepare the ground for bigger projects yet to begin. To this end, focus on getting as organized as you can, tying up loose ends, and focusing mentally and emotionally to enter the zone.
“During the winter of 2020-21, prior to [League to Save Lake Tahoe] funding a Dumpster and portable toilets at the Spooner sled hill, Tahoe Blue Crews collected a total of 1,981 pounds of litter.”
— Chris JosephFollowing a recent snowstorm, I needed to drive to Donner Summit. As I made my way down Donner Pass Road in Truckee to access Interstate 80, I saw a group of people sledding off the side of a hill onto the busy, icy road. I slowed down. The group didn’t seem to notice or care about vehicles. Did they realize it’s difficult to stop a 4,500-pound car on a snow-covered road? With many places to sled in the Tahoe Sierra, why would people put their children on a fast-moving contraption and sled into a busy winter road? After an unprecedented number of people flocked to the Tahoe Sierra during the height of the COVID pandemic starting in 2020, Tahoe Weekly began reporting on the impacts of overtourism in the region including on trash, traffic, wildlife and wildfires, as well as the escalating problems at non-designated sledding areas in the winter
When asked if the issue has improved in the last few years, California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Falkowski, replied with one word, “Nope.” He points out that illegal sledding and parking are still a huge problem, particularly on Donner Summit.
“People still use rest areas as snow parks, pulling off the freeway and sledding in unsafe areas. If a sign says keep out, no parking, then do it,” Falkowski
says. Tickets can cost anywhere from $80 to $250 depending on the offense, but have done little to curb problems.
Illegal sledding and parking create multiple issues, such as obstructing emergency vehicle access, hampering snow removal operations and causing traffic. Falkowski also points out that the amount of litter left behind continues to plague the area.
“People leave behind barbecue grills, cases of empty alcohol bottles and cracked sleds,” says Falkowski. He is baffled with people choosing to sled off Soda Springs Road under high-voltage wires.
Two of the most highly trafficked sled areas in the Tahoe Basin are Spooner Summit and Tahoe Meadows along Mt. Rose Highway. Although there has been some progress, the litter battle remains a problem.
According to Katie Sheehan, executive director of the nonprofit Clean Tahoe, during the winter of 2020-21, the organization collected 13,000 pounds of sled trash at Spooner Summit at the junction of Highways 28 and 50 on the East Shore. Clean Tahoe is contracted by Nevada Department of Transportation, [NDOT] to pick up trash at the top of Spooner as well as on Mt. Rose.
“We visit these sites five days a week to clean
and trash all year round,
as well as clear away illegal dumps,” explains Sheehan.
“The League to Save Lake Tahoe paid for a Dumpster and two porta-potties to be installed and serviced up at Spooner Summit, adjacent to the sled hill,” says Chris Joseph, communications director for League to Save Lake Tahoe.
Unfortunately, the solution is shortterm as the Dumpster and bathrooms are paid for out of the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s budget. The League’s Tahoe Blew Crews also collect garbage from the Spooner sled hill.
“During the winter of 2020-21, prior
to the League funding a Dumpster and portable toilets at the Spooner sled hill, Tahoe Blue Crews collected a total of 1,981 pounds of litter. During the winter of 2021-22, with a League-funded Dumpster and two portable toilets in place, the same Tahoe Blue Crew collected 126 pounds of trash. The Dumpster intercepted approximately 2,000 pounds of would-be litter. In short, Dumpsters and toilets work at keeping litter out of the Tahoe environment,” wrote Joseph in a follow-up email to the Tahoe Weekly.
• Sled at designated sled hills, Sno-Parks & tubing areas
• Don’t sled along roadways
• Purchase non-plastic sleds (tubing areas provide sleds)
• Carry doggie bags & pick up after your dog
• Pack out broken sleds, trash, food & doggie bags
• Expect closed or no restrooms at Sno-Parks
• Practice the Leave No Trace Principles
Responsible sledding Tahoe Fund, League to Save Lake Tahoe and Take Care Tahoe created a Slediquette Campaign during the pandemic to combat the debris left behind by broken plastic sleds. The campaign encourages people to clean up and recycle broken sleds or snow tubes using its sled corrals and to pack out all trash.
Along with the visible trash left behind by broken sleds, those broken pieces will degrade even more if not picked up and become microplastics contaminating the environment, including local waterways as Tahoe Weekly reported in our story Tahoe’s tiniest trash.”
“We are in the middle of updating our sled corral program. We will be installing new signs at all of the corrals and working with some volunteer groups to maintain them throughout the winter,”
wrote Noah Shapiro, program and outreach coordinator for Tahoe Fund, in an email to Tahoe Weekly. “We are changing our focus this year to emphasize only leaving broken sleds in the corrals instead of trying to get people to leave their functional sleds behind for others to borrow.”
“The bottom line is the problem persists. People are still buying cheap sleds, the sleds are still exploding and people are still sledding on non-sanctioned sled hills,” says Joseph.
He recognizes that sledding is a great recreational option and suggests one solution is to encourage people to purchase more durable sleds. Joseph adds that although the more durable sleds are
Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com/trash for links to report trash issues a little more expensive, they last for a long time.
Local officials also urge people to use established tubing hills with free options available at Sno-Parks throughout the region, as well as at many ski resorts and tubing areas. The Tahoe Weekly prints a complete list of all local tubing areas in every edition in the winter and it’s also available at TheTahoeWeekly. com/winter.
How do organizations committed to battling the litter issue in Tahoe communicate with visitors and educate them about trash and sledding safety?
“Trying to reach people is a tough nut to crack. We’ve been working with destination management organizations. They’ve been good about communicating messaging about being good environmental stewards,” says Joseph.
League to Save Lake Tahoe trains volunteers for its Tahoe Blue Crew program, where people adopt a region and keep it clean and free of the trash.
“We’ve been working with the SOS Outreach, a youth program for local kids. They are part of the Tahoe Blue Crew program. The kids adopted Van Sickle State Park,” says Joseph.
After the teens noticed how much sled trash was being left behind in the park, Van Sickle Bi-State Park became one
of their cleanup initiatives. Joseph also pointed out that the young people went to local businesses to stop the sale of plastic sleds. As a direct result, Raley’s in South Lake Tahoe and Truckee now stock metal discs and wood and metal toboggans.
The problem of accessible sledding with adequate infrastructure to accommodate people who want to recreate in the snow for free remains a conundrum for the Tahoe Sierra and its visitors.
Sledding in Tahoe continues to be a balance between access and managing its impacts. n
Citizen Science app | citizensciencetahoe.org
Click Fix app (Truckee) | townoftruckee.com
EL DORADO COUNTY
Eastern Slope area | (530) 573-3450, edcgov.us
DOUGLAS COUNTY
Code Enforcement Office | (775) 782-6214, douglascountynv.gov
NEVADA COUNTY
Illegal dumping | (530) 265-7111, mynevadacounty.com
PLACER COUNTY
Garbage complaints | (530) 581-6240, placer.ca.gov
Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal | (530) 583-7800, waste101.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
City of South Lake Tahoe | (530) 542-6000, cityofslt.us
South Tahoe Refuse | (530) 541-5105, southtahoerefuse.com
Clean Tahoe Program | (530) 544-4210, clean-tahoe.org
TRUCKEE
Town of Truckee Trash complaints | townoftruckee.com
Keep Truckee Green | (530) 582-7700, keeptruckeegreen.org
Truckee-Donner Recreation & Parks District | (530) 582-7720, tdrpd.org
WASHOE COUNTY
Garbage complaints | (775) 328-6106, washoecounty.us
Snow Toys & Sleds
& PHOTOS BY LEAH PIVIROTTO
I’m drinking my kid’s hot chocolate, wondering if I subconsciously packed it for myself. I hold out a steaming, sugary cup when he walks to the top of the sled hill. He brushes it aside and collapses into his sled, drifting down the hill, pretending to sleep.
I think that’s “thee-teen” for “leave me alone, I’m playing.” So instead, I drink the four servings of hot chocolate and huddle with the rest of the parents. My baby girl catnaps in her sled; I have nothing left to do but enjoy watching young kids play at full tilt.
It’s never too early to introduce your kids to classic cold-weather activities. The noble arts of gracefully falling downhill and twinkle-toeing on ice, swears them into the alliance of winter lovers.
A word on planning: In the adventure world, it is good style to identify all your participants’ ability levels and plan accordingly. I’m sharing my list of activities for my whole family. Find details on these local activities in the Winter Family Fun chart in this edition or at TheTahoeWeekly.com/winter.
NORTH SHORE
NORTHSTAR (530) 562-1010 | northstarcalifornia.com
Open air rink. Free access.
TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK (530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com
Ice skating & rentals. Clubhouse.
OLYMPIC VALLEY RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK (530) 584-4024
Ice & hockey skate rentals available. Call for schedule.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE EDGEWOOD TAHOE (888) 769-1924 | edgewoodtahoe.com
Open air rink. Daily 4-9 p.m. Rentals available.
HEAVENLY VILLAGE (530) 542-4230 | theshopsatheavenly.com
Open air rink.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE ICE ARENA (530) 542-6262 | cityofslt.com
Indoor facility open year-round.
TRUCKEE TRUCKEE RIVER REGIONAL PARK (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com
Skate rentals, ice dancing & hockey lessons.
EAST SHORE
SPOONER LAKE (775) 831-0494
State park open for snow play. Bring equipment. Parking fee.
HOPE VALLEY AREA CARSON PASS (209) 295-4251
Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Bring equipment.*
HOPE VALLEY (775) 882-2766
Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Bring equipment.*
MEISS MEADOW (209) 295-4251
Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Bring equipment.*
NORTH SHORE
INCLINE VILLAGE
On Fairway Blvd., next to the Chateau.Bring equipment.
NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK (530) 546-0605 | northtahoeparks.com
End of National Avenue off Hwy 28. Rentals not available.
TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK (530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com
Sledding & cross-country trails. Rentals available. RSVP required.
OLYMPIC VALLEY
OLYMPIC VALLEY PARK placer.ca.gov
Free snowplay area. Bring equipment.
PALISADES TAHOE (530) 452-4511 | palisadestahoe.com
Tubing area. Disco Tubing with DJ & lasers at night.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN (530) 659-7217 | adventuremountaintahoe.com
Machine-groomed sledding, tubing & snowplay.
ECHO LAKE (530) 644-2324
Highway 50 at Echo Lake Road. Bring equipment.*
HANSEN’S RESORT (530) 544-3361 | hansensresort.com 400-foot-long groomed tube run on Ski Run Blvd.
HEAVENLY skiheavenly.com
Tubing at top of gondola with four lanes.
KAHLE PARK (775) 586-7271 | douglascountynv.gov Off Highway 207. Bring equipment.
SAWMILL POND
On Lake Tahoe Blvd. Bring equipment.
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE (530) 659-7453 | sierraattahoe.com
Lift-accessible tubing lanes, snow play and sledding area.
TAHOE SNOWMOBILE TUBING (530) 542-3294 | tahoesnowmobiles.com
At Tahoe Paradise & Stateline, Nev. Reserve online.
TAYLOR CREEK (530) 543-2600
Hwy. 89, north of Camp Richardson Road. Bring equipment.*
TUBETAHOE (530) 600-2304 | tubetahoe.com
500 feet of machine-groomed tubing lanes in Meyers.
TRUCKEE BOREAL MOUNTAIN rideboreal.com
RSVP in advance. Night sessions available.
DONNER SKI RANCH donnerskiranch.com Tubing hills with moving carpet.
DONNER SUMMIT (530) 587-3558
South side of I-80, Castle Peak exit. Bring equipment.*
KINGVALE RESORT (530) 427-5090 | kingvaleresort.com Bring sleds or sleds available to buy.
NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA northstarcalifornia.com TART Tubing lanes in the Village.
SODA SPRINGS skisodasprings.com Up to 10 lanes. RSVP in advance.
SUGAR RUSH TUBING sugarbowl.com 10-lane tubing area at Sugar Bowl.
TAHOE DONNER (530) 587-9437 | tahoedonner.com
At Trout Creek Recreation Center. Reserve online.
YUBA PASS (530) 994-3401
Highway 49 at Yuba Pass. Bring equipment.*
WEST SHORE
BLACKWOOD CANYON (530) 543-2600
Sno-Play area off Hwy. 89. Bring equipment.*
GRANLIBAKKEN (530) 581-7533 | granlibakken.com Machine-groomed snow play area. Reserve online.
Some sled hills have height requirements that might preclude little ones. All the areas listed here do not. Plus, these slopes are established, often-groomed runs with safe parking areas and some include a lift to the top of the hill.
Heavenly Lake Tahoe | On weekends, a mini-tubing area is open at the top of the gondola.
Tube Tahoe | Ages 3 to 5 must ride in a tube with a paying adult.
Hansen’s Resort | Age 4 and younger tube free when accompanied by paying adult.
Adventure Mountain | The highest elevation tubing area in the region at 7,400’ includes a snow play area.
Sawmill Pond | Free with a gentle slope.
Sierra-at-Tahoe | Blizzard Mountain offers two lift-accessible tubing lanes (with tow ropes) and snow play area.
North Tahoe Regional Park | Small kid sled hill located at entrance, across from the kiosk. Bring your sled.
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park | Reserve spots online; sled provided.
Granlibakken Tahoe | Snow play area and saucer sled included in price, age 3 and younger sled for free.
Donner Ski Ranch | Tubes provided and moving carpet.
Kingvale Resort | Bring your own sled (no tubes).
Northstar California | Kids sled. You watch from beside the fire.
Tahoe Donner Snowplay | Kids under 36 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.
Northstar California | Access is free if you have your skates. Skate rentals are available. Open daily from 12 to 9 p.m. and there’s fire pits.
Truckee River Regional Park | Offering public skating and rentals.
Stepping onto the ice with blades under your feet for the first time can feel as wobbly as re-learning how to walk. But mastering the glide gets addictive and boosts a kid’s confidence. Ice skating is accessible to everyone, even if your participation maxes out at sitting on the sidelines and heckling.
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park | Reserve spots online. Rentals and learning equipment are available. Enjoy the hot chocolate from Café Zenon.
Heavenly Village Ice Rink | Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. $20 for adults, $15 for children (ages 4 to 12) and $5 off if you bring your skates.
Tahoe Ice Arena | Full-service indoor skating rink, NHL-sized sheet of ice, locker rooms, snack bar, retail store, arcade and party rooms.
Sno-Parks give children a rugged winter experience. So, I use them as an act of reciprocity between my kids and me. Our adventures look like this: I cross-country ski with a pulk sled packed with them, a picnic and toys (Read: get exercise.). Then, we hang out in a private area where my kids get unstructured outdoor playtime (Read: freedom), all with the security of a plowed parking lot and restrooms at some locations.
Permits are required to park and can be purchased online for $15 per day or $40 for season passes. Visit bit.ly/ ca_snoparks for details and a list of local vendors.
Sno-Parks are located at Blackwood Canyon, Donner Summit, Yuba Pass, Echo Lake, Taylor Creek, Carson Pass, Hope Valley, Iron Mountain, Meiss Meadow. n
In the middle of one of the best snow seasons of the decade, it’s not a stretch to find Praxis Skis owner Keith O’Meara out on the slopes, shredding powder on a pair of his custom-made skis.
He’s been in the business for 20 years now. All Praxis snow sticks are handcrafted in Tahoe and made of the finest quality, most durable materials that have been tested by professional skiers, ski patrol crews, employees and returning customers.
O’Meara started Praxis out of his garage in Truckee after graduating from Sierra Nevada College (now University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe). According to O’Meara, he studied business and computer applications, “but really studied skiing.” It was around that time in the late 1990s and early 2000s that he began going to freeskiing competitions and noticed that there weren’t really any powder skis on the market.
So, he built a business plan and started making skis specific to Sierra Nevada conditions out of his garage, all while managing to fit 180 days of skiing in a year. His first model was inspired by Shane McConkey’s Spatula, a full reverse rocker powder ski, which was like nothing else out at the time. It helped that his cousin Kevin O’Meara was also on the Freeskiing World Tour, competing on a pair of skis that he made himself in O’Meara’s shop.
“My cousin was on the circuit along with other ripping skiers and we started bringing out our new design at competitions. We got kind of laughed at because we were on our own homemade skis, but at that time there weren’t any others available,” O’Meara says.
Nowadays there is a lot more competition in the small ski company arena, but Praxis’s production process — and its ability to make custom skis— is what sets it apart from the rest.
“A lot of our platform is built on a custom ski model. We can make heavier, lighter, stiffer skis, and we have 150 graphics to choose from. It works well, making skis that people want that are already pre-sold.”
The company hosts a big, custom pre-order sale in April with pairs of skis starting at $600.
Praxis pioneered a method of printing graphics on wood veneers with the digital stain matching the grain, making each pair unique and more lightweight. Praxis also offers 20 pairs of standard models to choose from, everything from carving to backcountry to touring. And thanks to selling directly through its website, Praxis Skis has sold skis around the world.
“The first four years [we started making skis], 50 percent of our sales were international; it was all online through gear junky forums, [Teton Gravity Research] made it more global. But
“My cousin [Kevin O’Meara] was on the circuit along with other ripping skiers and we started bringing out our new design at competitions. We got kind of laughed at because we were on our own homemade skis, but at that time there weren’t any others available.”
—Keith O’Meara
then more smaller companies in Europe started making powder skis and we lost some of that market. Though, more customers transitioned to the U.S. and we kind of became the California ski brand,” he says.
The direct-to-consumer business model also makes the transactions more personal.
“Every day I run into people on Praxis
Skis in Tahoe, especially at Alpine. It’s fun because they may not know who I am and I can ask them about how they like their skis. Usually I’ve got my head down in the lift line looking for my skis — that’s who I want to ride with,” he says.
Selling directly through the website allows O’Meara to make upwards of 2,000 pairs of skis per year and still get 100-plus days of skiing in during the season. And customers do come to the factory in Incline Village, Nev.
At that moment in our conversation, Praxis Team Rider Jed Kravitz walked in. Kravitz is one of the top competitors on the Freeride World Tour, most recently he took first place at the 2022 Big Sky IFSA Freeride World Tour Qualifier Final.
“We have a pro model for him,” O’Meara says about Kravitz’s Jedi Mind Sticks. Having friends, family members, ski patrol crews and team riders competing on the Freeride World Tour helps because Praxis skis are really put to the test in terms of their durability in various conditions.
When I ask him what his goals for the company are, O’Meara replies: “Just to continue to have fun with it. I’m fortunate with that, to live in Tahoe and have a fun lifestyle. And we have a really good crew.” | praxisskis.com n
Mountain range to the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, alone.
What followed was a transformational journey of love, hope and resilience. Vrecek tells her story in a voice stripped of self-pity and infused with humor. “She Rides” is a wake-up call to unearth and follow your deeply buried dreams — and reclaim your life.
The book will be released in June 2023, pre-order the book on Amazon. | amazon.com
loyalty between companion animals and humanity. It also recognizes pet-lovers Betty White, Doris Day, John Steinbeck, Zane Grey and Charles Schulz. Each story and adventure shows the virtues of soulmates with paws. | authorhouse. com
Sierra Native Alliance MMIW Quilt Exhibit
Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District, Truckee, Jan. 25-Feb. 8, 8 a.m., (530) 582-7720, tdrpd.org
Winter in Lake Tahoe
Gatekeepers Museum, Tahoe City, Jan. 25-Feb. 8, 11 a.m., northtahoemuseums.org
At Home: Functional Art in Lake Tahoe Cabins
Gatekeepers Museum, Tahoe City, Jan. 25-Feb. 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., northtahoemuseums.org
Tahoe Transformations Community Exhibit
Gatekeepers Museum, Tahoe City, Jan. 25-31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., northtahoemuseums.org
St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Incline Village, Wednesdays, 1 p.m., tahoeepiscopal.org
Local author Alenka Vrecek, owner of Tahoe Teas, has written a book, “She Rides: Chasing Dreams Across California and Mexico” available for preorder now. Determined to awaken her dying spirit and heal her battered body, Vrecek loaded her mountain bike with 50 pounds’ worth of camping gear and set off on a 2,500-mile journey from Lake Tahoe, along the Sierra Nevada
Lake Tahoe author Cal Orey has released “Soulmates With Paws, a Collection of Tales and Tails.” Written from the perspective of an animal writer and gifted storyteller, this one-of-a-kind book highlights the power of love and
For more than 50 summers, Community of Writers has brought together poets and prose writers for separate weeks of workshops in Olympic Valley. This summer the Poetry Workshops will be from June 19 to 25 and the Writers Workshops will be from July 10 to 17. The application deadline for both is on March 28. Financial aid is available. | communityofwriters.org
Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, Jan. 26, 5-7 p.m., ltcc.edu
Meet the Artist: Rolinda Stotts
Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery, S. Lake Tahoe, Jan. 27-28, noon to 5 p.m., marcusashley.com
Tahoe Art League, South Lake Tahoe, Jan. 28-28, (530) 544-2313, talart.org
Paint ‘N’ Sip FUNdraiser
Lake Tahoe Paint & Sip, South Lake Tahoe, Feb. 8, 6 p.m., (650) 814-9565, sugarpinefoundation.org
“Wildland” exhibit
Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, through March, ltcc.edu
“Passed Recollection” exhibit
Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, through March, ltcc.edu
An ARkStorm (1,000-year weather event) swamped the Pacific Coast with historic amounts of rain and snow during the winter of 1861-62.
Potent and relentless, a 43-day atmospheric river triggered devastating floods up and down California, inundating the immense Central Valley with an inland sea nearly 300 miles long and 20 miles wide. San Francisco was lashed by more than 24 inches of rain in January 1862 alone. Locations throughout the foothills were deluged by up to 9 feet of rain in just 60 days.
Arid and less populated, Southern California also suffered. In Los Angeles an estimated 66 inches of rain fell that year, compared to an average of 15, which caused mass destruction.
State newspapers reported that dozens of communities were destroyed and thousands of people died, many swept away by deep torrents of muddy water. An estimated 200,000 cattle drowned, nearly one quarter of the Golden State’s total livestock. It took six months for flood waters to recede from the city of Sacramento. When legislators finally returned to the state capitol that summer, they faced a crushed economy and a bankrupt government.
The megafloods that devastated the state, especially in northern California, were exacerbated by post-Gold Rush activities, land development and steep population growth along volatile waterways. In the 1850s, settlers and local officials ignored physical evidence that the strikingly flat Sacramento Valley was essentially a vast hydrological escape valve for the flood-prone Sacramento River. The vast flood plain had previously been submerged by deep water.
The valley was also a catch basin for engorged streams and rivers cascading down out of the immense watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. Millions of tons of fractured rock, cobbles and gravels from hydraulic gold-mining debris filled these streams and choked riverbeds causing them to quickly overflow their
natural channels. Sand, mud and sediment even reached the California Delta.
Preceding the flooding, a series of cold Gulf of Alaska-bred storm systems had repeatedly dumped heavy snow in the mountains during December, at times down to sea level in Northern California. In January 1862 warmer Pacific-sourced rain followed and the burgeoning snowpack began melting rapidly, releasing the water it contained from earlier storms. Modern-day hydrologists call this a wet mantle event, where extended periods of steady rain wash out a winter snowpack. Nothing melts a mountain’s frozen mantle of ice and snow faster than high-elevation rain from a strong atmospheric river.
Famed California environmentalist John Muir was aware of wet mantle events. In 1900 he wrote: “The Sierra Rivers are flooded every spring by the melting of the snow as regularly as the famous old Nile. Strange to say, the greatest floods occur in winter, when one would suppose all the wild waters would be muffled and chained in frost and snow…. But at rare intervals, warm rains and warm winds invade the mountains, and push back the snow line from 2000 to 8000 [feet in elevation] or even higher, and then come the big floods.”
In the Tahoe Sierra, rivers and streams were overwhelmed by the massive influx of runoff. In 1862 there was no dam to hold back water at Lake Tahoe’s
sole outlet in Tahoe City, but the overload of incoming precipitation, melting snow and runoff from the surrounding watershed pumped levels up to the highest ever recorded.
Lumberjacks working in the Tahoe Basin at the time observed the shoreline encroachment and estimated that Big Blue rose to 6,235 feet in elevation, about 6 feet higher than today’s federally mandated maximum limit of 6,229.1 feet (Lake Tahoe Datum) when the lake’s storage volume is partially controlled by a 17-gate concrete buttress dam.
The high watermark of 1862 is an astonishing 12 feet above the lake’s natural rim of 6,223 feet that occurred where there was no dam to restrict outflow into the Truckee River. It’s hard to fathom how much water that is.
Miles downstream the Truckee River inundated Reno, Nev., where houses, structures and livestock were engulfed and destroyed. Myron C. Lake’s wooden toll bridge, hostelry and his assorted buildings were all swept away. Considered the founder of Reno, Lake rebuilt his enterprise that summer.
Weather along the relatively protected eastern Sierra Front was miserable. Two brothers grazing cattle in the Owens Valley noted that for 54 consecutive days after Dec. 24, 1861, there was not one day without a downpour of either rain or snow: “Not continuous,” Barton McGee wrote in his journal, “but at no time did it quit for a whole day, snowing to a depth of two feet or more and then raining it off. The whole country was
soaked through, and all the hills were deeply covered. All the streams became impassible, while the Owens River was from one-fourth to one mile in width, about half ice and half water, and sweeping on to the lake.”
Eyewitness accounts partially reveal the extent of damage in the Carson Valley. In a letter from Carson City, dated Feb. 22, 1862, Uriah Allen wrote: “We have had one of the most severe winters ever known. Not so cold, but from Dec.1 to Feb.1 it stormed almost incessantly. It is impossible to estimate the amount of property destroyed in this Territory besides a great loss of human life — all the bridges upon the rivers were washed away. [Nevada did not become a state until 1864.] So great a destruction of property has injured all kinds of business, money is scarcer than ever before known.”
But, typical of the idealistic pioneer mentality of the time, Allen added: “This state of things cannot last, and I have no doubt that within a few months we shall prosper as old.”
Across the Nevada-California border east of the Bodie mining district was the gold-mining boomtown of Aurora with 5,000 residents. In January, a threeday rain melted the deep accumulated snowfall surrounding the district and nearly all the community’s adobe and stone buildings were wiped out. Lives were lost one night when Bodie Creek burst over its banks and swept several miners away. Weather records from Nevada Territory’s Fort Churchill — on the Carson River east of Carson City — indicate that the fort picked up nearly 9 inches of precipitation in two months, about double what the bone-dry area receives in an average year.
Hydrologists and climate scientists understand that powerful ARkStorms have long impacted the West Coast of North America and doubtless will again. Modern flood protection systems in the mountains and valleys are not designed to handle extreme weather events of this magnitude.
Referring to 1862, former California State climatologist Bill Mork said, “It was just an astounding year. It’s highly unlikely we’ll ever see anything like that in our lifetime.”
We better hope so. n
Dave Rollinson of international DJ/ producer duo Skiitour traveled from Auckland, New Zealand, to Whistler, British Columbia, 14 years ago to ski with friends.
“I ended up loving it a lot so I just stayed and built a life here,” he says in his laid-back Kiwi drawl.
Rollinson was spinning records at a local venue when Tim Livingstone of Kelowna, British Columbia, started chatting him up about an obscure track he was playing – “Venasque” by German record producer Ian Pooley.
They jumped in the studio the following week, played a show together the week after that and have now been touring the world for more than a decade.
“Ski towns are the best towns to play because everybody parties hard … If it’s a pow day, the whole town is out riding on the mountain together … If the snow is crappy, everyone is out partying together. They are living life to an extreme.”
— Tim Livingstone“People seem to like funky, bassy house music that are in the ski world,” says Rollinson. “We play a real unique style. It’s kind of hard to put your finger on it, but a lot of the stuff has recognizable samples in it.”
Once a month, the easygoing twosome perform an après ski gig at the iconic Garibaldi Lift Co. lounge bar above the Whistler gondola building. They’ve played at the Shambhala Music Festival in the Kootenay Mountains since 2012 and appeared at Breakfast of Champions Block Party, Space Coast Music
Festival and Chasing Summer Festival. Aside from the turbo-funk-boosted, feel-good, bassy house music they spin, you can always count on Rollinson and Livingstone to look flawless in their retro, onesie ski suits or matching track suits.
“Originally, our plan was to go around in the winter DJing at ski towns to pay for our gas money to ride the different hills,” says Livingstone. “It’s been very successful up to the point where we don’t always have the time to ride the hills anymore. We’re busy playing multiple shows per week. It’s gotten bigger and bigger beyond anything we ever thought it would be.”
SkiiTour is scheduled to perform more than 80 dates across North America this year. Ski season takes them to resorts throughout California, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Alberta and beyond. There’s something about mountain towns these two just can’t get enough of.
“Ski towns are the best towns to play
because everybody parties hard there,” says Livingstone. “I think there’s a real sense of people kind of living life to the fullest. If it’s a pow day, the whole town is out riding on the mountain together and enjoying the immediacy of that. If the snow is crappy, everyone is out partying together. They are living life to an extreme.”
“Normally skiers are crazy bastards, so they just give it,” says Rollinson. “We’re going full ham this winter. It’s a pretty insane tour we’re doing. We’re trying to bring après-ski culture to North America.”
When they’re not on the road or the mountain, SkiiTour are in the studio writing and recording original EDM music. Their latest single “Double Double” is a mashup of “Mistadobalina” by Del tha Funky Homosapien, which was itself a remix of “Zilch” by The Monkees. A new track in progress is based on samples of Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust.”
“We want to have exclusive songs to play in our sets that nobody else can have,” says Livingstone. “We’re able to instantly get feedback on the dance floor to know if it works or not, or if we have to tweak something. The songs rarely come out on the first draft.”
SkiiTour will perform with local DJ and promotor Rambo, whom they first saw on television when he won $11,000 playing Plinko. He then invited them to play at his annual Wigs and Onesies party.
“We saw him on ‘The Price is Right’ and said, ‘We have to meet this guy,’” says Rollinson. “We see him at Burning Man and bump into him here and there. We’ve known him a long time. He’s awesome.” | skiitour.com n
is on Monday nights during the fall and spring semesters at Sierra College in Truckee.
With Brittney May as director, the chorus presents “Images of Winter,” a special concert in which winter themes will be explored. There will be two performances at 2 and 7 p.m. | truckeechorus.org
SOUL FOLKFeb. 4 | Bally’s Lake Tahoe | Stateline, Nev.
Find a full
at TheTahoeWeekly.com
Events are subject to change & cancellation; always check in advance for current schedules.
Truckee High School Auditorium, Truckee, 7 p.m.
Skiitour w/ Rambo
Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.
Winter Burlesque ‘23
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.
Steve Hofstetter
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.
Obsidian Son
Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8 p.m.
Rebekah Chase Band of Reno has the drive and energy level to create a musical force of nature. With hit covers by Lady Gaga, Fleetwood Mac, Pink, Van Halen and more, this fun-loving quartet provides a pop ambience that invites every person into the party. They will entertain you until you are exhausted from dancing and hoarse from singing along. | barofamerica.com
CALIFORNIA COUNTRY
Jan. 27 & 28 | Moody’s Bistro | Truckee
Masters of soulful folk, The Wood Brothers formed after brothers Chris and Oliver Wood pursued separate musical careers for 15 years. Chris already had legions of devoted fans for his work as one-third of Medeski Martin & Wood, while Oliver toured with Tinsley Ellis before releasing a half-dozen albums with his band King Johnson. With drummer Jano Rix along for the ride, it’s become quite clear that The Wood Brothers are indeed the main act.
Rustler’s Moon
Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.
Sierra Night
McP’s Taphouse Grill, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live DJ
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m.
Karaoke Nights
Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Friday Concert Series
Wylder Hotel Hope Valley, Hope Valley, 4 p.m.
Friday Night DJ
Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 5:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night | Brewery & Barrel House
Brewery & Barrel House, Truckee, 6 p.m. Apres Ski Fridays
Riva Grill, South Lake Tahoe, 6:30 p.m. Alex Ramon Magic Show
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m. Winter Burlesque ‘23
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m. Obsidian Son
Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8 p.m.
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.
Angry Lizard Noise | Incline Public House
Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 9 p.m.
Live Music
Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.
Live Music With Brother Dan Palmer
Grand Lodge Casino, Incline Village, 9 p.m.
Live DJ
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Live DJ
Bally’s, Stateline, 10 p.m.
Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
Brunch + Beats
Stateline location, Stateline, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. DJ Cat
Heavenly Mountain Resort, S. Lake Tahoe, noon Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon Live Music
Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m.
Sunday Concert Series
Wylder Hotel Hope Valley, Hope Valley, 2 p.m.
Touching on country, soul and Americana, Sean Patrick Garvey’s Obsidian Son plays songs that lift themselves from the speakers and slow dance gracefully across the room. The son of a grape grower and winemaker, Garvey was raised in the vineyards of Northern California. In his travels to New York City and San Francisco, he has performed alongside Billy Bragg, Langhorne Slim and Chuck Prophet. His songs that echo with a timeless resonance are a collection of stories inspired by life in a rural farming community. | moodysbistro.com
CHOIR
Jan. 28 | Truckee High School | Truckee
Their seventh studio album, “Kingdom In My Mind” is their most spontaneous and experimental collection yet. Recorded over a series of freewheeling, improvised sessions, the record is a reckoning with circumstance, mortality and human nature, a balance of darkness and light that finds strength in accepting what lies beyond our control.
| casinos.ballys.com
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Lettuce w/ Kiefer
Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, 7 p.m.
Alex Ramon Magic Show
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Live Music With Ben Fuller
CB’s Bistro, Carnelian Bay, 6-8 p.m.
Wolves & Friends Live
The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.
Lettuce w/ Kiefer
Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus is composed of 60 regional vocalists ages 14 to 84 and every age in between. Founded by Chris Nelson in 2002, the group’s repertoire includes pop, sacred, classical, jazz and Broadway. Practice
Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, 7 p.m.
Alex Ramon Magic Show
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Eric Buss
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Live Music
Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m. Live Music With Brother Dan Palmer
Grand Lodge Casino, Incline Village, 9 p.m. Live DJ
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Arty the Party
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.
Magic After Dark Starring Robert Hall
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Live DJ
Bally’s, Stateline, 10 p.m.
Karaoke Nights
Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
Brunch + Beats
Stateline location, Stateline, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Drag Brunch
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 10:30 a.m. DJ Cat
Heavenly Mountain Resort, S. Lake Tahoe, noon DJs at Big Blue View Bar
Big Blue View Bar, Homewood, noon Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon Live Music
Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m.
Images of Winter Concert
Truckee High School Auditorium, Truckee, 2 p.m.
Live Apres Music
Tamarack Lodge., South Lake Tahoe, 3 p.m.
Alex Ramon Magic Show
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m. Live Music
Moe’s Original Bar B Que, Tahoe City, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Eric Buss
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Eric Buss
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30 p.m.
9 Ball Pool Tourney
Pete ‘n Peter’s Sports & Spirits, Tahoe City, 6 p.m.
Sunday Bluegrass Jam | Truckee Public House
Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6-9 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Eric Buss
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Live & Local Music Series: Lost Ox
Tahoe Tap Haus, Tahoe City, 7-9:30 p.m.
Live Band Karaoke
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.
Live DJ
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m.
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Open Stage Mondays | Truckee Public House
Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Eric Buss
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Alex Ramon Magic Show
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Eric Buss
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Tuesday Night Blues
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Live
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Winter Music Series | Alder Creek Cafe
Alder Creek Cafe & Trailside Bar, Truckee, 5:307:30 p.m.
Live Music With Vincenzo Thomas Amato
CB’s Bistro, Carnelian Bay, 6-8 p.m.
Wolves & Friends Live
The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.
Alex Ramon Magic Show
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Rustler’s Moon
Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.
Sierra Night
McP’s Taphouse Grill, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m.
Karaoke Nights
Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Friday Night DJ
Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 5:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night | Brewery & Barrel House
Brewery & Barrel House, Truckee, 6 p.m.
Apres Ski Fridays
Riva Grill, South Lake Tahoe, 6:30 p.m.
Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, 7 p.m.
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.
Winter Burlesque ‘23
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.
Live Music
Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.
Arty the Party
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.
Live DJ
Bally’s, Stateline, 10 p.m.
Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
Brunch + Beats
Stateline location, Stateline, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 10:30 a.m.
DJ Cat
Heavenly Mountain Resort, S. Lake Tahoe, noon
DJs at Big Blue View Bar
Big Blue View Bar, Homewood, noon
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Live Music
Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m.
Live Apres Music
Tamarack Lodge., South Lake Tahoe, 3 p.m.
TOCCATA Fundraiser
Incline Village, 4 p.m.
The California Honeydrops
Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, 7 p.m.
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 & 9 p.m.
The Wood Brothers
Bally’s, Stateline, 8 p.m.
Winter Burlesque ‘23
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.
Dueling Pianos
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.
Live Music
Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.
Live DJ
Bally’s, Stateline, 10 p.m.
Karaoke Nights
Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.
Brunch + Beats
Stateline location, Stateline, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DJ Cat
Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Live Music
Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30 & 7 p.m.
9 Ball Pool Tourney
Pete ‘n Peter’s Sports & Spirits, Tahoe City, 6 p.m.
Sunday Bluegrass Jam | Truckee Public House
Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6-9 p.m.
Dark Star Orchestra
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.
Dueling Pianos
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.
MONDAY, FEB. 6
Live Music
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Open Stage Mondays | Truckee Public House
Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Alex Ramon Magic Show
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.
Live
Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, noon
Alex Ramon Magic Show
Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.
Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall
The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.
Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com/ Events to add your Event for our print & online calendars.
Crunchy or soft, corn or flour, regular- or street-sized, tacos are a delicious meal to serve to the family. With so many toppings to add on a taco, kids can pick and choose the things they love and create their own fun-filled dinner. And, be sure to involve them in the prep.
Tortillas come in all shapes and sizes. I love the blue corn tortillas and oldschool, hard-shell crunchy tacos.
Enticing kids to try new things can be challenging. A taco bar gives kids the power to make their own dinner. There are many variations of fillings with which to build a taco.
Ground beef, steak, chicken, fish, shrimp, rice and beans are some of the delicious foundations for a taco bar dinner. Most kids like simple flavors. Include shredded cheese, salsa or Pico de Gallo, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, limes and shredded lettuce.
Some kids like a bit of spice, a mild hot sauce or diced jalapeño or serrano. They can experiment with them. For
From the kitchen of Priya Hutner
Serves 4
8 corn tortillas
1 T oil
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 t salt
1 t fresh ground pepper
1 t granulated garlic
1½ t chili powder
Cilantro, fresh Avocado, cheese & salsa
For shrimp or fish tacos, batter dip the protein and lightly fry in a bit of oil. Who doesn’t like fried and crispy in their taco?
me, sauces make the tacos: creamy aioli with cumin, lime and cilantro; a sriracha mayonnaise or yogurt sauce, thinned with a touch of water; or my favorite, herbed avocado and cilantro sauce. Each sauce will give a unique flavor to the taco creation.
For shrimp or fish tacos, batter dip the protein and lightly fry in a bit of oil. Who doesn’t like fried and crispy in their taco? Add a little cabbage slaw and a creamy Baja fish taco sauce. A Baja-style sauce includes Mexican crema, mayonnaise, fresh chopped cilantro, cumin, granulated garlic, lime juice and ground chili.
Ground beef on crunchy tacos with are a fun and easy dinner. Seasoned ground beef, melted cheese and warm crunchy tacos make this dinner a hit. Maybe entice the young folks with carnitas, slow-cooked pork seasoned with spices. Once it’s cooked, put it in a taco with pickled red onions and queso and add a sauce.
Grilled chicken tacos can be made by simply grilling chicken with lime, garlic and cumin. This is a big hit with kids.
Beans are another excellent filling for tacos. Refried, seasoned whole pinto or black beans, rice and cheese are simple to make and healthy to eat.
Adding vegetables is another way to experience a taco with red onions, red peppers, garlic and zucchini. If your kids like broccoli, add it to the taco. A straight-up veggie taco with cilantro pesto and melted cheese is a delightful way to get kids to eat their vegetables. I like radishes with a dash of salt in my tacos. It offers a nice crunch and is great for a taco bar. n
Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté onions until translucent and add ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic, chili powder and fresh cilantro. Cook beef and set aside.
Warm tortillas in a pan or oven. Add cheese, top with ground beef and desired toppings.
Enjoy.
Aroaring fire, original Olympic rings hanging overhead and original wood walls created an old-school European vibe and a menu to match at Cedar House Pub at Granlibakken Tahoe.
Katherine Hill, publisher of Tahoe Weekly, and I were greeted by DJ Ewan, director of business development at Granlibakken. It was early and we were the first table to be seated. I took in my surroundings and was immediately enamored. Ewan introduced us to Gene Roberts, the executive chef, who has been with the restaurant since 1986. Warm sourdough bread and butter were set out on the table as we began our culinary adventure.
Our server, Carlos Ayala, welcomed us and suggested a few cocktails with which to begin the evening. Katherine ordered a hot toddy while I chose the Tahoe Old-Fashioned. Carlos recommended a few appetizers. He brought us the Cedar House Pub’s Herbaceous Creamy Burrata, served with warm olive oil and garlic naan; Roasted Brussel Sprouts drizzled with olive oil, a balsamic reduction, topped with parmesan cheese and pancetta; and Garlic Truffle French Fries.
Granlibakken Tahoe owner Ron Parson joined us and offered a bit of history about his family’s establishment. The building we were seated in was built by University of California, Berkeley in 1957, but the resort’s roots go back to 1922 when Granlibakken was a ski and sled hill called Ski Canyon.
Parson went over the menu with items that are an homage to Granlibakken’s Norwegian roots, while other items are an ode to European ski culture. One of their best-selling menu items is Chicken Schnitzel, which is hand-breaded and served with lemon caper butter, potato pancakes, apple compote and steamed vegetables. I eyed the Hungarian Beef
Goulash, served in a rich paprika-seasoned sauce with spaetzle, sour cream and seasonal fresh veggies. The specials were equally tempting. Parsons pointed out that almost all menu items are made from scratch. They also have a lovely wine list and cocktails.
There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan items, as well. The menu also offers a build-your-own salad with something for everyone. Katherine enjoyed the Eggplant Stack, a lightly breaded eggplant layered with polenta, fresh tomatoes and hummus, topped with house-made Pomodoro sauce and shredded mozzarella, served with rice and seasonal fresh veggies. It was amazing. Carlos suggested I try the Chicken Schnitzel and Picanha Steak, a Brazilian cut of steak topped with chimichurri and fried onions, served with mashed potatoes and fresh, steamed vegetables. Both were delicious.
The restaurant filled with guests and skiers. Michael Grant, a jeweler in Tahoe City, his girlfied Tonya Nufets sat nearby. “This is Tahoe’s best-kept secret,” he said, adding he is a regular customer.
Parson’s daughter Sarah Parson is the pastry chef. Her Vegan Chocolate Tart with Hazelnut Crust and praline cream puff topped off the dinner and was a fabulous way to complete our Cedar House Pub experience.
I loved the food and the positive energy at the Cedar House Pub. It truly is Tahoe City’s best-kept secret. The portions are plentiful. The food was delicious and the staff was kind, knowledgeable and delightful. It is the perfect place for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is also kid-friendly and has an excellent menu for young folks. I can’t wait to go back.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, from 5 to 9 p.m. | granlibakken. com n
Steamers Bar & Grill in South Lake Tahoe opened in early January after being purchased by former customers Paul Brenner and Heather Cords. The new owners renovated the popular local eatery, featuring pub fare including Galley Grub mains featuring tacos, a Steamer’s Dip, Steamer’s Smash Burger and a Banh Mi Sandwich.
Steamers is located at 2236 Lake Tahoe Blvd. and is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. and open Sundays at 10 a.m. | @Steamers Bar & Grill
Flatstick Pub is an indoor mini-golf bar and restaurant. Each Sunday of the month, visit to support a local charity in the restaurant’s Sunday FUNDday campaign. In January, support Sierra Child & Family Services. | flatstickpubtahoe.com
NTPUD is now accepting memberships to its Community Garden located at North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista. Memberships are open to residents for $50 and nonresidents for $75 and are valid from March to October.
Members receive access to the Community Garden, along with lessons from North Tahoe gardeners, gatherings and special events at the garden, share of the harvest and more. As well, there will be a Garden Kickoff on March 29 at 5 p.m. | (530) 546-4212, northtahoerecreation.com/register
Flatstick Pub Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe has launched its new Mexican Street food menu. Its restaurant offerings now provide street tacos, fresh salads, Mexican Street corn and monster burritos, as well as their famous nachos.
Join a guided snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine Meadows where you’ll enjoy a four-course Bavarian-inspired meal on select dates until March 11. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival and hand-selected wine pairings with each course. The menu includes welcome bites, first and second appetizers, entrée and dessert.
Meet in the Last Chair Bar in Alpine Lodge at 4 p.m. Snowshoes are provided free of charge; wear warm clothes. Guests must be age 21 years or older to attend. | RSVP palisadestahoe.com
Steamers
NTPUD
Flatstick Pub
Palisades Tahoe
