November 15 - December 12, 2023

Tahoe & Truckee’s original guide since 1982

Nov. 15-Dec. 12, 2023

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TAHOE

Holiday Happenings Locally Made Skis, Boards

Winter Outlook El Niño

conditions ripe for 2024

AJ LEE’S

homegrown bluegrass Tahoe’s Food Shopping Dilemma

QUALITY, CONVENIENCE & PRICES

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SOUTH SHORE’S

best wings

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LIVE MUSIC EVENTS OUTDOORS & RECREATION FOOD & WINE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SIGHTSEEING VISITOR INFO

Legendary spirit.

Thank you to all the people who love this place as much as we do.

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P.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96148 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 YourTahoeGuide.com | @TahoeGuide

submissions Calendar submissions: YourTahoeGuide.com/Events Editorial Inquiries: editor@yourtahoeguide.com Entertainment Inquiries: music@yourtahoeguide.com Cover Photography: production@yourtahoeguide.com

making it happen Publisher/Owner & Editor In Chief

Katherine E. Hill, publisher@yourtahoeguide.com, ext. 102

Sales & Marketing Manager

Anne Artoux, anne@yourtahoeguide.com, ext. 110

Art Director

Abigail Gallup, production@yourtahoeguide.com

Graphic Designer

Lauren Shearer, graphics@yourtahoeguide.com

Website Manager, LT Marketing Entertainment Editor

Sean McAlindin, music@yourtahoeguide.com

Food & Well Being Editor

Priya Hutner, priya@yourtahoeguide.com

Social Media Editor Kayla Anderson

Copy Editor

Nicole Cheslock

Delivery Manager Charles Zumpft

TAHOE GUIDE is published twice a month May-Sept. & in December, and once a month Oct.-Nov. & Jan.-April.

Est. 1982, ©2023 Printed on recycled paper with soybased inks. Please recycle your copy.

bears & wildlife BEAR EMERGENCIES BEAR LEAGUE (530) 525-7297 (24 hours) | savebears.org INJURED ANIMALS Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center | (530) 577-2273 | ltwc.org

on the cover Skiers enjoy the views of Lake Tahoe at Palisades Tahoe, which opens Nov. 22. Read about what’s new at Palisades Tahoe and other ski areas in our 23rd annual Tahoe Downhill Ski Guide available in this edition and at YourTahoeGuide.com. | Photography by Hank deVre, Palisades Tahoe

The mix of fall and Tahoe’s winter season can be seen everywhere. Fall colors have lingered long into November set against mountain peaks covered in fresh snow making for magical vistas.

Many skiers and snowboarders have already been enjoying turns at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe that opened on Nov. 10. Enjoy this transition in Tahoe’s seasons by making the most of each day like locals do – enjoy the skiing in the morning, with mountain biking and hiking on lower-elevation trails in the afternoon.

Our Thanksgiving edition kicks off the ski season in Tahoe each year with our annual Tahoe Downhill Ski Guide, featuring a roundup of what’s new at the region’s local downhill ski areas from on-mountain improvements in grooming and snowmaking, to dining upgrades and tips on how to best enjoy your trip in Tahoe. This year, many ski areas will require parking reservations before visiting so be sure to check in advance and make your reservations or plan on taking public transit.

Some of the biggest news comes from Homewood Mountain Resort, which announced in early November that it would remain open to the public and had changed its course on becoming a private ski area. The resort has also filed an application for a new gondola. Read more about Homewood and what’s in store at other local resorts in the Downhill Ski Guide.

Winter weather outlook

Each year, to coincide with our Downhill Ski Guide, historian Mark McLaughlin analyzes the previous water year (that runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30) while providing historical context and looks ahead for the upcoming winter’s forecast. This year, Mark looks at how the monster winter of 2023 ranks in the record books and looks at the El Nino conditions predicted for the 2023-24 season. You might be surprised where 2023 ranks.

Changes on Puzzles page

I’ve had a lot of requests from readers in recent months to add more puzzles and activities for kids to our Puzzles page. After looking at many fun options and polling my nephew, Anikin Allen, and several of his friends, I’ve added a colorful kid’s maze, a word finder and a word puzzle to enjoy.

We will no longer be publishing Michael O’Conner’s horoscope to make room for these additions. Fans of Michael’s horoscope can sign up to receive his weekly newsletter at sunstarastrology.com. We’ll continue to offer the extremely popular crossword, sudoku and CryptoQuip.

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Coalition Skis

Ta h o e ’s d o w n h i l l season kicks off

Snap Jackson

Volume 42 | Issue 19

Diamond Peak | Ryan Salm

Nov. 15-Dec.12, 2023

inside

Tahoe Holiday Happenings Guide 8 Annual Downhill Ski Guide 15 Locally Made Skis, Boards 22 Puzzles 24 AJ Lee & Blue Summit 25 Tahoe’s Food Shopping Dilemma 28 South Shore’s Best Wings 30

SUPPORT OUR WORK Join our Patron Circle

tahoeguide.fundjournalism.org

Katherine E. Hill PUBLISHER/OWNER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

SUBSCRIBE PRINT DELIVERY YourTahoeGuide.com/Subscribe Address changes & questions editor@yourtahoeguide.com

E-NEWSLETTER YourTahoeGuide.com

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YourTahoeGuide.com

SIGHTSEEING Enjoy the festivities at Heavenly Holidays in South Lake Tahoe from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31. Read our Tahoe Holiday Happenings Guide in this edition for details and many more festivities to enjoy. | Shops at Heavenly

EAST SHORE CAVE ROCK | DE EK WADAPUSH*

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

NORTH SHORE

TAHOE SCIENCE CENTER

TAHOE ART LEAGUE GALLERY

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+.

(530) 544-2313 | talart.org Featuring works by local artists & workshops.

GATEKEEPER’S MUSEUM

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia in Tahoe City. By appt. only.

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.

WATSON CABIN

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Watson Cabin, built by Robert Watson and his son in 1909, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places (summer tours).

Open daily | thesnowmuseum.org Memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Olympics and select items from Auburn Ski Club’s collection of early ski history. Inside Boatworks Mall in 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 (1909) for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove St., Jackpine St. and Transit Center.

HIGH CAMP & OLYMPIC MUSEUM

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com, Opens Nov. 22 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. Aerial tram ticket required.

SOUTH SHORE

TRUCKEE 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

(530) 542-2908 | cityofslt.us Urban Trailhead at base of Heavenly Gondola with local exhibits and programs.

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

HEAVENLY

(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com, Reopens Nov. 17 Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views. Ticket required.

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

LAKE TAHOE MUSEUM

Sat. until mid-Dec. & by appt.

(530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. Pick up walking tour maps.

(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

LAKE LEVELS Lake Tahoe ELEVATION: 6,227.18’

(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.

Readings on Nov. 9, 2023 IN 2022: 6,227.84’

Truckee River FLOW AT FARAD: 439 CFS

NATURAL RIM: 6,223’

TROA.NET

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 for cataloging & preservation (530) 426-3313, ext. 113 | auburnskiclub.org The museum has partnered with the SNOW Museum exhibition in Tahoe City while closed.

Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com 4

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.

EMERALD BAY (TSALEE TOSH*) & 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.)

DONNER SUMMIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OLYMPIC VALLEY

EXPLORE TAHOE SNOW MUSEUM

TALLAC HISTORIC SITE

WEST SHORE

*Denotes Washo place names

HELLMAN-EHRMAN MANSION

(530) 525-7232 Park | parks.ca.gov 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. Parking fee.

VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE

(530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov | vikingsholm.com Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle (interior tours closed for season), see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House.

Find more places to explore at YourTahoeGuide.com

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

ROAD CONDITIONS California road conditions roads.dot.ca.gov, (800) 427-7623 or 511 (while in Calif.)

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

Nov. 15-Dec.12, 2023

l ake t a ho e fa c t s .

RENO-TAHOE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Truckee

BOREAL

CLAIR Donner Summit TAPPAAN

Donner Lake Da toshut*

MT. ROSE

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

NEVADA NORDIC

SUGAR BOWL

h Ta

SODA SPRINGS

Email anne@yourtahoeguide.com for details

ra Rim T

Tahoe Vista

Olympic Valley

CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA

Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California.

Crystal Bay DEEPEST POINT

TAHOE XC

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK

EVERLINE RESORT

DIAMOND PEAK

Incline Village

Kings Beach

Carnelian Bay

PALISADES TAHOE

North Shore

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

KINGVALE

DOWNHILL SKI AREA

oe

NORTHSTAR

Truckee River

ROYAL GORGE

Dollar Hill Tahoe City Sunnyside

Spooner Lake

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Ta h o e R i m

a Tr

CASINOS

Glenbrook

Homewood

East Shore

m Tr a i l

Tahoma

e Ri

HOMEWOOD SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Meeks Bay

Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra at YourTahoeGuide.com

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).

Cave Rock

Zephyr Cove

Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years

Emerald Bay

Fed By: 63 streams and 2 hot springs

Eagle Lake

Tsalee tosh*

Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)

Cascade Lake

Watershed Area: 312 square miles (808 sq km)

South Lake Tahoe

Fannette Island

South Shore

Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F (5.61˚C) Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F (11.1˚C)

Ta h oe

R i m Tr ail

Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F (18.3˚C)

Stateline

SIZE: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide (35 km long, 19 km wide) Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

HEAVENLY CAMP RICHARDSON

Fallen Leaf Lake

Meyers

BIJOU PARK / LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

FREEL PEAK

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)

ECHO LAKES

Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet (3,317 m) Average Snowfall: 409 inches (10.4 m) Permanent Population: 70,000 Number of Visitors: 17 million annually

Kirkwood

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE KIRKWOOD

HOPE VALLEY

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.

o Ta h

*Denotes Washo place names

Carson City

NEVADA NORDIC

Da ow aga*

Eagle Rock

West Shore

LAKE CLARITY: 2022: 71.7 feet depth (21.9 meters) 1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet (31.21 m)

Marlette Lake

GRANKLIBAKKEN

SNO-PARK

SPONSOR THIS PAGE

SKY TAVERN

TRUCKEE AIRPORT

il

DONNER SKI RANCH

YOUR BUSINESS COULD

Reno & Sparks

PLUMAS-EUREKA STATE PARK

TAHOE DONNER

AUBURN SKI TRAINING CENTER

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

Hope

Markleeville Valley ©Tahoe Guide

Sources: Tahoe Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, “Tahoe Place Names,” Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan, The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and David Antonucci (denoted by 1).

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

FROM PAGE 24

Food Distribution

Contact Anne@YourTahoeGuide.com for Home Improvement ads

TUESDAYS TRUCKEE | 4–5pm Warehouse, 12116 Chandelle Way, Unit 2D WEDNESDAYS KINGS 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:

SierraCommunit yHouse.org

Green Cleaning General & Deep Cleanings Organizing GIVE US A CALL

530-414-0110 TwoBeesOfTahoe.com

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YourTahoeGuide.com

Michelle Parker kicks off speaker series Tahoe Film Fest benefits TERC

“May December”

Michelle Parker | Aaron Blatt

Alpenglow Sports’ 18th Annual Winter Speaker Series kicks off with local freeskier Michelle Parker on Nov. 30 with her show “A Change in Perspective.” The show, which documents her father’s battle with dementia and Parkinson’s, chronicles Parker’s effort to balance a life of caregiving and professional skiing.

The series continues with questing brothers Jim and John Morrison on Jan. 4, freeskier Elyse Saugstad on Jan. 17, snowboarder Jess Kimura on Feb. 15 and mountaineer Dave Nettles on March 7.

The series is held at Olympic Village Event Center in Olympic Valley. Doors open at 6 p.m. and talks start at 7 p.m. Each speaker is paired with a local nonprofit. To date, the series has raised more than $1.3 million dollars for Tahoe Sierra organizations.

This year, the series will also live-stream the November and January shows at The Village Lodge Mammoth. Tahoe Guide is a sponsor of the series. | alpenglowsports. com

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Tahoe Film Fest opens its 9th year with a diverse range of new films celebrating art, nature and human potential. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, films will be screened at Incline Village Cinema and the Crystal Bay Club Crown Room. This year’s entries include “Maestro,” a Leonard Bernstein biopic directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, black comedy “May December” featuring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, psychological thriller “Eileen” with Anne Hathaway, plus number of international features and social, environmental and music documentaries.

The festival also features films that have been submitted as official entries for Best International Feature Film including “The Taste of Things” from France and “The Shadows of the Sun” from Venezuela. The festival may add a few surprise feature film announcements as the event approaches.

As a bonus on Dec. 9 and 10, director Scott Z. Burns will present “Extrapolations”, a futuristic drama exploring the chaotic effects of climate change starring a host of A-list actors including Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller, Forest Whitaker and Edward Norton.

All proceeds from Tahoe Film Fest ticket sales benefit science education at Lake Tahoe through the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center. A full schedule, movie trailers, film descriptions and festival passes are available at tahoefilmfest. com.

Nov. 15-Dec. 12, 2023 GET OUTSIDE

Send Your

N E W S to

Editor@YourTahoeGuide.com

Tahoe Fund

Plates for Powder offers free skiing Plates for Powder is back for the 2023-24 winter season. This program was founded in 2011 to offer free skiing and riding to those who purchase a Lake Tahoe license plate with proceeds supporting environmental improvement projects in the Tahoe Basin.

California and Nevada drivers who buy a new license plate through the program before April 1, 2024, will receive a free pass to one of 14 Tahoe-area resorts, while supplies last. Participating resorts include Boreal, Diamond Peak, Heavenly, Homewood, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, Royal Gorge, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Sugar Bowl, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe XC and Tahoe Donner. | tahoeplates.com

Nevada Ski History, a visitor center, cultural center, event space, café and museum shop.

In the meantime, an exhibit is being housed at the Boatworks at Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City featuring memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Olympics, 19th-Century longboard ski reproductions, and vintage skiing equipment from Auburn Ski Club collection. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SNOW’s Collections and Archiving Team is also organizing artifacts from the Auburn Ski Club’s Western Ski Sports Museum on Donner Summit to be part of the new collection. This inventorying project is in collaboration with students from Sacramento State and volunteers. To volunteer, email collections@thesnowmuseum.org. | thesnowmuseum.org

“burn.//A Ski Film”

Backcountry Film Festival back The Backcountry Film Festival is back for its 19th annual tour of short backcountry ski films with a stop in Truckee on Nov. 18. This festival produced by Winter Wildlands Alliance will be hosted

by Tahoe Mountain Sports and Tahoe Backcountry Alliance.

Funds raised at the event support local back-country recreation and conservation efforts, winter education and avalanche safety programs. Doors opens at 6 p.m. with showtime at 6:30 at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee. | winterwildlands.org

SNOW Museum

SNOW Museum review, archiving underway The Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter Sports (SNOW) Museum has completed an Environmental Impact Report, which assess potential impacts and mitigation measures associated with the proposed construction of a 20,000-square-foot museum at the entrance to Olympic Valley.

Placer County will be leading a public review period of the project anticipated to take place in 2024.

When built, the facility will house a Museum of Olympic History and Sierra

Tahoe xc resorts open While Tahoe’s downhill ski areas are preparing to open for the 2023-24 season, several cross-country resorts will also be opening in the coming weeks.

Auburn Ski Club on Donner Summit could be open by the time this edition CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 7

H H

TAHOE

s g n i appen

y a d i ol

GUIDE Northern Lights Tahoe

Turkey Trot

Northern Lights Tahoe is a community-powered celebration of heartwarming merriment for all ages. Festivities kick off with the annual Pray for Snow Party at Diamond Peak Resort on Nov. 17, followed by the Tahoe Film Fest from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, Sip and Shop between Dec. 2 and 16, Candy Cane Lane, brunch with Santa and more. Schedule ivcba.org/northern-lights-tahoe

Holiday fun run starts at 9 a.m. | sierraccountrychamber.com

Until Dec. 25 | Incline Village & Crystal Bay, Nev.

Holly Arts

Until Jan. 2 | North Tahoe Arts | Tahoe City & Kings Beach

North Tahoe Arts hosts Holly Arts to the Artisan Shop in Tahoe City and North Tahoe Art Center in Kings Beach. This holiday fair offers festive shopping with locally crafted artisan gifts. Admission is free. There will be an opening reception at the Artisan Shop on Dec. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. | northtahoearts.org

Snow Waltz Christmas Tour

Nov. 16 | Tahoe Blue Event Center | Stateline, Nev.

Nov. 23 | City Park | Loyalton

Heavenly Village Christmas Tree Lighting

Nov. 24 | The Shops at Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe

Join the annual Heavenly Village Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. as a 65-foot tree goes electric along with live music by Kristen Brown. Santa will be there, too. | theshopsatheavenly.com

Magical Memories

Nov. 24-Dec. | Everline Resort | Olympic Valley

Magical Memories holiday celebrations kick off at Everline Resort with horsedrawn sleigh rides, pictures with Santa, ice skating performance, live music and Grand Tree lighting and fireworks on Nov. 24. More events TBA. | everlineresortandspa.com

By combining her love of classical music with EDM and hip-hop, Lindsey Stirling became a pop crossover sensation known for her uncanny ability to perform intricately choreographed dances while playing the violin at the same time. Showtime at 8 p.m. | tahoeblueeventcenter.com

Community Art Faire

Soroptishop Holiday Artisan Faire

Nov. 24-Dec. 31 | Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe

Nov. 16 | Community Recreation Center | Truckee

Soroptimist International of Truckee Donner hosts its 20th annual Holiday Artisan Faire from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. featuring more than 60 vendors of local artwork, jewelry, pottery, clothes, herbals, hand-blown glass and more. Tickets at e.givesmart. com/events/ykt. | sitd.info

Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Nov. 17 | downtown Truckee

Enjoy hot cocoa, festive holiday lights, a visit from Saint Nick and Christmas trees decorated by more than 600 local elementary students from 4:15 and 6 p.m. The traditional Bud Fish Tree will be lit at 5:20 p.m. | historictruckee.com

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr.: The Musical Nov. 17-18 | Community Arts Center | Truckee

This free presentation of a one-hour musical adaptation of the beloved television special is filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” and features Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Misfit Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Artic explorer Yukon Cornelius and Rudolph. Showtimes are 7 p.m. of Nov. 17 and 1 p.m. on Nov. 18. | truckeecommunitytheater.com

Nov. 24-25 | Graeagle Fire Hall

This two-day faire from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. features holiday vendors. | graeagle.com

Heavenly Holidays Family Festival

Heavenly Holidays Family Festival runs through New Year’s Eve with daily tree lighting, an ice sculpture contest, face painting, breakfast with Santa, meet your favorite Disney Characters, fireworks, Santa ski day, Paint & Sip, Winter Filmstream Festival and A Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration. | theshopsatheavenly.com

Blairsden Holiday Market Nov. 25 | Blairsden Garden Center

Local artisans provide all your gifting needs this holiday season from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | blairsdengardencenter.com

Graeagle Shop Local Shop Small Nov. 25 | Graeagle locations

The Graeagle Merchants host Shop Local and Shop Small in Graeagle to celebrate small businesses. | graeagle.com

Light Up the Night

Nov. 25 | The Lodge Restaurant & Pub | Tahoe Donner | Truckee

Tahoe Donner’s free annual tree lighting ceremony goes from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with choir performance, hot cocoa, cider, wine and beer, and a special visit from the North Pole. | tahoedonner.com

Valhalla Holiday Faire

Holiday Hop & Shop Small

Valhalla’s 28th annual Holiday Faire brings together more than 30 vendors with handmade crafts. The Faire open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. | valhallatahoe.com

Local businesses invite everyone to step inside for a bit of browsing along with wine, snacks, festive decorations, raffles and contests. Small Business Saturday will be at Boatworks Mall from 12 to 7 p.m. featuring kids crafts, photos with Santa and a grand tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 pm. | visittahoecity.org

Nov. 17-19 | Valhalla Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe

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Nov. 25-Dec. 2 | downtown Tahoe City

Nov. 15-Dec. 12, 2023

Holiday Tree Lane

Holiday Block Party

Local businesses and agencies are invited to decorate and sponsor a 6-foot, pre-lit, artificial tree to raise funds for a cause of their choice. Enter to win the trees by purchasing raffle tickets between Nov. 25 and Dec. 16. | tahoechamber.org/holidaytreelane

This local holiday market features artisans and makers from Truckee Roundhouse, farmers from Tahoe Food Hub beverages, members Sierra Community House, the Mogrog food truck, live music and lots of fun activities from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. | truckeeroundhouse.org

Nov. 25-Dec. 16 | South Shore venues

Dec. 7 | Truckee Tahoe Airport | Truckee

Holiday Market

Festival of Winter Lights

Shop for holiday gifts from a variety of local vendors from noon to 5 p.m. on Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23. Different vendors at each event. | facebook.com/southlakebrewingcompany

The 3rd annual Festival of Winter Lights will include an outdoor holiday market, “Holiday in History” exhibit at Lake Tahoe History Museum, winter carriage rides, Santa’s house, a Christmas Fire Engine, the Trail of Lights, live music, caroling, dance performances, food trucks and kids activities from 4 to 8 p.m. both days. | cityofslt.us

Nov. 25-Dec. 23 (select dates) | South Lake Brewing

Holiday Choir Concert

Nov. 30-Dec. 1 | Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church | Incline Village, Nev.

North Tahoe Community Choir directed by Donna Axton performs a special holiday concert capped by John Rutter’s “Magnificat.” Showtimes at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 1. | North Tahoe Community Choir on Facebook

Holiday Tree Lighting

Dec. 1 | North Tahoe Event Center | Kings Beach

This festive event includes food, crafts, hot cocoa and music from 5 to 7 p.m. | northtahoeparks.com

Glenshire Holiday Open Studios Dec. 1-3 | Glenshire locations

This self-organized holiday shopping event at home studios of potters Brad Henry and Barbara Glynn Prodaniuk, jewelers Krista Tranquilla and LillaBoo Designs, Quench Botanica body products, LoveMert textiles and Eva Nichols watercolors. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., depending on the artist. Studio maps at kristatranquilla.com

A Christmas Story: The Musical

Dec. 1-10 | Community Arts Center | Truckee

​This musical is set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Ind. A PG-rated script follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for a Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle starring a multi-generational, local cast. Showtimes vary. | truckeecommunitytheater.com

Festive Fridays

Dec. 1, 8, 15 | Downtown Truckee

Festive Fridays means free downtown parking and special events from 4 to 8 p.m.

Dec. 1 is the Great Gift Card Giveaway, Dec. 8 is Polar Express Pajama Party and Dec. 15 is Date Night Sip & Shop. | historictruckee.com

Holiday Maker’s Market

Dec. 2 | Tahoe Backyard | Kings Beach

Join the 3rd annual Holiday Maker’s Market from 3 to 7 p.m. and featuring local artists, makers, bakers and vendors alongside lively music, delicious food, cold beer and more. | tahoebackyard.com

Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Dec. 2 | Downtown Graeagle

The annual Graeagle Holiday Festival returns for free, old-fashioned charm including visits to the little red shops, caroling, pictures with Santa and a trolley ride through town. | graeagle.com

Christmas on Main Street Dec. 2-3 | Loyalton venues

Enjoy a weekend of Christmas Cheer starting on Dec. 2 with the Christmas Craft Faire from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Light Parade at 4:30 p.m. and Christmas Tree lighting at 5 along with rides on the fire truck. On Dec. 3, enjoy the Christmas Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will be make visits on both days. | Christmas on Main Street on Facebook

Santa Trains

Dec. 2, 8-9, 15-16 | Western Pacific Railroad Museum | Portola

All aboard the festive, lighted Santa Trains from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy free homemade cookies, hot cider, coffee and hot chocolate with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. | wplives.org

Dec. 8-9 | Area venues | South Lake Tahoe

InnerRhythms Winter Showcase

Dec. 9 | Truckee High School Auditorium | Truckee

InnerRhythms presents “A Holiday Mashup” dance performance with showtimes at 2 and 5:30 p.m. | innerrhythms.org

“Messiah” Holiday Concert Dec. 9-23 | Area venues

Maestro James Rawie leads TOCCATO-Tahoe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus in Handel’s “Messiah” and other seasonal favorites. Dec. 9 in Truckee, Dec. 10 in Gardnerville, Nev., Dec. 15 in Incline Village, Nev., Dec. 17 in South Lake Tahoe and Dec. 23 in Reno, Nev. | toccatatahoe.org

“Tahoe Nutcracker”

Dec. 15-17 | North Tahoe High School | Tahoe City

Lake Tahoe Dance Collective presents a holiday classic set in the ballroom of Tahoe Tavern in 1919 starring professional guest artists, community members and local dancers of all ages. Showtimes at 7 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. | laketahoedancecollective.org

Winter Wonders

Dec. 15-31 | The Village at Northstar | Truckee

Formerly known as Noel Nights, Winter Wonders is a magical time where the Village at Northstar to life with live music, ice skating, s’mores under the starry Sierra sky and family activities to celebrate the holidays. | northstarcalifornia.com

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Dec. 16 | Tahoe Blue Event Center | Stateline, Nev.

Feel the magic with a whimsically brilliant Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts featuring a world-renowned cast of sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics and much more. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. | tahoeblueeventcenter.com

“Glad Tidings” Holiday Concert

Dec. 16-17 | Truckee High School Auditorium | Truckee

Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus presents a holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 17. | truckeechorus.org

Winter Concert

Dec. 19 | Truckee High School Auditorium | Truckee

Students at Truckee High School perform a holiday concert at 6 p.m. | ttusd.org

Winter Concert

Dec. 20 | North Tahoe High School Auditorium | Tahoe City

Students at North Tahoe High and Middle School perform a holiday concert at 6 p.m. | ttusd.org

Tahoe Flow Arts Holiday Bazaar

Dec. 23 | Tahoe Flow Arts & Fitness | Tahoe Vista

Join for a day of community movement and shopping while checking out the newly expanded studio. Meet the teachers, see a demo class and enjoy exclusive deals.

Vendor market opens at 3 p.m. followed by live performances, music and dancing at 6 p.m. | tahoeflow.com

Student Ensemble Concert

Dec. 6 | Incline High School | Incline Village, Nev.

Incline High School students perform a free winter concert in the school theater at 6:30 p.m. | washoeschools.net/inclinehs 9

YourTahoeGuide.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 of Tahoe Guide comes out. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Royal Gorge and Tahoe Donner cross county ski areas are both slated to open on Nov. 24.

Read the Tahoe Downhill Ski Guide in this edition for details on all of the reigon’s downhill ski areas.

getting to a trailhead, parking smart and sharing the skin track.

The Dec. 13 session will focus on avalanche rescue techniques with representatives of Tahoe Mountain School and Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue.

Doors open at 6 p.m. | tahoemountainsports.com

Team Empower Hour, which organizes Olympians to teach team building and leadership development workshops around the nation. Bahrke now lives in Salt Lake City with her husband and children. | skihall.com

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Sean McAlindin

Avy education series Tahoe Mountain Sports is hosting free avalanche education workshops on Nov. 29 and Dec. 13 at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee.

The Nov. 29 session will feature a panel discussion with regional guidebook authors Richard Bothwell (Light Tours of Tahoe/Beacon Guidebooks) and Jeremy Benson (Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: California/Mountaineer Books). Following the panel, representatives from Tahoe Backcountry Alliance will discuss etiquette for

U.S. Olympic Ski Team

Bahrke to enter Hall of Fame Tahoe City native Shannon Bahrke will be inducted into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame during its annual industry gathering at Black Rock Mountain Resort in Park City, Utah, in March.

Bahrke was a six-time national champion mogul skier who competed in three Olympics where she won a silver medal in Salt Lake City in 2002 and bronze in Vancouver in 2010. She in the founder of

“Buried” TINS

Join TINS Christmas Bird Count Tahoe Institute for Natural Science will hold its annual Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 15 to count area birds to help build on a database of bird populations. | tinsweb.org/christmas-bird-count

‘Buried’ released on Netflix The documentary film “Buried,” directed by Tahoe locals Jared Drake and Steven Siig, was recently released on Netflix. The film chronicles the 1982 avalanche at Alpine Meadows ski area. | buriedfilm.com

LAKE TAHOE DANCE COLLECTIVE

TAHOE NUTCRACKER

PRESENTS

Friday, December 15th, 7pm Saturday, December 16th, 3pm Sunday, December 17th, 3pm North Tahoe High School Theater

Truckee Donner Land Trust

Land Trust eyes new parcels The holiday classic set in 1919 Lake Tahoe, featuring talented local dancers and very special guests, Indiana Woodward and Adrian Danchig-Waring, from New York City Ballet.

Tickets $15 - $30

Tickets and Information at

LAKETAHOEDANCECOLLECTIVE.ORG

10

Truckee Donner Land Trust is working to build on the 40,000 acres of open space it’s helped to protect since 1990 by purchasing 3,460 acres of private land on the Sierra Crest that would be transferred to Tahoe National Forest as part of the Pines to Mines project.

Completing the purchase would preserve pristine forests, protect the South Yuba River watershed and help to ensure contiguous open space for wildlife and recreation. It will eventually be traversed by a 70-mile trail connecting Truckee to Nevada City that would link Nevada County from east to west for hikers, runners, bikers and equestrians.

Just north of Olympic Valley, the planned purchase of a 61-acre property in Pole Creek would protect an entire 2,000-acre watershed. | truckeedonnerlandtrust.org

D.L. Bliss State Park | Mark McLaughlin

D.L Bliss closed through 2024 D.L. Bliss State Park will remain closed through summer 2024, according to California State Parks. New water storage tanks that provide drinking water for visitors and park staff were replaced this summer. Work to replace aging waterlines will resume in the spring, disrupting roads throughout the park.

Closed areas in the park include Balancing Rock Trailhead, Rubicon Trailhead North, vehicle access to Lester Beach and Calawee Cove, all campsites, day-use areas and the visitor center. No restrooms or other services will be available at D.L. Bliss during the closure. | parks.ca.gov

Nov. 15-Dec. 12, 2023 GET OUTSIDE

Town of Truckee

Join Dark Skies Movement The Town of Truckee is asking residents and visitors to join the Dark Skies Movement by turning off any unnecessary lights at night. Light pollution and artificial light disrupt ecosystems, wastes energy and affects human health. The Town of Truckee suggests turning off interior lights when not in use and snuffing exterior lighting by 10 p.m. | darksky.org

0653. The shuttle operates in the Town of Truckee and on the North and West shores.

North & West Shores | TART Connect’s service in North Lake Tahoe will be expanded to offer rides from 8 a.m. to midnight starting Dec. 14 with no transfer needed in Carnelian Bay to connect to other zones. Details TBA. Truckee | Truckee service is now operating from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until Dec. 13, with expanded service until midnight from Dec. 14 to April 7.

Mountaineer | The free, on-demand winter transportation in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows will also expand its operating schedule for the 2023-24 winter season operating from Dec. 8 to April 7 with daily service. Passengers may request rides through the Mountaineer app. Find details in the Palisades Tahoe listing in our Downhill Ski Guide in this edition. | mountaineertransit.org

Tahoe Science Center OPEN

TUESDAY – SATURDAY Reservations required

TahoeScienceCenter.org

Daily Classes Monthly Workshops

PASS SALE

NOVEMBER 19-26

Private Yoga Sessions (in studio or at your location)

Schedule on Mindbody or YogaRoomTahoe.com @YogaRoomTahoe | 530-580-8778 | 475 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City

Donate to toy drives The annual Toys for Tots toy drives are in effect in communities throughout the region. Toy donations stay in the community where the donation is made.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted through Dec. 13. Find local drop off locations, make monetary donations or register to receive a toy online.

Volunteers needed. | toysfortots.org

Mountaineer

Shuttle service expanded TART Connect, the on-demand free shuttle offering door-to-door service, has expanded its operations. Shuttles are dog friendly and have ski racks.

Rides may be booked using the TART Connect app or by calling ( 530) 553-

Community Thanksgiving dinners Everyone is welcome at several community Thanksgiving dinners being offered in the Tahoe Sierra this season.

Enjoy with friends and family or make new friends. Volunteers are needed.

Friendsgiving | Join a community meal at 5 p.m. at Sierra City Community Hall on Nov. 18 | sierracountychamber. com Bread & Broth Thanksgiving Dinner | Free dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. in Grace Hall at Saint Teresa’s Church in South Lake Tahoe on Nov. 20 with additional groceries available for families in need. | breadandbroth.org Tahoe Community Thanksgiving Celebration | Free dinner for all from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 23 at North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. Donations of new toys and cans of food are encouraged or bring a potluck dish to share. | northtahoeevents.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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and take local transit when available to ensure the availability of parking at local lodging, including short-term rentals, which may be unavailable during snowstorms.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Winter medicine conference on tap Truckee Community Cares

Food, clothing drives underway Truckee Community Cares is collecting donations of warm, clean, gently used coats with no holes or broken zippers can be dropped off at Church of the Mountains or at Tahoe Forest Church through Dec 14. The group is also collecting gift cards and cash donations only to local markets instead of food donations. | truckeecommunitycares.com Sock drive | RE/MAX Gold of Incline Village is hosting its annual sock drive to benefit Northern Nevada HOPES. Donations are of new, unused socks are needed and may be dropped off at RE/ MAX Gold Incline, Inside Incline, Incline Village Board of Realtors, Ticor Title and RE/MAX Gold Reno through Jan. 31. | northernevadahopes.com

Tahoe Forest Health System will hold its 31st Annual Winter Illness and Injury Symposium on Monday, Dec. 4, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino in Incline Village, Nev. The event promises an educational and entertaining evening of speakers for EMTs, ski patrollers, paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physicians, search and rescue members, and other mountain/medical professionals. RSVP tfhd.com/WIIS2023

by Nov. 25. | tfhd.com

Funds approved for singletrack

Most cities and counties in the Tahoe region including around the Tahoe Basin and in Truckee and other regions prohibit on-street parking between Nov. 1 and May 1 for snow removal operations. This includes parking in residential neighborhoods and along unofficial snow play areas on highways. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and fined or towed.

Visitors should check local parking regulations before traveling to the region. Park in designated spots only 12

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15 Crawl Space S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10-11 a.m., bartonhealth.org Early Literacy Storytime S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10:30 a.m., eldoradolibrary.org Storytime Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 5886411, library.douglascountynv.gov IVCB Community Job Fair The Chateau at Incline Village, Incline Village, 3 p.m., (775) 833-5252, ivcba.org RUFF (Read up for Fun) with Our Reading Dogs!

S.Lake Tahoe Library, 4:30 p.m., eldoradolibrary.org

THURSDAY, NOV. 16 Fall Harvest Farmers Market Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (775) 831-8015 Paddling Tours on Donner Lake Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 10:30 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org Mother Goose on the Loose South Lake Tahoe Library, 10:30 a.m., (530) 5733185, eldoradolibrary.org Family Story Time Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30-11 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us Third Thursdays Makers Markets South of North Brewing Company, South Lake Tahoe, 5 p.m., (530) 494-9805, southofnorthbeer.com Soroptishop 2023 Truckee Donner Recreation Center, Truckee, 5:30-8:30 p.m., (530) 306-0814, sitd.info Benefit Spaghetti Dinner St. Joseph Community Land Trust, South Lake Tahoe, 6 p.m., (775) 580-7514, saintjosephclt.org

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

Ken Etzel, SBTS

Parking restrictions in effect

eve n ts

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy recently awarded nearly $750,000 to Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship for construction of 15 miles of singletrack on the west face Verdi Ridge above Boca and Stampede Reservoirs near the town of Truckee. After construction, this off-highway vehicle legal trail will be open to motorcycles, mountain bikes, e-bikes, equestrians and hikers. The Verdi Ridge project is estimated to take three years to complete with work anticipated to start in 2024.

The organization also received an $800,000 grant from the Conservancy for the Sierra Valley Recreation Project, which will connect Loyalton, Sierraville and other nearby areas with public trails.| sierratrails.org

Vous Grand Opening Northstar California Resort, Truckee, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., northstarcalifornia.com Community Forum Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 9-10 a.m., (775) 833-5252, ivcba.org Fiber Art Craft Time South Lake Tahoe Library, -1-3 p.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org 28th Valhalla Holiday Craft Faire Valhalla Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, 4 p.m., (530) 5414975, valhallatahoe.com Holiday Festival & Bud Fish Tree Lighting Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Truckee, 4:15-6 p.m., historictruckee.com Parents Night Out North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 5-8:30 p.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com An Elegant Affair The Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City, 6-9 p.m., (530) 5833348, visittahoecity.org The Higher Elevation Film Festival Incline Village Cinema, Incline Village, 9 p.m., thehigherelevation.com

SATURDAY, NOV. 18 Revibe! A Community Event Tahoe Flow Arts & Fitness, Tahoe Vista, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., (530) 546-2343, tahoeflow.com 28th Valhalla Holiday Craft Faire Valhalla Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., (530) 541-4975, valhallatahoe.com

Friends of the Library Book Sale South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org

SUNDAY, NOV. 19 28th Valhalla Holiday Craft Faire Valhalla Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., (530) 541-4975, valhallatahoe.com 55th Anniversary History Museum Complex, South Lake Tahoe, 2-4 p.m., (530) 541-5458, laketahoemuseum.org

MONDAY, NOV. 20 Monday Meals St. Theresa Grace Hall, South Lake Tahoe, 4 p.m., (916) 837-4201, breadandbroth.org Bread & Broth Free Thanksgiving Dinner St. Theresa Church, Grace Hall, South Lake Tahoe, 4-6 p.m., (916) 837-4201, breadandbroth.org

TUESDAY, NOV. 21 Good Morning Truckee: Ski Resort Roundup Truckee Town Hall, Truckee, 7:45-9:15 a.m., (530) 587-8808, truckee.com Family Story Time Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30-11 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us North Tahoe Senior Lunches North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 550-7600, sierraseniors.org Reading Furends Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov Weekly Social Run & Hangout Trout Creek Pocket Park, Truckee, 6 p.m., donnerpartymountainrunners.com Annual Ladies Night Shopping Event Donner Pass Store, Truckee, 6-9 p.m., (530) 5874844, mountainhardwareandsports.com

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22 Crawl Space S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10-11 a.m., bartonhealth.org Early Literacy Storytime S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10:30 a.m., eldoradolibrary.org Storytime Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov RUFF (Read up for Fun) with Our Reading Dogs!

S.Lake Tahoe Library, 4:30 p.m., eldoradolibrary.org

FRIDAY, NOV. 24 Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

SATURDAY, NOV. 25 Lego Block Party South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10-11 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org Holiday Hop Shop Small Saturday Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City, noon to 6 p.m., (530) 583-3348, visittahoecity.org Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

SUNDAY, NOV. 26 Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Nov. 15-Dec. 12, 2023 GET OUTSIDE

MONDAY, NOV. 27 Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Monday Meals St. Theresa Grace Hall, South Lake Tahoe, 4 p.m., (916) 837-4201, breadandbroth.org

TUESDAY, NOV. 28 Family Story Time Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30-11 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us North Tahoe Senior Lunches North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 550-7600, sierraseniors.org Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Reading Furends Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov Weekly Social Run & Hangout Trout Creek Pocket Park, Truckee, 6 p.m., donnerpartymountainrunners.com

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 Crawl Space S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10-11 a.m., bartonhealth.org Early Literacy Storytime S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10:30 a.m., eldoradolibrary.org Storytime Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 5886411, library.douglascountynv.gov Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com RUFF (Read up for Fun) with Our Reading Dogs!

S.Lake Tahoe Library, 4:30 p.m., eldoradolibrary.org Avalanche Education Series: The Beta Alibi Truckee, Truckee, 6 p.m., (530) 536-5200, tahoemountainsports.com

THURSDAY, NOV. 30 Fall Harvest Farmers Market Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (775) 831-8015 Mother Goose on the Loose South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10:30 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org Family Story Time Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30-11 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com 9th Annual Tahoe Film Fest UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, Incline Village, 6 p.m., (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu

FRIDAY, DEC. 1 Community Forum Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 9-10 a.m., (775) 833-5252, ivcba.org Baby Lapsit Kings Beach Library, Kings Beach, 10:30 a.m., (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

Fiber Art Craft Time South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 1-3 p.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org First Friday and Festive Friday Art Truckee, Truckee, 4 p.m., (530) 448-3423, arttruckee.com Holiday Tree Lighting North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 5-7 p.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com STHS Winter Festival South Tahoe High School, 5-8 p.m.

9th Annual Tahoe Film Fest UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, Incline Village, 6 p.m., (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu

SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Breakfast With Santa Fire + Ice, South Lake Tahoe, 8-10 a.m., (775) 5867000, skiheavenly.com Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Candy Cane Lane & Candy Cane Village Patterson Hall, Incline Village, 2-5:30 p.m., northernlightstahoe.com Holiday Santa Paws & Yappy Hour Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m., theshopsatheavenly.com Visit With Santa Harrah’s Arcade, Stateline, 5-8 p.m., (775) 588-6611, caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe STHS Winter Festival South Tahoe High School, -5-8 p.m.

9th Annual Tahoe Film Fest UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, Incline Village, 5:45 p.m., (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu South Lake Tahoe Avalanche Awareness PT Revolution, South Lake Tahoe, 6-8 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 3

LOCAL BUSINESS SPECIAL

HOLIDAY PARTY BOOKINGS DISCOU NTED ROO M RENTALS I NC LU DI NG L AKE VI E W AN D PATIO

DON’T LET injury or dysfunction limit

your enjoyment of the outdoors.

Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com 9th Annual Tahoe Film Fest UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, Incline Village, 2 p.m., (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu Visit With Santa Harrah’s Arcade, Stateline, 2-5 p.m., (775) 588-6611, caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe

MONDAY, DEC. 4 Visit With Santa Harrah’s Arcade, Stateline, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., (775) 588-6611, caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com 9th Annual Tahoe Film Fest UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, Incline Village, 2 p.m., (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu Monday Meals St. Theresa Grace Hall, South Lake Tahoe, 4 p.m., (916) 837-4201, breadandbroth.org

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YourTahoeGuide.com

events CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 TUESDAY, DEC. 5 Family Story Time Incline Village Library, 10:30-11 a.m., (775) 832-4130 North Tahoe Senior Lunches North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 550-7600, sierraseniors.org Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Reading Furends Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov Weekly Social Run & Hangout Trout Creek Pocket Park, Truckee, 6 p.m., donnerpartymountainrunners.com

Mother Goose on the Loose South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10:30 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org Family Story Time Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30-11 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Holiday Block Party Truckee Roundhouse Makerspace, Truckee, 4-8 p.m., (530) 582-4007, truckeeroundhouse.org Washoe Storytelling Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, Tahoe City, 5-7 p.m., (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

FRIDAY, DEC. 8

Crawl Space S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10-11 a.m., bartonhealth.org Early Literacy Storytime S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10:30 a.m., eldoradolibrary.org Storytime Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 5886411, library.douglascountynv.gov Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com RUFF (Read up for Fun) with Our Reading Dogs!

S.Lake Tahoe Library, 4:30 p.m., eldoradolibrary.org

Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Fiber Art Craft Time South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 1-3 p.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org 3rd Annual Festival of Winter Lights Senior Center Parking Lot, South Lake Tahoe, 4-8 p.m., cityofslt.us Teen Night at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe City, 6-8 p.m., (530) 583-3796, tcpud.org

THURSDAY, DEC. 7

SATURDAY, DEC. 9

Fall Harvest Farmers Market Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (775) 831-8015

Breakfast With Santa Fire + Ice, South Lake Tahoe, 8-10 a.m., (775) 5867000, skiheavenly.com

14

Santa Ski Day Mount Rose, Reno, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., skirose.com Lego Block Party South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, 10-11 a.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org Breakfast With Santa Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe City, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 583-3796, tcpud.org Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Holiday Santa Paws & Yappy Hour Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m., theshopsatheavenly.com 3rd Annual Festival of Winter Lights Senior Center Parking Lot, South Lake Tahoe, 4-8 p.m., cityofslt.us

SUNDAY, DEC. 10 Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com

MONDAY, DEC. 11 Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Monday Meals St. Theresa Grace Hall, South Lake Tahoe, 4 p.m., (916) 837-4201, breadandbroth.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 12 Family Story Time Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30-11 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us North Tahoe Senior Lunches North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., (530) 550-7600, sierraseniors.org Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com Reading Furends Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov Weekly Social Run & Hangout Trout Creek Pocket Park, Truckee, 6 p.m., donnerpartymountainrunners.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13 Crawl Space S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10-11 a.m., bartonhealth.org Early Literacy Storytime S. Lake Tahoe Library, 10:30 a.m., eldoradolibrary.org Storytime Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, noon to 7:30 p.m., (775) 586-7000, skiheavenly.com RUFF (Read up for Fun) with Our Reading Dogs!

S.Lake Tahoe Library, 4:30 p.m., eldoradolibrary.org

i k S ill h n Dow 23

rdANNUAL TAHOE

Diamond Peak | Ryan Salm

GUIDE

2023-24 WINTER EDITION

The

#1 source

outdoors, recreation & visitor info YourTahoeGuide.com @TahoeGuide

parking shuttle

scenic gondola

biathlon

cat skiing

nordic skiing

childcare

back-country access

ice skating

tubing & sledding

mini snowmobiling

night skiing

military discount

snowshoeing

fat tire biking

OPENS 11.17.23

55

30

15

founded 1966

OPENS 12.7..23

0

% of terrain

skiable acres

380

# of trails

41

vertical feet

500

terrain parks

8

Events Dec. 8-April 5 (select dates) | Play Forever Fridays Dec. 16 | Corenation Jan. 13 & March | Party in the Peace Park Jan. 19-21 | Beyond the Boundaries Jan. 27 | Burton Mystery Tour Feb. TBA | Technically Doing It March TBA | Clover Cup March 20-22 | Jamie Anderson event April 6 | Boreal Banked Slalom With GoTime Tickets at Boreal, skiers and riders can pick the time to arrive at the mountain and save money by choosing a later start time in the day. Hint: The later in the day you come, the better the deal.

12 & younger free | Boreal continues to offer its Kids Ride Free program to youth ages 12 and younger with a pass with the purchase of an Adult Unlimited Pass for the season.

Night Pass | The Night Passes return for the season to enjoy nightly access to the lifts from 3 to 8 p.m. with a new lower price offered this season.

Woodward Tahoe | Boreal is home to Woodward Tahoe, offering indoor facilities at The Bunker with foam pits, trampolines, an indoor skatepark, ramps and drops.

Outside, check out the network of terrain zones to build skills. Drop in for a few hours or purchase a monthly membership.

Private sessions are also available.

18

46

36

0

% of terrain

skiable acres

65 41

vertical feet

1,840

terrain parks

1

Play Forever Fridays | Formerly known as Feel Good Fridays, enjoy $25 lift tickets with proceeds going to a nonprofit.

Offered once a month from Dec. 8 through April 5.

OPEN

25

25

founded 1947

25

Uphill access | Diamond Peak offers uphill access for Diamond Peak passholders or IVGID passholders.

Shuttle | Diamond Peak offers two shuttles servings Incline Village.

Deals | Diamond Peak offers free skiing on your birthday, along with military and dependents deals, transferrable passes and a 2 for 1 deal for those with disabilities. n

0

10

# of trails

# of trails

52

2

35

skiable acres

505

terrain parks

40

% of terrain

skiable acres

1,000

Ski & ride free | Children 6 and younger and adults older than 80 years ski for free.

TUBING OPENS 11.23.23 SLEDHILL OPENS 12.15.23

% of terrain

Donner Ski Ranch, one of the region’s only family-owned ski areas still in operation in the Tahoe Sierra, offers one of the region’s best deals with a season pass with no black-out dates. And, DSR has extended its pass sale through Thanksgiving Day. Guests may also purchase a tubing pass.

Old School Days | Next to the season pass deal, Old School Days is another fantastic option with adult tickets only $59 or $39 for kids every Tuesday to Thursday starting Jan. 10 (excludes some holiday periods)

donnerskiranch.com 16

GRANLIBAKKEN

0

vertical feet

New PistenBully | The investment in a new PistenBully 600 W winch snowcat will ensure the resort is able provide stellar corduroy skiing. With multiple steep runs groomed nightly including Lightning, Diamondback, Powder, Luggi’s, Show Off and Slalom Glade, the resort’s winch cat is an essential piece of grooming equipment.

diamondpeak.com

TBD

50

Owned by the residents of Incline Village, Nev., Diamond Peak is one of the region’s only independently owned ski areas and is open to everyone. It is also one of only a few downhill resorts offering breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe from many of its runs.

Remodeled food court | The Baselodge Provisions food court has undergone a complete remodel. Customers can expect a more aesthetically pleasing look and more intuitive layout in the food court; and behind the scenes, a full kitchen remodel will provide greater efficiency for the resort’s kitchen staff.

Mountain biking expansion | The resort is hoping to break ground on top to bottom mountain biking trails at the resort in summer 2024. n

Donner Ski Ranch

founded 1937

Events Jan. 19, March 1 & 22 | Snowshoe Feb. & March (Wed.) | Last Tracks Jan. 26 | Ullr Fest & Torchlight Parade March 10 | Retro Ski Day March 14 | Pi Day March 23-24 | Uphill/Downhill Festival April 13 | Dummy Downhill

# of trails

rideboreal.com, woodwardtahoe.com

DONNER SKI RANCH

Diamond Peak

opened 1964

DIAMOND PEAK SKI AREA

Granlibakken

BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT

Boreal Mountain Resort

2023 TAHOE DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE | YourTahoeGuide.com

1

The Pie | Janet’s Famous Homemade Pies are worth the trip. Pies are baked daily and are offered by the slice or the whole pie while they last. Enjoy Key Lime, Pecan, Peach, Blueberry Cream, Chocolate Cream, Berry or Caramel Apple among other others at Old 40 Bar & Grill. They sell out fast, so grab them when you can. n

vertical feet

300

Events Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Santa visit Granlibakken resort opened in 1947, but the historic ski and sled hill originally known as Ski Canyon has been the site for winter sports dating back nearly 100 years. This is a perfect spot for family tubing and skiing and is one of the few remaining family-owned ski areas in the Tahoe Sierra.

The ski hill and ski school are open Friday to Monday and daily during holidays.

There is also a Nordic trail around the property and the Rawhide trail that goes to Page Meadows.

granlibakken.com

Tubing | The resort offers popular tubing lanes served by snowmaking systems along with the Benny the Bear snow play area.

Night sledding | Enjoy night sledding from mid-December to mid-January starting at 5 p.m. with lights and music.

Complimentary hot mulled wine for adults and hot chocolate for kids are included with every ticket.

Winter dining | Cedar House Pub reopens on Nov. 24 featuring its new winter dinner menu. This is one of Tahoe’s best under-the-radar dining spots and worth the trip to enjoy a fantastic dinner.

Rusty’s located next to the ski hill will reopen this year featuring an Asian noodle bar menu with vegetarian and vegan options available. n

Heavenly

Nov. 15-Dec. 12 2023 | 2023 TAHOE DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

HEAVENLY founded 1955

18

80

2

0

% of terrain

skiable acres

4,800 # of trails

97

vertical feet

3,500

terrain parks

1

OPENS EVENTS Nov. 24-Dec. 31 | Heavenly Holidays March 1-3 | Toyota Air & Après TBA | Gunbarrel 25 TBA | Pond Skim TBA | Springs Fling Rail Jam

Paid parking | Heavenly will be implementing a reservation-based paid parking program at the California Base Area on weekends and peak periods.

Stagecoach and Boulder lots will remain free daily.

Heavenly sits in two states, providing a one-of-a-kind skiing experience with its iconic, breathtaking views nestled within the Sierra Nevada.

Your phone is your pass | Use the new My Epic App to skip the ticket window and go straight to the lifts. Mobile tickets and passes will be scanned hands-free, from your pocket using Bluetooth Low Energy technology.

Whether you are taking in the unbelievable panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on the California side, or seeing the Carson Valley extend for miles on the Nevada side, you are sure to have your breath taken away by both beauty and adventure.

North Bowl lift | Heavenly’s upgraded North Bowl Lift is open. Upgraded from a fixed-grip 3-person chair to a high-speed detachable 4-person chair last year, this upgrade reduces the combined ride time of the Boulder and North Bowl lifts. It also reduces wait times at the Stagecoach and Olympic lifts and provides better access to underutilized terrain at the resort.

Brews & Views | The new Brews and Views après experience will take place monthly at the Lakeview Lodge featuring food, drinks, music and beer tastings.

Dates TBA. Eliminating plastic | Heavenly will be piloting an aluminum bottle program to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bottles at Tamarack Lodge.

Kids ski free | Kids ages 4 & younger ski free. n

12.1.23

12

38

15

% of terrain

skiable acres

1,260 # of trails

67

vertical feet

1,6500 terrain parks

5

Homewood Mountain Resort has changed its course to become a private resort and will remain open to the public, Harry Hirsch, the resort’s vice president and general manager announced on Nov. 7 during the annual Breakfast Club hosted by the North Tahoe Community Alliance.

“I know there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding our beautiful resorts and I’m just glad to share some pretty exciting updates with you,” Hirsch said. “First and foremost, Homewood is and will continue to be reserved for all to enjoy. So, we are not closing our doors to passholders or daily ticket buyers and we will be open for all including our local community.”

Hirsch added that the resort will be developed “consistent with the 2011 master plan,” which was previously approved by TRPA.

construction permit to TRPA for a new gondola to replace Madden Chair that is under review. The gondola is part of the resort’s approved master plan. The master plan and gondola application are available at trpa.gov/major-projects.

Mountain improvements | The resort plans to implement improved infrastructure and amenities, including real estate offerings, community gathering spaces and significant tree work across the resort. Other planned improvements include new snowmaking infrastructure, upgrading grooming equipment, new midmountain facilities and new North Base facilities.

Food & beverage | New food and beverage offerings are on tap for Bar 89, Madden Cafe and Big Blue View bar.

Paid parking | Daily parking reservations are required and parking passes are available. n

20

% of terrain

skiable acres

2,300 # of trails

86

vertical feet

2,000

terrain parks

2

30

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

OPENS

15

40

skihomewood.com

KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT opened 1972

12.15.23

Opens earlier for passholders

New gondola | Hirsch noted that the resort has already submitted a

skiheavenly.com

30

HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT founded 1961

OPENS 11.17.23

Rendering of new gondola submitted to TRPA. | Homewood Mountain Resort

Events Dec. 31 | Fireworks & Torchlight Parade Jan. 28 | Freeride Junior Tour TBA | Banked Slalom With 2,300 acres of terrain and more than 2,000 feet of vertical, Kirkwood is an outdoor playground packed with thrills.

The rugged terrain and prolific deep snowpack beckon shredders.

Family Learning Zone | Timber Creek’s secluded location, natural fall lines, kids adventure area, slow zones and dedicated chairlifts make it one of the top places to learn to ski and ride.

during holidays/peak periods to include the VIP, Village Chair 9 and Volcano lots.

Vehicles with four or more passengers will park for free. The shuttle will continue to operate throughout the base area, as well.

Expedition: Kirkwood | Expedition: Kirkwood is for the avid adventurer looking for back-country opportunities with a range of clinics and private guides.

Your phone is your pass | Use the new

Purchase season passes,MyliftEpictickets &thegift cards at App to skip ticket window and go straight to the lifts. Mobile tickets DiamondPeak.com

Kids ski free | Kids ages 4 & younger ski free.

Paid parking | Kirkwood will institute a combination of free and paid parking options on Saturdays and Sundays and

kirkwood.com

and passes will be scanned hands-free, from your pocket using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The My Epic app also offers an interactive trail map with GPS location tracking, and mountain and resort alerts including operational information like grooming updates, terrain status, snow reports and conditions. n

skiing more than 4 days?

Invest in a season pass Free parking, no blackouts, bonus tickets to partner resorts, and kids 6 & under ski free Purchase or renew season passes online:

DiamondPeak.com

17

MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE opened 1964

OPEN

20

30

40

% of terrain

skiable acres

1,200+ # of trails

70+

vertical feet

1,800

terrain parks

2

Events Dec. 9 | Santa Ski Day Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Fireworks Feb. 24 | Silver Dollar Derby March 7 | Pink Fest Tahoe March 9-10 | Tahoe Freeride Chutes Comp To complement massive investments the resort has made over the past several years in new lifts, trail improvements and snowmaking, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is focused on refreshing other elements of the guest experience for the 2023-24 season.

New grooming equipment | Mt. Rose has purchased two new PistenBully snow grooming machines and two new snowmaking towers to increase the grooming capacity at the resort.

The Chutes | Opened in the 2004-05 season, the 200+ acre Chutes offer some of the longest vertical feet in North America. Tackle more than 1,000 feet of north-facing slopes with pitches from 40 to 55 degrees. This expert-only area may be accessed through designated gates – four on the Mt. Rose side and five on the Winters Creek Lodge side.

The Deals | Mt. Rose offers some great deals throughout the season including Two’fer Tuesdays, Ladies’ Day on Thursdays, SKI.G.I.F on Fridays, Locals Sundays and discounted tickets for service and hospitality workers. n

PALISADES TAHOE OLYMPIC VALLEY opened 1949

OPENS 11.22.23

30

0

% of terrain

skiable acres

3,600 # of trails

170+

vertical feet

2,850

terrain parks

5

Events Dec. 15-16 | Tahoe Live Festival Dec. 22-March 16 (select dates) | Snowshoe Tour & Dinner Jan. 20 | Arc’teryx Winter Film Tour Jan. 20-March 16 (select dates) | Winter Pairings Dinners Feb. 23-25 | World Cup Tour April 5-7 | WinterWonderGrass Festival April | Snow Golf TBD | Cushing Crossing In its 75th anniversary season, Palisades Tahoe will again host one of four U.S. stops of the Audi FIS World Cup and is unveiling major investments around the resort.

On-mountain food | The midMountain Gold Coast Lodge has received a multi-million dollar makeover that will improve the guest experience and create several new dining options.

palisadestahoe.com 18

OPENS

16

20

0

Events Fri.-Sun. | TŌST Fri.-Sun. | Music in the Village Dec. 15-31 | Winter Wonders Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Celebrations TBA | Spring It On

% of terrain

skiable acres

3,170 # of trails

100

vertical feet

2,280

terrain parks

3

With more than 3,000 acres, families can progress together in designated learning zones, or for more advanced guests, explore more than 400 acres of advanced terrain on Lookout Mountain, or test your legs on Logger Loop: the longest run at Northstar California, extending 1.4 miles.

open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Village in the old Starbucks location.

Featuring Lavazza coffee, sweet and savory breakfast offerings and relaxing après with specialty cocktails.

Wild Pine | Enjoy modern mountain fare and a family-friendly dining experience complete with hearty meals, shared plates and signature cocktails every day from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wild Pine features comfort food offerings like platters, sandwiches and bowls.

Paid parking | Northstar will be implementing a reservation-based paid parking program at Village View and Lower Village Preferred Paid lots on weekends and during peak periods, while the Castle Peak lot will remain free daily, with no reservations required. Vehicles with four or more passengers can park for free.

Your phone is your pass | Use the new My Epic App to skip the ticket window and go straight to the lifts. Mobile tickets and passes will be scanned hands-free, from your pocket using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The My Epic app also offers an interactive trail map with GPS location tracking, and mountain and resort alerts including operational information like grooming updates, terrain status, snow reports and conditions.

Vous | From first sip to last pour, Vous (short for Rendezvous – like the chairlift servicing Northstar’s East Ridge) is the new gathering spot for family and friends

Kids ski free | Kids ages 4 & younger ski free. n

northstarcalifornia.com Palisades Tahoe

skirose.com

45

opened 1972

13

Resort upgrades | Guests will enjoy a new deck at the top of the new Lakeview Express lift that opened last season, new furniture and a servery remodel in the Lodgepole Cafe, a heated ramp from the parking lot to the ticket windows at the main lodge and new technology to improve the experience on the resort’s website.

25

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA 11.17.23

10

Northstar California

Mount Rose Ski Tahoe

2023 TAHOE DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE | YourTahoeGuide.com

The Gold Coast Food Hall will be revamped with an expanded menu at Funi’s and Marketplace, an increase in variety within the ARC, the reopening of 39⁰ North showcasing Asian Fusion Cuisine and Healthy Choice selections at all dining locations.

Base area dining | The new Japaneseinspired Oishii Ramen will open in Olympic House, while Rocker in the Village will offer brunch on the weekends from 7 to 11 a.m.

Mountain upgrades | After 25 years of operation, Palisades Tahoe has replaced the Funitel haul rope with a new galvanized rope that spans almost seven miles. This upgrade follows last year›s additions of the Base to Base Gondola and the high-speed six-pack Red Dog lift.

Snowmaking | The resort has increased its snow-making capabilities by installing five new snowmaking machines on the Palisades side near the Exhibition lift. On the Alpine side, the resort has upgraded its snowmaking infrastructure by adding 2,000 feet of new snowmaking lines.

Grooming | Palisades Tahoe has expanded its snowcat fleet by adding five new snowcats and installing four new winch picks across the mountain.

Paid parking | Parking reservations will be required at Palisades Tahoe for all vehicles on weekends and holidays before 1 p.m. Mid-week parking will remain free and will not require a reservation.

Carpools of three or more people will have access to parking spaces that are closer to the lifts. | parkpalisadestahoe. com Palisades Tahoe app | A new navigation tool within the app will allow users to easily identify terrain that aligns with their ability level and receive stepby-step guidance on how to reach those areas at the resort.

Rentals | Palisades Tahoe has invested over half a million dollars this year in

a new standard, high performance and demo ski fleet including Head, Salomon, Volkl, Blizzard, K2, Atomic, Nordica and more.

ALPINE MEADOWS

Employee housing | The resort acquired the Tahoe Vistana Inn in Tahoe Vista and a multi-unit property in Kings Beach to provide housing options.

OPENS

Mountaineer shuttle | The free, ondemand winter transportation in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows will expand its operating schedule for the 2023-24 winter season. Passengers may request rides through the Mountaineer app.

Mountaineer will operate its 9-passenger, dog-friendly vans equipped with ski/ snowboard racks between Dec. 8 and April 7 daily in Olympic Valley from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Service in Alpine Meadows will be Thursday to Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Service between the two valleys will be offered daily from 5 to 11 p.m. There will be extended service during holidays and special events. | mountaineertransit.org Retail | Roark has unveiled its latest flagship store in The Village at Palisades Tahoe offering premium clothing and gear. n

opened 1961

11.22.23

25

40

35

0

% of terrain

skiable acres

2,400 # of trails

100+

vertical feet

1,802

opened 1946

OPENS

50

25

SKY TAVERN opened 1948

OPENS

12.2.23

25

Sky Tavern

SIERRA AT TAHOE

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Nov. 15-Dec. 12 2023 | 2023 TAHOE DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

12.13.23

0

% of terrain

skiable acres

2,000 # of trails

47

vertical feet

2,212

terrain parks

6

Events March 23-24 | Subaru Winterfest Still recovering from the Caldor Fire that burned through the resort in 2021, this season a new maintenance shop will house Sierra-at-Tahoe’s Mountain Operations department and day care services will return. Sierra-at-Tahoe Road has been repaved and parking lot improvements have been completed.

In 2021, the Caldor Fire blazed through Sierra-at-Tahoe affecting 1,600 of its 2,000 acres, damaging lift towers, haul ropes, disintegrating terrain park features and melting four new snowcats.

Military ski free | Active duty military personnel can ski or ride for free on

sierraattahoe.com

Sundays starting Jan. 21 throughout the season.

Discounts | The resort will also offer a new special rate 2023-24 season pass for First Responders.

Adventure Zones | On-mountain themed adventure zones feature terrain elements such as rollers, mini jumps and banked turns that keep children entertained, while signage and animated characters educate them on local history and animal species.

Each adventure zone focuses on a theme, including the Wampa Cave featuring a Star Wars theme.

Mountain Tours | Learn more about the geology and history of Sierra-at-Tahoe and the Lake Tahoe Basin on a guided, onehour tour on select weekends. n

skiable acres

150

# of trails

4

Events Nov. 17-18 | Ski Swap

vertical feet

900

terrain parks

1

Located on the Mount Rose Highway, Sky Tavern is home to the oldest nonprofit ski and snowboard training facility in America. The ski area is a co-op that is run by volunteers that man the lifts, teach the lessons and perform every task around the resort to teach kids how to ski and ride.

Snowmaking | The area’s first phase of snowmaking has been completed with a $2 million investment.

Race program | Sky Tavern will offer a Level 500 coach race program from Alpine Director Mike Savage this season.

Shop the Swap | Help the nonprofit that runs the ski hill continue its programs at its annual Ski Swap on Nov. 17 and 18 in Reno., Nev. n

Seasons passes are required to access the ski area along with a few hours of your time for adults or kids must be registered in one of its programs.

skytavern.org

19

2023 TAHOE DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE | YourTahoeGuide.com

MARK’S COLUMN IS

SPONSORED BY

Tahoe winter weather outlook Epic winter of 2023, El Niño conditions ripe for 2024

BY MARK MCLAUGHLIN

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

TahoeDaves.com

A

t the stroke of midnight on Sept.

30, the 2023 water year in California bit the dust.

Now that the snow has mostly melted from that monster winter, it’s time to evaluate the sensational headlines and realize that it was not the record season for snow and water that some in the media would have you believe. References to record snow and precipitation continue even though end-of-year water data indicate otherwise.

Officially, 754 inches (nearly 63 feet) of snow buried the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory near Donner Pass, the fifth greatest at Norden/Soda Springs since Central Pacific Railroad began measuring snowfall there in 1880.

That’s not to say it wasn’t an epic season. Officially, 754 inches (nearly 63 feet) of snow buried the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory near Donner Pass, fifth greatest at Norden/Soda Springs since Central Pacific Railroad began measuring snowfall there in 1880.

Tahoe City’s location also ranked fifth for snowfall with 316 inches, along with third place for coldest on record. Weather Bureau measurements for Tahoe City began in 1909, the longest dataset in the Tahoe Basin. For any Tahoe City residents who were still angling for first place, you needed 219 inches (18.3 feet) more snow to tie the monster winter of 1952.

Ski area snowfall

NOAA does not include snowfall data from ski areas in official tallies. Resorts are seasonal, relatively new (compared to century-old NWS sites) and accuracy has not always been a priority in daily measurements. Snow, of course, is one of the products they sell. But in the Sierra high country last year, incessant atmospheric rivers coupled with consistently below normal temperatures trans20

lated into seemingly endless powder dumps. Every resort experienced one of its best winters in memory for snow depth, quality and refills.

A few California ski resorts set new maximum snowfall measurements.

Palisades Tahoe didn’t set a record, but with 723 inches at 8,000 feet elevation, according to the resort’s snowfall tracker, it was a top tier winter like 2017 and 2011. Alpine Meadows will most likely no longer be in the running for extreme snowfall recognition since in the past year or two it appears that the 8,000-foot elevation site is offline, and its website says that measurements are now being taken at the bottom of the Roundhouse chairlift at 6,950 feet where rain and wetter denser snow are more common.

At Mammoth Mountain, with a peak elevation exceeding 11,000 feet in the southern Sierra, 2023 blew past its old snowfall record with about 900 inches (75 feet) at the summit. Snowfall and precipitation totals were more anomalous south of the Tahoe Sierra.

Not quite the wettest winter

Indicative of the relatively dry, powder-type characteristics of last season’s snowfall, the critical 8-Station Northern Sierra Index for precipitation was about 66 inches. That’s 13 inches above average but well shy of recent wet winters such as 2019 with 77 inches or 2017 with 95.

In the Great Basin, at least eight Utah resorts set new maximum snowfall totals. Alta Ski Area set a record with 903 inches (75 feet) by the time it closed at the end of April 2023. The region is famous for its light fluffy snow, but anyone who got a taste of the bottomless cold smoke powder this winter will be bragging about it for years to come.

Utah hydrologists tallied 30 inches of snow water equivalent (SWE) in the snowpack statewide, also a record.

2024: El Niño conditions ripe

For the upcoming winter there is a greater than 95 percent chance that the current El Niño-influenced warming phase of the world’s equatorial oceans will continue into March 2024. According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s recent El Niño Advisory, the likelihood that this event will be ranked “strong” is near 75 percent.

After three consecutive years of La Niña’s cooler conditions, sea surface temperatures (SST) spiked this spring across vast reaches of our watery planet and are now the warmest in recorded

TOP 10

SNOWFALL TOTALS TAKEN FROM DONNER PASS 1. 1938 | 819” 2. 1952 | 812” 3. 1880 | 783” 4. 1890 | 776” 5. 2023 | 754” 6. 1895 | 685” 7. 1983 | 671” 8. 1935 | 661” 9. 2011 | 643” 10. 1893 | 634”

Snow management was a full-time job. | Mark McLaughlin

history. These exceptional SST conditions are unprecedented in the modern record, and it seems logical that the intensified latent heat and moisture will fuel storms this winter.

Scientists caution, however, that the effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation are muted if the atmosphere doesn’t shift gears along with the ocean.

Currently, over the east-central Pacific Ocean, low-level winds have reversed to a westerly flow, while upper-level winds are easterly, both counter to the prevailing direction of the Walker Circulation that transfers heat energy across the Pacific. These tropical anomalies along with observed equatorial rainfall pattern changes indicate El Niño conditions are ripe in the Pacific Ocean.

The little boy with the reputation for atmospheric troublemaking is here (El Niño is Spanish for little boy). Avid powder hounds are excited for a potent El Niño-influenced storm pattern on the Pacific Coast this winter. Yes, but where and how will the all-important polar and tropical jet streams set up, and how long will they focus energy on the Tahoe Sierra?

El Niño’s weather swings

Large-scale pattern changes like a deepening of the semi-permanent low-pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska and an enhanced sub-tropical jet stream from the Pacific Ocean into central and southern California are classic signals with a strong El Niño, but

do not always portend the kind of wild weather people in California associate with the name. In its advisory the CPC admits that “a strong El Niño does not necessarily equate to strong impacts locally, with the odds of related climate anomalies often lower than the chances of El Niño itself.”

The CPC’s seasonal outlook projects temperature and precipitation trends several months out, but these long-range products are not forecasting tools. Last year’s outlook wasn’t even close.

As of this writing, CPC projections for the core winter months of December, January and February indicate little influence from a strong ENSO event, with equal chances (33 percent) for below, normal or above average precipitation in the Tahoe Sierra. (Precipitation is the combination of rain and water equivalent of snow.)

The temperature outlook is slightly above normal for our neck of the woods. That benign perspective may reflect that some computer models are suggesting the strongest influences from this El Niño may develop in the latter months of winter into spring. Only time will tell. n Read more about Tahoe’s other recordbreaking winters in Mark McLaughlin’s book “Snowbound: Legendary Winters of the Tahoe Sierra” available at TheStormKing. com. Read his blog at TahoeNuggets.com or read more columns at YourTahoeGuide.com/ history.

SODA SPRINGS opened 1935

OPENS 11.24.23

Open. Thurs.-Mon.

30

40

30

0

% of terrain

skiable acres

200

# of trails

15

Events Dec. 8-April 5 (select dates) | Play Forever Fridays

Kids, Woodward Start Park and other activities. And it’s good every day all season with no blackout dates.

It’s a winter wonderland of kid-orientated fun at Soda Springs from the Planet Kids snow play area for ages 7 and younger featuring tubing carousals, tubing lanes, snow volcanoes to climb and more to the 10 tubing runs for the whole family to enjoy at Tube Town.

Unlimited Pass | Another of Soda Spring’s amazing deals is the Unlimited Pass priced at $289 for adults as of press time offers unlimited access and no blackout dates. Plus, enjoy two discounted Buddy Passes to a Woodward Bunker Day Session and one Boreal Go-Time Lift Ticket.

vertical feet

550

terrain parks

1

Mountain Adventure | Mountain Adventure includes access to everything kids will love – the kids tubing carousel, snow tubing, rides on the snow Jeep, kids’ ski/snowboarding learning zone, Woodward Start Park zone and the snow play area with snow volcanoes.

Complimentary rentals | Complimentary rental equipment (skis/snowboard/helmet) is available from the West Meadows Lodge at Planet Kids for guests with a shoe size 4 or below on a first-come, firstserved basis. n

Family Pass | One of the best deals around is Soda Springs’ Family Access with full access to the resort for two adults and two kids. The pass includes access to the lifts, Tube Town, Planet

sodasprings.com

12.8.222

Tahoe Donner Downhill

OPENS

opened 1939

OPENS 11.24.23

45

38

0

% of terrain

skiable acres

1,650 # of trails

103

vertical feet

1,500

terrain parks

2

Events TBA | Silver Belt Freeride event TBA | Banked Slalom TBA | Uphiller TBA | Tiki Pond Skim This season, Sugar Bowl is celebrating its 85th anniversary and was the first ski area in California to install a chairlift when it opened in December 1939. Sugar Bowl has invested in the on-mountain experience with new snow grooming and transportation equipment, a new ski racing speed venue, a new warming hut, along with retail and Lodge overhauls. The Dining Room will also be open for lunch and dinner this season.

Sugar Rush | Don’t miss out this season on the region’s newest tubing area, which debuted in December 2022. The 10-lane tubing center is located off Judah Road and features a 400-foot magic carpet along with a snow play area. Open weekends and holiday periods.

Sugar Bowl expansion | Sugar Bowl is planning a large resort development that will see the new base area moved to Judah, according to president & CEO Bridget Legnavsky. The resort is hoping to break ground on the expansion in 2025, she said.

Uphill access | The Uphill Travel Policy has been modified this season. Uphill travel is not permitted on Mt. Disney and Crow’s after 4 p.m. daily due to snowcat operations, including cat-winching. After 4 p.m., use approved routes on Mt. Lincoln or Mt. Judah only.

Uphill travel requires a valid season pass or Uphill-Only Season Pass. No uphill day tickets will be available this season.

Find travel route status and backcountry reports at sugarbowl.com/uphill n

sugarbowl.com

TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL opened 1972

SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT

17

Play Forever Fridays | Formerly known as Feel Good Fridays, enjoy $25 lift tickets with proceeds going to a nonprofit.

Offered once a month from Dec. 8 through April 5.

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort

Soda Springs Mountain Resort

Nov. 15-Dec. 12 2023 | 2023 TAHOE DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

Give the Gift of

XC opens Nov. 24

40

60

0

0

HOME DELIVERY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

% of terrain

skiable acres

120

# of trails

17

vertical feet

600

terrain parks

2

February

8-21, 2023

Tahoe &

Events Dec. 25 | Ski with Santa Dec. 31 | NYE Glowstick Parade & Fireworks TBA | Family Ski Challenge TBA | Dummy Downhill Tahoe Donner Downhill will expand its kids’ programs and senior race programs this season. The Tahoe Donner Association, which owns and operations the downhill ski area, is continuing plans to replace the lodge at the ski hill.

The plan for the new lodge calls for a three-level, terraced structure that would

tahoedonner.com

include dining, rentals and guest services, staff locker rooms, restrooms and the ski school offices. It would also include a deck that would be located on the same level as the existing ski lifts. The building would be 24,490 square feet in size. The current lodge would be demolished and the new one would be built in its place.

Tahoe Donner is hoping to begin work on the new lodge in spring 2024. Updates on the project are available at townoftruckee. com. n

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THE makers

YourTahoeGuide.com

creative awareness | arts & culture | makers’ movement

Locally made skis, boards

BY PRIYA HUTNER

FROM LEFT: Jen Gurecki with Coalition Skis. | Coalition Snow. Skis in the Moment ski factory in Reno, Nev. | Patrick Griley. Freeride World Tour riders on the podium with TahoeLab boards. | TahoeLab

I

s another epic season in store for Tahoe? According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, the coming winter has a 75 percent chance of a strong El Niño (read Mark McLaughlin’s story on “Tahoe winter weather outlook” in this edition).

Skiers and snowboarders are hankering to get on the hill. The ritual snow dance has begun. Whether you dance, pray, put a spoon under your pillow or ask the Norse God, Ullr, to rain down white flakes, snow on the mountains is inevitable.

Whether you dance, pray, put a spoon under your pillow or ask the Norse God, Ullr, to rain down white flakes, snow on the mountains is inevitable.

And local ski and snowboard makers are busy custom-crafting skis and boards. Moment, Praxis, Coalition Snow and TahoeLab are designing products for folks to have fun on the mountain.

Coalition Snow

Coalition Snow is a Reno-based, women-owned and operated snow sport 22

company. Jen Gurecki created the company a decade ago when she admits the industry was different. “Ten years ago, you didn’t see as many women athletes very often in films. magazines, social or women customers in the community of snow sports,” explains Gurecki. She adds that their skis and snowboards are for everyone no matter what their gender.

Last year they opened the first storefront, Far Out, in the Reno Public House. “The store displays skis and snowboards and has a curated collection of goods from around the world,” she said.

What is Gurecki riding this year? She’s riding Coalition’s Myth snowboard and the Sojourner model for powder days. | coalitionsnow.com

Moment Ski

Moment Ski in Reno is the brainchild of founder Casey Hakansson. Raised in Gardnerville, Hakansson made his first set of skis while studying at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2003. The company began producing skis in 2006.

Moment is the largest by volume ski manufacturer in the United States and makes skis for all levels of skiers, according to Tyler Curle, who is the athlete team manager, co-manager of the production facility and runs the storefront for Moment. Curle is also a freeride skier on the Freeride World Tour.

Moment also designs skis for pro athletes David Wise, Colton Schaff and Lily Bradley.

Known for making skis with a unique shape and camber profile. Curle says that both the quality of the skis and graphics are important.

“We put a lot of time and effort into our graphics and make sure that we’re proud of what’s under our feet and have something entertaining to look at on the lift line,” says Curle who is looking forward to riding Moment’s Wildcat powder skis this season. | momentskis. com

Praxis Skis

Owner Keith O’Meara started making skis in his garage in Truckee 20 years ago while at college when he realized that there weren’t any powder skis on the market. As a free skier, O’Meara wanted to create a ski that was specific to the conditions of the Sierra mountains.

Praxis has since grown to be one of Tahoe’s most respected ski manufacturers.

Abe Greenspan of TahoeLab couldn’t say enough about O’Meara when interviewed for this feature.

“Keith is super knowledgeable. Every time I go to his shop, it’s very inspiring to see what he’s done. He’s been doing it for 20 years,” says Greenspan. Read Tahoe Guide’s story on Praxis at YourTahoeGuide.com.

TahoeLab

TahoeLab in South Lake Tahoe designs and manufactures split boards, snowboards and a handful of lightweight skis primarily for backcountry touring. Abe Greenspan and his touring partner, Lee Collins, saw a gap in the market for split boards and decided to start their own company.

“Lee is a big guy, and he was always breaking his gear. I had a background riding for the U.S. snowboard team and competing in boardercross and snowboard cross. I wasn’t satisfied with the gear I was buying. Lee and I began cutting solid snowboards in half to build split boards,” explains Greenspan.

TahoeLab athlete Jonathan Penfield is on the Freeride World Tour and Greenspan says that he is an integral part of their design process.

“The boards that we make are a direct reflection of his input and his experiences on a snowboard. Jonathan has a huge part in designing our boards,” says Greenspan. He adds that the company uses the best materials to make its equipment.

“We’re building in a shop that’s literally seconds away from the places we can go test in the mountains, and we all use the products we make,” explains Greenspan. n

Nov. 15-Dec. 12, 2023 THE MAKERS

Submit your

EVENTS FREE for

at YourTahoeGuide.com/Events

“Weightless” | Zario Mancassola

Trash becomes art at Donner Lake New sculptures of flying fish at Donner Lake were crafted from an unconventional source: a heap of sunken junk. Unveiled on Oct. 17, “Weightless” emerged from a 13,000 pound debris pile of steel anchors, designer sunglasses, boat bumpers, buoys and traffic cones retrieved from the bottom of the lake by local nonprofit Clean Up the Lake.

The sculptures were commissioned by the Town of Truckee and created by Yustina Salnikova and Joel Dean Stockdill of Building 180, an all-inclusive art production firm.| building180.com

t he a rt s Under Lake Tahoe: Discover What Lies Beneath Gatekeeper’s Museum, Tahoe City, Nov. 15-Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (530) 583-1762, northtahoemuseums.org Tahoe City Nursery School Presents “Sunsets of Lake Tahoe” Gatekeeper’s Museum, Tahoe City, Nov. 16-Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., northtahoemuseums.org Knit & Crochet Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, Thursdays, (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov Third Thursdays Makers Markets South of North Brewing Company, South Lake Tahoe, Nov. 16, 5 p.m., southofnorthbeer.com Fiber Art Craft Time South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, Fridays, 1-3 p.m., eldoradolibrary.org LGBTQ+ Art Club Fox Cultural Hall, Kings Beach, Nov. 14 & 28, Dec. 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m., (530) 582-8278, foxchall.org TAA Third Thursday Meet-Up! Piper J Gallery, Truckee, Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m., nevadacountyarts.org 9th Annual Tahoe Film Fest UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, Incline Village, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, (775) 881-7560, tahoe.ucdavis.edu Mystery at the Library: An Afternoon with the Authors South Lake Tahoe Library, South Lake Tahoe, Dec. 2, 1 p.m., (530) 573-3185, eldoradolibrary.org Book Page Pinecone Class Tahoe City Library, Tahoe City, Dec. 2, 1-3 p.m., (530) 583-3348, visittahoecity.org Artist Reception: Ira Kessey Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City, Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m., tahoewinecollective.com Act Your Stage Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov Holly Arts Reception at Artisan Shop, Tahoe City Artisan Shop, Tahoe City, Dec. 9, 1-4 p.m., (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.org Tahoe Film Club Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, Dec. 13, 3:15 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

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December 8th

POLAR EXPRESS NIGHT

Enjoy carolers and sweet treats while shopping in town with the whole family. Wear your favorite holiday pajamas and add to the Polar Express fun! You may even spy Santa strolling the streets of downtown enjoying the holiday cheer.

E-NEWSLETTER KidZone Museum

‘The World of Winnie the Pooh’ exhibit opens The KidZone Museum’s new exhibit, “The World of Winnie the Pooh,” opens on Nov. 17 in Truckee. Winnie the Pooh and his friends provide a rich context for children to learn essential life skills, social values and emotional intelligence. The stories and characters continue to captivate young audiences, offering timeless lessons that contribute significantly to a child’s holistic development. | kidzonemuseum.org

December 15th

at YourTahoeGuide.com/newsletter

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al A r t, Jewe L o c & St uf f l r y

Mark your calendar for a date night! Participating businesses will be serving delightful sips while you shop!

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Nov. 15.Dec. 12, 2023 THE LINEUP

festivals | entertainment

AJ Lee

TRANSCENDENTAL FOLK

Homegrown bluegrass star

BY SEAN MCALINDIN

Dec. 9 | Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev. Daniel Wander

Elephant Revival Since forming in 2006 in Nederland, Colo., Elephant Revival has grown from a close-knit tribe of freethinking artists into one of the most beloved folk bands of the Front Range’s legendary music scene. This passionate, multi-instrumental ensemble incorporates elements of Celtic fiddle, folk ballads and indie art rock into their intimate emotive performances. The music they create is dramatic, ethereal and warm. Their first proper tour in five years begins at Crystal Bay Casino at 8 p.m. on Nov. 24.

Prolific Arkansan folk songwriter Joe Purdy opens the show. | crystalbaycasino.com SURF ROCK

A

J Lee’s earliest musical memory is matching her mother’s singing pitch from the back of their old white Chevy Suburban.

When they got home, the country songs of Bonnie Raitt, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and Rhonda Vincent played around their house in the small San Joaquin Valley city of Tracy.

For her first performance at age 4, Lee sang gospel tune “Angel Band” on ukulele with her mother for an open mic at Mission Pizza & Pub in Fremont.

Someone suggested they check out the Kids on Bluegrass program run by Frank Solivan Sr. at Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley.

“It wasn’t your typical music academy,” says Lee. “It was more focused on performance, the ins and outs of walking on stage. It was all about teaching kids how to work with other people to showcase your song.”

The Tuttles

Sun Rays

The Sun Rays In the style of The Shadows, The Ventures, The Chantays and The Surfaris, Tahoe Sierra’s instrumental surf rock band, The Sun Rays, harken back to a time when Woodies cruised every beach town and Pendletons, huarache sandals and bikinis were the fashion du jour.

Comprised of veteran musicians from Reno and Truckee, their music is a special mix of instrumental pop, 60s rock and movie and television theme songs.

Dick Dale would be proud.

The Sun Rays performs at 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Community Arts Center in Truckee and at 8 p.m. on Nov. 24 at Peavine Taphouse Eats + Beats in Reno, Nev. | facebook.com/thesunraysband CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

By age 7, Lee, now on mandolin, was invited to join The Tuttles, a family band featuring renowned bluegrass educator Jack Tuttle and his three virtuosic children: Molly, Sullivan and Michael.

Before long, Lee had performed at popular venues such as Strawberry Bluegrass Festival and Freight & Salvage in Berkeley.

“The piece of advice Jack gave me that I still use today is to keep your mandolin chop really simple,” she says. “Not filling in all that space can make everything sound a little more tasteful. He told me that at 9 years old and I think about it all the time.”

Blue Summit

After high school in 2015, Lee left for Santa Cruz where she started Blue Summit with some of the same kids she grew up with jamming at bluegrass festivals.

“The thing I love the most about it is I can stay up really late with my friends and we could play about 100 hundred songs that sound exactly the same and laugh and giggle and have a good time,” she says. “It’s unifying music that everyone can get into if they want to … It makes it feel like a family.”

AJ Lee & Blue Summit | Snap Jackson

AJ Lee & Blue Summit’s 2021 album “I’ll Come Back” is an original emotive take on a traditional sound. Their next album, set for release in fall 2024, is being produced by The California Honeydrops’ frontman Lech Wierzynski.

“When you write for the bluegrass genre, it’s nothing more than four chords, let’s say three chords,” says Lee. “You have to make a melody that’s similar to everything else, but different enough to remember. That’s the hardest part – keeping it simple, but unique at the same time.”

With the support of a tightknit band, Lee’s singing and songwriting draws you in close, recalling at times the soaring grace Alison Krauss or the homegrown authenticity of Hazel Dickens.

“A lot of times on the road, it’s hard to find time to write,” she says. “When I was a teenager, I’d be up all night doing nothing but trying to come up with some lyrics. The best way is to put my ideas into notes, and then I’ll have a car session from last tour. But the other night I woke up at two in morning, went out onto the steps and wrote a song in 10 minutes. That’s kind of greatest thing for a songwriter. It always depends on when inspiration strikes.”

Though more people probably know his Grammy-winning sister Molly, Blue Summit features Lee’s idiosyncratic

bandmate, baritone singer and fiery flatpicking guitarist Sully Tuttle.

“He doesn’t say much, but he’s one of the funniest people that I know,” says Lee. “He’s also a super-knowledgeable history buff.”

From the Sierra Nevada foothills to main stages around the country, Lee is leading a new generation of native Californian bluegrassers with a fresh vision for the future.

“You have to really want what you want,” she says. “Being able to cooperate with people and have good chemistry makes a difference in how your band sounds. Just like anything you want to succeed in, you have to persevere … At the same time, it doesn’t feel like eight years when you’re out having a great time with all your buddies.”

AJ Lee & Blue Summit perform with Tahoe Sierra Americana group Dead Winter Carpenters at Crystal Bay Casino Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. | thetuttleswithajlee. com n

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 GLAM ROCK

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15

MONDAY, NOV. 20

Music in the Park Community Arts Center, Truckee 6 p.m.

Trivia With Richie | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7 p.m.

Live Music Whiskey Dicks Saloon, South Lake Tahoe, 5 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Nathan Coe Marsh The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Country Mondays | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7-10 p.m.

Open Stage Mondays Truckee Public House, Truckee, 7-10 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 16

Ben Cope

The Struts Formed in Derbyshire, England in 2012, tried-and-true glam rockers The Struts quickly gained a following for their outrageously electric live performances. Before they’d even released a debut album, they were opening for The Rolling Stones in front of 80,000 people in Paris. Fortunately, the music lives up to the reputation – their catchy and brash fourth LP “Pretty Vicious” was released on Nov. 3. The Struts perform at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1 in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nev. | caesars.com DUBSTEP VIOLIN

Cottonwood Open Mic Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Wolves & Friends Live The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.

Thirsty Thursday Trivia Flatstick Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Nathan Coe Marsh The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Rustler’s Moon Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Lindsey Stirling Tahoe Blue Event Center, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 17 Magic Fusion Starring Nathan Coe Marsh The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Live Music Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Lit Bally’s, Stateline, 8-11:55 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.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.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Magic After Dark Starring Robert Hall The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 18

Heather Koepp

Lindsey Stirling By combining her love of classical music with EDM and hip-hop, violinist Lindsey Stirling found early viral fame with high-energy YouTube cover videos and an appearance on the 2010 season of “America’s Got Talent.” She became a pop crossover success after the release of her self-titled 2012 solo debut and soon signed with Lady Gaga’s manager.

Stirling is best known for her uncanny ability to perform intricately choreographed dances while wildly playing the violin. Her “North American Snow Waltz Christmas Tour” arrives at Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nev., on Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. | tahoeblueeventcenter.com

26

Oakland Jazz Choir Valhalla Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, 6:30-8 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Nathan Coe Marsh The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Live Music Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.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.

Mark Peek Nightclub, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Nathan Coe Marsh The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SUNDAY, NOV. 19 Magic Fusion Starring Nathan Coe Marsh The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Nathan Coe Marsh The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

TUESDAY, NOV. 21 Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 6 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Nathan Coe Marsh The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Millenial Bingo | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday Night Karaoke The Paddle Wheel Saloon, Incline Village, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22 Trivia With Richie | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7 p.m.

Pray for Snow Party Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger, Stateline, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 23 Wolves & Friends Live The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.

Thirsty Thursday Trivia Flatstick Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Rustler’s Moon Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 24 Drag Bingo Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City, 5-7 p.m.

Elephant Revival w/ Special Guest: Joe Purdy Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

Live Music Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.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.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Magic After Dark Starring Robert Hall The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 25 Tainted Love South Shore Room, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Live Music Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Jelly Bread 15th Anniversary (Last Waltz Set) Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 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.

Mark Peek Nightclub, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SUNDAY, NOV. 26 Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 27 Live Music Whiskey Dicks Saloon, South Lake Tahoe, 5 p.m.

Open Stage Mondays Truckee Public House, Truckee, 7-10 p.m.

Country Mondays | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7-10 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOV. 28 Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 6 p.m.

Millenial Bingo | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday Night Karaoke The Paddle Wheel Saloon, Incline Village, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 Trivia With Richie | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 30 Wolves & Friends Live The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.

Thirsty Thursday Trivia Flatstick Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Jon Armstrong The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Rustler’s Moon Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 1 Magic Fusion Starring Jon Armstrong The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

A Christmas Story, the Musical Truckee Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m.

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

The Struts South Shore Room, Stateline, 8 p.m.

Live Music Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Magic After Dark Starring Robert Hall The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Magic Fusion Starring Jon Armstrong The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

A Christmas Story, the Musical Truckee Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m.

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

Nov. 15.Dec. 12, 2023 THE LINEUP

Live Music Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Jon Armstrong The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 3 A Christmas Story, the Musical Truckee Community Arts Center, Truckee, 2 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Jon Armstrong The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Jon Armstrong The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 4 Live Music Whiskey Dicks Saloon, South Lake Tahoe, 5 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Jon Armstrong The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Open Stage Mondays Truckee Public House, Truckee, 7-10 p.m.

Country Mondays | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7-10 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 5 Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 6 p.m.

Magic Fusion Starring Jon Armstrong The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Millenial Bingo | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday Night Karaoke The Paddle Wheel Saloon, Incline Village, 8 p.m.

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

Live Music Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Magic After Dark Starring Robert Hall The Loft Theatre, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 9 Handel’s Messiah (Truckee) Truckee High School Theater, Truckee, 3-5:30 p.m.

A Christmas Story, the Musical Truckee Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m.

Dead Winter Carpenters Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m.

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

Live Music Gar Woods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay, 8-11 p.m.

Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 10 A Christmas Story, the Musical Truckee Community Arts Center, Truckee, 2 p.m.

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

Live DJ Center Bar, Stateline, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

MONDAY, DEC. 11

Trivia With Richie | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7 p.m.

Live Music Whiskey Dicks Saloon, South Lake Tahoe, 5 p.m.

Open Stage Mondays Truckee Public House, Truckee, 7-10 p.m.

Country Mondays | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7-10 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 7 Cottonwood Open Mic Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Senior Dance Night Fox Cultural Hall, Kings Beach, 6-9 p.m.

Wolves & Friends Live The Good Wolf, Truckee, 6:30 p.m.

Neighbors Night at Flatstick Pub Tahoe Flatstick Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Thirsty Thursday Trivia Flatstick Pub, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m.

Rustler’s Moon Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Karaoke Nights Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 8 Zakk Sabbath Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7 p.m.

A Christmas Story, the Musical Truckee Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m.

Hiroya Tsukamoto Fox Cultural Hall, Kings Beach, 7-9 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 12 Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 6 p.m.

Millenial Bingo | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday Night Karaoke The Paddle Wheel Saloon, Incline Village, 8 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13 Trivia With Richie | Incline Public House Alibi Ale Works, Incline Village, 7 p.m.

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YO U R TA H O EG U I D E .C O M 27

YourTahoeGuide.com

EAT &drink

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

Tahoe’s food shopping dilemma Q u a l i t y, c o n v e n i e n c e & p r i c e s

BY PRIYA HUTNER

I

recently ran into a local store to purchase organic chard. The leafy greens were limp, a clear sign that the vegetables were past their prime. Food shopping in Tahoe is on a lot of people’s minds. The rising cost of food is a top concern as is the quality of food.

Convenience, location and the shopping experience are also issues.

There are several ways to shop in Tahoe: chain supermarkets, natural food stores, farmers’ markets, CSA and farm boxes, and smaller specialty stores.

Food shopping in Tahoe is on a lot of people’s minds. The rising cost of food is a top concern as is the quality of food.

Convenience, location and the shopping experience are also issues.

Jill and Steve Rozier own Lake Tahoe Markets, which provide fresh farm produce year-round. Located in Zephyr Cove, the family-owned and operated business delivers produce to South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Stateline, Incline Village and Crystal Bay. “When you walk into the produce section of a store, you should be able to smell the vegetables. That just isn’t the case. There is no scent, and most of the produce is old,” explains Jill.

Lake Tahoe Market offers three types of farm market bags and delivers to clients. Unlike a CSA box, there is no subscription or weekly commitment. In addition to produce, Lake Tahoe Markets also sells meat products and offers citrus boxes. The company is toying with servicing Tahoe City in the future.

“If you are going to pay a premium price, you might as well get premium quality,” Jill adds.

WHERE TO SHOP LOCAL FOR FOOD IN TAHOE

How locals’ shop

Tahoe Food Hub, Truckee | tahoefoodhub.org

I posed the question asking about shopping habits and concerns to two different groups on Facebook. Court Leve posted his concerns about prices, freshness, availability, ease of park-

Buoy & Trap Seafood Market, Truckee | buoyandtrap.com The Cork and More, South Lake Tahoe | thecorkandmore.com Grass Roots Natural Foods, South Shore | grassrootstahoe.com Grocery Outlet, Incline Village & Truckee | groceryoutlet.com La Tienda Latina Mexican market, Incline Village | facebook.com/latiendalatina785 La Mexicana Mexican market, Kings Beach | lamexicana.net La Mexican Meat Market, South Shore | (530) 541-8506 Lake Tahoe Markets, North & South Shores | laketahoemarkets.com Little Fish Company, area locations | wildlittlefish.com Mi Pueblo Mexican market | (530) 544-6860 Mi Pueblito Market, Truckee | (530) 536-5038 Mountain Bounty Farms CSA | mountainbountyfarm.com Mountain Valley Meats, Truckee | mountainvalleymeats.com New Moon Natural Foods, Tahoe City & Truckee | newmoonnaturalfoods.com Plaza Tapatia Mexican market, South Shore | (530) 544-9497 The Pour House, Truckee | thepourhousetruckee.com Overland Meat & Seafood Co., South Shore | overlandmeatco.com Tahoe Central Market, Kings Beach | tahoecentralmarket.com Tahoe City Farmers Market | facebook.com/tahoecityfarmersmarket Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet, Tahoe City | tahoe-house.com Tahoma Market | tahomamarketdeli.com Truckee Food Shop | truckeefoodshop.com West Shore Market | westshoremarket.com

As a private chef, I purchase and prepare a lot of food. Not only am I concerned about the cost of food, but quality is imperative. I shop at several stores, purchase a CSA box from Mountain Bounty Farms and shop at the Tahoe Food Hub. Produce needs to be as fresh as possible and last as long as possible in the cooler.

Fresh produce

Lisa Boudreau coordinates the Tahoe City Farmer’s Market. She brilliantly moved the outdoor market indoors to the Boatworks Mall open every Thursday until Dec. 21 (no market on Thanksgiving).

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TahoeGuide.FundJournalism.org Fresh produce at the indoor Tahoe Farmers Market at Boatworks Mall. | Katherine E. Hill 28

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Upcoming Holiday Dinners & Events THANKSGIVING DINNER November 23

Lake Tahoe Market farm bag with luscious farmers’ market produce. | Lake Tahoe Market

ing and the ability to get in and out of a store fast. He is partial to Raley’s O-N-E Market in Truckee and says they have better food, a clean store and there is rarely a line. Leve adds that they have a working self-checkout and a good grab-and-go section. He likes New Moon but feels their selection is small.

Alyssa Ganong is a single mom. Food cost is a top concern for her. She doesn’t have the time to go to several stores and wants to shop close to home. She says driving across town with gas prices topping $6.49 is prohibitive. “Is it expensive in Tahoe because we are a tourist town? Is that why so many people go to Reno to shop?” asks Ganong.

Movement educator Gretchen Corbin shops at several stores. She purchases her produce from the Tahoe Food Hub or the farmers’ market. Holly Jacobson, co-owner of Tahoe Mountain Properties, also shops at multiple stores. “My strategy is first go to Grocery Outlet to buy as much as possible then New Moon for the rest. In the summer, I do the farmers’ market,” says Corbin.

Quality is a concern for many South Lake Tahoe residents. Jamison DeLallo shops at Grass Roots Natural Foods for most of his goods. He also purchases from a local farmer. David Stewart gets a CSA box from Mountain Bounty Farms, goes to farmers’ markets when in season and shops at Whole Foods.

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freshest seafood and meats from local meat and seafood markets, while Mexican grocers in the region offer authentic items and spices to choose from. Look for curated selections at spots like Cork & More and the Pour House along with house-made specialty items like Tahoe House’s dizzying selection of marinades and dressings.

New stores for Incline Village

When SaveMart in Tahoe City lost their lease, people were worried. Safeway will move into space next summer yet this creates another issue as shopping options become limited, forcing people to shop at one store, a concern in a vacation resort community where stores are already busy during holidays. Last summer also saw the closure of one of two Raley’s in South Lake Tahoe.

Incline Village is bucking that trend, however, with two new grocery stores opening. Grocery Outlet in the former Village Market location will open on Nov. 16 and the Natural Grocers currently under construction will open in January. n Priya Hutner is a food writer, personal chef and owner of The Seasoned Sage, a meal delivery and catering company. | TheSeasonedSage.com, priya@yourtahoeguide.com

where customer service is more than a department… it’s a commitment.

7 days a week | 8am-6pm 530-546-8344 8487 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach

tahoecentralmarket.com

Farm to You Overnight!

Buy Local · Buy Fresh · Buy the Best 530-581-1525 | 800-847-6964

produceplus.net

Specialty markets

There’s also a plethora of specialty grocery stores and markets to choose from throughout the region. Pick up the 29

YourTahoeGuide.com

South Shore’s best wings

BY KAYLA ANDERSON

C

hicken wings are increasingly becoming more popular in the Tahoe Sierra as places like Palisades Tahoe and the Shops at Heavenly Village are hosting chicken wing competitions in the fall. It makes sense as wings do tend to be the perfect thing to munch on when watching football and hanging out with friends. As recommended by locals, here are some of the top wing choices in South Lake Tahoe.

side, Classic Cue is a perfect stop to watch football, play pool or get a meal.

I ordered six maple bacon wings off Classic Cue’s secret menu with a side of Cajun tots and a few minutes later the heaping basket of snacks came out with sides of ranch and chunky maple bacon sauce. The meaty wings not only smelled but also tasted amazing, and I had enough to last for two more meals. | tahoeclassiccue.com

lo wings on the menu and the hostess steered me toward the world-famous pig wings. The pig wings are tender and succulent, covered in a savory Korean BBQ sauce and spices on top of a bed of lightly tangy coleslaw. I’m not sure why they’ve called them wings when they look and taste like short ribs (they’re braised pork shanks). They hit the spot much like chicken wings. | sonneysbbqshack.com

Classic Cue

Sonney’s BBQ Shack Bar & Grill

Emerald Bay Bar & Grill

Near the wye where Highway 89 intersects with Highway 50 on the southwest

Less than a mile from Classic Cue, Sonney’s BBQ Shack only has buffa-

The bar was packed on an autumn Saturday afternoon, likely due to the bachelor party that was in town and the $15 bottomless mimosas until 2 p.m.

There are at least five different options for hot wings including everything from habanero honey and housemade dry rub to the East Meets West combination of BBQ and teriyaki sauce doused chicken. I ordered the most popular buffalo wings, a pound of bird smothered in hot sauce with pepper flakes, and they didn’t disappoint. | emeraldbaybar.com

The maple bacon wings on the Classic Cue’s special menu. | Kayla Anderson

Read Part I on the wings at Palisades Tahoe

YourTahoeGuide.com/eat

Buffalo wings at Emerald Bay Bar & Grill. | Kayla Anderson

Artemis Lakefront Cafe

Classic Cue bartender Tali in front of a heaping basket of maple bacon wings. | Kayla Anderson

Known for delicious breakfast and gyros at a reasonable price, I also learned through the grapevine that Artemis has tantalizing chicken wings. On a pleasant quiet evening as people were eating meals outside around firepits and inside at the bar or near the TVs, I got the gluten-free Greek Wings consisting of spicy garlic-herb wings served with a generous helping of tzatziki/feta sauce.

I ate a couple and took the rest to go.

They smelled so good in my car that the rest almost didn’t make it home. | artemislakefrontcafe.com n

Artemis Artemis Lakefront Café’s Greek Wings. | Kayla Anderson

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(530) 546-2434 7739 N Lake Blvd - Kings Beach

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Gourmet Hamburgers Kid’s Menu

jasonsbeachsidegrille.com • (530) 546-3315 OPEN DAILY 12-9pm • 8338 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, CA

Nov. 15-Dec. 12, 2023 EAT & DRINK

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Cozy Lakeside Dining Seasonally Inspired Cuisine

Mountain Lotus Café opens The Mountain Lotus Cafe has opened in the Mountain Lotus studio in Truckee featuring a menu of elixirs, beer, ciders and wine with a seasonally inspired vegan menu. Located at 10124 E St. | facebook.com/mountainlotusyoga

Katie Biggers | TCDA

Shadyside Lounge opens on West Shore Shadyside Lounge has opened adjacent to the West Shore Market in Sunnyside featuring Mexican fare following a long remodel of the building.

“Our focus centers on crafting a selection of simple yet exceptional Mexican dishes and, of course, a menu of delectable cocktails. Together, we’re dedicated to creating a welcoming haven in Tahoe, where guests can savor great food and drinks in a cozy environment. It’s a place to gather with friends, unwind, enjoy a drink and partake in friendly games like checkers, making every visit an unforgettable experience,” according to Presley Doyle at Shadyside.

Located at 1770 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. Shadyside is open for lunch and dinner. | tahoeshadyside.com

Peppers

Peppers opens in Tahoe City Peppers has opened with a new Mexican menu adjacent to Pete N Peters in Tahoe City. The menu features a selection of tacos, burritos, burrito bowls and nachos with a choice of chicken, meat and cauliflower fillings. The menu also features hamburgers and wings.

Currently open from noon to 7 p.m.

Thursday to Tuesday; check for current schedule. | Pete N Peters on Facebook

115 Grove Street, Tahoe City, California 530.583.8551

Creative American Cuisine in an Elegant Log Cabin

Fireside Dining

Available by request

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Wine Collective

Lone Eagle Grille welcomes new chef

Wine Collective adds small bites

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village, Nev., has hired a new executive sous chef for Lone Eagle Grille. Originally from Hungary, Istvan Erdos gained a love for food from his parents. He started his Hyatt career as the Chef de Cuisine at Grand Hyatt Dubai’s signature restaurant and has since worked at hotels and resorts around the world including Grand Hyatt Bahamas and Park Hyatt Vienna. | loneeaglegrille.com

Tahoe Wine Collective in Tahoe City has added a small bite menu to its offerings. Enjoy a salad, sandwich or weekly soup or stew special along with a glass of wine from their selection of curated offerings. Inspired by the weekly Harvest Markets in the Boatworks Mall all ingredients are farm fresh and simple, perfect to pair with a glass of wine, according to a release. | tahoewinecollective.com

Autumn Special 20% off Entire Bill*

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Sustainable Fresh Fish · Organic Chicken Local Seasonal Produce Open nightly at 5:30pm | 9983 Cove Street, Kings Beach, CA 530-546-7529 | For reservations, visit souledomain.com

Charlie Soule | Chef /Owner 31

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