skiing

Here's the latest from 1960 Olympics host resort, Squaw Valley. I'm sure much of the same can be said for other resorts. My Carson Cirty patio got about two feet of snow over the last couple of days. Maybe I'll get my x-c skis out and try the rose garden run!

— Sam Bauman

Lake Tahoe and Reno are recognized as breeding grounds for elite athletes and year-round adventurers, and Reno is the stage for the fourth annual Tahoe Adventure Film Festival on Feb. 26 at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.

Designed to capture the intensity and passion of adventure, the film festival is a perfect summary of outdoor culture. The Dramatic action photography from Aurora Photos flashes on the big screen while go-go dancers and a deejay pump up the crowd, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Here is the greater Northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, Cascade and Northern California fishing report through Feb. 16, 2011.

BLUE LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com reported: The road is closed for the winter.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209) 258-8888

Lake Tahoe has been ranked the No. 1 ski destination for the year by Rand McNally, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority announced Monday.

The ranking is based on travel bookings to the destination when compared to other winter locations throughout the United States and Canada. It is the latest recognition given to the region by the nation's top travel writers and publications, according to the LTVA announcement.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe's Incline Village will host its second annual Ullr Fest beginning Friday and lasting through the entire weekend.

Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation will kick-off the 11th Annual Kinder Kup Race Series at Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, Jan. 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Open to all skiers and snowboarders age six and under, the Kinder Kup series is designed to introduce young athletes to competition in a friendly environment. No previous race experience necessary. Entry is $20 and includes a World Cup only competitor lift ticket.

With all the recent snow, it seems that Diamond Peak Ski Team's community-based homage to the Norse ski-god Ullr (pronounced Oool-er) is paying off. We've seen nothing but snow since the first annual Ullr Fest took place last winter. Ullr must be happy!

There's plenty going on out there for snowshoe fans around Lake Tahoe. I've enjoyed the sport but haven't tried the big foot stuff of late. Here's what's snowshoeing these days:

— Go with Tony Berendsen at Northstar-at-Tahoe at 5 p.m. Dec. 30 at Northstar. Tony is a poet and astronomer and offers Star Gazing Snowshoe tours. Price is $50 for adults, $30 for those12 and under with 10 the minimum age. Snowshoe rentals are $5. Call Norhstar at (530) 562-3270 or go online to www.northstarattahoe.com. Tell them Sam sent you.

The Red Hut in South Lake Tahoe will host a Burger Night fundraiser to benefit the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation.

A book signing by former Nevada Appeal and Tahoe Daily Tribune sports reporter Jeremy Evans will be on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Borders Books in Carson City. Evans is the author of the new book "In Search of Powder: A Story of America's Disappearing Ski Bum."

Squaw Valley USA will have a new owner after a Denver-based equity firm bought virtually all of its shares.

KSL Capital Partners LLC of Denver, which owns stakes in resort-related businesses, announced Tuesday that it hopes to complete the sale by the end of the year and that it will put $50 million into the exclusive Lake Tahoe area resort, home of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games.

Squaw was opened in 1949 by the late Alexander Cushing. It has about 4,000 acres and 2,850 vertical feet that spans over six peaks.

The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation will host the 22nd annual Ski and Snowboard Swap at Lake Tahoe's MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19-20.

Proceeds will benefit the Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides Lake Tahoe ski and snowboard programs for regional youth, local middle school students, and the S.O.S. program.

Skiers and boarders know when it comes to predicting snow at Lake Tahoe, a wing, a party and a prayer never hurts.

Prepare yourself for a snow dance at the alter as the annual “Pray for Snow” party will happen on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Fresh Ketch Restaurant in South Lake Tahoe. There will be live music, dancing, beverages and an avalanche of prizes.

La Nina made its first appearance of the year at Lake Tahoe, blanketing Heavenly Mountain Resort with eight to 12 inches of new snow and more on the way.

Cold weather and scattered snow showers are predicted this week, providing ideal conditions for the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system to create the best snow surfaces at Lake Tahoe for Heavenly’s opening day, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 19, weather and conditions permitting.

Super-cold temperatures have allowed Heavenly Mountain Resort to begin making snow at nights this week.

Signaling that the Lake Tahoe snowsports season is just days away if temperatures continue to cooperate, the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system gives Heavenly’s guests confidence that they will be skiing and snowboarding on Heavenly’s opening day, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 19, weather and conditions permitting.

Northstar-at-Tahoe can now be added to the Vail Resorts ownership roster.

Company officials announced today that a $63 million deal was struck between the Colorado-based ski giant Vail Resorts and Booth Creek Resorts, owners of Northstar-at-Tahoe.

With a new boss at Heavenly, onetime ski bum Pete Sonntag, things are humming there as they prepare for the upcoming season. I taught skiing there for several years and with all the new stuff and improvements going on I sometimes wish I were back on the hill there  — even if they never improve the ski school facilities are Boulder Base.

Sonntag is a real skier (and boarder) who was on the Vail demo team, so you can be sure he’ll be out on the hill checking things out himself. 

The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation at Lake Tahoe has opened registration for the 2010-2011 Alpine, Freestyle and Snowboard Programs. With a variety of options from the One-Day Program to the Full-Time Competitive Program, the Foundation has something for all ages and levels of skiers and riders. Registration packets are available online, at the HSSF building, or by calling the HSSF administration office.

Squaw Valley USA at Lake Tahoe has announced the appointment of JP Martin as the mountain’s new terrain park manager.

JP comes to Squaw Valley with 19 years of experience in the ski and snowboarding industry and a resume that includes experience at Whistler, Mt. Hood, Jackson Hole and many resorts in Japan. Most recently, Martin worked as the terrain park manager at Sugar Bowl Resort on Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe.

If you haven’t stowed your skis or snowboards already, you can still get some slope time this weekend as three resorts are offering snowsporting: Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Squaw Valley and Mammoth Mountain.

LAKE TAHOE — The “South Shore Summer Series” launches the season with a weekend of live music, culinary delights, sternwheeler race, concerts and competitions stretching across the shore from Camp Richardson Resort on the west to Zephyr Cove on the east. Recognized for its combination of scenic beauty and outdoor recreation with value-added vacations, entertainment and dining options, Lake Tahoe dives into summer as the recently designated No. 2 Destination and No. 8 place in the U.S.

OK, so skiing and riding are pretty much over for the season. But get out your swim suits, 'cause Squaw Valley is holding its annual pond skimming event.

Yeah, the season's pretty much over for skiing and riding except at Mammoth where they plan to run through July 4. But there are some deals coming up and expiring. Check this one out.

Squaw Valley USA announces its start of the countdown to next year’s season pass purchasing deadline. After an epic winter season and an even more remarkable spring, Squaw Valley is again offering adult season passes starting at just $369 — but prices are slated to rise after May 9, 2010.

For all you experts of the terrain parks, Heavenly Mountain Resort has something new and exciting for you. Plus details on that last week of operations for the ski and rider season.

Heavenly has announced its plan for the week of April 19 – 25. In mid-March, Heavenly announced the extension of the 2009-10 season by one week in response to conditions and a plentiful snowpack. This season the resort will operate the final week with the most ski and snowboard terrain available in the past three years.

Gee, I wish I could be up there on the hills, making a few turns and enjoying the weather and the snow. But modern medicine says no, two herniated disks in the back rule it out for the time being. Doc advises against skiing until the spine expert has an eyeful and decides what I can and can’t do for now.

With so many of the mountain resorts staying open well into May there's a marvelous chance to combine skiing and hiking in one glorious wind-up of a great season.

I did this once and enjoy it immensely, hiking in the low and then turning around and skiing on the high. It was May of a couple of years ago when I loaded the car with camping gear and tucked a pair of skis on the roof rack. I headed south down 395, inflated with the idea of hiking around Death Valley National Park and then stopping off at Mammoth Mountain on the way home to ski.

Squaw Valley USA reports the longest and most complete season in Lake Tahoe
After receiving seven feet of fresh snow in seven days, Squaw Valley is once again offering the longest and most complete ski season in Lake Tahoe with plans to stay open for skiing and riding through May 9, 2010. Squaw Valley’s annual snowfall of 450 inches and mountain topography featuring acres upon acres of upper elevation North-facing terrain are among the natural attributes that enable the resort to remain open through the middle of May each ski season.

It's time for the skinny skier, skiers, snowshoers and fit bodies race up the mountain in the Annual Billy Dutton Uphill, in honor of late local luminary, Billy Dutton. The original “run what ya brung” race is an uphill answer to the famous ‘Chinese Downhill’ of the 70s. Starting from the bottom of KT-22, the course climbs 2,000 vertical feet over 3.2 miles to the finish at High Camp, at 8,200 feet.
It's enough to take your breath away just thinking about it.
The Billy Dutton Uphill race is open to Nordic skiers, snowshoers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Pencils down at Lake Tahoe. It’s time for Spring Break and outdoor recess is in session (http://www.TahoeSouth.com).

Lodging, Breakfast, Snow Play and Gear Free for Children at Family Resort During Easter Break