March 22 - April 4, 2023

ELECTRIC SNOWBIKING

Tahoe’s Best Ski-In Cocktails

LAKE TAHOE has FLIPPED clarity jumps to 115 feet after mixing

SPRINGS BEST on-mountain events

WinterWonderGrass celebrates bluegrass

It may not feel like spring as we’re all encased by mountainous snow mounds, blocking the sun’s precious rays (on the rare occasions that the sun has made an appearance this winter), but the changing of the seasons brings us closer to my favorite time of the year – summer. I’m already looking forward to days spent chasing wildflowers, hiking and paddleboarding.

In the meantime, I’m hoping for sun-filled spring days to enjoy this deluge of snow for skiing and snowshoeing. Several resorts have already extended their seasons, including Palisades Tahoe, which is now open until Memorial Day (details in this edition).

You can celebrate spring by enjoying the return of on-mountain events at our local ski resorts. These spring shenanigans are full of mirth, hilarity, ridiculousness, over-the-top costumes and general merriment for everyone to enjoy. Locals and visitors can huck dummy’s off mountain slopes, race uphill and down in outrageous costumes, ski laps down runs faster than anyone thought possible, and do their best to attempt to ski across ponds.

Most of these fantastic events that are an annual rite of passage in the Tahoe Sierra have been on hiatus for the last three years during the pandemic. It’s great to see them return, and we have 16 of them featured in our “Spring shenanigans” roundup in this edition with more to come in our next edition.

As if that isn’t enough, WinterWonderGrass Festival returns from March 30 to April 2 at Palisades Tahoe to celebrate bluegrass music including Grammy-award winning artist Molly Tuttle, who Sean McAlindin interviewed for his feature “Growing up bluegrass.”

Kayla Anderson had the opportunity to try out the relatively new all-electric snow bikes that are growing in popularity for her feature “Riding on snow clouds.” She also had the hard assignment of sampling the best cocktails at our local ski areas for her feature “Tahoe’s best ski-in cocktails.”

Now that spring has sprung, hopefully filled with many sun-filled days, get out and enjoy all that the Tahoe Sierra has to offer.

TSNAR Molly Tuttle

Moonbikes

Diamond Peak

Riders on the all-electric snow bikes from Moonbikes. Kayla Anderson recently demoed Moonbikes at Prosser OSV Staging Area in an experience she described as like “racing on top of clouds.” Read her article in this edition. | Photography courtesy Moonbikes, moonbikes.com

SIGHTSEEING

EAST SHORE CAVE ROCK

This iconic sight is part of an old volcano. Take in the view from Cave Rock State Park.

NORTH SHORE

GATEKEEPER’S MUSEUM ( Closed until April 5)

(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+.

LAKE LEVELS

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).

OLYMPIC VALLEY

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.

SOUTH SHORE

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.

Readings on March 16, 2023

Lake Tahoe ELEVATION: 6,225.24’ IN 2021: 6,223.91’ NATURAL RIM: 6,223’

Truckee River FLOW AT FARAD: 1210 CFS TROA NET

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.

TRUCKEE

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.

WEST SHORE

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.

TRANSIT

North Tahoe & Truckee (TART) | laketahoetransit.com South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org

ROAD CONDITIONS

California road conditions quickmap.dot.ca.gov, (800) 427-7623

Nevada Road conditions

nvroads.com, (877) 687-6237 or 511 (while in Nevada)

VISITORS’ CENTERS

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

Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com

Skiers take part in the Subaru WinterFest at Sierra-at-Tahoe, returning to the resort on April 1 and 2. | Sierra-at-Tahoe

lake tahoe facts

Read about how the lake was formed, Lake Tahoe’s discovery, lake clarity and more at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Explore Tahoe

Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years

Fed By: 63 streams and 2 hot springs

Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)

Population: 70,000

of Visitors: 15 million annually

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)

Sources: Tahoe Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, “Tahoe Place Names” and David Antonucci (denoted by 1).

GET outside

Lake Tahoe has flipped

SECCHI READINGS JUMP TO 115 FEET AFTER MIXING

BY DR. GEOFFREY SCHLADOW, UC DAVIS TAHOE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER

OnFeb. 27 or 28, Lake Tahoe flipped or, more correctly, it fully mixed vertically from top to bottom. Full mixing is an annual event in shallower lakes, however, for Tahoe and its 1,640-foot depth, it is a less common occurrence. Lake Tahoe last mixed during the 2018-19 winter. How do we know it flipped? UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) researchers are on the lake every week sampling the water quality, the phytoplankton and the overall health. Researchers also maintain instruments in the lake, which take measurements every few minutes.

The deepest waters of the lake are also the clearest waters, so when they are mixed with the overlying water there is a short period of high clarity. This year, two days after mixing, the Secchi depth was an astounding 115 feet, almost 33 feet deeper than it had been a week earlier.

Typically mixing starts in the fall, with the surface layer of the lake cooling and gradually mixing deeper. Most years, the mixing does not extend beyond 1,000 feet. Researchers recorded the change in temperature with depth on days in December, February and March, noting how the cooling of the lake surface progresses and how the cool water extends down deeper and deeper. On Feb. 1, the lake had only mixed to 500 feet. In less than four weeks, it had mixed farther to 1,100 feet. On March 3, the entire lake was essentially the same temperature from top to bottom. Researchers also recorded the temperature from Feb. 10 at the lake surface (buoy) and at the bottom of the lake (41.34 degrees F measured on Feb. 1). The daily spikes in the buoy data are

UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR PLUMAS CAMPGROUNDS

Outdoors in Plumas, the concessionaire that operations 68 recreation sites in the Plumas National Forest is closing its operations, leaving an uncertain future for the opening of those sites for the 2023 summer season, according to a release from the U.S. Forest Service.

The Outdoors in Plumas website cites high costs of doing business in California and the long-term impacts of the Dixie Fire, according to the release.

The company was the concessionaire for 68 recreation sites on the forest, providing services and operations including reservations, fee collections, site maintenance and customer service.

due to sunlight warming the surface of the lake during the day. On Feb. 28, the two temperatures were equal and the entire lake started freely mixing top to bottom.

In March, researchers will retrieve an instrument deployed at the lake bottom near Glenbrook and will have a minute-by-minute description of events at the bottom during mixing.

What causes the mixing?

Surprisingly the air temperature is the largest factor, not the intensity of individual storms. This has been a particularly cold winter, causing the lake to mix deeper and weeks earlier compared to most other years.

Is deep mixing good or bad?

It is extremely good for the lake as it is renews the water at the lake bottom with oxygen-rich water from the surface. Oxygen is constantly being lost from the lake bottom, so it requires replenishment. Mixing also helps cool the bottom of the lake, which slowly warms due to geothermal heating.

Are there any other impacts?

The deepest waters of the lake are also the clearest waters, so when they are mixed with the overlying water there is a short period of high clarity. This year,

two days after mixing, the Secchi depth was an astounding 115 feet, almost 33 feet deeper than it had been a week earlier.

The mixing also redistributes nutrients. Algae and organic material in the lake eventually end up at the bottom and through decomposition nutrients are released. These nutrients can build up over many years, so when deep mixing takes place, the bottom nutrients are carried all throughout the lake. In some years this is the largest source of nutrients to the lake surface and can lead to increased algal growth, as well as a decline in lake clarity. In the coming months, we expect clarity to decrease as algae grow and fine particles begin entering the lake with the snowmelt. | tahoe.ucdavis.edu n

LEARN MORE

Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village, Nev. Tours Tues.-Sat. | RSVP tahoe.ucdavis.edu/tahoesciencecenter

UC Davis Tahoe YouTube Channel

youtube.com/c/ucdavistahoe

Forest leadership is contacting potential concessionaires and partners to discuss possibilities. However, there is a chance that some facilities may be open with reduced services or remain closed for the season. Reservations for summer bookings on Recreation.gov may be restricted until determinations are made, said the release. | fs.usda.gov

EXTENDING OPERATIONS FOR SKI RESORTS

Palisades Tahoe has extended its season through May 29. Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge previously announced that both ski areas have extended their seasons until April 23.

As well, Mt. Rose, has extended its operating hours on Fridays until 6 p.m. through the rest of its season. Mt. Rose is currently scheduled to close on April 23. | palisadestahoe.com, skirose.com

Palisades Tahoe

One of four temperature buoys on Lake Tahoe. The buoys are operated in collaboration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. | Brant Allen, UC Davis TERC

BENEFIT FOR AVALANCHE DOGS

CAUTION URGED AT TAYLOR, TALLAC CREEKS

Due to the atmospheric rivers impacting the Lake Tahoe region, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) are advising the public to avoid the Taylor-Tallac Restoration Project area adjacent to the southwest end of Lake Tahoe, according to a press release.

The two groups are working to remove aquatic invasive weeds from wetlands at Baldwin and Kiva beaches to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. To accomplish this, contractors are using underwater barriers (mats) secured with rebar stakes to eliminate the weeds by depriving them of sunlight.

Recent high-water flows and high winds have caused some of the mats

Everline Resort & Spa

NEW NAME FOR OLYMPIC VALLEY RESORT

Resort at Sq**w Creek in Olympic Valley has changed its name to Everline Resort & Spa. The name change was a decision made in collaboration with the Washo Tribe out of respect for their history in the region and heritage, according to the resort’s general manager in a press release.

Gallery Keoki’s annual Celebrity Hound Hobnob, a fundraiser for the Palisades Avalanche Dog Team, will be held on March 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the gallery on the Village at Palisades Tahoe. For a $10 donation, visitors can meet the dogs, enjoy a raffle and silent auction items, plus the newest Palisades Avalanche Dog T-Shirts will be on sale. All humans are welcome; canine attendance is reserved for Palisades Avalanche Dog Team members. All ages are welcome; RSVP to info@ gallerykeoki.com. | palisadestahoe.com, gallerykeoki.com

Keoki Flagg

Riding on snow clouds

ELECTRIC SNOW BIKES GROWING IN POPULARITY

BY KAYLA ANDERSON

much easier to maintain speed in the powder. It did seem squirrely and took a bit of getting used to but watching Davidson rip through the snow helped. It really did feel like learning how to ride a bike.

Davidson and I went off the beaten path for a bit and for a minute or so I felt like I was racing on top of clouds or on water. It was exhilarating. I even dumped the bike once but could easily pull myself out since it was so lightweight and manageable.

The MoonBike was super fun, completely silent and I barely used any of the battery. A battery lasts for 1.5 hours and you can fit two batteries in the seat of a bike, which is heated and insulated. When I got back to the staging area,

Stealth Tahoe co-owner Aaron Vacek asked me what I thought of the MoonBike. He and Anthony Zingaro opened Stealth Tahoe in Truckee three years ago and they pride themselves on carrying quality, electric, outdoor products. They are a partner of MoonBikes.

I loved the fact that it was quiet, manageable and needed little to no maintenance.

“The biggest thing you hear in city ordinances is regarding noise complaints and these make zero sound,” Vacek said, adding that when it snowed in November, he rode the MoonBike to vote.

“People can jump on these things and go, right out of their garage,” he said. | stealthtahoe.com n

The Prosser Reservoir OHV staging area in Truckee is surprisingly busy on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of a snowstorm. Or maybe it’s not surprising, considering this is the perfect environment for snowmobiling and other backcountry sports, including electric snow biking. Fortunately, the MoonBikes team was in town, introducing people to this new revolutionary wintertime sport. Considering I love mountain biking, snowmobiling, jet skiing and riding motorized bikes, this seemed right up my alley.

MoonBikes was founded by a former aeronautical space engineer named Nicolas Muron who created the world’s first 100 percent electric snow bike in a small village within the French Alps. A lover of the outdoors, he realized that there were many modes of transportation to get around in the summertime but options in the winter were limited. Therefore, using his skills in technology and design, he built the easy-to-store, easy-to-transport and environmentally friendly MoonBike. The sport has taken off in Europe and is now becoming more known in North America.

After going on a couple of snowmobile tours last year, I had so much fun that I considered buying one. But where

would I put it? Eventually, I couldn’t justify the time, maintenance, cost and space it would take up.

However, the introduction of MoonBikes has solved all those problems. The bike is small enough to load into my SUV and the company sells accessories such as bike racks to help transport them, as well. Instead of constantly checking the oil, transmission or taking it into a shop, you just plug the battery in to recharge it.

That day at Prosser about 10 people demoed the bikes.

“People try to ride it like a bike, but you have to take active turns like you would on skis,” said marketing operations manager Chris Davidson, explaining that one guy got stuck for 10 minutes but loved the fact that he could get himself out.

As Davidson was telling me this, one guy on a snowmobile was towing his buddy’s snowmobile out of the backcountry. How nice it would be to not have to deal with that.

“They’re pretty nimble,” Davidson said.

After that, Davidson and I ventured into the forest. It did take me a bit to get used to the throttle and keep control on the bumpy single track. I found it was

I felt like I was racing on top of clouds or on water. It was exhilarating.

LEFT: Kayla Anderson riding a MoonBike. | Chris Davidson BELOW: Cruising on Moonbikes. | Moonbikes

SNOW TRAILS

SKI TOURING, SNOWSHOEING & SNOWMOBILING

CISCO GROVE

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.*

LOST SIERRA

YUBA PASS

Easy to advanced | fs.usda.gov

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.*

NORTH SHORE 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.

PAGE MEADOWS

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.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

VALLEY

HOPE

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.*

TRUCKEE

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 CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM

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 SUMMIT

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.

WEST SHORE

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.*

MEEKS MEADOWS

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 PINE POINT STATE PARK

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.

Sno-Parks may be closed for extended periods after heavy snow; check conditions in advance.

Spring shenanigans

SEASON’S BEST ON-MOUNTAIN EVENTS

Spring in Tahoe brings retro duds, pond skims, dummy downhills and general shenanigans with some of the season’s best on-mountain events. Here’s a look at what’s coming up from March 22 to April 5. We’ll have details on more spring events in our next edition. Dates subject to change due to weather; check schedules in advance.

SPRING SHENANIGANS TO COME

April 8 | Banked Slalom, Sugar Bowl

April 8 | The Vertical Drop, Kirkwood

April 8 | Subaru Winterfest & Banked Slalom, Boreal

April 8-9 | Pond Skim & Rail Jam, Northstar

April 15 | Kirkwood Slush Cup

April 15 | Snow Golf Tournament, Palisades Tahoe Alpine

April 16 | Billy Dutton Uphill, Palisades Tahoe

April 22 | Pond Skim, Sugar Bowl

April 22 | Kirkwood Rail Jam

April 22 | Tiki Pond Skim, Sugar Bowl

May 13 | Cushing Crossing, Palisades Tahoe

RIGHT:Diamond Peak’s Dummy Downhill will be held April 1. | Diamond Peak OPPOSITE CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Palisades Tahoe hosts the annual Pain McShlonkey Classic on March 25. | Palisades Tahoe

The Mothership Classic on March 26 benefits High Fives Foundation. | High Fives Foundation

The Subaru WinterFest returns to Sierra-at-Tahoe on April 1 and 2. | Sierra-at-Tahoe Sierra-at-Tahoe hosts the Methodology snowboarding competition on March 25 & 26. | Ethan Stone, Tahoe South

Ability Challenge

Ability Challenge is a peer-to-peer fundraiser that raises both funds and awareness for Achieve Tahoe’s programs. Ability Challenge culminates on March 25 with an on-hill celebration at Palisades Tahoe Alpine Meadows. | achievetahoe.com

Pride Day

Heavenly Mountain Resort will host its first-ever Pride Day on March 25. Details TBA. | skiheavenly.com

Pain McShlonkey Classic

Wax up your snowblades, dress up in outrageous ski duds and come to Palisades Tahoe on March 25 for a day to celebrate legendary skier Shane McConkey. The annual event coincides with International Snowblade Day to create an epic day where Shane fans around the world get involved in this irreverently hilarious day. | shanemcconkey.org

Sierra Skogsloppet XC Fun Ski Race

This fun race at Tahoe Donner XC Ski Center on March 26. Various race lengths are available for all ages and abilities. This is a freestyle race and a classic track will be set for those wishing to classic ski the race. | tahoedonner.com

Family Downhill Ski Challenge

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort hosts this free, fun family event on March 26 at 12 p.m., a matched-time competition raced by family teams. In this giant slalom race, the time that counts is the difference between the first and second runs. | tahoedonner.com

The Mothership Classic

This event is pledge-driven, held each spring on the KT-22 chairlift at Palisades Tahoe. Participants gather pledges. Then, on March 26, participants will challenge themselves to hot lap KT-22 as many times as possible from first chair to last on skinny skis, retro snowboards, mono skis, snow blades, etc. Nostalgic ski attire is encouraged. | highfivesfoundation.org

Nordic Skier X

ASC Training Center offers SkierX on March 25. This is a fun short course with bumps and jumps. There is a stadium race for 10U and younger and a 1k course for everyone else. | asctrainingcenter.com

Gunbarrel 25

Heavenly will host its popular annual event on March 25 to see who can make the most laps on Gunbarrel. The event starts at 10 a.m. and is limited to the first 100 competitors. | skiheavenly.com

Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival

This premier SkiMo competition on March 25 and 26 at Diamond Peak is a family-friendly event. Competitors race to the top of the mountain using whatever human-powered method they prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe or run back down to the finish line. The event will also include ski boot races, live music, an awards ceremony and more. | diamondpeak. com

METHODOLOGY

This snowboarding competition on March 25 and 26 at Sierra-At-Tahoe features a banked slalom concept and adds a new element with a special feature before the finish line, allowing riders to shave time off their run with their best Method Air. This event is for everyone, with both men’s and women’s classes in four age groups. | sierraattahoe.com

STIR-FRY

On March 31, Boreal Mountain will introduce STIR-FRY, for Asian American Pacific Islanders and other community members gathering to celebrate culture through snowboarding. | rideboreal.com

The Sugar Bowl Uphiller

Calling all ski tourers and splitboarders to Sugar Bowl Resort on April 1. Rack up as many human-powered laps to the top of Lincoln as you can in a day, all without the help of a chairlift. Skin for the win or just skin for fun; all uphillers are welcome. Costumes recommended. | sugarbowl.com

Heavenly Pond Skim

On April 1, Heavenly Mountain Resort will host its annual pond skim on the California side. Details TBA. | skiheavenly.com

Dummy Downhill

Diamond Peak hosts its signature spring event, the 21st annual Dummy Downhill on April 1. Participants build a dummy on skis or snowboards that is launched off a jump while spectators watch as characters fly down the hill or crash hard. A panel of celebrity judges will evaluate the dummies. | diamondpeak.com

Subaru WinterFest

Sierra-at-Tahoe welcomes back Subaru WinterFest, on April 1 and 2. This one-ofa-kind music and mountain lifestyle tour invites friends, family, skiers, snowboarders and music fans alike to bask in their love of adventure and all things winter. | sierraattahoe.com n

Working to make a better world

HIGH FIVES, SHANE MCCONKEY FOUNDATIONS

BY MIKE A.K. AKAY

events

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

Storytime

Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Golden Meet & Greet

Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District, Truckee, 9:30-10:30 a.m., (530) 582-7720, tdrpd.org

Sled Hill Tahoe Blue Cleanup

Spooner Summit Snow Play Area, Carson City, 10 a.m., (530) 542-4546, sierranevadaalliance.org

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries/ incline-village.php

Mother Goose on the Loose

South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10:30 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org

Preschool Storytime

Truckee Library, Truckee, 10:30 a.m., (530) 582-7846, nevadacountyca.gov/336/Truckee-Library

Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

In my last column, I wrote about losing two ski friends and now I’ll remind you how tragedies like those can be turned into wonderful causes. High Fives and the Shane McConkey foundations are charities that were both born out of tremendous loss.

High Fives Foundation

High Fives Foundation founder Roy Tuscany was an up-and-coming pro skier who became paralyzed on a terrain park jump landing that went bad at Mammoth Mountain. He turned his moment of despair into a thriving nonprofit that helps disabled athletes like himself and disabled veterans from the military regain strength or acquire new skills in fun, outdoor activities.

In 2009, Roy asked me to come to Sugar Bowl to help promote his new nonprofit at the Trains jump event and I was happy to help — and even happier to hit the beautiful, massive jumps (built by J.P. Martin) with the pros. Roy’s first events were simple with a ski jump, music, beers, branded T-shirts. Then 12 years later it become California’s Non-Profit of the Year and gave almost $2 million in disbursements in 2021. He’s built the C.R. Johnson Healing Center, started the injury-prevention program B.A.S.I.C.S., sponsored ski-athons, golf tourneys, films and even a bocce ball tournament.

Roy has overcome his physical obstacles to become a skier again and is able to ski and surf with the numerous athletes and veterans that he supports while never forgetting to give a high five, that small act being his first step on the road to recovery in the hospital back in 2006. A popular Tahoe High Fives Foundation event is the Skinny Ski-a-thon held during The Mothership Classic on March 26 (find details in this edition). | highfivesfoundation.org

Shane McConkey Foundation

In March 2009, I was on top of the world as a forerunner for the U.S. Freestyle National Championships in Halfpipe. After a great day of ski training, my world came crashing down when I learned my friend and mentor Shane McConkey had died in a ski cliff accident involving a BASE jump earlier that day. Shane coached me by e-mail in my first big-mountain event; he was there to be my beacon racing the first snowblade Chinese Downhills at Palisades Tahoe and gracious to give me interviews when I wanted to write about his over-the-top exploits.

Shane was such an inspiration and savior to many; from those he gave sanction in performing the craziest stunts on Earth to saving the then-dying sport of skiing by inventing the wide ski. Every racing and freeride program in this country has Shane to thank for the continuation and growth of their sport by bringing skiing to the masses. In 2011 his wife, Sherry, turned their tragic loss into a foundation to help others and keep the memory of Shane alive forever. The nonprofit Shane McConkey Foundation gives monetary support to other nonprofits and schools and has provided more than a $500,000 to dozens of benefactors locally and nationwide.

Shane was well known for his ski skills along with an amazing sense of humor, so perhaps the foundation’s flagship event, International Snowblade Day on March 25 at Palisades Tahoe this year will help jog your creative mind for ecological solutions while having fun on your snowblades (details in this edition). | shanemcconkey.org n

Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 4:30 p.m., (530) 536-5029, alibialeworks.com

Science Speaks Series: Attraction & Relationships

UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, Incline Village, 5:30-7:30 p.m., (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu

Release Party Fundraiser

FiftyFifty Brewing Co., Truckee, 6 p.m., (530) 5872337, fiftyfiftybrewing.com

Friends of Plumas Wilderness Community Meeting

Veterans Memorial Hall, Portola, 6:30 p.m., plumaswilderness.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

Ski With a Ranger

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Interpretive Mountain Tours

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

Ski With a Ranger

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 1 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Nordic Nights

North Tahoe Regional Park, Johnny Winters Field (Field #1), Tahoe Vista, 5 p.m., northtahoeparks.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Nordic Skier X ASC Training Center, Soda Springs, 8 a.m., (530) 426-3313, auburnskiclub.com

Methodology: Presented by Vans

Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., sierraattahoe.com

4th Annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 9 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

Clean California Community Cleanup

South Lake Tahoe, CA near Stateline, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., (530) 541-5388, keeptahoeblue.org

Spooner Summit Cleanup & Outreach Day

Spooner Summit, Carson City, 9 a.m-2 p.m., (530) 541-5388, keeptahoeblue.org

Pain McShlonkey Classic

Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., (800) 403-0206, palisadestahoe.com

Ability Challenge

Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, 9:15 a.m., (800) 403-0206, palisadestahoe.com

Gunbarrel 25

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

The Three Little Pigs Puppet Show

KidZone Museum, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 587-5437, kidzonemuseum.org

Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

Celebrity Hound Hobnob

Gallery Keoki, Olympic Valley, 5 p.m., (530) 4148500, gallerykeoki.com

Crab & Pasta Feed

Truckee Donner Recreation Center, Truckee, 5 p.m., truckeerotary.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

Wild Winter Early Morning Snowshoe Hike

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 7:30 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

4th Annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 8 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

Methodology: Presented by Vans

Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sierra Skogsloppet XC Fun Ski Race

Tahoe Donner XC Ski Center , Truckee, 9 a.m., (530) 587-9400, tahoedonner.com

Mothership Classic

Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., (800) 403-0206, palisadestahoe.com

Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

MONDAY, MARCH 27

Crawl Space Baby and Toddler Program

South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

Play and Learn Program

South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 9 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Golden Hour 55+

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

Teen Tuesday

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries/incline-village.php

Play & Learn Program

El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5

High Fives Foundation founder Roy Tuscany. | High Fives Foundation

Discover more at TheTahoeWeekly.com/family

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 events

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

Storytime

Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

Community Garden Kickoff

NTPUD office, Tahoe Vista, 5:30 p.m., ntpud.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

WINTER FAMILY FUN

All activities are weather dependent & open as conditions permit

ICE SKATING

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. Closed for the Season

OLYMPIC VALLEY

EVERLINE RESORT

(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.

Coses March 26

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. Closed for Season.

SLEDDING & TUBING

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.

TRANSIT

North Tahoe & Truckee | laketahoetransit.com South Shore | tahoetransportation.org

*Sno-Park permit required; (916) 324-1222 or ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks.

Sno-Parks may be closed for extended periods after heavy snow; check conditions in advance.

River Talks

Virtual, Foriver, 9 a.m., truckeeriverwc.org

Golden Meet & Greet

Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District, Truckee, 9:30-10:30 a.m., (530) 582-7720, tdrpd.org

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Mother Goose on the Loose

South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10:30 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org

Preschool Storytime

Truckee Library, Truckee, 10:30 a.m., (530) 582-7846, nevadacountyca.gov/336/Truckee-Library

7th Annual Tram to Table Dinner

WinterWonderGrass Festival, Olympic Valley, 5-9:30 p.m., winterwondergrass.com/tahoe

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

Soy Sauce Nation “Stir Fry”

Boreal Mountain, Soda Springs, 9 a.m., (530) 4263666, rideboreal.com

Ski With a Ranger

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Interpretive Mountain Tours

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

The Sugar Bowl Uphiller

Sugar Bowl Resort, Norden, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., (530) 426-9000, sugarbowl.com/home

Pride Day

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 8 a.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Subaru WinterFest 2023

Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Heavenly Pond Skim

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, 9 a.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

21st Annual Dummy Downhill at Diamond Peak

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 10 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

IV Quad

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 3 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Weird Science Wednesdays

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Nighttime Guided Snowshoe Tour

Sierra State Parks Foundation, Tahoe City, 6:30-8:30 p.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Subaru WinterFest 2023

Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ski With a Ranger

Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 1 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

Crawl Space Baby and Toddler Program

South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Play and Learn Program

South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 9 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Bilingual Songs With Brooke Chabot

KidZone Museum, Truckee, 11:30 a.m., (530) 5875437, kidzonemuseum.org

Golden Hour 55+

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

Teen Tuesday

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour

North Lake Tahoe/Truckee. Specific trailhead TBD, Tahoe Vista, 6-9 p.m., (530) 913-9212

Play & Learn Program

El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Storytime

Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour

North Lake Tahoe/Truckee. Specific trailhead TBD, Tahoe Vista, 6:30-9:30 p.m., (530) 913-9212

Find

Events are subject to change & cancellation; always check in advance for current schedules.

Food Distribution

TUESDAYS TRUCKEE | 4–5pm Warehouse, 12116 Chandelle Way, Unit 2D WEDNESDAYS K INGS BEACH | 3–4:30pm Community House, 265 Bear St

THURSDAYS INCLINE VILLAGE | 2:30–3:30pm St. Patrick’s Church, 341 Village Blvd

Anyone can pick up a bag and no application, ID, or proof of income is required. Home delivery is available on a case by case basis. To sign-up or cancel, e-mail food@sierracommunityhouse.org or call 530-546-0952 . Check website for updates: SierraCommunityHouse.org

horoscopes

BY MICHAEL O’CONNOR SUNSTARASTROLOGY.COM

EARTH AIR WATER

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

The New Moon in Aries will activate the impulse to take new leads and strides early this spring. With your energy levels running high, you feel determined to capitalize. Yet, Saturn in Pisces is a caution flag to be extra careful regarding new ventures. It may prove wise to focus on existing projects first.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)

Many new ideas and plans have entered a dynamic gestation phase. Allowing a month or so for them to sprout is probably the best approach. Yet, you can define and refine your strategy during this time. Stepping back to assess the returns that continue to flow in from years gone by will bring clarity.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Rediscovering yourself as the individual person that you are at this stage of your journey is in the spotlight now. Adapting and adjusting to the changing seasons of life is part of the plot for us all. One way or another, this appears to be a central theme now so assess what is required and roll with it.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

The pioneering impulse of Aries will prove especially strong for you. Out of the reflective reverie of Mercury in Pisces which was strong earlier this month, you are now beginning to see much more clearly. A determined drive to venture forth is present yet includes mental clearing above all.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

The time has come back to see a bigger picture. However you do it, think about the results you desire over the long term and what will meet with both your creative aspirations and your sense of authenticity. A determination to break through old perceptions and attitudes may be required for success.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

A short yet dynamic process of personal transformation has begun. It will continue for about a month. It emphasizes new assertions in your public and/or professional sphere. There may be alliances with new players as well which may have been initiated up to several weeks ago.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Engaging in a whole new quality of relationship interactions has been sparked by this New Moon. The key is to be willing to move forward with a sense of pioneering determination. Attending to the overall quality of your health all the while remains important and a learning curve is indicated.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

The time has come to take a fresh approach to complete, improve, and repair existing ambitions that have perhaps been set aside over the past few months. Your willingness to patiently give them the time and attention that probably requires and deserve is important.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Aries time tends to be one of excitement and playful enthusiasm for you. The energies of spring inspire the prospects of new adventures and this year the spirit is extra strong. Yet, you may have some inner work to do. This could include spring cleaning in your home or perhaps emphasizing your health.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The warrior spirit in you has heard the trumpet’s call. Like a soldier waiting for the sign, you will likely jump into action impulsively and assertively. This could have mixed results in your relationship life, so don’t make assumptions that everyone will feel as keen and determined as you do.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

Many new thoughts and perspectives are being activated by this equinox and Aries New Moon combination. A determined assertion to direct your mind to take the necessary, preliminary steps is indicated. A willingness to do the work required should be quite evident so harness it for productive ends.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

A whole new impulse to get more traction on your activities is a central focus now. The time is right to brainstorm for creative ideas and strategies. You may have to change your attitude and reconsider your interpretations of things to be able to make the necessary adjustments.

FIRE

Chinese workers rescue Transcontinental Railroad

PART II

BY MARK MCLAUGHLIN

and shovels, which required an army of [Chinese] on hand all the time at great expense.”

For a century after the sheds were built, passengers and crew often described the dark passage over the Sierra as “railroading through a barn.” But it worked. During the 1980s, many shed sections were removed and the remaining rebuilt using concrete.

The winter of 1868 got off to a slow start with mild weather through November, a meteorological blessing that enabled track layers to reach Donner Summit on Nov. 30, 1867. There was no time to celebrate, however, as the Pacific storm door kicked open in early December. By mid-month, the snowpack was 5 feet deep on the summit.

Official Sponsor of Good Times in North Lake Tahoe & Truckee! TahoeDaves.com

The storms stalled track laying, but tunnel excavations progressed despite deadly weather conditions outside. No doubt the Chinese took the brunt of the severe conditions, but they never ran or quit.

When April finally arrived, workers discovered that some of the road cuts were filled with as much as 60 feet of drifted snow compacted into a solid mass. These frozen blockades were blasted with explosives. By June 1868, ice and snow remained 12 feet deep in along the tracks, but trains were running from Sacramento all the way to Lake’s Crossing (now Reno, Nev.).

Back-to-back monster winters (1867 and 1868) paralyzed railroad construction over Donner Pass. During the winter of 1866-67, 44 storms of varying intensity dumped nearly 45 feet of snow on the region. Central Pacific Railroad’s (CPRR) Chinese immigrant workforce pushed the railhead to Cisco at a nearly 6,000-foot elevation.

Where a roadbed could not be built, tunnels were chipped and blasted. The obdurate Sierran granite proved nearly impossible to penetrate. Nine tunnels were excavated by hand-drilling and explosives, totaling nearly 1 mile in length. It’s hard to imagine chiseling and the explosive force of black powder and nitroglycerine in small places. They made 8 inches a day.

Aside from the risks of injury or deadly explosions, workers endured blinding blizzards and lethal avalanches. One particularly potent low-pressure system in February 1867 dropped 10 feet of snow in 13 days, burying workers’ housing structures and equipment.

One slide wiped out a Chinese work camp; when the bodies were discovered the following spring, tools were still clutched in their frozen hands. Later another slide nearby swept 20 to their death. On April 13, the Summit Valley snowpack at Donner Pass exceeded 15 feet — on June 1 it was still 6 feet deep.

Theodore Judah, CPRR’s first chief engineer who surveyed a realistic grade over the Sierra Nevada prior to construction died prematurely, but the rail line followed his blueprint for the proj-

ect. Despite excellent surveying skills, Judah had no understanding of the great danger, power and frequency of Sierra snowfall and avalanches. He had made observations and interviewed early pioneers, hunters, miners and Native Americans and concluded that plows and steady train traffic would keep snow problems at a manageable level.

On the first day of winter, Dec. 21, a subtropical atmospheric river swamped Northern California. For 10 days, downpours of rain and gale force winds thrashed the region. Rainfall at Nevada City that month exceeded 40 inches. In the higher elevations, rain turned to snow and destructive snow slides snapped trees 3 feet in diameter. Buildings in the Sierra were buried to their second stories; firewood cut from treetops was shoved down chimneys.

In some communities, residents visited stores, saloons and each other using tunnels dug underneath the snow. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing was the only means of travel in the snowbound regions. To remove the snow, Chinese laborers shoveled it into empty boxcars; it was then shipped to Sacramento and dumped into the river. Since the invention of the rotary snowplow was still 20 years in the future, track clearing before 1888 relied on wedge-shaped bucker plows and strenuous hand-shoveling.

This winter is the 155th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad connecting Reno and Truckee with Sacramento. The 88 miles over the rugged Sierra between Newcastle and Truckee took more than 12,000 Chinese contractors 38 months of backbreaking work. In comparison, to complete the line from Truckee 571 miles east to Promontory, Utah, took 5,000 men just one year and 27 days.

There is no doubt that America’s greatest feat of 19th Century engineering could not have been completed without the incredibly impressive Chinese workforce, which brought stoic determination and skill to an overwhelmingly difficult and dangerous task. Truly, the work of giants. n

Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at thestormking. com. | mark@thestormking.com

However, after the brutal winter of 1867, CPRR realized that they needed a solution to this problem. Despite the immense cost, CPRR eventually constructed about 37 miles of wooden snowsheds and galleries to protect trains, track, stations and work buildings.

Arthur Brown, the company’s supervisor for snowshed construction, reported: “Although every known appliance was used to keep the road clear of snow in 1867, including the largest and best snowplows then known, it was found impossible to keep it open over half the time and that mostly by means of men

A cold wave in January 1868 froze the deep, water-saturated snowpack into a solid block of ice. Temperatures were frigid enough to drop several inches of snow in Sacramento. Six weeks of dry weather gave the crews hope that winter may be over, but in traditional fashion March came in like a lion in the first week with 10 feet of snow.

On March 6, another eight Chinese workers were killed when a section of newly built railroad shed collapsed under the weight of snow. Another 15 were buried the following day; their bodies were not recovered until May.

LEARN MORE

Watch a documentary on Chinese railroad workers & read more about the Transcontinental Railroad TheTahoeWeekly.com/railroad

The Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project exhibits.stanford.edu/crrw

No Chinese were invited to 1869 Last Spike celebration. | Nevada State Museum

88 miles over the rugged Sierra between Newcastle and Truckee took more than 12,000 Chinese contractors 38 months of backbreaking work.

MARK’S COLUMN IS SPONSORED BY

THE makers

Liz Paganelli Fine Art

BY KAYLA ANDERSON

Ifirst discovered Liz Paganelli Fine Art in the Piper J Gallery in Truckee, automatically drawn to the beautifully detailed colorings of nature and the world. Later, I was fortunate enough to take a Nature Journaling course with her at the studio last July, surrounded by the abundance of greenery outside the Garden Folly building on West River Street.

She taught us how to be in the present when nature journaling: noticing the weather, noise levels and people around us. She showed us how to unleash our curiosity through drawing by asking ourselves questions such as why a flower is a particular color or think about what it reminds us of.

Even as a writer, I found that taking that class allowed me to stay in the present and later I remembered more about what happened that day, as well as what I learned about the intricacies of the feverfew leaf I drew.

Paganelli has been into art since she was 5 years old when her mom bought her a set of fingerpaints.

“I just sat at the kitchen table and painted with them all day,” she said. A few years later, she watched her cousin draw a portrait of her dad and it was just magic to her. Something clicked. When she became an adult, Paganelli earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from California College of the Arts and a master’s from John F. Kennedy

University where she worked in portraiture. She has also studied printmaking at Kala Institute in Berkeley and at a graphic center in Florence, Italy.

“I always loved art and creativity and my mom was always so supportive. She gave me a space to create art. My mom loved nature and grew roses. She would look at one, turn to me and say, ‘How could a person not believe in God?’”

Paganelli said, smiling.

began enjoying more of the outdoors, she created her “Into the Forest” line drawings series.

“The forest is so interesting, so mysterious,” she said.

Paganelli likes to create her artwork in different collections with around 20 pieces in each. After making “Into the Forest,” she then completed what she calls the “Ravens Alphabet,” which explores the notions of ethics, order and virtue.

“I have five grandkids and I wanted to leave them something, so I did a series of mixed-media virtues. Some are literal and some you have to contemplate,” she said.

making it cohesive,” she said.

Paganelli has also always been interested in The Renaissance and illuminated manuscripts and is fascinated with Joris Hoefnagel’s work, a 16th Century Flemish artist. She recently created a Hoefnagel-inspired collection and as we flipped through a book of his work, Paganelli said: “His compositions are so interesting, intricate and crazy. They don’t make much sense, but they are so much fun.”

She was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and when her own children grew and moved out of the house, she and her husband were ready to make a change. They moved to the North Shore 30 years ago and have lived there since.

“It was such a good fit. I found a group of women to hike, kayak and go cross-country skiing with,” she said. Shortly after she moved to Tahoe and

The pieces go down the alphabet, with names such as “Awareness,” “Endurance” and “Intuition.” Paganelli also completed a “Walking A to Z in Yosemite” series of colored etchings documenting all the camps that she visited. Her work is always evolving, as seen through each of her collections. Most recently she’s been creating mixed-media art on panels with vibrant flowers, birds, paper and lovely scripts all carefully intertwined.

Looking at her sunflower panels, I noticed that intricately drawn birds, petals, postage stamps, color and illustrative text collaborate.

“I spent a lot of time in Italy and that’s where I get the papers and stamps. I’ve collected a lot of stuff; the hard part is

As we looked at more of her art in her sunlight-filled studio, Paganelli said: “These pieces and a lot of the work I have are about connections and those connections to nature. I look at these and they tell me a story, and what is going on in my life at the time. Art is the one thing that truly connects the mind, body and soul. It keeps me balanced and gives me a tremendous amount of joy.” Her work is on display at Piper J Gallery in Truckee. Paganelli will be teaching a Nature Journaling class in May at the Incline Village Recreation Center. | lizpaganellifineart.com n

FROM LEFT: Liz Paganelli in her studio. | Kayla Anderson. Examples of Liz Paganelli’s work. | Liz Paganelli

“Art is the one thing that truly connects the mind, body and soul. It keeps me balanced and gives me a tremendous amount of joy.”

– Liz Paganelli

Trails & Vistas

EXPERIENCE ART IN NATURE

This summer Trails & Vistas Art Hikes will start at Spooner Lake State Park’s new Visitor Center and outdoor amphitheater on June 24 and 25. The hikes are 2.6 miles, rated easy/moderate. Tickets are on sale now; general tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for children or “Build Your Own Pod” private tour for up to 18 people. Information about the hikes and tickets are on the website. | trailsandvistas.org

POETRY DEADLINE APPROACHING

Community of Writers announced that its Poetry Workshop in Olympic Valley will be from June 19 to 25. The Poetry

Workshop is founded on the belief that when poets gather in a community to write new poems, each poet may well break through old habits and write something stronger and truer than before. Poets who will be teaching are Kazim Ali, Victoria Chang, Forrest Gander, Carmen Giménez, Brenda Hillman and Evie Shockley. The deadline for applications is March 28. | communityofwriters.org

asks artists to submit a design and qualifications for the opportunity to be selected to paint a mural on an area of the exterior abutment walls under the Truckee River Bridge bike trail. There are two mural spaces available that will span the side wall and roof. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on March 29. | artsfortheschools.org

the arts

Hannah Fridholm: Passed Recollection

Foyer Gallery LTCC, South Lake Tahoe, March 22-31, 8 a.m., (530) 541-4660, ltcc.edu

Field Notes Exhibit

Truckee Community Recreation Center, Truckee, March 22-April 5, 8 a.m., melhopgallery.com

Incline High School AP Art Students Art Exhibit

Arts for the Schools

CALL TO ARTISTS FOR MURAL

Arts For The Schools and Placer County invite professional artists/teams currently living in California or Nevada to produce a mural along the Tahoe City/ Truckee River Bike Trail, located past the Tahoe City Transit Center in Tahoe City.

Arts For the Schools Mural Project

Incline Village Library, March 22-April 5, 10 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us

Participate 8 Art Contest

North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, March 22-31, 10 a.m., (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.org

Contemplations in Black & White Group Show

Piper J Gallery, Truckee, Wednesdays, 10 a.m., (775) 220-0325

Michelle Sweeney: Wildland

Haldan Art Gallery LTCC, South Lake Tahoe, March 22-31, 11 a.m., (530) 541-4660, ltcc.edu

Incline Village Knitters Guild St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Incline Village, Wednesdays, 1 p.m., (775) 831-1418

Winter Art Show

Tahoe Art League, South Lake Tahoe, March 23-April 2, 11 a.m., (530) 544-2313, talart.org Truckee Artist Lofts Gallery Debut

Truckee Artist Loft, Truckee, April 6, 4-7 p.m., Truckee Artist Lofts on Facebook

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THE lineup

Growing up bluegrass

MOLLY TUTTLE & LINDSAY LOU AT WINTERWONDERGRASS

BY SEAN MCALINDIN

WinterWonderGrass | March 30-April 2 | Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley

Abluegrass festival is all about connection — a place where the lines between artist and audience blur and musical legends can be found jamming in the parking lot with their friends.

Flatpicking guitarist Molly Tuttle knows this well. She grew up in Palo Alto, the daughter of a traditional, old-time music teacher, Jack Tuttle. Every year, father and daughter visited bluegrass festivals such as California Bluegrass Association Father’s Day Festival, Strawberry Music Festival and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.

“The other part of the festival is about jamming with your friends,” she says. “I know some people who go to bluegrass festivals and never see the stage. They stay in the campground all weekend and play music.”

“Bluegrass music is one of smallest genres recognized by the Grammys. It’s thought of by the general population as a niche genre. To be recognized in a general category, I could see this meaning my music could reach more people, not just people who listen to bluegrass.”

– Molly Tuttle

The roots of the Tuttle family musical heritage can be traced to her grandfather, Gerald Tuttle, a farmer and banjo player from Yorkville, Ill.

“He loved Earl Scruggs,” says Tuttle. “My dad’s two sisters also played music and they listened to the Grand Old Opry.”

Tuttle started learning bluegrass guitar at age 8. She later attended the American Roots Music program at Berklee

College of Music where she explored jazz, composition and clawhammer banjo. She moved to Nashville in 2015 and is now at the top of her craft. Tuttle was the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year award in 2017 and she earned the Female Vocalist of the Year award in 2022.

Her debut album on Nonesuch Records, “Crooked Tree,” recently won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. The captivating LP is an imaginative journey through a fictional world of characters and memories with special guests including Billy Strings, Gillian Welch, Margo Price and Dan Tyminski.

“It feels amazing,” says Tuttle. “It’s pretty surreal and just a huge honor. I guess it’s something really affirming that I’m on the right path with my music. I’m someone who can get a little doubtful of myself when I’m writing a song. I felt like my record was special, but it does help to feel that external validation, too. It helps me gain confidence and feel excitement for what’s to come.”

Tuttle was also nominated in the Best New Artist category, a rare distinction for a bluegrass musician.

“Bluegrass music is one of smallest genres recognized by the Grammys,” she says. “It’s thought of by the general population as a niche genre. To be recognized in a general category, I could see this meaning my music could reach more people, not just people who listen to bluegrass.”

Tuttle and her band Golden Highway perform on March 31 at WinterWonderGrass. | mollytuttlemusic.com

A home within myself

Another artist who knows a thing or two about connection is Lindsay Lou, a talented vocalist and songwriter who is a regular guest with many jamgrass bands in the scene.

“I love singing with people and I’m lucky people like singing with me,” she says. “I think about connecting to my voice very deeply and almost having a visual, physical connection between my voice and my mind when I sing. It’s like an all-encapsulating experience. Everything falls away and I become my voice.”

Lou was born in Butler, Miss., where her father was a coal miner. At age 3, she moved to the small town of Kingsford in the Upper Peninsula of Mich-

igan where the bluegrass community holds strong. Her mother was one of 12 in a musical family. She sang lullabies to Lou at bedtime. As she got older, Lou and her Uncle Stuckey would play Stone Temple Pilots and Indigo Girls on guitar.

“Being around the jam as a kid felt like a big part of my identity,” says Lou. “As an adult, finding people who I can sing with feels like my sense of home within myself.”

Lou performs on April 1 with WinterWonderWomen and leads the WinterWonderGrass All-Stars for Grass After Dark on April 2 at Olympic Valley Lodge. She is also sure to appear as a special guest with many acts throughout the weekend.

“I love the festival for the fact that a lot of the people in the audience work 9 to 5 and this is their opportunity to let their freak flag fly,” she says. “They put on their unicorn onesie and dive into a more celebratory part of the human experience. The festival fills that role of creating the carnival side of life.” | lindsayloumusic.com, winterwondergrass.com n

FROM LEFT: Lindsay Lou | Kirk Barnett . Molly Tuttle | Molly Tuttle

CLASSIC ROCK

March 25 | Harrah’s Lake Tahoe | Stateline, Nev.

NIGHT RANGER

Middleton steers their thoughtful studio efforts while Smith anchors the project’s live show with relentless charisma. Their vision has resonated with listeners around the world; they’ve amassed 30 million streams, including remixes for U2, Selena Gomez and Imagine Dragons. | crystalbaycasino.com

AMERICANA

March 25 | 9 p.m. | Alibi Ale Works | Truckee April 8 | 9 p.m. | Alibi Ale Works | Incline Village, Nev.

MR. JOHNSON

With timeless bangers such as, “Sister Christian,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “When You Close Your Eyes,” heavy-hitting rockers Night Ranger have melted faces and serenaded eardrums since forming in San Francisco in 1979. They have sold more than 17 million albums worldwide and released their 12th studio album in 2021, “ATBPO,” an acronym for: And The Band Played On. | caesars.com

COUNTRY

April 1 | Bally’s Lake Tahoe | Stateline, Nev.

EASTON CORBIN

Easton Corbin has been gracing stages with his memorable baritone and unique blend of traditional and modern country music for more than a decade. The Florida native, who boasts two No. 1 singles, “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It,” embarks on a new musical chapter with his recent signing to Stone Country Records. | casinos.ballys.com

EDM

March 24 | Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev.

THE FUNK HUNTERS

Since forming in 2021, Reno, Nev., country-western duo Mr. Johnson has crooned classic songs with ear-blessing vocals and harmonious instrumentation. Immortal influences such as Ray Price, Eddie Noack, George Jones and George Strait get the special treatment by guitarist Zachery Johnson — formerly of punk group Suspect Zero — and upright bassist Andy “Slap Nasty” Hernandez — of psychobilly act Los Pistoleros. This sure ain’t your grandma’s country. | alibialeworks.com

SHAKESPEARE

FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SHOWCASE SERIES

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival has announced the lineup for its Monday Showcase Series, with tickets on sale now.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

Wild Wild Wednesdays W/Dj

Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 11:30 a.m.

Ben Fuller at 22 Bistro

22 Bistro, Olympic Valley, 1 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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

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.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger

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.

Anne Hall & the Remarkables

Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Karaoke Nights

Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

Sam Robertson Live

South Lake Brewing Company, S. Lake Tahoe, 5-8 p.m.

Friday Night DJ

Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 5:30 p.m.

Ben Fuller & Ryan Kinelski

Six Peaks Grille, Olympic Valley, 5:30 p.m.

Karaoke Night

Incline Brewery & Barrel House, Incline Village, 6 p.m.

Heathers, the Musical: Teen Edition

North Tahoe High School, Tahoe City, 7 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.

Comedy Night

Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City, 7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Mike Brumm’s Band

Alibi Ale Works Truckee Public House, Truckee, 8 p.m.

The Funk Hunters

Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

Winter Burlesque

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Anne Hall & the Remarkables

Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 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.

Arty the Party

In a sea of carbon-copy producers, The Funk Hunters cultivate their signature sound with forward-thinking electronic dance music influenced by old-school funk, classic soul and vintage hip-hop. Longtime friends Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith share a special chemistry as a DJ/producer duo.

This year’s series at Sand Harbor will feature the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra on July 10 and Aug. 7; Pablo Cruise on July 17; Foreverland: The Electrifying Tribute to Michael Jackson to July 18; Sierra Nevada Ballet: The Last Unicorn on July 24; Pink Martini on July 25; Reno Jazz Orchestra on July 31 and Aug. 21; PettyBreakers on Aug 14; and The Linda Ronstadt Experience on Aug. 15. | laketahoeshakespeare.com

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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

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, South Lake Tahoe, noon

DJs at Big Blue View Bar

Big Blue View Bar, Homewood, noon

Live Music

Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m.

Live Apres Music

Tamarack Lodge., South Lake Tahoe, 3 p.m.

Heathers, the Musical: Teen Edition

North Tahoe High School, Tahoe City, 7 p.m.

Alex Ramon Magic Show

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Tainted Love

Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

Winter Burlesque

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Night Ranger

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Anne Hall & the Remarkables

Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.

Mr. Johnson

Alibi Ale Works Truckee Public House, 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.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ

Bally’s, Stateline, 10 p.m.

Live DJ

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

Karaoke Nights

Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

Brunch + Beats

Stateline location, Stateline, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DJ Cat

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon

Heathers, the Musical: Teen Edition

North Tahoe High School, Tahoe City, 2 p.m.

Live Music

Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger

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, 6-9 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Live DJ

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

Open Stage Mondays

Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Reno Philharmonic

Kevin Baldes

John Shearer

Funk Hunters

Mr. Johnson

BEST MUSICAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

Magic Fusion Starring Kalin & Jinger

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Tuesday Night Blues

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

Wild Wild Wednesdays W/Dj

Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges, 11:30 a.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

WinterWonderGrass Festival

Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley

Live Music With Kip Yager

CB’s Bistro, Carnelian Bay, 6-8 p.m.

Wolves & Friends Live

The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

WinterWonderGrass Festival

Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley

Friday Night DJ

Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 5:30 p.m.

Ben Fuller & Ryan Kinelski

Six Peaks Grille, Olympic Valley, 5:30 p.m.

Karaoke Night

Incline Brewery & Barrel House, Incline Village, 6 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 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.

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.

Lost Whiskey Engine

Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 9:30 p.m.

Live DJ

Bally’s, Stateline, 10 p.m.

Grass After Dark

Moe’s Original Bar B Que, Tahoe City, 10 p.m.

Karaoke Nights

Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

Grass After Dark

Various Locations, Olympic Valley, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

WinterWonderGrass Festival

Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley

Brunch + Beats

Stateline location, Stateline, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DJ Cat

Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon

Live Music

Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 2 p.m.

Building Community Through Dance

Community Arts Center, Truckee, 5:30 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Easton Corbin

Bally’s, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Dueling Pianos

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.

Live Music

Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ

Bally’s, Stateline, 10 p.m.

Live DJ

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

Grass After Dark

Moe’s Original Bar B Que, Tahoe City, 10 p.m.

Karaoke Nights

Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m.

Grass After Dark

Various Locations, Olympic Valley, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

WinterWonderGrass Festival

Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley

Brunch + Beats

Stateline location, Stateline, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DJ Cat

Heavenly Mountain Resort, 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 p.m.

9 Ball Pool Tourney

Pete ‘n Peter’s Sports & Spirits, Tahoe City, 6 p.m.

Sunday Bluegrass Jam

Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6-9 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Live DJ

Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

Grass After Dark

Various Locations, Olympic Valley, 10 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

Open Stage Mondays

Truckee Public House, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Tuesday Night Blues

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

St. Matthew Passion

St. Francis Catholic Church, Incline Village, 7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Robert Hall

The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

EAT & drink

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

Willow Esch

SUPPORTING IMMUNITY THROUGH HERBALISM

BY PRIYA HUTNER

Elderberry Syrup

From the kitchen of Willow Esch (makes 32 oz.)

½ C dried elderberries

2 T fresh ginger root, grated

2 cinnamon sticks

1 T cardamom pods

2 T fresh orange peel

½ t clove buds

4 C filtered water

1 C honey

1 C apple cider vinegar

1 lemon, juiced

The aroma of cinnamon, cardamom and orange peel is sweet, spicy, strong and rich. These particular spices and herbs evoke memories of holidays or a warm cup of chai served in an Indian restaurant. They also possess beneficial properties for health and support immunity.

Willow Esch is an herbalist who offers classes and workshops about the benefits of herbs, how to use them and create recipes for wellness. Esch has a background in sports medicine and nutrition, as well as being an herbalist.

“I feel really passionate that herbs are for everybody — not only for people with money or people who live in the forest and can spend half a day collecting herbs. There are medicinal plants on every part of this planet,” said Esch. Esch began with a meditation during a recent workshop at Yoga Room Tahoe in Tahoe City. They talked about nutrition and the need for balance in our diets. They were trained in herbalism based on a philosophy called Vitalism. The approach, according to Esch, encompasses holistic health and wellness and exploring herbs for immune health.

“Symptoms of illness or disease are indications of imbalance. How do we bring ourselves back to balance?

Getting back to balance means making some efforts to build up vitality,” said Esch, who pointed out that getting physical, mental and emotional rest is essential. Another way to bring the body into balance is through the foods we eat.

Esch admitted that in our quick-fix world, using herbs and nutrition when

getting sick takes time to support the healing process. Esch wants to cultivate the idea that rest and good nutrition are strategies we need to take in order to heal.

“It’s important to give the body, mind and spirit a chance to incubate, assimilate and restore,” Esch said. They focused on 12 different herbs for the class to use to create herbal tonics for healing. They explained how to make an elderberry syrup that can be used as a base and added to a tea

tive herb but can also be used for sore throats, coughs and asthma.

“There is a huge component to herbalism that is intuitive. What does your body like? We open the jars, smell the herbs, taste them and see how your body reacts,” explained Esch. They encouraged students to smell each herb. Generally, those herbs can help support a person’s physical constitution. Esch used herbs that are commonly found. Many are used in elderberry syrup recipes for immunity and well-being.

“I want people to feel empowered and understand what it means to use this medicine. I think it’s part of the human experience to understand and interact with our environment in a way that benefits our health,” they said.

Esch is passionate about bringing herbalism back into the modern world.

“I feel there’s a huge disconnect with how our world has evolved in the last 200 years,” Esch said.

Esch wants people who attend classes to be able to make elderberry syrup and teach their friends and kids how to do it. Esch teaches herbal workshops at Yoga Room Tahoe in Tahoe City and Spirit Rebel Collective in Truckee. | @wellness.by.willow, willow.esch@ gmail.com n

Cheese cloth/muslin

Combine herbs in a pot and cover with filtered water. Bring water to a boil, then turn down to a low rolling simmer for 40 to 60 minutes or until the liquid is approximately half the original volume. Remove from the burner and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.

Once cool, strain the herbs through cheese cloth. Squeeze the cloth containing the herbs to press out the remaining liquid. Measure the volume of the strained tea; you should have 2 cups. If you have less than 2, add filtered water until you have 2 cups. If you have more than 2 cups, return the tea and the herbs to the pan and continue simmering until the volume is reduced to 2 cups.

Once you have 2 cups of strained tea, discard the herbs and return the strained tea to the pan and re-heat on low temp. Mix in honey, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice and whisk until the honey is completely dissolved. Remove from heat.

blend along with other herbs. The herbs used included elderberry, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel, clove, echinacea, ginger, hawthorn berries, juniper berries, licorice root and rose hips. Esch pointed out that cardamom is a diges-

Priya Hutner is a food writer, personal chef and owner of The Seasoned Sage, a meal delivery and catering company.

| TheSeasonedSage.com, priya@ tahoethisweek.com

Once cool, pour into containers; label and date them. Store in the refrigerator for up to two months. Use 1 to 3 teaspoons daily for preventative care; 1 tablespoon every 3 hours during illness.

“I feel really passionate that herbs are for everybody — not only for people with money or people who live in the forest and can spend half a day collecting herbs. There are medicinal plants on every part of this planet.”

– Willow Esch

FROM LEFT: Herbal tea. Herbalist Willow Esch. Esch foraging for herbs. | Courtesy Willow Esch

Tahoe’s best ski-in cocktails

STORY & PHOTOS BY KAYLA ANDERSON

Ifeellucky to live in a place with an abundance of ski resorts all within an hour’s drive that cater to skiers and snowboarders of every ability. They also provide a little bit extra like the various ski-in chalets with firepits, Adirondack chairs and delicious cocktails to rest with and take in the views. Here are some of my favorite ski-in bars — and their signature drinks— to enjoy.

Love in a Cup at Big Blue View Bar

After several powder-filled tree runs, my boyfriend and I stopped at the mid-mountain Big Blue View Bar at Homewood to melt into one of the blue Adirondack chairs facing the lake. Inside the big white circus-like tent, a variety of snacks, wraps, beer and canned cocktails are served. Homewood food & beverage assistant manager Jen Winklepleck made me “Love in a Cup,” consisting of Casamigos Reposado tequila, fresh vanilla bean, ginger liquor, infused muddled jalapeños and lime juice on the rocks. It’s refreshing, tangy and went perfectly with a comfy chair and the Big Blue view. | skihomewood.com

Chalet Cider at The Chalet

During my peak-to-peak daylong exploration at Palisades Tahoe with my brother, we stopped at the mid-mountain The Chalet at Alpine Meadows, which is like a German beer garden placed in the middle of the slopes. It serves personal pizza-sized pretzels and cheese bisque with easy access to the Scott and Treeline Cirque chairs. On the cloudy, cold afternoon, I ordered one of the two cocktails they had available, the Chalet Cider. Made of spiced rum and hot apple cider and served in a paper coffee cup, it quickly warmed my hands and my belly and made me ready to scout out some more untouched terrain. | palisadestahoe.com

The Smoky Chocolate at Wild Pine

Right at the base of the Village Run at Northstar, Bourbon Pub’s drink concoctions taste like they were derived from an award-winning mixologist. Across from Bourbon Pub, Northstar’s other newest restaurant called Wild Pine Kitchen & Bar has an eclectic menu of hearty dishes along with a full page dedicated to wine, beer and cocktails. Its Smoky Chocolate gets its name from the Dos Hombres mezcal in it. The graham cracker/caramel-lined rim also provides a nice touch. If you’re mid-mountain and don’t want to go back down quite yet, then the outside bar at The Lodge at Big Springs also has a full line of spirits and canned drinks. | northstarcalifornia.com

Hot Apple Pie at Stagecoach Lodge

Heavenly is a big mountain and there’s almost not enough time to ski it all in one day, especially if you plan on hunting down the best cocktail. I began the day with communications manager Cole Zimmerman. He pointed out Umbrella Bar and Sky Deck, which are popular places to get a drink on a bluebird day. However, I headed over to the Nevada side and went into the Stagecoach Bar where regulars were saddled up to the bar with their Heavenly mugs. Longtime bartender Lorilyn was slinging drinks. She made me a traditional Irish coffee of Jameson and coffee, topped with whipped cream. Next, I tried Hot Apple Pie comprised of Tuaca and hot apple cider. They were both so perfectly proportioned that I didn’t taste the alcohol in either one, but they did warm me up. | skiheavenly.com n

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Kayla Anderson drinking “Love in a Cup,” Homewood. Having drinks at The Chalet, Palisades Tahoe Alpine Meadows.Enjoying a Smoky Chocolate at Wild Pine, Northstar. The Hot Apple Pie at Stagecoach Lodge. | Kayla Anderson

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CULT BURGER TO OPEN IN TAHOMA

T’s

T’S ROTISSERIE REOPENS AFTER FIRE

T’s Rotisserie in Incline Village, Nev., reopened its doors on March 1 after a fire in June closed the popular eatery. On June 26, a fire in the hood of the kitchen closed the restaurant.

The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. serving tacos and its popular giant burritos. | tsrotisserie.com

Found and Chef Quinten Frye and his wife, Kristin, the creative director, will be opening Cult Burger in Tahoma soon, featuring burgers, hand-cut fries, craft sodas, frozen custards and more. The new eatery is located at 7000 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoma. Opening date TBA. | eatcultburger.com

TAHOE CITY CHOCOLATES

FiftyFifty Brewing Company will host a release party for its Space Dog Hazy IPA on March 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be live music and an auction for a pair of Elan women’s skis and other raffle packages with proceeds benefiting Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. | fiftyfiftybrewing.com

Rotisserie

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