October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. You will see a lot of purple from us this month. You will hear us talk about domestic violence, healthy relationships, warning signs and prevention. But we also want to make something unmistakably clear:
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, Vista Rise Collective is still your agency, too.
We are here for you. Not just during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April), not only if the assault happened within an abusive relationship, and not only if you reported it to law enforcement.
Every day of the year, Vista Rise Collective serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout South Lake Tahoe and Alpine County. One thing this work teaches you quickly is that harm does not come in neat categories.
Neither do survivors.
Many survivors have experienced both domestic violence and sexual assault. Some know exactly how they would describe what happened, and others aren’t sure what to call it at all… they just know something happened that was not okay.
That instance, the not knowing, is enough to call us.
Recently, stories involving sexual assault have again appeared in headlines, including allegations connected to college campuses. For survivors, those stories can bring difficult experiences rushing back. But you do not have to be a survivor to be deeply affected by these stories.
Stories of sexual violence can provoke anger, grief, fear and a profound sense of injustice. It is human to care when we hear someone may have been harmed. It is human to want accountability.
Those feelings can exist alongside our responsibility to allow cases moving through the legal system their appropriate process. We do not have to decide the facts of an individual case from a headline to recognize what these conversations stir in our community.
Because headlines come and go, but survivors do not.
Survivors are not strangers. They are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, students and family members. They sit beside us at soccer games and stand behind us at the grocery store.
Living in a small community creates connection. It can also make asking for help complicated. When people know one another, privacy and trust are vital. At Vista Rise, you can ask for help without giving up control of what happens next. You do not need a police report, evidence or the perfect words to call us. You do not need to know whether you want to report or whether you are ready to leave.
If you’ve been harmed, it was not your fault.
Not because of what you wore, drank, or said. Not because you froze. Not because you stayed or went back. Not because of how long it took you to tell someone. You do not have to prove any of that to us before we will help you.
Our job is not to take control of a survivor’s life after someone else has already taken control away from them.
Our job is to help give that control back.
If someone trusts you with their story, you don’t need to know exactly what to say.
Start with these three words:
I believe you.
Then listen.
Trauma does not owe us a perfectly chronological story, and survivors do not owe us a response that makes their experience easier to understand.
So yes, this October, you will see purple, and we will talk about domestic violence. But while we do, we want sexual assault survivors in our community to hear us just as clearly:
We see you. We believe you. We are here for you, too.
In October, and every other month of the year.
Vista Rise Collective’s confidential 24/7 crisis line: 530-544-4444.
Samantha Abbott is the Survivor Advocacy and Grant Compliance Coordinator at Vista Rise Collective, formerly Live Violence Free, serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in South Lake Tahoe and Alpine County.
Sierra Nevada meadows may cover a relatively small portion of the landscape, but scientists say they play an important role in supporting wildlife, storing water and maintaining biodiversity.
Researchers and conservationists recently gathered at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Lake Tahoe campus to discuss what is known about these ecosystems and what still needs to be studied.
The workshop, sponsored by the Tahoe Institute for Global Sustainability, brought together researchers from different fields to identify gaps in meadow research and explore ways to improve conservation and restoration efforts.
Researchers and conservationists gathered at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Lake Tahoe campus.Courtesy of Kylie Papson
“They’re critical for wildlife, for water storage, for water quality. These are really unique and just biologically important ecosystems,” said Cody Reed, a meadow ecologist with Point Blue Conservation Science.
Sierra Nevada meadows are also relatively small and scattered across the landscape, making them difficult to study and leaving many aspects of their ecology poorly understood, Reed said.
According to the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, the Sierra Nevada contains more than 18,000 individual meadows covering approximately 280,000 acres.
Many of those meadows have been degraded over the years by heavy land use. Restoration projects are already underway in parts of the Sierra Nevada, but scientists say more research is needed to understand how meadow ecosystems function.
The goal is to build on existing research and use that knowledge to help guide future meadow conservation and restoration, Reed said.
Welcome back to Ask Talie Jane, where great design meets real life. I’m Talie, your go-to for smart tips, creative solutions, and making your home beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.
Today’s Hot Topic: Why Quiet Luxury Is Getting Louder
For years, “quiet luxury” has been the design world’s answer to excess: restrained palettes, beautiful materials, minimal logos, and rooms that whisper rather than shout.
But lately, something interesting is happening. Quiet luxury is getting a little louder.
We’re seeing interiors embrace more personality, bolder art, unexpected color, sculptural furniture, statement lighting, and rooms with a point of view. The shift isn’t away from sophistication; it’s away from sameness.
The secret is knowing where to spend your design capital.
A room doesn’t need ten dramatic moments. It needs one or two that matter. Perhaps it’s an oversized painting above a limestone fireplace. Maybe it’s a jewel-toned sofa in an otherwise neutral room. Or a vintage Italian chair that looks slightly mischievous next to a perfectly tailored sectional.
This is where contrast becomes a designer’s best friend. Pair polished with patina. Modern with antique. Refined upholstery with rough-hewn timber. A sleek kitchen becomes infinitely more interesting when it’s balanced by a handmade ceramic pendant or a beautifully worn wood stool.
And if you’re designing a mountain home, this approach is particularly powerful. Nature already provides an extraordinary backdrop, so the interiors don’t need to mimic it. Instead of filling every room with obvious rustic references, introduce warmth through materials, craftsmanship, and objects that feel personal.
The bigger lesson? Luxury isn’t about having more. It’s about having better and more meaningful things.
The most sophisticated homes increasingly feel less like showrooms and more like people live there. They have books with bent spines, artwork with stories, furniture collected over time, and rooms that evolve rather than arrive fully formed.
That may be the most exciting design trend of all: personality is back in style.
And thankfully, it never goes out of it.
Have a design or construction question? Send it to Natalie@TalieJaneInteriors.com, and you might see it answered right here in the next column.
For the first year of Tahoe’s Got Talent, we could not have imagined a more meaningful way to bring our community together. A couple of hundred people filled Harrah’s South Shore Showroom on Saturday, September 26, to laugh, cheer, dance, celebrate local talent, and—most importantly—support Tahoe Youth and Family Services and the young people we serve. As we reflect on this magical evening, we are filled with gratitude for the many people who made it possible.
First and foremost, thank you to the entire Harrah’s/Caesars Republic team for welcoming us so wholeheartedly and making us feel at home from the beginning. We are especially grateful to the backstage crew—Dennis, Cap, Alex, Tyler, Dallas, and Jimmy—for guiding us through every step of the process. Your work behind the scenes played an essential role in bringing the show to life, and we truly appreciate everything you did to make the night possible.
To our participants and their families: WOW. You showed up, worked hard, took a chance on something brand new, and created an incredibly fun show. Your talent, energy, and willingness to be part of this first year made Tahoe’s Got Talent what it was, and we are proud of every one of you. One of the evening’s highlights was celebrating the remarkable talent in our community. Congratulations to Taylor Rennee, recipient of the Judge’s Choice Award, and Maven Hayes, winner of the People’s Choice Award. Both performers captivated the audience in their own unique ways and embodied the spirit, courage, and creativity that made Tahoe’s Got Talent unforgettable.
To our judges—Rhonda Keen, Sharon Kerrigan, and Rebekah Chance—and to our incredible emcee, Sara Pierce: thank you for bringing your personalities, humor, and professionalism to the stage and making the evening so entertaining.
To our sponsors and donors: we know local businesses are asked throughout the year to support organizations, teams, schools, nonprofits, and community events. Every yes requires thoughtful choices about where limited resources can have the greatest impact. That is why we never take your support for granted.
Every sponsorship, donation, ticket purchased, vote cast, and shared message represents a choice to invest in this community. That support helps Tahoe Youth and Family Services continue the work that matters: providing behavioral health treatment, mentoring, supportive services, housing programs, for young people throughout the Tahoe community. It also helped us keep the event accessible to families by offering free admission to children 12 and under. Seeing children in the audience enjoy a night out, celebrate local talent, and experience the excitement of live entertainment was one of our favorite parts of the evening. We hope to continue creating an event that welcomes our entire community for many years to come.
A very special thank-you goes to Chris and Mary Strohm for their extraordinary contribution and for believing in what we are building. Your support means more than we can put into words. This was only Year One, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude as we begin dreaming about Year Two. Before we look ahead, we offer one more heartfelt thank-you to all of our sponsors:
Alice Jones • Alpine Smith • Amy Anton • Basecamp Pizza • Barton Memorial Hospital • Bert’s Café • Caesars Republic • Chart House • Cheyanne Lane • Chris & Mary Strohm • Destination Tahoe-The Witt Group • Encompass Youth • Edgewood • Genasci Stigers Family Dental Care • Himmel Haus • Irma D. Andersen • Kerry Campbell Price • KRLT • Luna Lending • Manish Patel / MIRATP, LLC • Maryon Tilley • Meeks Lumber • Millennium Medical Spa • Miss B’s Balloons • Monica & Scott Gustafson • Redwood Printing • Sessions Salon • Signs of Tahoe • Sidestreet Boutique • Tahoe Ale WorX • Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club • The Lodge • Ted Kennedy • Terry Price and Kerry Campbell Price • Tim & Barb Roslansky • Tyler Shewbert, P.E.
Thank you for believing in Tahoe’s youth, investing in this community, and helping make the first Tahoe’s Got Talent a night Tahoe Youth and Family Services will never forget.
The ten-year Treasury yield recently rose above 5 percent. Rising rates push borrowing costs and mortgage rates higher. Why is this happening?
Reason 1: Government Debt
Actually, there are 40 trillion reasons. That’s because U.S. debt has topped $40 trillion. Our country spends more money servicing this debt than we do on our military. In fact, these interest payments carry the same price tag as paying each U.S. citizen about $5,000 annually.
The annual deficit is about 6 percent of GDP, a level typically seen only during wars and recessions. Compare that to the years 2002 to 2007, when the deficit averaged just 2.3 percent of GDP. If the deficit is this high during economic growth, what will happen when a recession or economic shock hits?
Rising debt means higher interest payments. Therefore, if U.S. debt were lower, interest rates and mortgage rates would be lower too. Most don’t see the connection between government debt and the housing affordability crisis, however. Politicians fail to act because the public has no appetite for paying higher taxes or cutting programs like Social Security and Medicare.
The Trump administration projects the deficit will rise by 16 percent this fiscal year. Add in heavy borrowing from the largest technology companies to fund the massive AI build-out, and it’s easy to see why rates face upward pressure.
Reason 2: Inflationary Pressures
Inflation has remained above the Fed’s two percent target since 2022, and it’s trending in the wrong direction. Until 2020 inflation wasn’t a problem. Since then, a long list of inflationary pressures has emerged. These include supply chain disruptions related to Covid-19 and the AI boom, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, increasing tariffs and protectionism, and the decision to invade Iran.
Some economists argue these are one-off events and that inflation will eventually fall. But are they? The Iran conflict, which has cost $38 billion through July, continues to keep gasoline prices elevated. A possible response would be to suspend the federal gasoline tax, but that would add $3.5 billion a month to the U.S. debt.
What does this mean for investments? Rising yields lower bond prices, so the bond market may not serve as a safe hedge when stocks fall. Eventually, though, these yields will become attractive to investors. The market will figure out when that turning point occurs.
David Vomund is an Incline Village-based fee-only money manager. Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555. Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.
Vail Resorts CEO Robert Katz expects skier visits to rebound during the 2026-27 season — but perhaps not to the levels seen before last winter’s historically poor conditions in Colorado and the West.
During a fourth quarter earnings call with investors Monday, Sept. 28, Katz reported that the company’s annual revenues were down as a result of the “exceptionally challenging weather” last season. He also blamed a 12% lag in Epic Pass sales through mid-September on last season’s conditions, but said he expects to see improvements as winter approaches.
“We certainly assume that the ski industry is going to have a significant recovery from last year,” Katz said. “The only question is whether the industry is going to get all the way back to the (2024-25) season. Our assumption is, for the guidance at least, that it may not.”
Vail Resorts reported that annual resort net revenue declined $132 million, or 4.5%, during the 2026 fiscal year that ended July 31, compared to the prior year. Heading into the 2026-27 season, the leading ski resort company has issued fiscal guidance that assumes visitation to be “modestly lower” than it had originally predicted going into last season.
Vail Resorts owns 42 ski areas in the U.S., including Breckenridge Ski Resort, Keystone Resort, Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Resort and Crested Butte in Colorado, which it offers access to on the multi-resort Epic Pass.
“Based on historic U.S. ski market data, visitation typically recovers quickly following a season with poor conditions when the following year has normal conditions, and we are positioned well to capture that recovery,” Katz said. “… That said, last season was a true anomaly, and it certainly creates risk heading into next season.”
Describing the 2025-26 season as “one of the most challenging winters in history” for the ski industry, Katz said he believes that some skiers are adopting a “wait-and-see attitude” resulting in lower Epic Pass sales.
Vail Resorts’ business model, which has pushed skiers to buy multi-resort passes ahead of the season over daily lift tickets, helped provide “meaningful stability” during the 2025-26 season by insulating the company from some of the weather-related impacts, Katz said. He said he expects those who opted not to buy a pass ahead of the season might instead buy daily lift tickets, especially if snow conditions are favorable this winter.
If the West were to see above-average snowfall due to “a Super El Niño or something like that,” Katz said it wouldn’t be hard to imagine skier visitation surpassing where it was two years ago. But he said at this point Vail Resorts is making more modest predictions for visitation, “given what we’re seeing in our pass sales and what we’re seeing in other (ski company’s) pass sales through third parties.”
Vail Resorts and other major ski companies, including Alterra Mountain Co., which sells the multi-resort Ikon Pass that is the main competitor to the Epic Pass, share data about pass sales and pricing through third-parties. Major ski companies are facing multiple lawsuits accusing them of engaging in anticompetitive behavior and price fixing involving that data sharing, including one lawsuit from a Vail Resorts investor. Katz did not address these lawsuits during the investor call.
Vail Resorts is projecting a net income of $158 million to $233 million in the current fiscal year, an increase of about 3% despite the prediction of slightly lower visitation. The company’s earnings report said the revenue increase will be supported by “increased lift ticket visitation, pricing growth, increased guest spending across ancillary businesses and approximately $25 million of incremental efficiencies.”
“While pass sales remain down to prior year during this selling period, third-party data indicates we continue to outperform the broader industry, even more so on comparable unlimited products,” Katz said. “While we’re clearly not satisfied with any decline in pass sales, this is not necessarily surprising given the severity of the conditions we experienced this past season, and the massive growth we saw in pass sales in the past five years.”
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) is requesting help from the community in locating a missing person last seen in Citrus Heights, Calif.
The woman, identified as Lisa Harlow, also known as Lisa Knutsen, was last seen on September 17 around 2 p.m. in Sacramento County and was last spoken to on September 21 around 12 a.m.
Harlow has blonde hair, blue eyes, is approximately 5’6″, and weighs around 195 pounds.
SLTPD is requesting that anyone who has seen Harlow or has information about her whereabouts to contact SLTPD at (530) 542-6100 or Madisen at (530) 220-5875.
A hui hou Kalei. Aloha ‘oe, Aloha ‘oe It is of great sadness and heavy hearts to hear the passing of Kaleimalamalamaaloha Victoria Anuenue Cofer.
Courtesy photo
Kalei was a very special friend whose roots in our hometown Truckee shaped many lifetime cherished memories. Kalei passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 30th, 2026, in Brescia Lombordia Italy.
She was always passionate about traveling and seeing the world. She loved art, graphic design and teaching English. She made a great impact on these following schools: My English School, Wall Street English School, and the famous, Lonati AngloAmerican School (L.A.A.S). She had such an electric personality that was contagious. She was loved by everyone she touched.
Kalei, since childhood, was always full of fierceness and bold intuition, never shielded away from anything she wanted to grasp in life.
She left behind two siblings, Jacob Ikaika and Kris Davi Moana, a husband Isacco Junior Tanghetti. She is the mother of daughter Hokukaipo Vittoria Arielle and a son Kane Makoa Isacco. She also left behind parents, Rob and Vicky Cofer.
We have faith and trust that Kalei is now resting in peace in paradise. We will continue to remember her as a powerful, brave soul who captured our hearts. Puana i’a mai!
Aloha mãkou iã ‘oe e Kalei Remembrance takes place Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, from 2 to 5 pm; 6250 Valley Wood Drive, Reno, NV 89523.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) welcomed Eric Cachinero as its new Public Information Officer this week, bringing more than a decade of experience in media, public relations, and government communications to the role.
Cachinero will lead public information efforts for TRPA, including community correspondence, strengthening partnerships, and helping communicate the agency’s work.
“Eric brings a valuable combination of journalism experience, public-sector communications expertise, and a genuine connection to the people and places of the Tahoe Region,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “His experience and personal connection to Lake Tahoe will be an asset as TRPA continues to communicate its work and engage with communities throughout the Tahoe Basin.”
A native Nevadan, Cachinero grew up in Sparks and earned a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Prior to joining TRPA, Cachinero served as Community Relations Manager/Public Information Officer for Douglas County. He previously served nearly two years as a Public Information Officer with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and spent eight years as an Associate Editor with Nevada Magazine/Travel Nevada.
Throughout his career, Cachinero has traveled extensively across Nevada and California, developing a deep familiarity with their communities, landscapes, and people. His work has centered on telling stories about the places that make Nevada and the Sierra Nevada unique and helping people connect with the public agencies that serve them.
That connection to the region extends well beyond his professional work. Cachinero is the author of “Odyssey of a Ghost Town Explorer,” a 12,000-mile account of his adventures and misadventures exploring Nevada’s historic ghost towns. An avid outdoorsman, he has also thru-hiked both the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, experiences that have given him a personal connection to Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada, and the communities that surround them.
“I’m honored to join TRPA and to have the opportunity to help protect and enhance one of the most remarkable places in the world,” Cachinero said. “I look forward to bringing my experience in media and public service to a unique agency with a mission close to my heart.”
Jeff Cowen, formerly TRPA’s public information officer, has been selected as the agency’s Community Relations Manager. In this role, Cowen will focus on implementing the priorities of the Permitting and Compliance Department, with an emphasis on the agency’s Shoreline Plan.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – An earthquake struck near Fallen Leaf Lake early Friday, Oct. 2, with an epicenter about 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe.
The U.S. Geological Survey first reported it as a 3.6 event, but later downgraded it to a magnitude of 3.27 earthquake near Stanford Camp on the west side of Fallen Leaf Lake at a depth of about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles).
An earthquake was reported on Friday morning. Provided / United States Geological Survey
The Lake Tahoe Basin is home to three major fault zones: the North Tahoe-Incline Village fault zone, the West Tahoe-Dollar Point fault zone and the Tahoe-Sierra frontal fault zone.
During an earthquake, safety officials recommend getting underneath a sturdy table or desk to protect against falling objects. If no shelter is available, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops. Doorways are generally not safer than other areas inside a building.
Lake Tahoe’s forests are everything all at once. They are the watershed that protects the Lake’s famously clear water, the wildlife habitat that is home to endangered species, and places to hike, bike, ski, climb, and explore. They also support our recreation economy and quality of life.
That is why Keep Tahoe Blue, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, and Tahoe Backcountry Alliance—representing conservation, trails, mountain biking, and backcountry recreation—have come together. The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which would drastically change how some of Tahoe’s least developed national forest lands may be managed. We stand in opposition to the proposed rescission.
For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has provided protections from most new road construction, road reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting across millions of acres of inventoried roadless areas, including roughly one-quarter of Forest Service lands in the Tahoe Basin. These lands protect headwaters, habitat, backcountry terrain, and recreation while connecting Tahoe to the larger Sierra landscape. Lake Tahoe’s extraordinary clarity depends on the health of the forests that surround it.
Roadless Does Not Equal Unmanaged
Protecting roadless areas does not mean leaving Tahoe’s forests untouched. Temporary roads for forest management and wildfire mitigation are already allowed under the Roadless Rule.
Our organizations support science-based restoration, forest fuels reduction, and appropriate tools to create healthier forests, safer communities, and greater resilience to drought, climate change, insects, and disease. The Tahoe community has shown that we can reduce wildfire risk and restore healthier forests while protecting roadless landscapes. The two priorities are not mutually exclusive.
Our Forested Landscape Experience
Tahoe’s roadless areas are not just lines on a Forest Service map. They are places we know, use, and care deeply about. Nearly 50 miles of the 175-mile Tahoe Rim Trail run through or border designated roadless areas, including some of the Tahoe Basin’s most iconic and ecologically sensitive landscapes. Opening these roadless areas to road construction would risk the character, ecological integrity, and recreational value that make these places so special.
For Tahoe’s mountain biking community, the landscape, the forest, the feeling of remoteness, and the absence of roads are integral parts of the ride. And for those who travel farther into Tahoe’s backcountry, the absence of roads is part of what makes these places special. Roadless areas protect the kind of backcountry experience that attracts many of us to public lands in the first place—quiet, undeveloped areas where people can travel under their own power and experience a sense of solitude, awe, and adventure.
The Roadless Rule has played a major role in keeping those landscapes intact. Once roads are built into previously undeveloped areas, the character of those places changes permanently.
Our partnership reflects people who care about these places. Conservationists, trail stewards, recreationists, residents, visitors, businesses, and families share common ground: healthy forests, clean water, connected habitat, durable recreation, and Tahoe’s wild character are vital.
Protecting the Forest Protects the Lake
In the Lake Tahoe Basin, the ecological consequences of additional roads deserve particular attention. Lake Tahoe’s extraordinary water clarity depends on healthy surrounding forests, watersheds, streams, and soils. Fine sediment particles in the lake are a leading cause of its clarity loss, and disturbing steep forested lands can increase sediment reaching waterways. The Forest Service already has a $5 billion backlog of deferred maintenance on roads they manage. If we can’t afford to fix the roads we already have in order to protect the lake, now isn’t the time to build new ones.
Tahoe’s conservation successes come when people and institutions work across borders, disciplines, and interests. Roadless area policy should follow that model through regional collaboration, science-based management, public involvement, and landscape protection. That regional approach matters because decisions affecting one watershed, trail corridor, habitat connection, or recreation area can influence neighboring landscapes and communities. By coordinating advocacy across the Tahoe Basin and wider Sierra Nevada, partners can uphold shared values, identify protections, and ensure that restoration, access, and conservation reinforce rather than undermine one another.
You Can Speak Up Too
This decision is not final, and Tahoe has an opportunity to be heard. The Forest Service is accepting public comments on the proposed rescission through October 6, 2026. We encourage everyone who cares about this place to share what Tahoe’s roadless areas mean to you. Visit keeptahoeblue.org/roadless-rule to submit a comment.
If Roadless Rule protections are ultimately removed, Tahoe should be prepared to explore every available mechanism to maintain durable protections for these landscapes while continuing forest restoration and wildfire resilience work. And we will be.
Whether you come to these landscapes to protect the lake, hike a trail, ride singletrack, ski through the backcountry, or simply know that wild places still exist around Tahoe, we all have a stake in keeping them that way.
Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD Chief Executive Officer Keep Tahoe Blue
Drew Bray Executive Director Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA)
Anthony Cupaiuolo Executive Director Tahoe Backcountry Alliance
Sam Donnelley Trail Operations Director Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Grandpa’s Cellar was among our favorite stops at Apple Hill.Victoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Like clockwork, the autumnal equinox brought with it the transformation of aspen tree leaves from green to gold and an annual itch that only fall activities can scratch.
As a Florida girl, born and raised, the turning of the seasons was always just a phrase. I never actually had the privilege of experiencing a true summer-turned-autumn sequence, and once you get a taste of it in our region, there’s really no going back.
My partner, being a hotshot firefighter, finally had a few days of Rest & Recuperation and shares the same thirst for seasonal pastimes, so naturally, we had to go to the place everyone has been raving about since we moved here — Apple Hill.
Here’s where our expectations collided with reality… You see, we thought Apple Hill was one, singular place. We were naive to the fact that it was actually a long stretch of farm after farm, with an endless array of unique experiences packaged under the name “Apple Hill Growers”.
Reality was definitely better, and we were grateful to have filled up our gas tank.
Our next order of business was to figure out where the heck we wanted to go first, and honestly, where to even start? Thanks to our handy, dandy tiny screens, we found an entire map and started making some moves.
First stop: Hidden Star Camino (Apple Hill Farm #23) for some of those famous apple cider donuts.
Upon arriving, we were shocked at how crowded it was. This was to be expected though, given it was the last weekend of September. The crowds added to the excitement we felt as we walked up to a bustling farm.
There was so much to take in. To our left, apples were soaring through the air as children lined up behind a set of giant slingshots, antsy for their chance to hit one of the metal targets several yards away. To our right was a farmers market-style barn filled with tons of goods – carnivorous plants, jewelry, clothing, you name it.
Behind a fence was one of the most unique playgrounds I’d ever seen, filled with random (and rather whimsical) structures ranging from large industrial culvert pipes to an old, two-seater single-engine airplane. If I was a kid, I would have had the time of my life here.
The apple cider donuts were definitely worth the hype, and after feasting on more than I’d like to admit, we decided to find another place to explore.
Second stop: O’Hallorans Apple Trail Ranch (Apple Hill Farm #18) for some apple-pickin’ fun.
Have you ever truly experienced fall unless you’ve gone apple picking? Prior to this, I would have said, “Yes, of course!”, but this really felt like we were performing a classic autumn tradition. Striding through rows and rows of apple trees on an overcast day as the breeze gently nuzzled my face, it felt like I had come straight from someone’s fall Pinterest board.
Using a keen eye to find a good-looking apple is harder than expected, but we took our time and spent the better part of an hour filling up our bucket.
Third and final stop: Grandpa’s Cellar (Apple Hill Farm #17) to see 100-year-old apple trees.
Upon entering, what immediately caught our attention was how many people were carrying flights of little coffee jars topped with delicious caramel sauce or fluffy whipped cream. Had we not stuffed our faces with apple cider donuts, we would have waited in line to snag our own.
We wandered into the gift shop and my thoughts drifted to how much it reminded me of Honeydukes sweet shop in the world of Harry Potter. The smell of cinnamon, lavender and honey tickled my nose. Rows and rows of jars filled with raw honey, jams, apple butter and syrups lined the shop. There were autumn-themed trinkets, fall wreaths and a vast array of scented soaps that adorned the walls and shelves.
Here, we also read about how Grandpa’s Cellar started as a fruit stand before a blight wiped out the pear industry in the area. Farmers in the Sierra Foothills decided to switch their orchards to apples and today, Apple Hill has over 55 ranches.
The ancient apple trees were beautiful, with weathered and gnarled branches that stretched out overhead. If they could talk, I’m sure they’d have some interesting stories to tell about what they’ve seen over the years.
It was the perfect way to end our trip. Although there was so much more to discover at other farms, by this time it was nearing 3 p.m., we were full, happy and getting sleepier by the hour.
We left Apple Country with a bag full of hand-picked apples, two honey-lavender lollipops, a carnivorous pitcher plant, and a clear idea as to why everyone loves Apple Hill.
Why have one when you can have two? Meet Sushi and Rice Cake, an adorable bonded pair who are hoping to find a forever home where they can continue life side by side.
At five years old and 12 pounds, Sushi is a sweet and curious girl who loves exploring her surroundings and soaking up all the pets she can get. She adores spending time with her people and is happiest when she can stay close by, keeping her humans company and enjoying plenty of affection.
Sushi and Rice CakeProvided / HSTT
Her best friend, seven-year-old Rice Cake, weighs 16 pounds and is just as sweet and loving. Rice Cake enjoys gentle pets and being around her favorite people. She can be a little nervous when she first meets someone or finds herself in a new situation, but once she feels comfortable, and with Sushi by her side, her loving personality truly shines through.
These two girls have formed a special bond, and they are looking for a home where they can stay together. With Sushi’s curious and affectionate nature and Rice Cake’s gentle, sweet personality, they make a wonderful pair, and their future family will get twice the companionship, twice the affection and twice the love.
Sushi and Rice Cake are a bonded pair and will need to be adopted together. Could these two sweet girls be the perfect pair for you? Stop by the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe to meet them and see if Sushi and Rice Cake might be the two missing pieces of your family.
If you are interested in meeting these lovely ladies or learning more about them, please get in touch with one of HSTT’s Adoption Specialists, 530-587-5948 or adoptions@hstt.org. Both Sushi and Rice Cake are spayed, vaccinated, and up to date on vaccines. To view more adoptable pets or to learn more about the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, visit, www.hstt.org.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to change the world, including how we learn, work, communicate, and prepare students for the future. Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) invites families, staff, students, and community members to join them for a Community Conversation about Artificial Intelligence in our schools.
The Community Conversation will be held October 6, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the LTUSD District Office, 1021 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.
As AI becomes increasingly present in education and everyday life, LTUSD wants to hear different perspectives about what this technology means for our students and schools, both now and in the future.
The evening will include a discussion about AI and student learning, including the question, “Do you have concerns about student learning because of the use of AI?” Student Board Member Miri Lucksinger will then provide a presentation from the student perspective.
Attendees will also participate in small table conversations to share their ideas about the future of AI in LTUSD schools. What should we be thinking about? What opportunities or concerns should we consider? And what would our community like to see the District doing as AI continues to evolve?
“We hope you’ll join us, share your perspective, and help us continue the conversation about AI and the future of teaching and learning in LTUSD,” a LTUSD press release stated.
Article written by: Alex Silgalis | Local Freshies® Original article published onlocalfreshies.com
Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Science fun fact alert… it’s because the chlorophyll giving the leaves their green color is no longer produced. At the same time, there are additional chemical changes happening which lead to the mixing of different pigments such as the reds, yellows, and browns. So, where are the best places to see Lake Tahoe fall colors and take in this amazing change of seasons?
If you’re looking for an easy drive with great views, Mount Rose highway will fit the bill. Just over 24 miles in length, State Route 431 is the highest summit open year-round in the Sierra Nevada. Standing at over 8,911′, the pass gives you unmatched views of Lake Tahoe, Slide Mountain, Reno, and Carson City. The golden aspen foliage is a sight to behold for sure.
Directions: From Incline Village, head east for 7 miles on NV-431.
Hope Valley – A Place of Contrasts
Location: 20 miles from South Lake Tahoe – Hope Valley
Photo by: Rachid Dahnoun – Image appears courtesy: Lake Tahoe Visitors AuthorityTahoe Transportation District |
Located just down the road from Kirkwood ski resort, Hope Valley is a land of contrasts regardless of the season. But Hope Valley fall colors are something special.. This valley contains the meandering West Carson River surrounded by massive peaks – its scenery is amazing. Another ‘Hope Valley bonus’ is the lack of human development. This allows you to look over the countryside and enjoy natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Stands of Quaking Aspen, Black Cottonwood, and Willows dot the meadows, leaving you with yellow, gold, and orange.
Directions: From Meyers, head south on Highway 89 towards Markleeville, driving approximately 12 miles. Turn west onto Highway 88 and continue about 2 miles. The fall foliage can be seen right from the road, but if you’re looking for a hike, make a right onto Blue Lakes Road and drive another 1.3 miles to the trail head.
Originally built back in 1927 to store irrigation water, Spooner Lake has quietly become a go-to spot for outdoor lovers. Packed with trout like Lahontan cutthroat and rainbow, it’s a solid place to drop a line—yep, even in the fall and winter. With year-round fishing, you might even reel in dinner while soaking up the mountain vibes.
But the real magic happens in autumn. The Spooner Lake Trail, an easy loop around the lake, winds through groves of aspens that absolutely glow this time of year. Their golden leaves shimmer in the sunlight, creating a scene straight out of a postcard.
Local Freshies Tip: Want to stretch those legs a bit more? Take a stroll up the gravel North Canyon Road. It’s lined with massive aspen stands that are 100% worth the extra effort. BUT a heads up for 2026: construction associated with the Marlette Lake water system is creating weekday trail closures from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most trails reopen outside construction hours and on weekends, but schedules can change, so check Nevada State Parks before heading out.
Directions: From South Lake Tahoe, head east on Highway 50 approximately 15 miles. Turn north on Highway 28 for ½ mile to the Spooner Lake Park entrance.
No matter where you go in the Lake Tahoe Basin, there’s always a place that somehow relates back to the silver mining boom in Virginia City. Marlette Lake is a great example of this. Built as a reservoir in 1873, the flume, now named the ‘Flume Trail‘, provided water to Nevada mining operations. It was built to ship logs via a waterway to the Incline Village lumber mill. Now converted into a classic mountain biking trail, the hike up to Marlette Lake is more challenging compared to other ones on the list but well worth it. The trail passes through a Sugar Pine forest, stands of aspen and even a fern patch, so the opportunity of colors is amazing.
Directions: From Incline Village, take Route 28 for 5 miles to the parking area just across the road from the Chimney Beach trail-head.
2026 Access Note: Construction is still affecting access to Marlette Lake. Most trails within Spooner Lake & Backcountry State Park are closed Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. during construction, but reopen outside construction hours and on weekends. Check Nevada State Parks for the latest closure schedule before making the hike.
Fallen Leaf Lake – Glacial History and Aspen Beauty
Nestled just below Mt. Tallac, the most recognizable peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Fallen Leaf Lake sits nearly 152′ above the Lake Tahoe shoreline. This lake was created by two glaciers from the Glen Alpine Valley. If the glaciers had kept moving, Fallen Leaf Lake would’ve been a bay of Lake Tahoe instead of its own body of water. One of the best vantage points to see its fall colors is in Frederick’s Meadow. An easy relaxing hike, the meadow itself is surrounded by aspen stands and conifers, allowing you to get a little outside exercise AND enjoy some fall colors.
Directions: From South Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 89 north. Just past Camp Richardson, turn left onto Fallen Leaf Lake road (FS road 1212). Drive past the campground and you will see a small trail head. The trail wanders through the meadow and then reaches the lake. There are additional pull out spots along the road up to where there’s a gated road on the left.
Some people spell this ‘Paige’ Meadows but based on Tahoe Place Names, by Barbara Lekisch, the correct name is Page Meadows. Just down the road from Tahoe City, it’s actually a series of five interconnected prairies. In the spring/summer, the meadow’s filled with wildflowers. But in the fall, the groves of Quaking Aspen explode with hues of red and yellow. Part of the path is connected to the Tahoe Rim Trail, also accessible by mountain bikes. With a hiking loop just under two miles, it’s great for people looking for an easy hike without too much exertion.
Directions: From Tahoe City, drive south on Highway 89 just past Sunnyside. Turn right on Pineland Drive and a left at the “Y” where it says Ward Valley. Follow the trail 2 miles to the Tahoe Rim Trail trailhead on the left. Take the TRT trail on your right and head north to beautiful Page Meadows.
Photo by: Jesse Bradford – Image appears courtesy: Lake Tahoe Visitors AuthoritySouth Lake Tahoe Police Logs
One of the best things about chasing fall colors around Lake Tahoe? You get to explore iconic spots without the summer crowds. Taylor Creek Visitor Center is one of those gems. Not only does it offer gorgeous foliage—think golden aspens and cottonwoods—but it also puts you front and center for one of Tahoe’s wildest natural shows.
Every fall, Kokanee salmon make their annual run. And even though Lake Tahoe has around 60 tributaries, an unbelievable 95% of these salmon head straight to Taylor Creek to spawn. It’s a jaw-dropping scene you won’t want to miss.
Local Freshies Tip: For that perfect fall photo, head to the Taylor Creek boardwalk—you’ll be surrounded by quaking aspens and cottonwoods in full fall flair.
Directions: From the Casino corridor in South Lake Tahoe, drive south on US 50 (Lake Tahoe Blvd). Turn right onto Emerald Bay Rd (Hwy 89) at the “Y”. Follow the road past the Camp Richardson complex (ice cream shop on the left) and the entrance to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center will be on your right.
Time is running out to see fall colors in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Be sure to get out there in the next few weeks or you might just miss one of the most underrated times of the year. And don’t forget to take lots of photos!
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – This weekend, 325 students will shop for free school clothing as a part of Operation School Bell, a program designed to help disadvantaged students feel confident and prevent low self-esteem from hindering school attendance, Operation School Bell Co-Chair Lisa Brinkley said.
One year, Brinkley said, a student came to the register with two pairs of shoes in his cart. When the volunteer asked him why he chose two pairs, he held his foot up. He was wearing his aunt’s ballet slippers.
He replied: “‘I’ll never have to wear these again.'”
Operation School Bell is the signature event of the Assistance League Sierra Foothills. The league plans it to coincide with the start of the school year and allow students to get ahead of the cold winter weather by buying warm clothes.
Brinkley said historically high gas prices have been pushing the budgets of families in South Lake Tahoe even more than usual and “inflation is just eating into every single dime that they have.”
“People really put the priority of having a roof over their heads and food on the table, and so the one thing that goes first tends to be clothes,” she said.
But this can have a disastrous effect on the self-esteem and mental health of students, Brinkley said. That, in turn, affects school attendance.
Counselors at the El Dorado County Office of Education identify students who are in-need from transitional kindergarten until 12th grade. Brinkley said the vouchers are split fairly evenly between grade levels, with only a few TKers because it’s their first year serving that population.
The counselors are always asking to add more kids to the list, Brinkley said, adding “We wish we could serve more kids.”
Assistance League Sierra Foothills then contacts their families and gives them vouchers of age-appropriate amounts to spend at Target on Lake Tahoe Blvd. Elementary schoolers typically get $100, middle schoolers get $120 and high schoolers get roughly $140.
Students will shop between 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Assistance League Sierra Foothills works with the Kiwanis who are supplying coats and winter socks to all attendees.
Brinkley said since Assistance League Sierra Foothills is a volunteer-only organization, almost every dollar donated goes directly into the program. This year, the league raised about $150,000 to distribute to students in the county through grants, holiday home walk-throughs and garden walk-throughs.
Since the Assistance League Sierra Foothills brought Operation School Bell to the area in 2008, more than 11,000 students have participated across El Dorado County, according to its website. In 2025, Operation School Bell served 1,126 students from 60 schools in the county. Plus, more than 50 volunteers exceeded 700 hours of service to make the event happen last year, the website said.
LTUSD Associate Superintendent Dr. Alan Reader and several local principals will welcome students at the event.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A 64-year-old woman is dead, and two are injured following a crash on US-50 at Meadow Vale Drive on Thursday afternoon.
Dispatch received a call about a three-vehicle crash around 1:14 p.m.
According to the South Lake Tahoe California Highway Patrol collision report, the 64-year-old woman from Dayton, Nev., was driving a Subaru sports car westbound on US-50.
For unknown reasons, the woman drifted onto the right shoulder, over-corrected and swerved into the eastbound lane, hitting a Toyota RAV4 and then a RAM pickup.
A three-vehicle crash occurred on US-50 in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 1.Provided / CHP
The driver of the Toyota is a 63-year-old South Lake Tahoe woman who complained of abrasion and pain. A 47-year-old woman from Placerville, Calif., drove the RAM pickup and complained of pain following the crash.
First responders pronounced the Subaru driver deceased on scene.
Investigators do not suspect alcohol or drugs to be a factor in the collision.
CHP is asking any witnesses with information to contact the South Lake Tahoe area public information officer at (530)539-9500.
What does a proposed Olympic heritage and snow sports museum have in common with a 65-year-old empty fire station? Both are on land given by the U.S. government to the public, and both have been taking over a decade to figure out if proposed projects match the zoning. The former is proposed for the Olympic Valley Park, zoned as forest recreation by the US Forest Service; the latter sits on Commons Beach, which was deeded to the people of Tahoe City in 1872 and is zoned recreation.
The question of whether a museum belongs in a public park and what to do with the old fire station building while maintaining the recreational intent of both properties has vexed Placer County and some residents for over a decade. Both projects, however, may soon be moving forward.
SNOW Museum
The nonprofit SNOW (Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter Sports) Museum and Community Cultural Center moved one step closer to becoming reality after the Placer County Planning Commission unanimously approved it on Aug. 27.
The idea for the SNOW Museum dates back to 2009. Tahoe is one of the only Olympic host cities in North America that doesn’t have a museum to honor the event, which was held in Olympic Valley in 1960. Lake Placid in New York, Park City, Utah, and Vancouver, British Colombia, all have Olympic museums. Other mountain towns, like Aspen and Vail, have museums that pay tribute to their winter sports legacy.
Currently, the museum exists in a small retail space in the Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City.
After conducting multiple site studies and assembling master plans, in 2015 the SNOW Museum Board of Directors settled on a 2.3-acre site within the 26-acre Olympic Valley Park. Although the board considered the property across the street near 7-Eleven, it found that spot was not ideal due to the existence of a power substation, the industrial nature of the site, and a patchwork of land ownership.
Sitting on public land and at the entrance to Olympic Valley, the board believes the park to be the ideal location.
VACANT: The old Tahoe City fire station has been empty since 2012. What to do with the building has troubled Placer County ever since. Photo by Ted Coakley III/Moonshine Ink
“Throughout all the site studies, it’s like, where do we put something that needs to be connected to the milestone event — the ’60 Olympics — and that can represent the culture of our area and still represent all the culture in ski areas up and down the Sierra?” said SNOW Board President Bill Clark. “If you had a dream of where you could put something that recognized the Olympics, welcomed people to our area and our culture, and the rest of the ski industry would feel the connection to it, and it’s on public land so it can never really go away … We almost feel like from our perspective, we feel blessed that there’s that opportunity to do that.”
Other advantages of the park location are that it lies between the North Shore and Truckee and along the Highway 89 corridor, giving it high visibility to motorists, and is not on Palisades Tahoe property. It’s important to the board that the museum represent all Sierra ski resorts and doesn’t sit on private land, which could be taken away.
The museum is currently planned to be a two-level building that would occupy 7,250 square feet on land between the upper and lower parking lots above the pickleball courts. It would have public restrooms accessible from outside the museum, replacing the park’s vault toilets, as well as public meeting rooms.
BLENDING IN: The proposed two-level SNOW museum building in Olympic Valley Park is designed to convey the appearance of a single-story building. Renderings courtesy SNOW Museum
What is driving some opposition to the project’s location in Olympic Valley Park, however, is the question of whether charging admission and having a small gift shop and café as planned violates the deed restriction’s ban on commercial activity.
“What was the intent of the Forest Service even putting on this deed restriction that said no commercial operations? This is where I come down on the other side of the SNOW Museum and Placer County trying to stick it in there is the original intent of what was going on, because I was at those meetings with all the Forest Service people and the Placer County people,” said Olympic Valley resident Ed Heneveld, who helped establish the park in 2004.
Up until this winter, the Forest Service agreed with Heneveld. However, a leadership change in 2025 at the Tahoe National Forest brought a new forest supervisor with a different interpretation.
“So long as the county can implement the proposal in a manner that will not meet the threshold of a ‘private development of a commercial nature,’ then the Forest Service agrees that the museum would not violate the deed restriction,” wrote Forest Supervisor Chris Feutrier in a January 2026 letter to Clark.
Placer County, which has supported the museum with $850,000 in TOT (transit occupancy tax) funds for the environmental impact report, is thus far in favor of the park site for the museum.
VISTA SPECTACULAR: With million-dollar views like this, the old Tahoe City fire station sits on prime property as part of Commons Beach, which was deeded to the community over 150 years ago. Photo by Ted Coakley III/Moonshine Ink
“A lot of studies we did way back, long before I was in the supervisor role, indicated that one of the things we needed to broaden and reduce our dependence on weather and seasonality for outdoor recreation, was to have indoor facilities,” said Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson, who represents North Tahoe. “The original tourism master plan indicated that we needed more facilities to broaden that kind of our offerings. The idea that we celebrate the heritage of our Olympics and the development of the ski industry and snow sports in the Sierra made a lot of sense to me.”
The SNOW Museum would be a public-private partnership, with Placer County owning the land. More details of the partnership still need to be worked out, which will happen if the board of supervisors approves it. The item is expected to go the board on Oct. 20 in Tahoe.
A partnership would bring with it financial and public benefits, since nonprofits are allowed to solicit donations.
“We know we need to replace the playground, and we would love to have permanent restrooms,” Gustafson said. “A partnership with a nonprofit helps us secure more funding to do the infrastructure and bring the water and sewer to the site especially so that we can have regular restrooms … The other thing that we as the county insisted on is that there would be a public meeting room or an event room, so people could take shelter there, or gather. It’s a partnership that we think could be very meaningful to the community.”
Gustafson does not think that a museum gift shop or coffee shop qualifies as commercial. Most museums around the world have these amenities, which help to offset the organization’s expenses.
“If you go to the Gatekeepers Museum, they sell trinkets, right? It’s a museum on state park property. It is a historical museum. They have a gift shop,” she said. “Having visited Mount St. Helens, which is a Forest Service-run visitor center, there’s a commercial shop in there … Most people don’t define gift shops in a museum as an unregulated commercial use.”
One option proposed by the USFS is that the county pay the difference between the assessed value and the fair market rate, since the deed restriction blocking commercial usage reduced the value of the land. If the county did, this would remove the deed restriction, and the issue of commercial use would be moot. This is one possibility Heneveld said he can live with. However, the county stated it is not considering this alternative.
“Our interpretation is that this county museum is consistent with county service operations, so we are not exploring a buyout of that restriction at this point,” said Stephanie Holloway, Placer County deputy CEO for Tahoe.
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FOREST RECREATION: An aerial view of the proposed SNOW Museum. It would sit in a small, semi-forested area between the upper and lower parking lots in the Olympic Valley Park. The location was the site of a ready-mix concrete batch plant in the 1950s.
OLYMPIC HERITAGE: An artist’s rendering of the proposed SNOW Museum, which would be on two levels and encompass a total of 14,500 square feet on a 7,250-square-foot footprint.
The SNOW Museum estimates the project will cost $20 million. It currently has a $1.4 million endowment designated for construction and has its collection of artifacts in place thanks to the Auburn Ski Club, which donated thousands of pieces dating back to the 1930s. The museum will start fundraising when the project is approved.
The museum is not the only organization eyeing the park for possible development. According to Gustafson, Placer County offered a portion of the park behind the sports field to Creekside Charter School in exchange for maintaining the field and keeping it open for public use. If this were to move forward, public meetings would be held, and it would need board of supervisors’ approval. No official proposal from Creekside has been submitted.
Old Fire Station
A bigger headache for the county has been the former Tahoe City fire station — what to do that meets the recreational intent of the zoning, is open to public use, and is financially viable? The building has been vacant since 2012 when the North Tahoe Fire Protection District moved into a new facility.
In 2018, two groups — Siren Arts and Commonwell — submitted proposals, the first for a multi-use community space and the second for a market hall, but Placer found neither was economically sustainable.
“Moving forward, what we’ve really been focused on is trying to find the right mix of community support and a financially sound partner who has assets to bring forward,” Holloway said.
The nonprofit California Wildfire Institute approached Placer County about the space in 2022, but the organization eventually pulled out of discussions.
Through community surveys and public meetings, the county says it has an idea of what residents want in the space. A 2017 survey revealed that residents were most interested in bringing art complexes, indoor recreation facilities, and food and beverage options to the former firehouse. Meeting rooms and gathering spaces came in fifth.
Further community engagement conducted by the county, including focus groups in 2022, found that there was alignment around three guiding pillars for the future use of the site: (1) science and environmental protection; (2) art and community spaces; and (3) public awareness and stewardship education.
In 2023, after the county held small group conversations on the topic, a staff MOU to the board of supervisors stated: “Uniform support amongst all stakeholders interviewed [stated a preference] for a multi-use facility that would provide science research, science meeting and public education spaces, and flexible arts and community spaces open to the public.”
“What we heard from the community is that this is public land. We, as the county, are stewards of the land,” Holloway said. “What we learned was that the community had a strong interest in still having a community connection. That was first and foremost. Secondly, we heard that activating the space in a science-based, educational component to celebrate being stewards of the lake was important. We took all of that to heart.”
Another science-based nonprofit has been in talks with the county for a few years, according to Gustafson, although the talks are still in the early stages — UC Davis’s Tahoe Environmental Research Center, which has been in Incline Village since 2006.
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LEG BONE CONNECTED TO THE KNEE BONE: Moving forward with the SNOW Museum project may make it easier to update both the restrooms and playground at Olympic Valley Park. Construction is planned to take place just above the pickleball courts. Photos by Ted Coakley III/Moonshine Ink
LEG BONE CONNECTED TO THE KNEE BONE: Moving forward with the SNOW Museum project may make it easier to update both the restrooms and playground at Olympic Valley Park. Construction is planned to take place just above the pickleball courts. Photos by Ted Coakley III/Moonshine Ink
LEG BONE CONNECTED TO THE KNEE BONE: Moving forward with the SNOW Museum project may make it easier to update both the restrooms and playground at Olympic Valley Park. Construction is planned to take place just above the pickleball courts. Photos by Ted Coakley III/Moonshine Ink
Gustafson said TERC could be a good match if the design of a new building includes public meeting and event space as well as a visitor center. The nonprofit’s offices, however, may need to be across the street in the Bechdolt building, which the county owns, to satisfy the recreational zoning of Commons Beach.
“I’ve always believed in the idea of a more elaborate visitor center for our community to educate the public on taking care of this lake,” she said. “I think it’s amazing to me that millions of visitors come into Tahoe City and they can’t really learn about the lake other than on interpretive signs outdoors.”
Gustafson points to the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, run by the USFS; Washington State Parks’ Mount St. Helen’s Visitor Center, which has a theater that plays educational movies; or the nonprofit Monterey Bay Aquarium, which hosts dinners and after-hour events, as examples of what the TERC facility could become that would benefit the community.
“You can have movies. You can have shared-use facilities where people learn about the history of the lake, the environmental research going on, or exhibits,” she added. “Tahoe City could have a landmark facility.”
TERC said it could not provide details of talks with the county due to the preliminary nature of the negotiations.
“I can confirm that we have been in discussion with the county and we are looking into opportunities to expand our very successful education program into Tahoe City, but we can’t comment beyond that at this time,” said Cara Hollis, TERC communications and marketing specialist.
The key to whatever goes into the fire station is “perpetual funding,” per Gustafson, which likely means a public-private partnership similar to the SNOW Museum.
“Whether that’s TOT or the county or whether it’s TERC or other groups where there could be an event space … we need partnerships coming together because not one group on its own can fund the cost of such a thing,” she said.
If TERC were to take over the building, it would need board of supervisors’ approval.
Robb Olson, who was part of the Siren Arts team, said while he considers TERC a good fit for the former fire station, he thinks that the space should also encompass the arts, which is exactly what the Siren Arts project was trying to do — provide a space for both the arts and sciences and other community interests.
“The thing that Placer County hasn’t been able to connect with is arts,” he said. “We don’t really have a strong advocate for the arts. We need to be more well-rounded … The sun goes down, what do you do? That was what Siren Arts was about.”
Olson is critical of the county for not allowing Siren Arts to prove their project could work financially.
“The county just wanted someone to be like, ‘Hey, I’ve got $20 million. I’m going to make this project happen,’” Olson said. “We just need to try to lift things up and we can’t look to the county to subsidize arts and culture. They’re not there. I think arts and culture is hard for people to understand and to see the value.”
While the Siren Arts fire house project has been put to bed, Olson is trying to implement many of its goals with his new project — a total remodel of the Trading House buildings (across from the old Safeway in Tahoe City), which he and his wife purchased last fall.
“The Siren Arts spirit is very much alive. It’s just in a different form and it’s going through different channels to get there — it’s going through the private sector versus public,” he said.
Over the past 30 years, thousands of volunteers have shown up for the Truckee River Watershed Council’s (TRWC) annual Truckee River Day. I have been among them, volunteering since I could toddle back and forth with a willow branch in hand.
The Truckee River is where I spent countless summer days navigating rapids in inner tubes and playing instruments on its banks. But the river itself is a single part of the much larger network of creeks, lakes, forests, and meadows that make up our watershed.
Everything that makes our home in the Tahoe/Truckee area special can be traced back to our watershed –– from fresh tracks on powder days to the wildflowers alongside our favorite trails. Even the water we drink and air we breathe depend on a healthy watershed.
However, human development and industrial demands have been impacting our watershed since the 1800s. To accommodate cattle grazing and make room for highways, railroads, buildings, and other infrastructure, creeks were straightened, meadows degraded, and essential habitat lost. And despite improvements to environmental regulation and industry standards, the damage of past development can still be observed today.
Without our help, the Truckee River watershed will continue to degrade and its systems will fail to function. That’s where TRWC and its mighty volunteers come in.
Truckee River Day allows our community to come together in an effort to protect and restore the watershed. No matter participants’ age, background, or level of experience, this event welcomes everyone with open arms.
As a result, the legacy of Truckee River Day volunteers runs deep. Some have been coming since its inaugural year in 1996. Others first volunteered side-by-side with their children and, decades later, now attend with their grandchildren. Some return regularly to past project sites to observe changes and reflect on their own, individual role within our landscape.
Many have allowed their experiences as a volunteer at Truckee River Day to shape their lives and livelihoods moving forward. I fall into that category.
Some of my most vivid childhood memories took place at Truckee River Day. As a toddler, I remember helping my mother plant willows as we worked to stabilize creek banks. Years later, I showed up to volunteer with my Girl Scout troop, proudly donning my green vest to release juvenile Lahontan cutthroat trout into the river by the bucketful.
Truckee River Day has undoubtedly shaped both my love of the natural world and my commitment to protecting it, and I’m hardly the only one.
Jeff Glazner volunteered with his preschool-aged children, Ryan and Jessica, in the early years of Truckee River Day. Today, Jessica is completing her PhD in marine biology, and Ryan is approaching four years in Cal Fire’s forestry department. Both return as Truckee River Day volunteers whenever possible, and Jeff still hasn’t missed a year since 1997.
Sam Zabell also grew up volunteering at Truckee River Day with his parents, eventually securing an internship with TRWC. This foundation of environmental work shaped his professional trajectory, first with the Yosemite Rivers Alliance and now with Sierra Foothill Conservancy.
Our shared experiences with Truckee River Day reflect an event bigger than the sum of its parts. By convening our community around the watershed, TRWC transforms a single volunteer event into a lifelong connection to our landscape. Both as a launchpad for the future generations of environmental stewards and an opportunity for volunteers to give back, Truckee River Day continues to heal our watershed and create a more resilient community for years to come.
Learn more about the 31st annual Truckee River Dayon Oct. 18 or sign up to volunteer at truckeeriverwc.org.
~ Addison Wingate was born and raised in Truckee, where she grew up skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying the mountains she calls home. After six years in Southern California and a summer spent hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, she resettled in Truckee, where she works as the lead storyteller at the Truckee River Watershed Council.
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!
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.
