For five straight days, snow fell with relentless force in the Sierra, piling up faster than crews could clear it and transforming Truckee-Tahoe into a winter wonderland snow globe. By the time skies began to clear, the storm had delivered one of the most significant snowfall events in decades — and secured a place in the record books.
The Central Sierra Snow Lab reported that 111 inches of snow fell over five days between Feb. 16 and Feb. 20. The total marks the most snow recorded there during any five-day period since April 1982 and the third-highest five-day total since record-keeping began in 1970.
The lab, operated by University of California, Berkeley, sits at about 6,900 feet near Donner Pass and is widely cited for its long-running snowfall and snowpack measurements in the Sierra Nevada.
CSSL officials noted that only two other five-day stretches have recorded more snow since digitized records began: 113 inches in December 1970 and 118.5 inches in April 1982.
“At this point, the snowpack is basically building an extension onto the lab,” the Snow Lab wrote on Facebook during live storm updates. “Send snacks. Or a shovel. Or both.”
Weather Outlook
Despite the historic totals, a warmer storm cycle brought periods of heavy rain to Tahoe, leaving slushy conditions at area resorts and disappointing many recreationists who had hoped the powder would stick around.
Luckily, forecasters say snow showers are possible again Wednesday afternoon into the evening. Snow levels are expected to start around 7,000 feet Wednesday morning before falling to about 5,000 feet by evening, according to OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto.
“A dry pattern is expected to set up starting Thursday, which could last into the third week of March,” he said.
The US online gambling market reached new milestones and broke several records in 2025 as multiple states reported their highest annual revenues since legalizing iGaming. Key factors such as increased participation, improved platform technology, better regulatory practices, broader game selections, and a more committed approach to protecting players helped operators attract both experienced players and newcomers.
The strong performance also highlighted how quickly online casinos have become part of mainstream digital entertainment across regulated states.
Players are finding it easier than ever to access casino games through mobile apps and browser-based platforms. Secure payment options, as well as faster withdrawal processing times, and improved customer service have all contributed to greater trust among American players.
As more states expand their legal frameworks, the iGaming landscape continues to grow, which has created fresh new opportunities for operators and players alike. Many players spend time comparing bonuses, game libraries, and payment speed before choosing their favorite online casino in the USA.
This careful comparison process reflects how competitive the market has become, with operators offering new incentives to attract long-term users. Promotions, loyalty rewards, and live dealer options also often influence where players decide to register.
With that said, here is a closer look at whether 2026 will also be a great year for the iGaming industry across the United States.
Why 2025 Became a Record-Breaking Year for iGaming Across the United States
Several key developments helped 2025 stand out as a landmark year for online casino revenue. Many states saw consistent month-over-month growth as players shifted toward digital gaming platforms.
Improved mobile performance allowed players to enjoy casino games from virtually anywhere within state borders, which increased user activity. Another factor was the growing integration of sportsbook apps with casino platforms.
Many players who initially joined apps for sports betting later explored feature-rich, computer-generated online slot machines, classic table & card games, video poker, scratchcards, crash games, instant win games, and highly sophisticated live dealer games streamed in real time, with most platforms offering extensive libraries with something for everyone.
Market-leading software providers and independent game development studios also introduced more immersive slot designs with engaging themes, as well as bigger progressive jackpots, and interactive in-game features in their table games. These innovations encouraged players to stay engaged longer and return more frequently.
Operators capitalized on this momentum by introducing seasonal promotions and tournament-style events with leaderboard prizes that helped maintain steady traffic throughout the year.
Which States Are Driving the Biggest Revenue and Player Growth
New Jersey remains one of the most successful regulated iGaming markets in the United States. Its long-established legal framework has allowed operators to build strong customer loyalty and brand recognition. The state continues to generate consistent monthly revenue and serves as a model for newer markets.
Pennsylvania has also demonstrated impressive growth, and despite higher tax rates compared to other states, its large population and strong operator partnerships have helped maintain steady performance. The state benefits from a diverse player base that supports a wide range of casino offerings.
Michigan has emerged as one of the fastest-growing iGaming markets in recent years because of its balanced regulatory structure that has attracted numerous operators. This forward-thinking approach has resulted in a competitive marketplace filled with promotional offers and game variety.
Michigan’s growth demonstrates how new markets can quickly reach strong revenue levels when regulations support innovation, whereas smaller markets such as Connecticut and West Virginia are also showing steady gains.
While their total revenue is lower due to population size, both states continue to see consistent increases in player participation. Their success highlights how regulated online casino platforms can perform well in both large and smaller states.
What Regulatory and Market Factors Fueled This Nationwide Surge
Clear and structured regulatory frameworks have played a major role in building player confidence. For example, official state gaming commissions/regulators/licensing authorities established licensing requirements that allow reputable operators to enter the market while maintaining strict oversight. These regulations also help protect players by ensuring fair gameplay and secure financial transactions.
Responsible gambling initiatives have also played a huge role in further strengthening trust. Many platforms now include tools such as, but not limited to:
Deposit limits
Session reminders
Reality checks
Time-outs
Self-exclusion options
These manual controls reassure players that regulated online casinos prioritize player safety alongside profitability.
Marketing strategies have also contributed to industry growth, as many operators have increased partnerships with professional sports leagues, streaming services, and social media platforms. These partnerships introduce online casinos to new audiences while reinforcing brand visibility.
Technology improvements continue to support the industry, as faster servers, improved graphics, and enhanced live dealer streaming capabilities have created experiences that closely resemble traditional casino environments.
Finally, online payment flexibility has expanded through eWallets (aka digital wallets), prepaid cards, and instant bank transfer systems, making deposits and withdrawals quicker, lower-costing, more secure, and more convenient than ever.
How Player Preferences Shape the Favorite Online Casino in the USA
Player expectations strongly influence how online casinos design their platforms and promotions, as the majority of users today prioritize fast and reliable payment processing when deciding which online casino might be worth their time. Delayed withdrawals or complicated Know Your Customer (KYC) verification procedures often discourage repeat visits.
Another major factor is the quality and quantity of games a platform has. Players often prefer casinos that partner with multiple software developers, providing access to a wide selection of feature-rich, computer-generated online slot machines and specialty/exclusive titles. Progressive jackpot games continue to attract players who enjoy large prize opportunities.
Customer service quality also plays a crucial role in player loyalty. For example, casinos that offer live chat support, quick response times from friendly, professionally trained player support agents, and clear communication tend to build stronger reputations. Mobile compatibility has become equally important as many players now rely primarily on smartphones and tablets to access casino platforms.
Loyalty programs and ongoing promotions often hold more value than large sign-up bonuses, and players appreciate rewards that provide consistent benefits over time, such as cashback offers, reload bonuses, and VIP programs with personalized perks.
Will Momentum Hold, or Is 2026 Set for a Market Correction?
Industry experts expect growth to continue into 2026, though the pace may begin to level out in mature markets. States with multiple operators may see increased competition for existing players, leading companies to focus more on retention strategies rather than rapid expansion.
Potential legalization efforts in states that have not yet approved online casinos could significantly influence future growth. Large states such as California and Texas are frequently discussed in legislative conversations, and if either state approves regulated iGaming, the national market could experience a substantial increase in overall revenue.
Economic conditions will also play a role in determining future performance. Online casino spending often falls within discretionary entertainment budgets, which can fluctuate depending on broader financial trends. Therefore, operators may adjust promotions and loyalty programs to maintain steady engagement during uncertain periods.
To sum up, 2025 demonstrated the strength and stability of the US iGaming industry, and 2026 looks set to be an even more successful year for the industry as a whole across the United States.
The continued expansion of regulated markets offers greater access to safe and competitive online casino platforms for the people who want to play on them while at the same time shaping the direction of digital gambling in the years ahead.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Underwater salvage operations to recover the barges that sank offshore of Ski Beach on July 4, 2025, are scheduled to begin in March.
To safely support this work, Ski Beach in Incline Village, is scheduled to be closed to all public access from Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The operation is now able to move forward following the resolution of contractual delays that had previously stalled the project. The salvage work is expected to take approximately 15 operational days, though scheduling may be adjusted based on weather and lake conditions.
The temporary closure is necessary to support the safe recovery of a sunken barge owned by Tahoe Marine and Excavation along with remaining fireworks materials and associated debris located on the Lake Tahoe lakebed offshore of Ski Beach.
Incline Fireworks appreciates the coordination and collaboration of regional agencies and stakeholders including, Parker Diving Service, Lantis Fireworks, Inc., North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), Washoe County, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).
Incline Fireworks also acknowledges the barge owner’s carrier, Aspen Insurance, for accepting responsibility for the salvage operation.
Salvage Operation Leadership and Fireworks Removal
The recovery will be led by Parker Diving Service, a commercial marine dive and salvage company based in Sausalito, California and supported by specialized marine subcontractors.
Lantis Fireworks, Inc., utilizing ATF-certified fireworks professionals, will oversee the removal, handling, and secure transport of the remaining fireworks. The 54 fireworks shells that remain in the debris field total approximately 4% of the original inventory of 1,270 shells prepped for the July 4, 2025, fireworks display. Recovered materials will be transported to Lantis Fireworks’ licensed facility in Utah.
Complex Underwater Recovery Conditions
The debris field rests at an approximate depth of 140 feet in Lake Tahoe. Due to Lake Tahoe’s elevation, this equates to an effective dive depth of approximately 190 feet at sea level, creating highly technical diving conditions.
These conditions require:
Limited diver working times
Controlled ascent and decompression procedures
Strict operational safety protocols
A hyperbaric chamber will be onsite throughout operations to support post-dive recovery.
Phased Salvage Operations
The recovery project is being conducted in multiple phases.
PHASE I – Completed (October 2025),
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) survey and debris-field assessment identified materials requiring removal
PHASE II – Scheduled During Beach Closure
Removal and transport of fireworks materials and related debris
Recovery of steel plates that separated from the barge and settled on the lakebed
PHASE III – Scheduled During Beach Closure
Removal and inspection of the balance of the barge structure, consisting of three separate pontoons
Final inspection and cleanup of the debris field to confirm full material removal
While IVGID has tested the water previously and found no impact on the community’s water quality, additional testing at both the recovery site area and the Burnt Cedar drinking water source area will be conducted in coordination with the scheduled salvage process. Testing will be conducted prior to operations, periodically during the recovery work, and following the completion of the project.
Public Safety and Beach Closure Requirements
The salvage operation will involve commercial dive vessels, heavy marine lifting equipment, and the controlled handling of potentially explosive materials.
For the safety of the public and recovery personnel, Ski Beach will be fully closed during the entire salvage operation.
Absolutely no members of the public may access the beach or surrounding work area while salvage operations are underway.
Boaters, swimmers, paddlecraft users, and shoreline visitors must remain clear of all marked exclusion zones.
Unauthorized access is not only a safety risk but may lead to further legal delays in an already extended timeline.
The public is respectfully asked not to approach or contact contractors or dive teams working onsite, allowing crews to remain focused on safe execution of this complex recovery effort.
AUBURN, Calif. – Daniel Serafini will remain in prison for life without the possibility of parole after a judge passed the sentence on the 51-year-old on Friday, Feb. 27, for his role in the Homewood shooting.
In July, a jury convicted Serafini of first-degree murder of his father-in-law Gary Spohr and attempted murder of his mother-in-law, Wendy Wood in their Homewood residence on June 5, 2021.
According to prosecutors, Serafini was motivated by money, including Spohr and Wood’s $23 million estate.
Adrienne Spohr, Spohr and Wood’s daughter, gave a victim statement at the sentencing where she discussed Serafini and her sister Erin Spohr’s financial reliance on her parents and how her parent had pushed back four months before the shooting.
“He is a monster that knows no moral boundaries and has zero reservations about taking lives to benefit himself,” Adrienne Spohr said in her impact statement.
Court records show after the July conviction, Serafini requested a new trial on the grounds of ineffective counsel, which a judge denied.
Trial evidence revealed that on June 5, 2021, Serafini broke into his in-laws’ residence and waited until the couple came home and then shot them in the head.
“He thought he had gotten away with murder. He thought that he would be cashing out my parents’ estate with his wife in the months afterwards,” Spohr said. “He was happy while my dad lay deceased and my mom lay bleeding out on her couch, clinging to life.”
Her father died the day of the shooting. Her mother survived, but later took her own life after disinheriting Spohr’s sister and Serafini, Spohr said in her statement.
Serafini also offered a statement at the sentencing wherein he repeatedly said, “I am no murderer.”
In response, Judge Garen Horst told Serafini he hopes he becomes a better person while incarcerated, saying, “What I heard from you this afternoon, though was not reflection, it was deflection in this court’s view. What I heard from you was all about you and not enough about the victims that died in this case.”
Spohr discussed how she feared Serafini would come after her and left her home to relocate in an RV until she learned that he had been arrested. She also pursued a concealed carry permit and slept with a weapon next to her bed. Her fear continues even with him behind bars.
“I believe that I am on Dan Serafini’s target list,” she expressed, “and I believe that if he can conspire with another person, he may try to have me killed.”
Spohr filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her sister and Serafini in 2023. It was placed on hold until criminal proceedings conclude.
The victim’s daughter requested the court remember her parents for not just what happened to them, but for who they were.
“They were adventurous people,” she said, “who loved their community.”
STATELINE, Nev. – On Saturday, February 28, 2026, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District responded to a report of a structure fire at J. Boutique located inside Harrah’s Casino Lobby in Stateline.
Fire crews arrived on scene and found a small interior fire within the retail space. The fire was quickly knocked down and contained, preventing further extension into adjacent areas of the casino.
Tahoe Douglas Fire responded with assistance from our neighboring agencies from the city of South Lake Tahoe Fire and Rescue and East Fork Fire Protection District. There were no reported injuries to guests, employees, or responding personnel.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The City of South Lake Tahoe is proud to announce that on February 4, 2026, the City’s Finance Department received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the 18th year in a row. This achievement highlights the City’s long-standing commitment to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting and financial transparency.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and hard work of our Finance Department,” said Hilary Roverud, Interim City Manager. “Our team continues to prioritize financial transparency and strategic planning, ensuring that every tax dollar is accounted for and that residents can see exactly how money is being spent.”
To qualify for the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, a budget must meet rigorous criteria established by GFOA that evaluate how well a budget serves as a financial plan, an operations guide, a policy document, and a communications tool.
This year, the City also received special recognition in the category of Strategic Goals and Strategies, highlighting South Lake Tahoe’s commitment to aligning its budget with long-term priorities for the community.
The City’s award-winning budget is featured on the GFOA website, joining hundreds of public agencies across North America that set the standard for excellence in government financial management.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bread & Broth’s Monday Meal is the flagship program of the all-volunteer, charitable organization that operates as a ministry of St. Theresa Church. Since 1989, the organization has been feeding the food vulnerable of the Lake Tahoe South Shore community. Over the last 37 years, the organization has continued to expand its outreach, offering additional food services to those in need.
The weekly Monday Meal provides hot, full-course nutritious dinners and is the most well-known service since it has been the organization’s longest running service. Bread & Broth offerings now include the Second Serving Meal, held on Fridays at the Lake Tahoe Presbyterian Church, and the B&B 4 Kids program, which delivers healthy, kid-friendly food throughout the year to food-insecure children through the LTUSD schools and childcare centers serving low-income families. Each week, approximately 450-500 food-insecure community members benefit from B&B programs.
Left to right: RayTorrez, Cindy Ramos, Gary Baugh, James MartinProvided
Bread & Broth is deeply grateful for the community’s support of its mission of easing hunger. Liberty is one such supporter, having sponsored 4-6 Adopt A Day of Nourishments annually since 2018. Liberty’s first sponsorship of 2026 took place on February 23rd, when Liberty team members Gary Baugh, James Martin, Cindy Ramos, and Ray Torrez joined the B&B volunteers to serve the evening’s dinner.
During the three-hour AAD team’s serving shift, the Liberty team enthusiastically assisted with the meal’s setup, packed fresh fruit, and vegetables into ‘giveaway’ bags, served dinner to grateful dinner guests, and helped with the meal’s takedown and cleanup. Ray described the experience as enjoyable, noting “Fun experience, time flies by so quickly helping others,” shared Ray.
Cindy and Gary also shared their thoughts about their volunteering experience. Cindy remarked that it was a ‘fantastic experience serving the community and everyone was so kind,” while Gary commented, “Diners and B&B volunteers were happy about what they’re doing here. Fantastic job done by all!”
Liberty is committed to serving the community not only through outstanding utility service to their customers, but also by encouraging their team members to participate in volunteer projects and programs that benefit the community. Bread & Broth appreciates Liberty’s exceptional involvement in helping provide meals and food to vulnerable community members.
To learn more about Bread & Broth or make a donation, please visit www.breadandbroth.org.
At the Northstar Fire Department, we are often times approached with questions regarding fire extinguisher maintenance and use. This article should include answers to many of these inquiries.
Benefits of having a fire extinguisher
Residential fire extinguishers are designed and engineered to keep your family, belongings and home safe in the event of a fire. Portable fire extinguishers are one of the easiest ways to control, contain and extinguish small kitchen, house, office and workplace fires. Equipping your home with the right fire extinguishers and maintaining those extinguishers is essential to the safety of your family and property.
Choosing a fire extinguisher for your home
Fires are classified by what it is that is burning.
Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth, and plastics.
Class B fires consist of flammable liquids including oil, grease, gasoline, etc.
Class C fires are fires involving live electrical equipment.
Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals.
Class K fires are fires with high-temperature cooking liquids such as animal oils, vegetable oils, and fats.
Most households are best protected by a multi-purpose A-B-C dry chemical fire extinguisher. Letters and symbols on extinguishers show the classes of fire they can extinguish. The recommended size for the home is a 5lb or 10lb extinguisher. A five pound extinguisher is best for mounting and use in a kitchen or laundry room and a ten pound extinguisher is best for a garage or work shop where a fire might grow in size before being noticed. Disposable and rechargeable fire extinguishers are available at most hardware stores, large retail and big box stores, and through fire extinguisher service companies.
Recommend Locations
Extinguishers should be located in kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, workshops or wherever you have heat sources or flammable materials. They should be installed near exits so that a means of escape can always be maintained if the fire grows too large. Fire extinguishers should also be mounted in an accessible area to assure ease of use during an emergency.
When to use a Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher should only be used when the people in your home are already being evacuated and someone is calling 9-1-1. Fire extinguishers are made to fight small, contained fires that are not spreading. If you try to extinguish a fire that is too big, you put yourself at risk and can waste valuable time by delaying a call to 9-1-1. Only fight the fire if you have an unobstructed escape route – never putting the fire between you and an exit. If you have any doubt about your ability to fight the fire, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Below are the basic steps on how to use a fire extinguisher.
P – A – S – S is an easy way to help you remember how to use a fire extinguisher.
P – Pull the pin
A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
S – Squeeze the handle
S – Sweep the nozzle back and forth, moving carefully towards the fire if it seems to be going out
After the fire is extinguished, watch to make sure the fire doesn’t flare up again. Always make sure to report any fire by calling 9-1-1.
Fire Extinguisher Care
Your fire extinguishers should be inspected on a regular basis. Check to make sure that the fire extinguisher is still in its original location. It should not be obstructed by any objects and should be accessible for emergency use. The gauge on the fire extinguisher should also be checked to make sure that it is properly charged.
Single use fire extinguishers need to be disposed of and replaced after being discharged, while rechargeable fire extinguishers can be reused after being serviced by a professional fire extinguisher company. Most residential fire extinguishers are the single use type. Fire extinguishers do come with an expiration date and should be replaced upon reaching this date to ensure proper functioning. Unless a fire extinguisher has been properly maintained, there is the possibility it could malfunction in an emergency.
Old fire extinguishers can be brought to the Northstar Fire Department where they will be properly disposed of or used in our fire extinguisher training classes. Check with your local fire department to see if they will accept your fire extinguishers.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, the final four victims of the Castle Peak avalanche were successfully recovered. The multi-day search-and-rescue operation concluded at 10:58 a.m. when the California National Guard recovered the last deceased.
In total, nine victims were found thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and its mutual aid organizations and volunteers. Included in the operation were Nevada County Search and Rescue, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Search and Rescue, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California Highway Patrol and Air Operations, CARE Flight Truckee, Sierra Avalanche Center, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), U.S. Forest Service, California State Parks, Truckee Fire Protection District, Open Snow, Alder Creek Adventure Center in Tahoe Donner, Truckee Tahoe Airport, Boreal Mountain Resort, Truckee Police Department, Town of Truckee, Truckee Donner Land Trust, and California National Guard.
“We are fortunate in this mountain community that we are very tight knit and our community shows up in times of tragedy,” Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said while thanking the agencies and individuals involved in the search and rescue.
After conducting avalanche mitigation efforts on Feb. 20, teams were able to recover five of the deceased victims as well as locate the final missing person. Prior to highway patrol and PG&E avalanche mitigation, aerial crews had surveyed the area near Perry’s Point to make recommendations for the teams. Perry’s Point sits slightly northwest of Frog Lake on its western ridge, which skiers have to traverse to make their way in and out of the huts on the most common route.
“I want to recognize the strength in the volunteers of all the search and rescue units that our agencies truly rely on,” Moon said. “They are pretty amazing people and it’s an honor to work with them. I want to just make sure everyone knows those are volunteers and when we ask them to leave their houses and help their communities, they do so willingly.”
DANGER ZONE: Avalanche mitigation operations on Feb. 20 were conducted in partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric using two helicopters. Crews relied exclusively on water to improve snow stability. Courtesy photo
On Feb. 21, the National Guard and California Highway Patrol recovered the last four through a combination of aerial operations and snowcats driven to Frog Lake.
The deceased were identified, in alphabetical order:
Andrew Alissandratos (34) of Verdi, Nevada
Carrie Atkin (46) of Soda Springs
Nicole (Nikki) Choo (42) of South Lake Tahoe
Lizabeth (Liz) Clabaugh (52) of Boise, Idaho
Michael Henry (30) of Soda Springs
Danielle Keatley (44) of Soda Springs and Larkspur, Calif.
Kate Morse (45) of Soda Springs and Tiburon, Calif.
Carolien Sekar (45) of Soda Springs and San Francisco
Katherine Vitt (43), of Greenbrea, Calif..
Alissandratos, Choo, and Henry were Blackbird Mountain Guides.
Officials have reported that one of the six survivors is a Blackbird employee. When asked if the surviving guide was owner Zeb Blais, Sheriff Moon today said that information is still being collected.
Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that it was launching an investigation into whether there was criminal negligence. Cal-OSHA announced Thursday that it is investigating the company, according to the Sacramento Bee. Formal interviews for the investigation are still to be conducted, Moon said. She confirmed the group was on day three of a three-day trip and had departed early Tuesday morning in an effort to “get off the mountain early.”
Blackbird founder Blais released a statement on Thursday saying that “all of the guides with the group were AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) trained or certified in backcountry skiing. Each guide was also an instructor with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), the industry standard for avalanche education, and was certified to teach.
“In addition, guides in the field are in communication with senior guides at our base, to discuss conditions and routing based upon conditions. There is still a lot that we’re learning about what happened. It’s too soon to draw conclusions, but investigations are underway.
“We ask that people following this tragedy refrain from speculating. We don’t have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do. In the meantime, please keep those impacted in your hearts.”
One of the survivors remains hospitalized and authorities are withholding survivor names at this time. Moon said out of privacy her office was not communicating with the hospitalized individual until he or she is released.
Nevada County Sheriff’s Lt. Dennis Haack, the incident commander, said two survivors traveling at the back of the group were not caught in the avalanche. Caretakers at the Frog Lake hut remained when the group departed.
Earlier this week, Forest Service officials announced a closure of the Castle Peak area through March 15. Today, at a press conference at Truckee Town Hall, Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Chris Feutrier said the agency plans to reopen the area when the county concludes its operations.
“This is the public’s land and they love to recreate on it. The Forest Service doesn’t close public land for every hazard or every obstacle,” he said. “We trust the American people to use their best judgement when recreating.”
Feb. 20, 1:45 p.m.: Search and Rescue Teams Look for Way Forward
Editor’s Note Feb. 20, 3:16 p.m.: The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office determined avalanche mitigation could begin this afternoon.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has begun conducting aerial flights over the Castle Peak avalanche site. The clear skies are a stark contrast to the initial white-out conditions rescue crews faced, and the aerial flights will allow search and rescue (SAR) teams to determine the extent of possible avalanche mitigation.
Should the teams begin avalanche control with explosives that trigger unstable snow layers to release, they can reduce the risk posed to SAR operations as they plan to recover the remaining eight deceased victims. The additional victim remains unaccounted for.
“It is our top priority to ensure the safety of first responders during this recovery mission and aid in the return of each victim to their families,” said Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Chris Feutrier in a statement. “Our deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones from this tragic incident. Our sincere appreciation to all first responders, law enforcement, and partners that are supporting this recovery.”
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office will release an update if on-the-ground operations are continued. Presently, the Tahoe National Forest remains closed to the public with the high avalanche danger.
Feb. 19, 5:26 p.m.: Statement Released by Families of Deceased, Vigil Planned
Editor’s Note, Feb. 20: Included photos shared from the families of six of the victims.
The families of Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt — six of the nine victims of the Castle Peak avalanche — released a statement this afternoon.
We are devastated beyond words.
Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives, and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors. They were passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains. They lived in the Bay Area, Idaho, and the Truckee/Tahoe region.
We have many unanswered questions, but here is what we know at this time: Eight close friends planned a professionally guided, two-night backcountry hut trip to Frog Lake Huts outside Truckee, California. The trip had been organized well in advance. They were experienced backcountry skiers who deeply respected the mountains. They were trained and prepared for backcountry travel and trusted their professional guides on this trip. They were fully equipped with avalanche safety equipment.
We are profoundly grateful for the extensive rescue efforts by Nevada County Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and all of the authorities involved, and for the outpouring of support from the Tahoe community and beyond.
We are heartbroken and are doing our best to care for one another and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted.
We are asking for privacy and space as our families grieve this sudden and profound loss.
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CAROLINE SEKAR: One of the victims of the Castle Peak avalanche. Photo courtesy Kiren Sekar
CARRIE ATKIN: One of the victims of the Castle Peak avalanche. Courtesy photo
KATE MORSE: One of the victims of the Castle Peak avalanche. Courtesy photo
KATE VITT: One of the victims of the Castle Peak avalanche. Courtesy photo
DANIELLE KEATLEY: One of the victims of the Castle Peak avalanche. Courtesy photo
A vigil is being held on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. at the eagle statue in downtown Truckee in remembrance of the lives lost in the avalanche. The event will also serve to recognize the impacts from other February tragedies in the area, such as the deaths of three skiers at Northstar California Resort, a vehicle crash into pedestrians at the Truckee Safeway, and a shooting at the town’s Crossroads shopping center. The Church of the Mountains is open to all following the vigil.
VIGIL for Truckee’s recent tragedies to be held Feb. 22. Courtesy photo
“We ask for continued compassion for the families directly affected,” said Town of Truckee Town Manager Jen Callaway in a message, “for our students and young people who may be struggling in ways we cannot always see, and for one another. These events have left an imprint on our town, but they do not define who we are. Truckee is strongest when we lean toward one another with care, empathy, and responsibility.”
The U.S. Forest Service closed National Forest lands and trails in the Castle Peak area through March 15 due to snowpack instability and ongoing recovery efforts.
Feb. 19, 12 p.m.: Recovery Efforts to Extend into Weekend
Amid another round of heavy snowfall and continued avalanche risk, recovery of the nine remaining victims of Tuesday’s avalanche has been delayed, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Eight of the nine victims’ bodies have been located and secured, one remains unfound. Recovery efforts are expected to carry into the weekend.
“Until the recovery mission is completed, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is unable to confirm the identifications, ages, affiliations, or cities of origin for the victims,” the sheriff’s office stated in a press release today.
IN EFFECT: The Sierra Avalanche Center maintains that its avalanche warning that went into effect Tuesday morning, Feb. 17, will extend to Friday morning, Feb. 20. Screenshot
Ten inches of snow have fallen in the past 24 hours at Castle Peak, where the avalanche occurred — this in addition to 20- to 30-mph winds and an anticipated 15 inches of new snow to fall on Feb. 19. Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning — extending its previously issued avalanche watch — beginning Feb. 17 at 5 a.m., to expire Friday, Feb. 20, at 4 a.m.
“Large to very large avalanches remain a very real concern with ongoing uncertainty with how weak layers will respond to additional storm snow load,” the SAC notice stated.
Feb. 18, 10:08 p.m.: Avalanche Victims Tied to Sugar Bowl Academy
Sugar Bowl Academy released a statement Feb. 18 confirming several of the victims were part of the Sugar Bowl community.
The statement reads:
“With the heaviest of hearts, we can confirm the loss of multiple lives from within the Sugar Bowl community. Several members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community and others with strong connections to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit, and the backcountry community died in an avalanche at Castle Peak on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
“Nevada County, Placer County, the State of California, and Washoe County emergency responders are still working to recover all of the victims and are not, at this time, sharing the personal details of the victims and the survivors out of respect for the families affected. Sugar Bowl Academy is similarly not sharing personal details.
“Sugar Bowl Academy is focused on supporting its athletes, students, staff, and families through this tragedy. Most importantly, the Sugar Bowl Academy community will continue to be there in the months and years ahead for the families that have lost loved ones.”
Feb. 18, 12:24 p.m.: One Avalanche Victim Unaccounted For, Eight Deceased
One day after an avalanche struck a group of backcountry skiers attempting to make its way from the Frog Lake huts east of Castle Peak to the trailhead north of Interstate-80 on Donner Summit, search-and-rescue teams have shifted their mission to a recovery effort.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call on the morning of Feb. 17 from an iPhone in SOS mode reporting the avalanche, said Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon in a Feb. 18 press conference. The sheriff’s office and Truckee Fire Protection District were the first responders to begin coordinating the rescue mission, aided by other teams such as Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Placer County Search and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Search and Rescue, and Blackbird Mountain Guides.
The group of backcountry skiers consisted of nine women and six men ranging from 30 to 55 years of age. It was reported that eight deceased have been found, and one victim remains unaccounted for, but is presumed deceased. Of the six survivors (four men and two women), one was a Blackbird Mountain guide. Two of the survivors were immobile due to avalanche injuries, and one remains in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Moon said the mission faced extreme weather and white-out conditions. A snowcat was able to get two miles in before rescuers skied in to the scene on the evening of Feb. 17, reaching the six survivors at 5:30 p.m. The survivors had begun searching for the team members and guides, locating three deceased prior to their rescue.
Not only was I-80 closed, but the rescuers and volunteers had to enter an area that still faces high avalanche danger and kept receiving vast amounts of additional snow.
According to Nevada County Sheriff Operations Captain Russell Greene, the surviving individuals said they were attempting to keep moving when someone saw the avalanche and alerted the group before they were quickly overtaken by it. The avalanche debris field was reportedly the size of a football field, a class 2.5 avalanche. For reference, the 1982 Alpine Meadows avalanche killed seven in what was likely a class 3 avalanche.
The surviving guide was in communication with search-and-rescue teams through text messages. It was also reported at the press conference that one deceased victim was a spouse of a Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue team member.
The deceased have yet to be recovered as conditions are extremely difficult and remain dangerous.
Editor’s Note, Feb. 18, 10:51 a.m.: Moonshine Ink has obtained information that the missing skiers were a group of mothers from Tahoe/Truckee as well as the San Francisco Bay Area area with kids on a local Tahoe/Truckee ski team, but has not been able to verify with official sources.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office released an update at 10:40 p.m. on Feb. 17 about the rescue operation after an avalanche near Castle Peak had occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., involving 15 backcountry skiers.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the six surviving skiers were rescued, medically evaluated by Truckee Fire Protection District, and found to have sustained varying degrees of injuries; two were transported to the hospital. The rescue took several hours due to the severe conditions of the storm.
The sheriff’s office also noted that while it initially believed that 16 backcountry skiers were caught in the avalanche, it was later reporter that only 15 skiers had gone on the trip, leaving nine unaccounted for.
At 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 — in the midst of a major winter storm, which has dropped 29 inches in the last 24 hours — a group of 16 skiers encountered an avalanche on Castle Peak. The group was made up of four ski guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides and 12 clients who were returning after multiple nights at the Frog Lakes backcountry huts. At least six of the skiers survived, including two of the guides, according to sources.
A level-four, high danger avalanche forecast was released by Sierra Avalanche Center at 5 a.m. on Feb. 17, stating, “All avalanche terrain is suspect. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected over the next 24 hours.” The center’s Steve Reynaud also reported a storm slab avalanche cycle on Feb. 16 on Castle Peak.
The Frog Lake huts are located on Donner Summit, roughly 1 mile east of Castle Peak, and tend to book out months in advance.
Blackbird Mountain Guides released a statement on the situation, noting the “group was in the process of returning to the trailhead at the conclusion of a three-day trip [that began Sunday, Feb. 15] when the incident occurred.”
As of 4 p.m., rescue efforts by 46 emergency first responders continued for the six known survivors, who were instructed to shelter-in-place, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
Shoulder-Season Playbook: Big Impact, Better Value in South Lake Tahoe
Timing is everything for your next event.
When you’re mapping out a leadership retreat, incentive getaway, or multi-day meeting, timing can make all the difference. In South Lake Tahoe, shoulder season is where savvy planners find the sweet spot. Fewer calendar constraints. Less hustle. More options. And a destination that still delivers that unmistakable lake-and-mountain wow factor.
Why Shoulder Season Works
Shoulder season is the quiet achiever of Tahoe event planning. It’s when the destination feels open, adaptable, and ready to work with you.
With fewer competing bookings, hotels and venues have greater availability and flexibility. That means meeting rooms configured to fit your flow, smoother load-ins, and easier coordination across multi-day programs. It also means your stakeholders see a stronger return on investment without sacrificing experience.
And make no mistake, the experience still delivers. You’re meeting where North America’s largest alpine lake meets the Sierra Nevada peaks. Crisp air fuels clear thinking. Big views inspire big ideas. Your attendees still get the awe, and then some.
Sweet-Spot Weeks to Know
And make no mistake, the experience still delivers. You’re meeting where North America’s largest alpine lake meets the Sierra Nevada peaks. Crisp air fuels clear thinking. Big views inspire big ideas. Your attendees still get the awe, and then some.While Tahoe’s shoulder seasons shift slightly year to year, two planning windows consistently deliver the best mix of value, flexibility, and seasonal appeal for meetings and group activities in South Lake Tahoe.
Late April through early June marks spring’s transition on the South Shore. The lake begins to shine, the mountains hold onto their final traces of snow, and the destination feels refreshed. Golf courses reopen, lower-elevation trails become accessible, and lake cruises, kayaking, and paddleboarding begin to ramp up. Longer daylight hours and clear air support productive meeting days paired with outdoor receptions, scenic breaks, or casual team-building.
During spring, indoor venues remain plentiful and adaptable, while outdoor activities can be layered in as conditions allow. It’s a smart choice for incentive programs and strategy sessions that benefit from a sense of renewal without committing fully to summer logistics.
Late September through earlyNovember delivers one of Tahoe’s most focused and visually rewarding seasons. Fall color arrives in nearby valleys, temperatures settle into a comfortable range, and the lake takes on a calm, reflective tone. Hiking remains accessible, lake cruises continue into early fall, and cooler evenings naturally lend themselves to fireside networking, private dinners, and relaxed social gatherings.
Fall shoulder season also brings consistency. Weather tends to be stable, days are still bright, and leaf peeping is in its prime.
A quick planning note: Tahoe is a mountain destination, and shoulder seasons come with character. Spring may include lingering snow at higher elevations, and fall evenings cool quickly. The upside is choice. South Lake Tahoe’s walkable meetings district, flexible indoor venues, and experienced local partners make it easy to build programs that stay smooth, comfortable, and compelling regardless of what the weather decides to do.
The Value Equation
his is where shoulder season delivers its strongest planning advantage.
Planners often see more favorable room rates and added concessions during these windows. That can translate into additional breakout space, enhanced AV support, or flexible food and beverage minimums. Venues have more room to accommodate special requests and last-minute adjustments, making programs easier to fine-tune.
Many groups choose to reinvest those savings into experiences that elevate the agenda. A hosted welcome reception with lake views. A guided outdoor activity between sessions. A surprise guest speaker or team excursion. Value extends beyond the hotel stay. Group dining and off-site experiences often avoid peak-season premiums and rigid requirements, allowing budgets to stretch further across the full program. Add in Visit Tahoe’s helpful event value tips, and you’ll discover just how affordable your lakeside retreat can be.
Let’s Plan (Without the Headaches)
Shoulder season planning in South Lake Tahoe is refreshingly straightforward.
Start by browsing a wide range of venues, from large-scale, flexible spaces like the Tahoe Blue Event Center to boutique and lakefront options designed for more intimate groups. The destination offers a mix of casino resorts, luxury lodges, and eco-conscious properties, making it easy to match the stay to your program’s tone.
Detailed room and venue specs help planners align space with session needs from the start. Access through Reno-Tahoe International Airport keeps travel simple, with convenient shuttle options and a scenic drive that sets the tone before attendees even arrive.
A Smarter Way to Meet
Shoulder season in South Lake Tahoe isn’t about scaling back. It’s about meeting smarter. With timing on your side and the lake as your backdrop, these windows create a clearer path to meetings and incentives that deliver on every level. So let’s start planning your event. Browse South Shore venues, explore room and meeting specs, and send us your RFP. We’ll help you turn smart timing into an even better experience.
Whether you’re unwinding after an outdoor adventure or simply seeking a moment of calm, South Lake Tahoe’s day spas offer restorative experiences inspired by mountain landscapes and crystal-clear lake views. From luxe bodywork to unique cultural rituals, there’s a way to pamper your body and mind in every season.
Perched within the serene grounds of Edgewood Tahoe Resort, this Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star Spa invites guests to relax in a refined mountain setting with treatments designed to soothe both body and spirit. Signature options include restorative gemstone and specialty massages, body rituals, and facials that marry luxury with the natural tranquility of Lake Tahoe. The spa lounge area features a hot tub that is for clients of the spa only. Learn more.
The Spa at the Landing Resort & Spa – Photo by Tiffany J Photography
Waterfront and restorative, The Spa at The Landing blends the calming influence of the lake with a menu of body therapies, facials, and restorative treatments featuring organic products and natural botanicals. With its focus on alignment and overall renewal, this spa provides a peaceful complement to lakeside adventures and relaxation. Learn more.
Serenity Spa at the Marriott Grand Residence Lake Tahoe
Located inside the Marriott Grand Residence Club, Serenity Spa offers a warm and tranquil setting for guests to indulge in full-service massages, facials, and wellness treatments. It’s an easy way to unwind after a day on the trails or slopes, with customizable spa packages and a welcoming retreat atmosphere. Learn more.
Reflections Spa provides a serene escape within one of South Lake Tahoe’s most iconic properties. With rejuvenating treatments designed to melt away stress and melt into mountain views, this spa experience pairs well with a day of gaming, dining, or live entertainment. Learn more.
Rooted in the Japanese tradition of healing and renewal, Onsen Spa at Bally’s combines thermal features like hot baths with a selection of massage and bodywork offerings. It’s a soothing complement to the energy of nightly entertainment and gaming on the South Shore. (Note: Onsen details are informed by local listings and spa hotel guides.)Learn more.
More Ways to Restore in Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe’s wellness scene extends beyond traditional day spas, inviting you to explore experiences that engage body, mind, and nature:
Tahoe Forest Baths offers a rare Japanese cedar enzyme bath experience, one of only two of its kind in the U.S., promoting detoxification, stress relief, and relaxation through warm, natural cedar and active enzymes.
Bliss Experiences provides curated classes and workshops — from forest bathing to mindful movement — that connect visitors with nature and deeper personal renewal.
OMNI Tahoe Wellness Center in the heart of South Lake Tahoe focuses on holistic well-being with a variety of fitness and wellness offerings beyond traditional spa services. Guests can enjoy infrared-heated yoga in the Solar Studio, non-heated classes like aerial hammock and TRX in the Lunar Studio, and other movement-based experiences designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and recovery. It’s a great complement to outdoor adventure and post-play relaxation in Tahoe’s mountain environment.
From deep-tissue massage to cedar enzyme baths and bespoke healing workshops, South Lake Tahoe’s spa and wellness offerings are as varied as the landscape itself. Whether you’re seeking recovery after sledding, skiing, or biking — or simply craving a tranquil retreat — there’s a restorative experience here to suit every traveler.
Perfectly positioned at more than 6,200 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is an ideal place for Olympians to live, train, and explore.
Here is a list of Olympic athletes who call Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area home, as well places to visit and take in Lake Tahoe’s Olympic legacy. Looking for somewhere to watch the Olympics while you’re in town? Check out Sports Bars here.
Jamie Anderson is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and South Lake Tahoe local. Anderson competed in her third Olympic Games in Beijing, after winning gold in the slopestyle competition in 2014 and 2018. Jamie Anderson may be known for long, cerebral runs, but she has plenty of big air tricks in her bag as well.
Anderson swept the slopestyle and big air events at the 2021 X Games in Aspen and won the slopestyle events at the Mammoth World Cup 2022. Considered a favorite by many, this South Lake Tahoe local is certainly deserving of a few cheers.
Maddison Michelle “Maddie” Bowman is an American freestyle skier who quickly made her mark on the sport with a breakout performance at the Winter X Games in 2012. She captured a silver medal in the superpipe. From there, Bowman established herself as one of the most dominant halfpipe skiers of her era, claiming X Games gold medals in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and again in 2018.
Her career reached its pinnacle at the 2014 Winter Olympics, where she delivered a standout performance to earn the gold medal in ski halfpipe. Bowman returned to Olympic competition in 2018, finishing 11th against a highly competitive field. Known for her consistency, technical skill, and competitive drive, Bowman remains one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes.
Hannah Teter is an American snowboarder and Olympic champion known for her smooth style and consistency on the halfpipe. She rose to international prominence at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, where she captured the gold medal with a standout performance. Four years later, Teter proved her staying power by returning to the Olympic podium with a silver medal at the 2010 Games in Vancouver.
Beyond the Olympics, Teter built an impressive competitive résumé, including a bronze medal at the 2005 FIS World Championships in Whistler, British Columbia, and six World Cup victories throughout her career. Recognized for both her talent and longevity in the sport, Teter remains one of the most accomplished and respected figures in women’s snowboarding.
David Wise is an American freestyle skier and one of the most decorated athletes in men’s halfpipe history. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Wise captured back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2018, cementing his reputation as a dominant force on the world stage. His breakthrough moment came at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where he made history by becoming the first Olympic champion in the debut of the men’s freeski halfpipe event.
Wise’s success extends well beyond the Olympics. He is a five-time X Games gold medalist, earning top honors in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2023. Notably, he entered the Sochi Games with strong momentum after securing his third consecutive X Games gold in Aspen earlier that year.
A 2022 Olympian and eight-year member of the U.S. Ski Team, Cashman returns to the Winter Games driven by a desire to continue challenging expectations in alpine skiing. A technically focused racer specializing in Giant Slalom and Super Giant Slalom, she has built her career on determination, consistency, and a belief that elite performance is possible without following a traditional development path.
O’Brien began skiing at Palisades Tahoe through the Mighty Mite program before starting her racing career with Team Palisades Tahoe. She later attended Burke Mountain Academy, where her performance led to selection for the National Training Group and, in 2016, a spot on the U.S. Ski Team.
Since joining the team, O’Brien has built an accomplished career, including winning the NorAm overall title in 2019, earning eight national championship titles, and competing at the 2022 Winter Games. She was also a member of the U.S. Team Event that won gold at the 2023 World Championships. Growing up in a family of ski racers helped shape her lifelong connection to the sport.
With what has to be the coolest last name of any Winter Olympics athlete, Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy’s Luke Winters officially punched his ticket to Beijing after securing a career-best 10th place in Slalom racing. In 2019 Luke won his first national championship title at the alpine combined at Sugarloaf, Maine. He followed that performance up with a second national title in slalom at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.
A member of the United States cross-country team, North Lake Tahoe’s JC Schoonmaker is entering his first-ever Olympics with a full head of steam after securing a pair of top-10 finishes and a national title at Soldier Hallow, Utah.
A California native and Alaska resident, Hannah Halvorsen is headed to her first Winter Games two years after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a crash. Halvorsen is hoping her comeback story ends with a gold medal win. Halvorsen recently posted a career-best seventh place at a World Cup event in Dresden, Germany.
Hailing from Truckee and growing up in a family of skiers, the multi-talented athlete, Maureen Lebel has competed in all ski disciplines and finished third overall at the North American Cup.
Hurt has two World Cup podiums and made her Olympic debut in 2022. She recently spent the offseason training at home in Palisades Tahoe and is coming off a breakthrough season, with a strong focus on mental preparation — an area she describes as non-linear but essential to high-level performance.
Tahoe’s Olympic Legacy
1960 Winter Olympics Games
The Squaw Valley Winter Olympics | Photo: Craighton Miller
The Squaw Valley Winter Olympics in 1960 are remembered by many as the last of the small Olympics. Originally standing a “snowball’s chance”, the Olympic event near Tahoe’s north shore could have arguably never happened if not for a tie-breaking vote by World War II hero, Jo Marillac.
The legacy of the 1960 Olympics continues into the present. When officials were unsure if a skier had missed a gate in the men’s slalom, they asked CBS-TV if they could review a videotape of the race, giving CBS the idea of inventing “instant replay”.
Champions Plaza
Spirit of Competition Sculpture | Photo: Lake Tahoe News
Next time you’re driving through South Lake Tahoe, be sure to visit the Champions Plaza, located on the corner of U.S. 50 and Lakeview Avenue across from Lakeview Commons and take a selfie with the 11-foot bronze sculpture inspired by local Olympic athletes.
Start Your Own Winter Olympics
You might not be good enough to qualify to represent your country during the Olympics, but your family can start their own Olympic Games in South Lake Tahoe each winter. With thousands of acres of skiable terrain at local ski resorts and a massive backcountry with never-ending progression, and even ice skating rinks, you don’t have to look far to find a worthwhile and memorable experience along Lake Tahoe’s south shore.
Whisk your Valentine away somewhere magical! Plan the perfect dinner with our Valentine’s Day Restaurant Guide in Lake Tahoe. The Jewel of the Sierra offers breathtaking views and a refreshing change of pace. With a whole host of activities to suit any couple’s passions – whether you’d like to cruise the lake, carve some powder, or refresh at a resort – South Shore Lake Tahoe has it all. Below, we’ve included a list of the most romantic restaurants, so you can pair your daytime adventures with a dinner to remember. While reservations aren’t always necessary here, for Valentine’s Day in Lake Tahoe, we strongly recommend reserving your table in advance.
Romantic Restaurants on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
Friday Station Lakeview restaurant inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
For couples who want to get fancy, may we suggest:
The Chart House | Perched atop a hill near Kingsbury Grade, overlooking exquisite Lake Tahoe, Chart House is a legendary seafood restaurant known for its excellent cuisine. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-6276
Evans American Gourmet Cafe | Their menu features a blend of cuisine styles from around the world. Make your reservation now: (530) 542-1990
Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen| Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe | You can count on any Gordon Ramsay restaurant to deliver! From the lobster risotto to Gordon’s famous Beef Wellington to his favorite dessert (Sticky Toffee Pudding), savor the flavors of this world-famous chef’s menu. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-2411
For couples seeking elevated cuisine in a casual atmosphere, we recommend:
Kalani’s | Kalani’s restaurant, first opened in 2004 and featured in Bon Appetit, creates unique dishes by blending the fresh ingredients of Hawaiian regional cooking with Asian and European techniques and influences. Make your reservation now: (530) 544-6100.
The Loft at the Heavenly Village | Taste At The Loft wants to make your Valentine’s Day date feel special. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate, upscale dinner at Taste at The Loft. Enjoy artfully prepared cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Perfect for couples looking for a refined and romantic experience in the heart of Heavenly Village. Make your reservation now: (530) 523-8024.
Riva Grill | Riva Grill features beautiful, wooden boat-inspired decor, lake views and an amazing cocktail selection. Give your date what they really want this year, a Wet Woody® on the water + dinner you can’t say no to. That’s unforgettable. Celebrate love with our dinner specials, cozy lakefront views, and the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Make your reservation now: (530) 542-2600.
For couples who are seeking something only to be found in Tahoe…
Gastromaniac – Homemade Pasta & Pizza | At Gastromaniac, you can get a classic pie to go, or you can also pick up some handmade pasta to cook back at your rental cabin or suite. Make your reservation now: (530) 600-2110.
The Grove on the Lake at Camp Richardson Resort | Celebrate love lakeside with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at The Grove. Enjoy a cozy alpine atmosphere and stunning lakeviews. Perfect for couples looking to toast the night with great food, wine, and mountain charm. Make your reservation now: (530) 314-4650.
MacDuff’s Pub | A local’s favorite, MacDuff’s Pub is a great choice if you’re seeking a casual, cozy, and unique atmosphere and a menu with no bad choices. Be forewarned; the truffle mac’n’cheese is habit-forming! Make your reservation now: (530) 542-8777.
Naked Fish Sushi | If sushi is your go-to for dates, check out Naked Fish. Featuring specialty rolls like the Tahoe Crunch and Surf’n’Turf, and a chef’s sashimi plate that is hard to beat, Naked Fish stands out. They pick up their fish from 200 miles away to ensure that it is of the highest quality. Make a reservation now: (530) 541-3474.
For couples who love a good steak, check out:
Ciera Steak + Chophouse| Bally’s Lake Tahoe. Stateline’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant serves perfectly prepared cuts of meat, including pistachio-encrusted rack of lamb and the incredible 30-ounce Wagyu “Tomahawk” rib steak, complemented by a selection of 300 premium wines and champagnes. Enjoy delicious food and impeccable service. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-3515.
Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill | Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Lake views at every table, and a 1,000-bottle display wine cellar make this restaurant special. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-6611.
SaltgrassSteakhouse | Golden Nugget Hotel Casino. Discover the superior flavors of Saltgrass while enjoying menu favorites like our massive Silver Star Porterhouse, our homestyle Country Fried Steak, and our slow-braised BBQ Pork Ribs. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-1010.
Sage Room & Steak House | Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe. An elegant steak house, The Sage Room is popular with locals and guests alike. Make your reservation now: (775) 588-2411.
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood | Margaritaville Lake Tahoe Resort. JWB Prime Steak and Seafood delights both resort guests and locals with a laid-back luxe dining experience. Offering a contemporary menu of prime steaks, fresh seafood, and a raw bar, all paired with world-class wines and hand-crafted cocktails. Make your reservation now: (530) 544-5400.
Many hotels are offering Valentine’s Day deals as well. Whatever your plans are for Valentine’s Day in Lake Tahoe, we hope you and your sweetheart make some fond memories to last a lifetime!
Special Events
This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with wine all over again. Love at the Lakefeatures more than 20 premium wineries, curated bites from our award-winning restaurants, and live music – creating an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration at the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe.
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II Paddle wheeler. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special, romantic dinner with Lake Tahoe Cruises aboard the MS Dixie II. A unique and special way to celebrate. Live music, dinner, and a night you won’t forget.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Idle Hour. Saturday, February 14, 2026, 6:30 pm. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a curated food and wine pairing dinner, thoughtfully crafted to complement each course and elevate every moment. Set against the glow of candlelight and lakefront ambiance, this is a night meant to be savored—one course, one sip, one memory at a time.
Check out Valentine’s Day at Lake Tahoe on Instagram
If you’ve been following OpenSnow’s Bryan Allegretto for his Lake Tahoe forecasts, you know he’s passionate about accurately predicting what the surrounding mountains will get. He’s the voice of reason when other news outlets and weather services hype up FEET of snow, only for the reality to fall far short. But even for “BA”—as he’s known—the storms in the first week of February 2025 were way off, and by a huge margin. In fact, it was his worst prediction in his nineteen-plus-year career. I had the chance to chat with him to get the inside scoop on what went wrong.
BA’s Soul Crushed
Bryan Allegretto enjoying one of Tahoe’s famous storm cycles when the forecast was spot on.
BA takes his forecasting seriously—so seriously that he’s been keeping a scorecard to track just how spot-on (or not) he’s been. Over the past nine seasons, his predictions for every storm across the Tahoe Basin have been off by just 1.5 inches on average. But during the first week of February, things went way off course. He was off by anywhere from 5.5 to 12.9 inches, with some mountains missing the mark by as much as 2 feet! Normally, when he’s that far off, it’s because the storms delivered more (think: colder, fluffier powder). This time? As far as he can remember, it was the first instance they delivered way less.
Atmospheric Rivers are Tough
One of the many warm storms during the wet n’ wild Jan 2017 season
Lake Tahoe’s weather is infamous for its feast-or-famine cycles, and a big reason is that up to 50% of California’s precipitation comes in the form of an atmospheric river. These intense bands of moisture originate from the tropics and slam into the Sierra. If Lake Tahoe is lucky enough to be on the cold side of it, we get huge snowfall. But if not, it means rain—LOTS of rain. And that’s exactly what happened during the first week of February.
Alarm Bells Ding
As the storms began to arrive in the 5-day window, BA was already mentioning how concerned he was about the forecast. First, the band of moisture was narrow at only 50 miles wide which is tiny in the scope of the globe. If the storm moved even a few miles north or south, the amount of liquid we get would be drastically cut. Then there was the problem of temperatures. It set up a battle royale of two giants – cold air to the north and the warm subtropical air flowing into the northern Sierra. Depending on who wins and when, this “could make a BIG difference in snowfall totals.”
Worst Case Scenario Happened
And that’s exactly what happened. Instead of the storm staying focused on Tahoe, it quickly moved north. While the National Weather Service predicted 30 inches of liquid and BA estimated 22 inches as a conservative forecast for the week, the greater Lake Tahoe area only received a meager 6-12+ inches. The moisture tap shut off before the cold air could move in, and the snow ratios—usually around 10:1—were closer to 7:1. The result? A rude awakening after the storm passed.
“Biggest Temperature Gradients as Far as I Can Remember”
A lot of this came down to how cold it was to the north—a real tease for weather forecasters. It was snowing all the way to the beach in Oregon and even in Susanville. With that much cold air up north, it seemed like it would force its way south, but it didn’t. Instead, the warm air took over. Not just in Tahoe, but across the entire West, where everyone got hit with rain. Jackson Hole was in the 50s, and even Utah saw rain!
Models Aren’t Gospel but a Tool
The GFS model… Snow porn at its finest. For the 1st storm in the larger cycle it predicted nearly 12 inches of liquid! The ENTIRE week only got 6!
The best tool for weather forecasters today is still the weather models. But as BA pointed out, “These are global models. Each micro-climate has its own set of errors. You need to understand these nuances and apply them to your forecast.” Take the GFS, for example. The U.S. model, affectionately known as “snow porn,” always assumes snow ratios are way too high, predicting crazy amounts of snow—and it’s nearly always wrong. Then there’s the Canadian model, which tends to underforecast how much snow places like Mt. Rose will get. The real voice of reason? The European model. Statistically, it’s proven to be the most accurate, and now with A.I. to help fix its errors, it’s getting even better.
OpenSnow Will Learn and Get Better
In the end, BA summed it up best: “It’s hard to forecast storms in the mountains.” But that’s exactly what drew Bryan to this field in the first place—the challenge of forecasting and getting it right. Sometimes, like the week of February 1st, 2025, you get it wrong. But that’s an outlier, and the team at OpenSnow is using it as a learning tool. Instead of taking a back seat, they’re constantly working to improve their product. They’ve even hired a full-time A.I. developer to create their own OpenSnow A.I., which is processing 40+ years of data to correct model errors and improve predictions.
And it’s not all about enjoying the summer for pickleball. The folks at OpenSnow use the “off season” as a chance to reflect and improve. That’s when they discovered the Canadian model’s issue with the Mt. Rose snow forecast. They’re always striving to get better.
We get how tough forecasting can be, and we hope this behind-the-scenes look helps explain the challenges involved. Big kudos to him—and to all of the OpenSnow team—for the hard work they put in!
South Lake Tahoe’s seamless transition from winter fun to spring shenanigans is something every traveler should experience at least once in their life. From shredding the slopes to trips out on the lake and even chugging your way along the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail, clearly, Lake Tahoe’s South Shore is the place to be. Read on to discover why you should plan to visit Lake Tahoe in March.
Things To Do In Lake Tahoe in March
Hit the Slopes
Congrats on your first day of skiing Hudson! Photo by @seth280
March is a month full of mystery when it comes to predicting the weather. From epic powder days to pristine bluebird runs, March in Lake Tahoe has it all, depending on the day.
Tahoe Knight Monsters Hockey at the Tahoe Blue Event Center
Tahoe Knight Monsters Hockey at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. Home games in March: 11, 13, 14, 27, 28, 29, 2026. Ticketmaster.com
Jim Breuer: Find the Funny at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Saturday, March 8, 2026, 8:00 pm, Jim Breuer has been making audiences double over in laughter for more than 30 years with his fearless honesty, spot-on impressions, and signature high-energy storytelling. From his breakout days on “Saturday Night Live”—where his “Goat Boy” character became a fan favorite—to his wildly popular stand-up specials and podcasts, Breuer continues to prove that comedy hits hardest when it’s real. Tap here for tickets.
Umphrey’s McGee at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7:00 pm, Umphrey’s McGee – Sky’s The Limit Tour at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Umphrey’s McGee is a genre-defying band known for blending rock, funk, jazz, prog, and improvisation into powerful, high-energy live shows. Celebrated for their technical precision and adventurous jams, they deliver performances that are equal parts musicianship and spontaneity. Tap here for tickets.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day along the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail
You never know what Mother Nature will bring in March but the one thing we do know is March brings us the best of the NCAA! Ski all day, taking in some of the best snow conditions anywhere, and head up to the nearest sports bar to watch some playoff action.
Gunbarrel 25 at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Gunbarrel 25 at Heavenly Mountain Resort. If endurance is your pursuit, don’t miss out on the 22nd annual Gunbarrel 25 on March 28th! Taking place on Heavenly’s famous mogul run, The Face, this long-time tradition challenges participants to lap the run 25 times. Those who chose to up the ante can compete for the quickest finishing time and earn their name on the famous Gunbarrel 25 plaque that hangs in the neighboring California Lodge.
No matter what route you take on your next Lake Tahoe expedition, please be sure to positively impact the local environment and wildlife along the way. As a city in the middle of a forest, South Lake Tahoe and its guests have a responsibility to keep wildlife wild by never feeding them and properly disposing of garbage in bear-resistant containers.
Ready to be a next-level visitor? Picking up even a few pieces of discarded trash can go a long way towards “Keeping Tahoe Blue”. Click here to learn more.
The clearest blue water. The brightest green mountains. It’s awe and then some, but all this awesome doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect for the South Shore, from locals and visitors alike. That’s why we created Rules to Lake By: five ways to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe, so we can keep this place awesome today and awesome tomorrow.
When looking for a skiing destination, one of the factors that typically comes into everyone’s mind: “Is there more than one ski area to visit?” The answer when talking about the cozy town on the shore of Payette Lake is a wholehearted YES! In fact, McCall Idaho skiing has the perfect amount of resorts big and small to fit everyone’s budget, plans, or vision of what they think a ski town is all about.
McCall Idaho Skiing – Covers All Needs
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Within half and hour from the center of McCall, you have access to three vastly different ski areas. The closest is the Little Ski Hill which is only a few minutes away, offering affordable skiing and schussing under the lights. Less than nine miles away, you have the flagship resort: Brundage Mountain. Not just a ski area but rather a basecamp to outdoor fun such as snowmobile excursions to Burgdorf Hot Springs. The furthest away, but a MUST for all visitors, is Tamarack. This resort is now coming into a renaissance due to a new owner. Both Tamarack AND Brundage are a powder hound’s dream especially during mid-week. You’ll pretty much have each place to yourself. The best part is both of these offer lift-accessed backcountry skiing if you have the gear, knowledge, and fortitude to step outside into the wilderness.
The Little Ski Hill – For 1st Timers & Ski Addicts
Image appears courtesy: Payette Lakes Ski Club
As T.E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia said, “Big things have small beginnings” and the Little Ski Hill in McCall, Idaho is the greatest example of this. Founded in 1937 for local forest workers to recreate during the winter, this quaint area doesn’t have one or two Olympians but SIX who got their start here. Although it may only have a 405-foot vertical drop, it makes sure that every inch of it is maximized. They do this by offering night skiing, a legit terrain park, AND a kid-first attitude that families love. How do you know it’s good? By hearing the laughter and whoops on the slopes. If you’re looking for a fountain of youth or just affordable skiing, this place is it. How affordable? Well, an adult day pass goes for only $30 or hand out $140 and get a SEASON PASS!!!! College students can pick up a season pass for $80 and kids 5-17 can get one for $50.
Compared to other ski resorts throughout the country, the road to Tamarack isn’t treacherous. Heading due south from McCall on Highway 55, follow the massive ridgeline until you pass through Donnelly. We HIGHLY recommend making a pit stop here for breakfast at the Flight of Fancy Bakery. Besides serving tasty pastries and other scrumptious options, their baked oatmeal is the BEST oatmeal you’ll have anywhere.
If you pull into Tamarack’s parking lot mid-week, it will feel as though it’s your own private resort. Although it might have less in-bounds acreage than its cousin Brundage, the 2,800’ of vertical skiing will make sure your legs are screaming especially that you can lap the mountain without stopping. For those that have knowledge about the backcountry, the lift-accessed terrain is MASSIVE since the resort sits on a ridgeline making for easy pickings. That’s just a few of the many reasons you should visit Tamarack Resort.
Brundage Mountain – McCall’s Classic Resort
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Last, but not in any way the least, Brundage Mountain Resort will always be near and dear to our hearts. Looking at the trail map and statistics, you’ll think that it isn’t very big or that it’s pretty mellow. Well, you’d be wrong. Just like all Idaho skiing, you have to look in-between the lines or rather in the glades to find the challenging stuff. For example, from looker’s left, the trails or rather “zones” of the Hidden Valley area holds some amazing steeps you’d find in places like Kirkwood. And if you have a few extra dineros in your pocket, we HIGHLY recommend booking a backcountry guided tour via a snowcat. At over 18,000 acres to explore, the snowcat tours will make sure you find some untracked pow to shred.
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Nordic Skiing
Although we’re focused on the gravity fed version, we have to give a nod to the McCall Idaho skiing version known as nordic skiing. Instead of an afterthought, cross-country skiing here is big. So much so that there are multiple nordic centers that maintain and manage trail networks. The jewel on the crown is Ponderosa Park. It’s located on a 1,000 acre peninsula that splits Payette Lake. Featuring heavily forested trails with rolling topography to ridge tops offering up spectacular views of the lake. The newest edition, opened in 2005, is Bear Basin which contains 30 km of trails to explore. You’ll also find trail networks at Tamarack Resort and the summer activities hot spot for mountain biking at Jug Mountain.
As the throngs of skiers and snowboarders head to busy destinations like Vail, Park City, or Whistler, you may want to consider McCall, Idaho for your next ski vacation. From consistent snowfall, thousands of acres of skiing, and fun winter activities like the McCall Winter Carnival, you’ll understand why we consider not just McCall but ALL of Northern Idaho – the last frontier of skiing. If you want to learn more about McCall like what’s there to do, what places to eat, and even insider tips on how to get there be sure to read our insider’s guide:
Japan. Its snow is so legendary that it has coined its own term: ‘JaPow.’ It has become a part of every skier’s and snowboarder’s lexicon. Ranking up there with Steamboat’s “Champagne Powder” and Bozeman’s “Cold Smoke.” We understand if you want to experience where this term originated at Niseko’s ski resorts. But if you’re like us and want to go where no one else is going, we’ve learned that it might be time to go skiing in Hokkaido and experience its ‘Bonchi.’
A map of Japan might make you think that the northern island of Hokkaido is small compared to the rest of Japan, but you’d be surprised to find out it’s nearly one-quarter of the country’s landmass (~22% to be exact) and roughly the size of the state of New York! And there’s more to skiing in Hokkaido than the well-known resorts of Niseko or Rusutsu. There are over 100 resorts to explore in the Hokkaido region alone! On our trip this winter, we learned about a magical place called the “Hokkaido Powder Belt.”
Hokkaido Powder Belt
On Hokkaido, most of the resorts that people visit are on the western side, surrounding the city of Niseko. The Hokkaido Powder Belt, however, is in the center of Japan’s northern island. Using Asahikawa or Furano as base camps, you can access a variety of different-sized ski areas, each offering something unique.
Bonchi – Another Kind of JaPow
As we mentioned in “10 Things I Wish I Knew Ahead of Skiing in Japan,” the sea effect is what makes Japan’s snow so consistently great. While Niseko, being closer to the ocean, benefits from this effect and stays warmer, Hokkaido’s Powder Belt lies further inland. This means it receives slightly less snowfall than Niseko, but the quality of the snow more than makes up for it.
To set it apart from the rest of “JaPow,” central Hokkaido is now calling its snow “Bonchi Snow.” “Bonchi” means “bowl” in Japanese, referring to Furano’s basin-like topography. It also plays on the word “bon,” which means “good” in French, giving it a playful twist—suggesting that this is the land of the best snow, the kind of powder you crave.
Authentic Japan in Hokkaido
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
From every person I’ve spoken to, the Niseko ski resorts feel as if you could be at a Colorado resort just as much as you’re in Japan. On the other side of the spectrum, you have the Tohoku ski areas, which are located in the northern part of the main island. There’s a high likelihood you’ll be the ONLY Westerner at these resorts, and without someone who speaks Japanese, it can be difficult to get around. The Hokkaido Powder Belt is the perfect medium between the two. It still feels authentically Japanese, yet you’ll probably run into people who speak English, especially at resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
Experience Over Pow
On our trip this winter, what started as one of the coldest and snowiest seasons in Japan turned into something unexpected. When we arrived in Hokkaido, a high-pressure system sat over almost the entire country, providing sunny, warm-ish (still below freezing) conditions for skiing throughout our entire trip. The locals told us that a week without snow is unheard of. Even without fresh snowfall, the rich Japanese culture we experienced and the stunning scenery made the trip worth it.
Tomamu
Overlooking Tomamu Resort – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Photos and videos can leave quite an impression before you even set foot on the slopes. But I’ll admit, the pictures of those two massive towers surrounded by nature felt so foreign to me. I imagined that with two giant skyscrapers, there’d be a sprawling village beneath them just as big. Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Rather than creating a massive village that stretched across the entire valley, the resort chose to build up, preserving as much of the natural surroundings as possible.
The Skiing
Like many Japanese ski areas, this mountain spans two peaks. From the base, it looks like you’d need to shuttle between them, but in reality, the trails connect the two effortlessly. Tower Mountain, located next to the Towers, is the more mellow of the two. It’s home to night skiing on certain days and “Hotalu Street.” But no matter what the snow’s like, you’ve got to make sure you at least bomb down “Hotalu Street” once. The snow-covered avenue feels like you’re in the video game Skate or Die, weaving through a charming Japanese village.
But the real skiing is on Tomamu Mountain. Right off the Unkai Gondola, head skier’s left, and you’ll find wide-spaced birch trees on a steep pitch just begging to be shredded.
The Ice Village
John LaConte enjoying ice ramen at Tomamu’s Ice Village – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
I’ve seen countless photos of ice villages in places like Iceland and Norway, but I never had the chance to experience one in person—until Tomamu. It was truly magical and something you need to take in if you visit here. Inside, you’ll find an Ice Post Office where you can send a postcard. An Ice Bar serving Japanese whiskey cocktails in glasses made of ice. And if that’s not enough, there’s even an Ice Chapel where, according to the resort staff, there’s at least one wedding everyday throughout the season!
Oh, and there’s an Ice Ramen Restaurant… and let me tell you, that was an experience. The frozen egg in the ramen was like a ramen-flavored gobstopper—definitely something you’ve got to bite into to understand.
Local Freshies® tip: I can tell you right now, whatever you wear normally snowboarding or skiing, be sure to add a layer if you visit the ice village. After a day of skiing, the ice from the village felt as if cold was emanating from the structures.
Furano
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Even from a distance, its hulking face is impressive. Out of all the dozen or so ski areas we visited in Japan, Furano stands out with the rowdiest terrain—probably why it’s the most popular in the region. The steep slopes are made for expert shredders. The resort itself feels like a mix of different resorts rolled into one. The Ropeway’s cable car reminded me of Jackson Hole’s tram, while the fall-line skiing following the mountain’s natural topography brought to mind Taos’ classic trail system. A shining example of this is the A-3 trail: a fun, steep, twisty, tight run that bounces down the fall line as if it were trying to reenact how a waterfall would flow if it were made of snow.
Through it all, Furano still maintains its authentic Japanese vibe.
On sunny days, the views are stunning. Across the long valley, you can see the massive, treeless peaks looming over the snow-covered farmland below.
Danger Lurks
With each new angle, the mountain reveals more big lines you didn’t catch from the last perspective—and, at the same time, more danger. From the top of Kitanomine, looking toward the backside of the Furano zone, we saw huge fractures that looked like glide avalanches just outside the resort’s boundaries.
Kamui Ski Links
Our guide to Kamui Ski Links Akihiko Wakamatsu smiling after our 1st dawn patrol lap – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Some mountains stand tall, practically yelling at you, “You got what it takes?” while others are more comfortable in their own skin. Kamui Ski Links is definitely one of the latter. It wasn’t the first impression that blew me away—it was what we discovered once we got to know the place.
Mom & Pop Feel
Out of all the mountains we visited, Kamui Ski Links was our favorite. Why? It has that “Mom & Pop” ski area vibe we all crave. There are almost no “Gaijin” around, just a true community spirit, with race clinics on the mountain and locals enjoying cheap meals of soba and chicken curry with rice in the lodge.
And then there’s the terrain. From the base, it looks like the slopes are short, but that’s not the case. Turns out, their gondola accesses nearly 2,000 vertical feet of skiing. While the terrain might not be as steep as Tomamu or Furano, what it lacks in steep shots, it more than makes up for with a laid-back vibe (aka fewer crowds), accessible glade skiing, and a relaxed boundary policy.
Other Ski Areas
While we didn’t get to explore every ski area, the region is packed with some seriously unique spots. Asahidake is a one-hit gondola that opens up access to Mt. Asahidake’s epic backcountry terrain. Then there’s Kurodake, another one-lift wonder, featuring cliff bands to huck off, chutes to tackle, and steep fall-line skiing that’ll make experts feel right at home. And let’s not forget about Sahoro, which offers an all-inclusive resort experience along with its tree-lined slopes—perfect for some solid tree skiing. Then there’s Pipu, Canmore (not the Canadian one), and Santa Present Park to round out the list.
Where to Stay
The lobby at Asahikawa – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Resort Living or City Experiences
Depending on the kind of experience you’re after, that will dictate where to stay. If you’re looking for the all-inclusive resort vibe, you’ve got that option. Staying close to the slopes means you’ll be spending most of your time at the hotel, where nightlife is pretty much nonexistent. But if you’re the type who wants to expand your horizons, staying in one of the nearby cities is a great choice. It’ll give you the chance to sample local cuisine, check out shops, and soak in the local scene. In that case, staying in a city might be more your style.
Asahikawa – City Experiences
The town’s architecture feels like if Milwaukee went full-on Japanese and then got dropped next to a bunch of massive mountains. Staying in a real city means you’re in for an authentic experience—straight-up local vibes. For a general rundown of things to try and do along with some tips, check out our Japan Guide. For Asahikawa, here’s what to expect:
Local Cuisine
The city’s known for its ramen, and you’ll find spots serving it all over. But if you want to do a side-by-side ramen showdown, check out the Asahikawa Ramen Village, where eight of the city’s most famous ramen joints are all in one place. Another regional delicacy? Soba noodles. Made from buckwheat, Hokkaido produces nearly 40% of Japan’s supply. These brownish noodles are a staple in Japanese meals, with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. You’ll find them served both hot and cold—perfect for whatever vibe you’re feeling.
Sanroku gai – Nightlife
The Japanese live that New York lifestyle—work hard, play hard, and trust us, they work HARD. As the sun sets, Asahikawa’s entertainment district, Sanroku Gai, really comes to life. This area is packed with over 1,000 restaurants lining the tiny winding walkways, serving up fresh seafood caught right off the local waters. Plus, you’ll find plenty of drinking spots to keep the vibe rolling into the night.
OMO7 Hoshino Resort
For part of our trip, we stayed at the OMO7 Hoshino Resort in Asahikawa. As the name suggests, it’s a resort right in the heart of the city. The lobby features a “wax bar” stocked with high-end waxes and tools, so you can tune up your skis on the spot. Downstairs, there’s a beautiful onsen with soaking tubs, a cold plunge, sauna, and a giant whirlpool—perfect for easing those post-ski aches and pains. We didn’t get a chance to try breakfast, but friends who’ve stayed rave about it. The iconic dish? Waffles topped with salmon. It might sound odd, but apparently, it totally works.
The resort’s central location made it the perfect spot to dive into the local culture after a day on the slopes. Plus, it’s a great basecamp with Kamui Ski Links, Asahidake, and Kurodake all under 90 minutes by car, and even Tomamu just over two hours away.
Tomamu Hoshino Resort- Resort Living
As part of our trip to hit up Tomamu, we stayed at the towers. If you’re coming with a family and don’t feel like resort hopping, Tomamu Hoshino Resort would be the ideal basecamp. Besides the incredible skiing, the resort offers an insane amount of other activities, such as horseback riding in the snow (Jaime sooo wanted to experience this), snowmobile tours, ice fishing, and even curling, to name a few. Inside the towers, you’ll find rooms that are absolutely massive—even by American standards, let alone Japanese. A standard room includes a separate family area alongside a huge bedroom.
Join Local Freshies® in January 2026!
Photo by: Josh Laskin – Alex riding the JaPow from his trip a few years ago
This trip definitely sparked the itch for some more JaPow, especially after seeing what these mountains have to offer. After our last visit in 2023, where we got to experience Japan’s legendary snow (and got totally skunked on our Hokkaido visit), we’re ready to go back to Hokkaido for round two!
If you’ve ever wanted to experience Japan, come join us for the 10-day Hokkaido Indy Trip. More details will be dropping in April 2025.
Ever since Caldor ravaged Sierra a few years ago, the resort has become a powder hound’s dream. Storms would dump feet of snow, and only a few hundred locals would be out shredding it. The question on everyone’s mind was, ‘Will Sierra-at-Tahoe survive?’ If the crowd on Saturday, February 8th, is any indication, it’s returning to its former glory.
Back to the Good ‘Ole Days?
In town, the roads were eerily empty. But as we turned left at 8 a.m. onto the access road this Saturday morning, the drive up to Sierra became a slow crawl, with hundreds of cars winding their way up the mountain. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen so many people heading up to ski. By 10 a.m., all parking was at capacity, with cars waiting at the entrance for spots to open up. Talking to friends in town who have been skiing here for years—long before Caldor and the pandemic, during the busy 2015-2017 seasons—they said days like this used to be the norm. In fact, things would get so crowded that they’d call all the ski shops and hotels to let them know the resort was full, sending out text alerts and the whole nine yards.
The Perfect Storm
Photo by: Local Freshies
Without access to data, we can’t be absolutely sure why it was so crowded but can make some educated guesses. Here’s a list of potential factors that may have contributed to the crowds on Saturday, February 8th.
Drought Winter
For the 2024-25 season, January saw little to no snowfall, leading to a build-up of demand for some fresh, soft turns.
Hype Train For The Storms
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is notorious for the hype generated by media outlets. Social media, news stations, and various other platforms were predicting that Tahoe would receive 6 to 9 feet of snow. While this didn’t exactly happen, it certainly fueled the excitement to get up here.
Super Bowl Weekend
Despite not being an official holiday, Super Bowl weekend is one of the most popular times to visit Tahoe, especially with the opportunity to head to the casinos and bet on the big game.
Multiple Events
In addition to everything else, Sierra hosted several events, including a USASA Boardercross competition and a local snow camp aimed at getting young kids on the slopes.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Joins Ikon
The biggest news of the season is that Sierra has joined the Ikon Pass. But is this something locals wanted? Every local we’ve spoken to has shared a similar sentiment: “It sucks, but if it keeps the lifts running, it’s the lesser of two evils. I just hope it doesn’t ruin Sierra and turn it into another crowded South Shore ski area.”
Unlike Epic, which is owned by a publicly traded company, the Ikon Pass is backed by a privately held fund, so any insights about its impact are largely anecdotal. Was the Ikon Pass a factor in the crowds returning? Everyone we spoke to on the lifts had a Sierra-at-Tahoe season pass or another product, like a three-pack. While this may be true, it’s also like a surf break—people might not always tell the full story.
Is this the New Normal?
While it’s refreshing to see Sierra returning to its glory days, every local is thinking the same thing: Will powder days become as crowded as those at other Tahoe ski resorts? Only time will tell. At the end of the day, here’s hoping Sierra continues its comeback after the Caldor fire.
You’ve packed perfectly for your ski vacation by following a ski trip packing list. The alarm rings and you jump out of bed pushing the shades open. It’s blue bird, and there’s over two FEET of fresh snow. Today’s going to be epic! Quickly scarfing down breakfast, you rush out of the cabin for first chair. Music’s blaring. You and your friends are beyond stoked. Today’s the day! Pulling up to the slopes, you jump out and open the tailgate. Your stomach drops. This is when you realize you’ve forgotten something. If this is your first ski day or one of many, learn from our mistakes and use this quick day of checklist to make sure you have all your skiing essentials BEFORE you rush out the door.
Printable Checklist
Once was enough when I forgot a pair of goggles and had to drop another thirty bucks for a pair because it was storm day. Instead of letting this happen again, we created a checklist to make sure we have everything we need before we step out the door. Learn from our mistakes and download our FREE skiing essentials checklist:
The first and quite possibly most important piece of gear is what you’re going to wear. If you wear the right stuff, you’ll be warm on cold days. Cool on sunny spring adventures. Dry when Mother Nature throws a curve ball, and it’s raining/sleeting. To learn about what features to look for in each type of garment, how to identify waterproofness, and a rundown of what to wear in any weather condition, head over to our comprehensive clothing guide:
There’s nothing worse than having cold feet. NEVER ride with cotton. Instead, pick up a pair of merino wool blend or ones specifically designed to keep you warm and wick away sweat like Primaloft or Thermolite. Whatever you do, don’t double up on them either. Just get a pair of ski socks that are a bit beefier like a mid-weight variation.
Base Layers
Think of this as your second skin. Base layers are designed to be snug so that it keeps you warm, but at the same time easily wicks perspiration from your skin. If you grew up in a colder climate, you’ll know these as “Longjohns.” They’ve advanced quite a bit in their technology over the years and feel less like a piece of chainmail and more like a soft satin covering.
Mid Layer
Image appears courtesy: REI
Being based out of Tahoe, this is the layer we don’t always wear but have in the car just in case. Mid layers are things like a fleece or a puffy. It’s that extra bit of warmth on those cold days. This doesn’t have to be for your upper body only. For some reason, my lower body (i.e. feet) gets colder quicker so I typically wear a mid-layer on the bottom and not on my upper body.
Ski Pants
The barrier between you and the elements. Nearly every pair comes with gaiters on the bottom to make sure snow doesn’t go up your leg but from there things begin to vary. If you’re looking for a touch more protection from the wind and snow on the back but with the freedom of no waistband, then you may enjoy going the bib route.
Ski Jacket
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Instead of a heavy insulated jacket, we prefer to go with a shell and then layer underneath. If the sun does come out or the temps suddenly begin to rise, you can quickly shed layers and stay comfy. For a deeper dive on what features to look for in a jacket and some recommendations, be sure to check out our article: Unzip On What To Look For In The Best Women’s Snowboard Jacket.
Gloves
Like most other pieces of ski equipment, gloves or mittens can get pricey rather quickly. It’s not unheard of to spend upwards of $200. If you’re only going out for a handful of days, you don’t need to spend that much. Invest those $$$ on more critical items like the jacket or pants. A great budget friendly glove is the Gordini Gore-Tex Storm Glove or for a few more bucks the Black Diamond. Gordini’s entire mitten and glove offerings are Snow Joke If It’s Freezing Outside. Founded in 1956 and fiercely independent to this day, their focus is less on marketing spend and more about pushing the envelope on technology, offering them to you at an affordable price.
Neck Gaiter / Face Mask
Normally, we carry two neck gaiters. A warmer one that’s a bit heavier in weight for those cold storm days like the Smartwool Merino 150 Neck Gaiter. And then another that’s incredibly breathable that we could use even on a warm spring day like the Buff CoolNet UV+ line. Note: The Buff CoolNet is so breathable you could even use it in a warm climate like Costa Rica if you wanted to protect your skin.
Skull Cap / Balaclava
Although a helmet has insulation to keep you warm, you’ll be grateful to have that bit of extra wind protection when you have a skull cap. Another option is to skip the neck gaiter and go full balaclava.
Equipment
Out of all the skiing essentials, your equipment has A LOT to do with personal preference and skill level. We have MULTIPLE articles going into how to identify the best equipment for you such as Rocker Vs Camber – Which Is Best For You. We suggest starting on our ski & snowboarding equipment homepage and go from there:
Do a quick once over to make sure each bolt is tight and nothing’s broken. I’ve had a few times where my high back somehow lost a screw. I’ve seen and heard countless times where friends don’t feel comfortable on their snowboard — here’s how to Get Yo Stance Dialed – Snowboard Binding Setup so that you can rip with the best of them.
Snowboard / Ski Boots
Check the laces and latches to make sure nothing’s out of order. Frustrated with your current boots? Here’s 7 Things To Look For In The Best Womens Snowboard Boot based on our findings that will help both men AND women.
Ski Poles
If you’re renting or buying a pair of poles, the easiest way to find the right size is to flip them over and hold them underneath the basket. Your forearm should be at a 90 degree angle to the floor with the upper arms comfortably on your sides.
Helmet
Image appears courtesy: REI
The most expensive item in your entire kit is your brain so it’s a good idea to rock a helmet. I learned this the hard way by getting a few concussions in my youth. At a minimum, a helmet protects you from scratches and bruises from a random tree branch sticking out. At its best, the helmet will make sure that if a stray skier, snowboarder, or boulder hits you or you hit it, your noggin has some extra protection. Jaime LOVES her new Drift Wildhorn Helmet. It fits her googles, stylish, and a fraction of the price compared to some of the others on the market.
Goggles
Photo by: Local Freshies®
While ski goggles are one of the skiing essentials to have, this is yet another example of something you don’t need to drop big coin on if you aren’t spending thirty days on the slopes. Focus on the basics. Do they fit your face and helmet appropriately? At a minimum, you want them to reduce glare and block the wind from making your eyes water. We delve into how to find the best pair for you and review all the brands on the market in Get Your “Eye” On The Best Ski / Snowboard Goggles Out There.
Accessories
While some of these are truly skiing essentials like your season pass, others are not as much. But, you’ll be glad you have them such as sun block on those sunny spring days.
Lift Pass
Regardless if you’re a season pass vet or a day pass junkie, there’s a good chance you have to print out something to bring with you when you get to the resort.
Snacks
When the snow is good, you don’t want to waste your time having to stop for food. Just like the Snickers commercial croons “Hungry? Why wait”, stuff your pockets with jerky and granola bars.
Backpack
Image appears courtesy: REI
We don’t normally ride one with one if we’re only going to be out for a few hours. But on those epic storm days where it just keep snowing and snowing, we can’t bare to pull ourselves from the slopes. You can of course ski with a regular backpack, but there’s a good chance you’ll feel like you have a cat attached to your back attempting to toss you over the handlebars. If you’re going to ride with one, we recommend picking up one that’s light and designed to carry a water reservoir like the Osprey Kamber 20 L Snowpack for men or the Kresta for women. It isn’t bulky, and you won’t even notice that you’re riding with it.
Wax
Image appears courtesy: REI
Not as critical mid-winter, but on those warm spring days we typically carry a bit of warm weather paste wax such as Maxiglide or MountainFLOW quick wax and a tiny bit of citrus base cleaner to fend off any stickiness.
Tool
It is true ski resorts typically have a wrench at the bottom of each lift but normally they’re really a pain to use. Instead, have something like a Dakine Torque Driver Tool in your pocket. It has all the different sized bits and will work WAY better than what’s available on the slopes.
Lip Balm
Don’t let the wind and sun leave you with pain. Protect those speakers from the elements with some lip balm.
Sun Block
You’re most likely going to be up higher in elevation which means closer to the sun. Even if it’s cloudy, make sure to dab on some sun screen. Sure, goggle tans are cool but you don’t want to look like a red panda when you get home.
GoPro
If a snowboarder or skier lands a backside 360 in the park and it wasn’t caught on film, did it happen?
Headphones
Mother Nature is all we need on the slopes, but I know for some music is what makes skiing & snowboarding fun.
Ski Trip Packing List
If you’re planning to go on a ski vacation, you need a lot more gear than what we highlight above. Besides the skiing essentials, you’ll also need other items like beanies, flip flops, toiletries, and even a swimsuit. To make sure you don’t forget all those items, use this ski trip packing list to save a week of misery on the slopes.
Snow has arrived in Lake Tahoe, which means it’s time to catch the “winter wave.” With three massive ski resorts covering thousands of acres of terrain, there’s a lot of skiing & snowboarding to be had. The question is, which trails to hit? Of course, we have to keep our private stashes secret. However, we can share some of our favorite iconic ski trails to hit across all three resorts based on skill level.
What could arguably be considered the most famous bump run on the continent, this swath of snow plunges 1,600 vertical feet straight down to the wooden lodge known as Cal Lodge. It was this trail that helped usher in the freestyle culture of the 70s. For expert riders, this trail is like a bumpy dream that all should have the privilege of going down. This trail embodies the spirit of Heavenly Mountain, flaunting a tremendous view and full of challenging terrain.
Ridge Run (Intermediate)
As soon as you get off Sky Express chairlift & turn around, you’ll understand why they call this resort “Heavenly.” While other resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe have fantastic views of the cobalt blue waters, none are as high or profound as the scenery off of Ridge Run. On a warm sunny spring day, the views and moderate pitch will make you want to lap this trail over & over to really appreciate some of the best scenery in the world.
Patsy’s (Beginner)
For those feeling a bit uncomfortable about Ridge Run but still want to enjoy the view, you’re in luck! Accessed via a scenic Tramway or Gunbarrel Express, ride over to the higher elevation green zone. Patsy’s provides lake views & panoramas along with a gentle slope to get some turns in.
Note: Once done, you’ll take the Tramway or Gunbarrel Express back down.
The intimidation factor begins at the entrance of the lift. The brave are greeted by a skull & cross bones stating Expert terrain. As the slow, fixed-grip triple chair lumbers toward the top of the mountain, it feels like the ascent of a roller coaster. The Wall starts with heart-in-your-mouth steep chutes, followed by huge twisting gullies loaded with natural features to jump off of.
Elevator Shaft (Intermediate)
The “backside” as it’s known, is served up via the Sunrise chair (Chair #4) & features a large blank canvas to carve on. Right in the bowl’s center is the Elevator Shaft trail. Its intermediate pitch plus mostly open face allows you to make giant turns down the entire mountain.
Timber Creek Base Area (Beginner)
One of the best things about Kirkwood is how it naturally divides the areas by difficulty. Kirkwood is home to two beginner areas, one of which surrounds the Timber Creek Express chairlift. Squirrel Ridge off of this lift is a run that every kid or beginner would want to play on. It’s a gentle gully that snakes, winds and rolls its way through widely spaced giant Ponderosa Pines all the way to the bottom.
The terrain at Sierra-at-Tahoe is “Boulder-tastic” to say the least. With an absence of dirt & an abundance of rock, the trail Dynamite required quite a bit of explosives to make this run happen. While they did blast away some of the boulders, it still offers up steep fall-line skiing with large features to jump off of from top to bottom.
Powderhorn (Intermediate)
Sierra is an intermediate skier’s dream, with half of its slopes considered moderate. A lot of those trails are accessed via the West Bowl chairlift. Powderhorn is a great option to start with since it wraps around the resort’s periphery & is very wide making it easy to negotiate its steeper sections.
Sugar n’ Spice (Beginner)
The longest run at the resort starts at the top of Grandview & finishes at the bottom, covering the full extent of the resort’s vertical at a modest pitch. At 2.5 miles long, by the end you’ll feel like you accomplished a big feat.
So you see, Lake Tahoe is packed with enough varied alpine skiing terrain to keep any skier or boarder entertained regardless of skill level. With so many iconic trails, you just might find your new favorite too.
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In outdoor gear, Gore-Tex membranes are the gold standard for protection against the elements. We’ve hailed this material in many of our articles including our backcountry ski jacket guide. And to this day, there are very few proprietary brands from companies like Patagonia or North Face that can provide that kind of protection. A fabric that has started to bubble up as a competitive alternative to Gore-Tex is Dermizax by Toray. We take a deep dive into Dermizax Vs Gore Tex to see how they stack up.
Verdict
When comparing Dermizax vs Gore-Tex it comes down to what you’re looking for in your outerwear. Personally, for 95% of the time I like the Dermizax material. It offers more flexibility and a soft feel, similar to a softshell. It also provides excellent breathability when I’m sweating on the skin track and performs exceptionally well in most snowstorms. On the other hand, Gore-Tex is what I want on a wet Sierra Cement or Cascade Concrete day when the flakes are instantly turning to liquid as they touch me. Jaime, the Local Freshies® Gal, wants superior protection at all times and so she would never part with her Gore Tex Pro regardless of the conditions.
How We Compared Dermizax vs Gore Tex
Jaime wearing the Norrøna Lofoten with the Gore Tex Pro membrane – Photo by: Local Freshies
We’ve done a side-by-side full season test with Jaime using a Norrøna Lofoten Jacket which comes with Gore-Tex Pro and while I used the Ortovox Ortler 3L with Dermizax NX in the exact same elements. Although it wasn’t a perfect comparison since they both use different fabrics on the exterior, it did give us an idea of how they stack up.
Waterproofing
On paper, Gore-Tex Pro has a whopping 28,000+ mm waterproof rating versus Dermizax NX which is rated at 20,000 mm. In simplest terms that means the Dermizax NX material can withstand 20,000 mm of water pressure before it starts to leak versus the Gore-Tex Pro can withstand up to 28,000+ mm. Just to give you an idea how impressive that is — most ski resort jackets come with a 10-15,000 mm waterproof rating.
The Monsoon Test
They say a 20,000 mm jacket can protect you from rain in a hurricane, and that’s exactly what we did. We had the fortunate (or unfortunate) opportunity to test it during a three-hour monsoon at a New York Giants game. Jaime’s Norrøna Lofoten Jacket with Gore-Tex Pro kept her dry, while my Ortler 3L with Dermizax NX performed well for most of it — though I still ended up a bit damp. In “normal” winter conditions, the Dermizax NX performed just as well as Jaime’s jacket.
Winner: Gore-Tex Pro
Breathability
The next important factor is breathability. When you begin to get soaked with sweat in a cold environment, it can lead to a dangerous situation. One of the easiest ways to solve for this is to wear moisture-wicking breathable materials including your jacket. Gore-Tex Pro has a breathability rating of 25,000 g/m2. This means that 25,000 grams of water vapor (I.e. sweat) can pass through a square meter of Gore-Tex Pro in a 24-hour period. Although Toray the manufacturer of Dermizax NX doesn’t provide a breathability rating, we’ve read that it provides anywhere between 30,000 – 50,000 g/m2.
Testing on the Skintrack
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Within a ski resort, sweating might not be a big deal but it’s a different story on the skin track. Climbing up a mountain can you get warm pretty quickly. On a spring day with temperatures starting well below freezing and hitting highs in the upper 40s, I was blown away with the Dermizax NX membrane. I believe the breathability rating is spot on. Even though I’m the sweaty type, it kept me comfortably cozy in the full range of activities without having to keep taking it on and off. While Jaime, on the other hand with her Gore-Tex Pro, was constantly going on and off with her shell.
Winner: Dermizax
Feel
The final feature that most don’t talk about is “feel.” We’re not talking about Fernando’s Hideaway “dahling” on how you look but how the material feels when you’re moving on the mountain. Do you feel inhibited? Does the fabric make it sound as if you’re crumpling up a piece of paper? For many it isn’t a big deal, but it’s something to at least consider.
Marketing Hulabaloo or Legit?
Gore-Tex fabrics combined with bullet proof denier are notorious for how stiff they feel hence the name “hardshell.” One of the Dermizax NX fabric’s chief competitive advantages that they market is its multi-directional stretch capabilities. Is it REALLY that big of a deal? Before I tried it, I could really care less about feel. I was chasing the “protection against the elements” bug. I can tell you that Dermizax’s multi-stretch abilities aren’t malarkey but legit. Instead of buying a size up, I’m able to rock a more form fitting jacket and still get the protection I need. Jaime, while she cares about the feel, doesn’t care enough to EVER part with her jacket. In fact, she uses it all year long on EVERY adventure from mountain biking to backcountry skiing.
Winner: Depends
Just a few years ago, I would’ve said that there isn’t any waterproofing material that could compete against Gore-tex. It may still be the #1 brand but as you can see from Toray’s Dermizax offering, it might not be the best tool for all situations. It comes down to what you’re looking for.
