News Briefs

Keep Tahoe Blue, The Tyre Collective, and Desert Research Institute Launch Innovative Pilot Program

LAKE TAHOE

Keep Tahoe Blue, The Tyre Collective, and Desert Research Institute (DRI) announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the Emerald Bay Shuttle and its operator, Downtowner, that brings together science, technology, and alternative transportation to protect Lake Tahoe’s world-renowned water clarity.  

The pilot program employs The Tyre Collective’s proprietary technology — discrete, compact devices affixed to a vehicle’s undercarriage — to capture harmful tire wear particles directly at the wheel.

Particles emitted as tire wear are a source of microplastic pollution in waterways and a contributor of small yet harmful particulate matter (PM) in the air. Additionally, research from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and CalEPA note that tire wear particles contain chemicals such as 6PPD and 6PPD-q, which are leaching into waterways and threatening aquatic species. 

The month-long pilot project will analyze samples of transportation-related pollutants captured by the devices to better understand and quantify the impacts of: 

• Tire wear particles as a growing source of pollution in both the air and water
• 6PPD-q, a toxic chemical found in tires that can be lethal to many fish species and a concern to Tahoe’s aquatic life
• Microplastics, which threaten water quality and lake clarity as they accumulate
• Fine sediment particles — the leading cause of clarity loss in Lake Tahoe — that bind with other pollutants and worsen their impact

Together, these measurements will provide one of the most comprehensive looks at how emerging pollutants intersect with Lake Tahoe’s long-standing water quality challenges. The data will then help inform solutions, like alternative, lake-friendly transportation. 

~ Keep Tahoe Blue press release

Fatal Collision off State Route 28

TRUCKEE

On Sept. 5 at approximately 11:23 p.m., a white 2014 Ford Explorer was traveling eastbound on SR-28, west of Rocky Ridge Road. The vehicle was being driven by a female, approximately in her 30s, from Tahoe City.

For reasons still under investigation, the Ford struck a Hispanic male pedestrian in his 60s, from Kings Beach, who was walking along the right-hand shoulder. The pedestrian sustained blunt force trauma to the head and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was pronounced deceased by the Truckee Fire Department.

The driver of the Ford Explorer was placed under arrest, as it is suspected that alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this collision.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer B. Samuels at the California Highway Patrol — Truckee Area office during regular business hours at (530) 563-9200.

~ California Highway Patrol – Truckee Area press release

Construction Underway on New Tahoe Meadows Access Ramp

INCLINE VILLAGE

Construction is now underway to build an accessibility ramp in the Tahoe Meadows off Mt. Rose Highway. This new ramp will help everyone, including those with mobility challenges, access more than half a mile of boardwalk trail. 

Crews from Granite Construction will be working in the area for the next few weeks. During this time, the stairs to the boardwalks will be closed. Visitors can still access the Meadows via the Ophir Creek Trail, also known as the Tahoe Rim Trail Connector. 

The Tahoe Fund partnered with the Tahoe Meadows Access Ramp Committee on a fundraising campaign to build an accessibility ramp. The NV Energy Foundation, the Keyser Foundation, and dozens of Tahoe Fund donors helped to meet a $75,000 match provided by Steven and Sandy Hardie to make this project happen.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association and the US Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Carson Ranger District are also working in this area to replace sections of the boardwalks that were due to be decommissioned. Together, these projects mark major improvements in the Tahoe Meadows that will help transform this area into a hub for outdoor accessibility in the Tahoe Basin. 

Learn more about this project at tahoefund.org/tahoemeadows.

~ Tahoe Fund press release

Community Block Party

TRUCKEE

The Town of Truckee announced the Truckee Community Block Party, the first event of its kind in many years, which will bring together community resources, local culture, and neighborly connection in the heart of downtown.

The event will take place outside the Truckee Train Depot in downtown Truckee on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. 

This family-friendly event will transform downtown Truckee into a hub of celebration, learning, and connection. Residents and visitors alike will enjoy an evening filled with:

• Food trucks
• Live music and performances
• Local art displays
• Raffles, games, crafts, and face painting (free)
• Extended downtown shopping hours
• Free neighborhood shuttles for easy access
• A bike valet hosted by Truckee Trails Foundation
• Opportunities to connect with more than 30 local non-profits, service providers, and community organizations

For all the details and updates, visit townoftruckee.gov/truckeeblockparty.

~ Town of Truckee press release

Business Briefs

Mountaineer Shares Winter Operating Schedule 

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Mountaineer, the highly successful service that offers free, on-demand winter microtransit in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, is increasing its vehicle fleet size by 15% for the upcoming winter season to improve wait times. The transit service will also maintain the same operating schedule as last winter.

In addition to more vehicles, Mountaineer Transit Company is exploring other ways to reduce wait times, including working with its service provider on enhancements to the Mountaineer app technology and evaluating opportunities to expedite the flow of its vans within the Palisades Tahoe parking areas. A Palisades Tahoe transit center passenger queueing system is also scheduled to be implemented to more efficiently match passengers with their app-assigned shuttle during high-demand periods.

Fifteen nine-passenger, dog-friendly vans equipped with ski/snowboard racks and one ADA van will operate between Dec. 6 and April 19, 2026 as follows:

• Daily in Olympic Valley from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Thursday through Monday in Alpine Meadows from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., plus Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Dec. 24 through 25, Dec. 30 through 31, and Feb. 17 through 18, 2026.
• Daily between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows from 5 to 11 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve service until 2 a.m. within Olympic Valley, within Alpine Meadows, and between the two valleys.

Passengers can request rides through the Mountaineer app, which is a free download..

~ Mountaineer Transit Company press release

What’s New at Palisades Tahoe for the 2025/26 Winter Season

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Palisades Tahoe is rolling into the 2025/26 winter season with multiple upgrades on and off the mountain, including new snowmaking investments, parking program enhancements, elevated après experiences, and a packed calendar of world-class events. The season is set to begin on November 26, weather and conditions permitting.

Eight fully automated fan guns have been installed on the Dance Floor trail at Alpine. These state-of-the-art machines automatically power on and off when conditions are right, making them more energy- and water-efficient than older models. 

A new pipe and valve system has been installed near the Palisades base area, increasing the ability to make snow on both Mountain Run and the Snow King area. Additionally, two wells at Palisades have been rehabilitated, increasing water availability for snowmaking. 

Palisades Tahoe welcomes Magnus Andersson to the team as Alpine director, bringing over 15 years of World Cup experience, including a decade as head coach for Sweden and the U.S., most recently leading the U.S. Women’s Team to podium finishes and top standings in Slalom and Giant Slalom.

This winter, Palisades Tahoe is introducing Carpool 4+ parking reservations as part of its expanded parking program. As a thank you for reducing traffic and supporting sustainability, carpool drivers will receive a $20 resort voucher.

Visit palisadestahoe.com for more information on winter offerings.

~ Palisades Tahoe press release

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Invests $6 Million Ahead of 2025/26 Winter Season

RENO

Continuing in its ongoing effort to enhance the guest experience, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe invested $6 million in the off-season to add to the recreational offerings at the resort. With the addition of the new Wildslide Tahoe Tubing Center and expanded snowmaking systems, resort guests can expect even more thrills at Mt. Rose this winter. The resort is also welcoming the return of high school and NCAA races, and introducing educational “Snow Days” field trips.

The largest tubing operation on the West Coast will feature up to 20 snow tubing lanes that are 750 feet in length and served by a dual conveyor lift. The Wildslide Tahoe Tubing Center will also feature a new lodge and ample outdoor seating that will be accessible by both tubing guests and those visiting the resort to ski or snowboard. Specific to tubing guests, a new 400 space parking lot will provide convenient access to the tubing lanes.

Tubing operations are planned Fridays through Sundays as well as throughout all holiday periods. Tubing sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be sold in two-hour sessions each day. 

New this year, Mt. Rose is offering “Snow Days” field trips for K-12 students. Each field trip experience is aligned with NGSS and Nevada Academic Content Standards to give teachers an easy, engaging way to reinforce classroom learning with hands-on, real-world application. 

The 2025/26 season will also welcome the return of Washoe County Nevada high school ski racing to the mountain with training and competitions starting in December. 

~ Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe press release