Pain McShlonkey: Tahoe’s Wacky Ski Competition Returns to Support Student Eco Initiatives

OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif –  World-famous skiers and snowboarders are pulling out their tutus, tights, and tube socks in anticipation of the 2026 Pain McShlonkey Classic, Tahoe’s funkiest ski competition of the year. The public event is happening March 21st at Palisades Resort to raise money for the Shane McConkey Foundation and their mission of inspiring student action to protect the planet.

Dressed in their most ridiculous outfits, sixty local amateurs will have the opportunity to compete against the top ski pros in this race down the Palisades mountain. Each contestant will start atop the K22 lift, known for some of the steepest lines in America, and traverse its slopes to finish the fastest. The winner will be given the coveted Pain McShlonkey Golden Saucer, putting them among other iconic winners including Olympian Daron Ralves, Freeskier Michelle Parker, and Media Personality “Donny Pelletier” – the men’s 2025 winner. The event will conclude with activities open to anyone, including the Epic Gear Raffle where $20,000 of prizes will be awarded.

“The Pain McShlonkey is hilarious, celebratory, and fun,” remarks Vicki Isacowitz, a Truckee business owner who volunteered for last year’s event. “It’s really fun to celebrate Shane with […] the best winter athletes. It’s a time for friends, both new and old, to come together”.

The money raised from the event will fund the Shane McConkey Foundation’s annual EcoChallenge, which challenges and guides students countrywide to solve an environmental issue in their community. The initiative was started by the organization’s founder Sherry McConkey to carry on her husband’s extreme ski legacy and empower students to protect the environment he cherished. In 2025, the foundation gave away $27,500 to student projects.

Sherry reflects on why the Pain McShlonkey is so important. “Life is so serious right now and there’s so much going on in the world. We’re seeing global warming, we’re seeing plastic everywhere, we’re seeing overconsumption,” she says. “I love the Pain McShlonkey because it’s a day to not take life seriously. You can come to appreciate our beautiful planet and support the children that are so essential for its future.”

Registrations for the Pain McShlonkey opened February 1st. For more info, go to shanemcconkey.org

Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline opens 2026 community funding requests

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline is now accepting funding requests for 2026 from nonprofit organizations, service groups, and community-based projects that strengthen and enrich life in the Tahoe region and beyond. Through its Community Funding Request Program, Rotary proudly supports a wide range of initiatives that address education, public safety, health, youth development, human services, and global humanitarian needs.

Funding is made possible through the club’s signature fundraising event, Best Ball for a Cause, along with contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Grant awards are evaluated based on community benefit, demonstrated need, and alignment with Rotary’s mission of service above self. Grants are not awarded for general operating expenses, salaries, tuition, travel, or tournament entry fees.

“Our club is passionate about supporting projects of all sizes that create real, measurable impact,” said a representative of the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline. “From local classrooms to global clean water efforts, Rotary is committed to investing in solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.”

Rotary’s past and current grantee support reflects this wide-reaching commitment. Local funding has included more than $335,000 in “Angel at Your Door” COVID grants benefiting 65 families and 85 local businesses in partnership with The Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation. Additional investments include 60 field jackets and sponsorship support for the Volunteer HASTY Rescue Team, laptops for Incline Elementary and Middle Schools, the Incline Elementary Maker Space, literacy initiatives at Incline Middle School, Books on Wheels mobile libraries, the North Tahoe Children’s Choir, and virtual reality equipment for the Incline Village Library.

Rotary has also supported critical social service organizations such as Sierra Community House and Pet Network Humane Society, awarded scholarships to local high school seniors, and contributed $1,400 to Wreaths Across America to honor veterans at Lone Mountain Cemetery. A $5,000 grant to Incline Elementary School helped expand its art program, reinforcing the importance of creative and analytical skill development in young learners.

Beyond local efforts, the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline actively supports global and humanitarian initiatives. The club contributes $2,000 annually toward Rotary International’s global polio eradication campaign, a worldwide effort that has brought polio to the brink of elimination. In 2026, the club will complete a $12,000 Global Grant supporting water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements at Cambuyo Schools in the Philippines, where unsafe water conditions previously made the school’s supply unusable due to E. coli contamination. This project is being completed in collaboration with several Rotary clubs.

The club is also developing a community education initiative with the Empowerment Access Foundation, local law enforcement, and social service partners including Tahoe Family Solutions to raise awareness and prevention strategies related to human trafficking. In addition, Rotary collaborates with Helping Hands to support older adults through monetary donations and hands-on volunteer service that helps seniors remain safe, connected, and independent in their homes.

Funding applications are available online and accepted, and awarded, on an ongoing basis. Applicants will be contacted following the review process, and funding announcements will be made accordingly.

For more information and to apply, visit www.tahoeinclinerotary.org.

Honoring Cheryl Breitwieser – Bread & Broth’s Volunteer of the Year Award

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bread & Broth announced the awarding of its 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award to Cheryl Breitwieser. Each year, Bread & Broth’s Advisory Board nominates and selects an outstanding volunteer from our current roster of over 270 active volunteer members. As an all-volunteer organization, Bread & Broth is fortunate to have numerous exceptional volunteer who selflessly give their time to ease hunger in our community. Cheryl stands out as an extraordinary contributor, offering her dedication and passion to the organization.

Since joining Bread & Broth in 2015, Cheryl Breitwieser has played many vital roles within the organization. She currently serves as a member of the Bread & Broth Advisory Board and is the Co-chairperson for the Bread & Broth 4 Kids’ Program. In addition to co-directing the Kid’s program, Cheryl acts as a Team Lead once a month for food bag packing and delivery sessions. She is also responsible for procuring all food items for several key initiatives, including the B&B 4 Kids School Weekend Food program, School Healthy Snack program, B&B 4 Tots program, and the School Summer Break program.

Cheryl Breitwieser
Provided

Throughout the year, Cheryl coordinates and attends school functions, child fairs, Cram A Cruiser food/fundraisers, and other events that support local children. Most weeks, Cheryl is in Grace Hall at least twice a week doing inventory and stocking the shelves in the Kid’s room. Thanks to her tireless efforts and ongoing promotion of the B&B 4 Kids program, 190 LTUSD students and 87 Tots attending childcare centers that serve low-income families receive bags of nutritious, kid-friendly food every week.

The Bread & Broth annual Volunteer of the Year Award is supported by the Pay It Forward Project, which is associated with the El Dorado Community Foundation. The Pay It Forward Project focuses on promoting volunteerism and assists volunteer organizations with volunteer projects in both the South Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley communities. Alongside the plaque awarded by Bread & Broth, Cheryl received a gift certificate for a local restaurant from the Pay It Forward Project.

Cheryl is an exceptional volunteer, deeply committed to alleviating hunger among children in the community. Bread & Broth is extremely fortunate to benefit from her dedication and tireless support, which has made a meaningful difference in the lives of food-insecure children.

Offenses shine as Grizzlies down Knight Monsters in 9-6 showdown

STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Knight Monsters fell at home to the Utah Grizzlies by a final score of 9-6.

In the first period, the Grizzlies struck early as Luke Antonacci found the back of the net just 49 seconds in. Under three minutes later, it was Reed Lebster who tallied his 23rd goal of the season to give Utah a 2-0 lead at the end of the first.

In the middle period, the Knight Monsters came to life. Devon Paliani scored his team-leading 21st goal, and Jake Durflinger added on with his fifth to tie the game at 2. However, Mike Gelatt would answer for Utah, scoring his first career ECHL goal to put Utah up 3-2, and Danny Dzhaniyev would tack on another one to put Utah up 4-2. The Knight Monsters would answer with a goal from Kevin Wall to make it a one-goal game, but Evan Friesen scored on Utah’s first power play to give the Grizzlies a 5-3 lead after 40 minutes of play.

In the final frame, Utah would make it 6-3 with a goal from Reilly Connors. Although Wall would score his second of the night to make it 6-4, Utah would score two straight goals from Connors and Noah Ganske to jump in front 8-4. After a late pair of power play goals from the Knight Monsters, scored by Jake McGrew and Luke Adam, Lebster would score his second of the game on an empty net to make the final score 9-6 Utah.

The Knight Monsters return home on Friday, February 6, 2026, to take on the Utah Grizzlies for night one of Retro Weekend at Tahoe Blue Event Center. Puck drop is at 7:00 pm, with pregame coverage on the Knight Monsters broadcast network beginning at 6:50 pm. Ticket packages for the 2025-26 season are now available.  For more information, visit www.knightmonstershockey.com

Action this week: Dillion Francis, Ski with a Ranger and more!

Friday, February 6

Arty the Party at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – 9 p.m.-12 a.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday Nights. You can Party with Arty the Party at Harrah’s. It’s the best disco, dance, R&B, and soul party in Lake Tahoe! For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/arty-the-party-at-harrahs-lake-tahoe/2026-02-06/ or call (800) 427-7247.

Casual Sports Night! – Everyone is invited – 7-8:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3460 Spruce Ave. A group of people come to hang out and have a great time playing a “ball” game; Basketball, Volleyball or Pickleball. all skill levels are welcome to participate Come meet and mingle with other people interested in building relationships. We look forward to seeing you there

Daily Live Music – 12-8 p.m., Gunbarrel Tavern. Daily live music at multiple locations in the Village, including the corner stage at Azul Latin Kitchen, Basecamp Pizza, and Gunbarrel Tavern. Additional dates: 2/6, 2/7, 2/8, 2/9, 2/10, 2/11, 2/12. For more information, visit https://theshopsatheavenly.com/event/live-music-gunbarrel-tavern/2026-02-06/.

Kanekoa – 8-11 p.m., 14 State Route 28. Kanekoa returns to the Crown Room on Friday February 6th 2026. Doors 7PM, Show 8PM $20 ADV/ $25 DOS For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1371198487770284/.

DJ DELO in the Mix – 9-11:30 p.m., AleWorX Stateline. For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/dj-delo-in-the-mix/2026-02-06/.

DJ Dillon Francis at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – 7:30-9:30 p.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. Friday, February 6, 2026, 9:00 pm, DJ Dillon Francis in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Ticketmaster.com. Dillon Francis is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum DJ and producer known for his explosive live sets and genre-blending sound. From global festival main stages to iconic club residencies, his high-octane performances and larger-than-life personality have made him one of electronic music’s most in-demand artists worldwide.For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/dillon-francis-at-harrahs-lake-tahoe/ or call (800) 427-7247.

Dueling Pianos at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe – 8:30-10:30 p.m., Harveys Lake Tahoe, 18 Highway 50. Join us at the Mountain Bar located on Caesars Republic casino floor for a free show you don’t want to miss. Put your favorite song request in, grab a drink at the Mountain Bar and enjoy the fun! Playing Friday and Saturday at 8:30 PM. They play your favorite sing-alongs and are very appealing to the happy crowd. Van is a Guinness World Record Holder for the longest piano marathon: 39 hours, 976 songs. Proceeds went to VH-1 Save the Music Foundation. For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/dueling-pianos-at-caesars-republic-lake-tahoe/2026-02-06/ or call (775) 588-6611.

Jose “Manny Maze” DJ Meza – 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary. For more information, visit https://tahoemusic.live/?page=5.

Ski with a Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort – 1-2 p.m., Heavenly Mountain, 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is pleased to announce the return of Ski With A Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Skiers and snowboarders are invited to Ski With A Ranger beginning Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Tours will depart from the top of the Heavenly Gondola every Friday at 1:00 p.m. The tours last approximately one-hour and will continue through April 3, conditions and weather permitting. For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/ski-with-a-ranger-at-heavenly-mountain-resort/2026-02-06/ or call (775) 586-7000.

Ski with a Ranger at Sierra at Tahoe Resort – 1-2 p.m., Sierra, 1111 Sierra at Tahoe Rd. The Eldorado National Forest offers guided tours at Sierra at Tahoe Resort through the Ski with a Ranger conservation education programs. Get ready for an adventure with our Ski With a Ranger conservation education series at Sierra-at-Tahoe! Led by conservation experts in partnership with Sierra, this series is designed to educate the community on the natural history and ecology of our beautiful region and the Forest Service’s role in ski area management. For more information about Ski with a Ranger, contact Conservation Education Specialist Reanna Suela at Reanna.Suela@usda.gov.

Spirit Dinner Brooks’ Bar & Deck at Edgewood Tahoe – 5:30-8 p.m., Brooks Bar & Deck at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, 100 Lake Parkway. Join us on Friday, February 6, 2026, for the Frey Ranch Whiskey Dinner event. A specially curated menu is seamlessly paired with signature spirits to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. $125 per person, including taxes, fees, and gratuity. Experience an unforgettable evening, showcasing the signature spirits of Frey Ranch, perfectly paired with a specially curated menu. We are excited to offer exclusive insights into the history and passion behind these exceptional spirits, alongside Colby Frey, co-owner of the Frey Ranch Distillery, as our guest of honor, where he will share his knowledge and insights on this amazing experience.For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/spirit-dinners-brooks-bar-deck-edgewood-tahoe/2026-02-06/.

Valentines Experience – Good Putts. Better Company. – 10-12 a.m., Tipsy Putt – South Lake Tahoe, 4101 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Suite # 101. Good Putts. Better Company. This Valentine’s season, we’re putting a playful spin on date night. Good Putts. Better Company. runs all February long and turns your Valentines outing into a low-pressure social experience: perfect for couples, friends, and anyone celebrating connection and conversation. Take part in our Valentine’s Date Night Scavenger Hunt, a complimentary, lighthearted experience added onto any round to encourage conversation, friendly competition, and memorable moments—all at your own pace.For more information, visit https://eventvesta.com/events/132365/t/tickets or call 530-443-4376.

Wine Tasting on the M.S. Dixie II – 5-8 p.m., M.S. Dixie II at Zephyr Cove Resort, 760 U.S. Hwy 50. Sip & Sail: A Wine Country Journey on Lake Tahoe. Join us aboard the M.S. Dixie II for an unforgettable evening that pairs the rich flavors of California’s wine country with the perfect appetizer. A curated selection of premium wines by Joyce Wine Co. As we cruise Lake Tahoe, you’ll discover the story of water flowing from the Sierra Nevada to the Central Valley—home to world-class vineyards producing varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/wine-tasting-on-the-m-s-dixie-ii/2026-02-06/.

Saturday, February 7

Alex Ramon “Magic” – 7:30 p.m., The Cabaret At Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, 18 Hwy 50.

Hayes Carll & Ryan Montbleau – 7 p.m., Crystal Bay Casino, 14 Highway 28. Same ol’ thing, broken hearts and busted strings. Additional dates: 2/7, 2/7. For more information, visit https://www.bandsintown.com/e/107516688?app_id=pkvts0on0m&came_from=287&utm_medium=api&utm_source=partner_api&utm_campaign=event or call (775) 833-6333.

DJ Montague – 9-11:30 p.m., AleWorX Stateline. For more information, visit https://laketahoealeworx.com/event/dj-montague-5/2026-02-07/.

Tahoe Club Crawl Fall/Winter 25/26 – 8-11 p.m., Tahoe Club Crawl, 31 US HWY 50. Tahoe Club Crawl is an organized VIP nightlife tour of the Tahoe South. With the purchase of your ticket, you will receive a welcome shot at 3 out of 4 stops, appetizers, free indoor games at Tipsy Putt and VIP entrance into Peek Nightclub, Lake Tahoe’s hottest Club! You will meet amazing people and have the night of your lives. We meet every Saturday at 8:00 PM Aleworx Stateline, unless told otherwise. Be Sure To Check Out our Ice Cream Shop, Aloha Ice Cream Tahoe “Winner of Best Ice Cream in Tahoe 7 Years In A Row” (Opened Seasonally) For more information, visit https://tahoeclubcrawl.ticketsauce.com/e/tahoe-club-crawl-fall-winter-25-49?aff=cityspark.

Tuesday, February 10

Tahoe’s Tricky Bird ID Series – 6-7 p.m., Struggling to tell apart those look-alike woodpeckers and raptors in Tahoe? Curious about the subtle differences between similar species? Want to strengthen your ID skills for woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and raptors… both in flight and during their life stages? Look no further! TINS and birding enthusiast Rich Chambers are here to help. Join us for a free, fun, and informative 3-part online class series where Rich will guide participants through some of the toughest bird ID challenges specific to the Tahoe and Truckee region. Through expert tips, clear comparisons, and real world examples, you’ll sharpen your skills and gain confidence in identifying these tricky species. The series will be held on three consecutive Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 PM on January 27, February 4, and February 10 with a Carson Valley Raptor Field Trip (optional) to conclude the course on February 11. Register for the online class below. We hope to see you there! Fill out my LGL Form! For more information, visit https://www.tinsweb.org/upcoming-events/tahoes-difficult-bird-id-class-jb6tr-fysdp.

Wednesday, February 11

Candle Making Workshop – 6-8:30 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Sierra Soapbox Candle Co. will lead this Candle-Making Workshop with instruction and all the necessary materials. You’ll learn about the fundamentals of candle-making and blend your own scent from a menu of options. For more information, visit https://www.southlakebeer.com/store#!/Candle-Making-Workshop-Ticket/p/808322762 or call (530) 578-0087.

Carson Raptor Outing Rich’s Tricky ID Class – 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., In the winter months, Carson Valley is one of the best places to view raptors of all kinds. This field experience exclusively for students actively enrolled in Rich Chamber’s free Tricky Bird ID Virtual Course to come out with TINS and observe the many species of hawks and eagles from 9:30am-12:30pm. The agricultural fields of the valley provide food for migrating raptors including various species of rodent. Wintering raptors typically include Bald and Golden Eagles, Rough-legged, Ferruginous, and Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, and possibly others. This is a driving and caravan-style bird tour with many stops off and on the road. Be sure to bring your binoculars! Fill out my LGL For more information, visit https://www.tinsweb.org/upcoming-events/august-tby-outing-g5jgt-gl5fl-dle96-ylcy7-ktsg4-rsj3b-wwalh-2b9x6-tk7tb-bkh8h.

Thursday, February 12

Meet the Author – Martha O’Sullivan – 3-4 p.m., bff tahoe, 2540 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Meet contemporary romance author Martha O’Sullivan as she shares Sierra Fall-a heartfelt new love story set in Lake Tahoe. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-author-martha-osullivan-tickets-1390812099429.

Bollinger Champagne Wine Dinner at Osteria Sierra – 5:30 p.m., Osteria Sierra at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, 111 Country Club Drive. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino will host a Bollinger Champagne wine dinner at Osteria Sierra on Thursday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. The Bollinger Champagne Wine Dinner will feature a four course prix fixe menu crafted by the resort’s culinary team and thoughtfully paired with iconic Bollinger Champagne selections. Guests will enjoy popular vintages ranging from Bollinger Rosé to La Grande Année. For more information, visit https://www.exploretock.com/osteria-sierra/ or call (775) 832-1234.

Hydrology Snowshoe with TRTA – 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Join us and the TRTA in search of wildlife, water features, and spectacular scenery from a beachy waterfront. Discuss natural history topics related to winter ecology, including how various animals and plants cope with the short days, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures associated with winter in Tahoe. This two-mile, easy, out-and-back trek is family-friendly and appropriate for ages 8 and up. If the trails are covered in snow, TINS or the TRTA can provide snowshoes upon request. TINS can also provide binoculars by request. Please bring some snacks, as we will enjoy a lakeside picnic at tables near the lakeshore. Sign Up Here Difficulty: Easy Distance 2 miles round trip Location Sugar Pine Point State Park ($5 Parking Fee) For more information, visit https://www.tinsweb.org/upcoming-events/winter-wildlife-nordic-ski-wrer8.