Truckee-Tahoe – Pet of the Week: Gwenda

by Special to the Tribune | Sep 11, 2026 | Uncategorized

Meet Gwenda, a sweet 7-month-old puppy who is ready to find her very own people and begin her next adventure in her forever home!

Gwenda may be a little shy when she first meets you, but give this gentle girl a little time and you’ll soon discover just how loving and affectionate she is. Once she feels comfortable, Gwenda absolutely loves cuddles, playtime, and being close to her people. She also enjoys the company of other dogs, making canine friends along the way. In fact, she would do really well in a home with another dog.

With her soft nature, gentle spirit, and curious, adventurous heart, Gwenda has so much love to give. We think she could be an especially wonderful match for someone who enjoys the great outdoors and would love a four-legged companion to explore the mountains with.

Gwenda is the kind of pup who may take a little time to open her heart, but once she does, you’ll have a loyal and loving friend by your side. She gets along with people of all ages, including kids.

Could Gwenda be the adventure buddy you’ve been waiting for? Come meet her and give this sweet girl the chance to show you what a special pup she is!

If you are interested in meeting Gwenda or learning more about her, please get in touch with one of HSTT’s Adoption Specialists, 530-587-5948 or adoptions@hstt.org. Gwenda is spayed, vaccinated, and up to date on her vaccines. To view more adoptable pets or to learn more about the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, visit, www.hstt.org.

Writers in the wild: Unloading the U-Haul

by n Carly Heltzel Follown cheltzel@tahoedailytribune.comn | Sep 11, 2026 | Uncategorized

I’ve driven up Highway 50 many times in my life, but this weekend was different. I was voluntarily trailing a nine-foot cargo van with a “$19.95 IN TOWN” sticker plastered across the back, something I can confidently say I’ve never let happen before for longer than a mile. And, perhaps more notably, this time I’m not driving back.

This is my first big move, the only prior ones being actual “in town” moves from college apartment to college house, always a summer at my parents’ in between. Now as my sister and I unloaded the U-Haul, I pictured the next two years of my life. I thought I would feel nervous to start work. I was giddy. 

In the eight years since I joined my high school paper, I carved out time for journalism. I interviewed people during lunch. After my homework, I wrote. I worked for outlets on the side. I spent my Tuesday nights at city council meetings. Starting my undergrad at Cal Poly, I wrote my first story for Mustang News before I had been to a class. I woke up at 6:30 every morning for two and a half years to write a newsletter, even after funding dried up. I interned. I edited.

Now I get to spend every day doing what I love and serving this community while becoming a part of it. I’m very grateful to be here.

I was placed at the Tahoe Daily Tribune to report on housing issues in the Tahoe basin for two years — one of 35 new fellows through UC Berkeley’s California Local News Fellowship. 

I’ve wanted to be a housing reporter since I was 16, watching my neighbors in Silicon Valley slowly get priced out and legislation target homeless residents in my hometown. Reporting on these issues gave me a sense of agency and purpose, which I hope to pass along through in-depth reporting and accessible stories. I minored in City and Regional Planning to be able to decipher the city bureaucracies I would face in doing this work so other people don’t have to. 

In the first few days I’ve lived here it’s become clear to me what a strong community South Lake Tahoe is. Walking through my neighborhood, everyone I passed said hello and let me pet their dogs. Everyone I talk to gives me recommendations for places to eat or get coffee, which I’ve accumulated in my notes app.

While I can’t offer you any recommendations of things to do just yet, I can tell you that I spent my weekend unpacking, meeting my new roommates, taking walks in my neighborhood, lounging on the beach in Meek’s Bay with some of the other fellows in my program and anticipating what my life will look like here in just a short time.

Unloading the U-Haul was the highlight of my weekend, simply because of how excited I am to be the newest member of South Lake Tahoe’s community.

If you see me in the wild, please come up and say hi, I want to meet as many people here as I can. And if you have story ideas or tips, send them my way at cheltzel@tahoedailytribune.com.

Interim LTCC president turns the spotlight to her staff in a well-received State of the College Address

by n Carly Heltzel Follown cheltzel@tahoedailytribune.comn | Sep 11, 2026 | Uncategorized

Conversations about artificial intelligence and the search for a new president of the college are the two newest priorities for Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) this year, Interim Superintendent/President Russi Egan said in her State of the College address Thursday morning.

Public Information Officer Mark Thompson also publicly unveiled the new, highly anticipated LTCC logo in a video shown at the address — the result of a nine-month public engagement process.

LTCC’s Duke Theater was packed as Egan took the stage, her first major public appearance since beginning her term a little over a month ago. Previously, Egan served as LTCC’s vice president of administrative services.

As Egan introduced her core values, she said integrity meant “doing the right thing even when it’s difficult, like right now.” The crowd laughed, someone in the back shouted “You got this Russi!” and a chorus of cheers egged the interim president on.

Throughout the address, Egan touched on major topics such as the on-campus student housing that opened last fall, a new campus dining option with an affordable meal plan for those students and a pilot program with Chico State to offer a psychology bachelor’s degree on LTCC’s campus.

Egan said all 100 beds are full in the new on campus student housing, providing a more affordable option for students who aren’t from the area to attend LTCC.

Her speech also highlighted over $500,000 in scholarships distributed by the college’s foundation, the new transfer center with available grants and the grant-funded employee mentorship program and cultural fluency teaching academy. 

A new Credit for Prior Learning program also gave students over 1,000 college credits for relevant experience including from military service, employment and other learning programs, Egan said. One of the most common applications was the 25 eligible credits for students who completed training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Mono County. 

Egan also noted the ongoing partnership with Mt. Tallac High School in South Lake that supplements LTCC’s enrollment, even as community colleges across the state have seen massive decline since the pandemic.

After reviewing the progress of the college’s goals, Egan introduced two more that are specific to this year. One focused on beginning meaningful conversations on the opportunities and responsibilities that arise with artificial intelligence. The other is searching for a permanent president who can lead the so-called next chapter of LTCC, punctuated by the college’s new branding.

Egan’s remarks were continuous with the projects and priorities under former Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco, based on his speech in March during which he announced his departure. DeFranco concluded his nine years at the helm of the college at the end of last school year. 

The LTCC Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Egan to fill the interim role this summer, and she will serve until June 30, 2027 or until the board appoints a permanent replacement.

Even more so than the listed theme of “Open Doors,” the address was a display of the behind the scenes collaboration on LTCC’s biggest projects. Egan repeatedly diverted attention from herself as leader to highlight employees from around campus.

The majority of the event was spent watching prerecorded videos of people around campus giving updates on new programs and services that budded in the past year.

Videos included everyone from the new student senate president, who has not historically been included in the address, to a punny faculty member who spoke of upcoming priorities while walking around Bratislava, Slovakia.

Several audience members afterward said they appreciated the selfless nature of the speech.

“[Egan] really involved a lot of the people that did the work, which was fun to see all our smiling faces up there on the screen, being proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish,” Laura Ryland, a human resource specialist at LTCC, said after the speech.

Ryland was featured in a video about the student success grant that provided meals for non-traditional groups on campus, like the SilverSneakers club that meets in the campus fitness center. 

Board Trustee Kerry David contrasted this inclusive focus with prior State of the College Addresses.

“The theatrical presentations of our former president focused on his participation rather than the participation of all of our staff,” David said. “I thought Russi did a wonderful job in presenting everybody on campus.”

David was featured alongside his longtime mentor and one of the founding members of LTCC Roberta Mason. David read a passage from LTCC’s new history book that featured Mason and her work to establish the college before wishing her a happy early 97th birthday.

After the fact, David said Mason was a good friend to him and reflected on the opportunity to share that moment with her.

“It was,” he paused, looking down. “It was moving.” 

Mason was presented with a bright pink cake donned with sparkly “97” candles as the theater sang happy birthday and gave her a standing ovation. 

As the board begins their nationwide search for a permanent president, David said those with knowledge of California’s law will be most seriously considered. 

When asked if Egan will be considered for the permanent role David said: “If she applies, she’ll certainly be considered. I think she did a great job today.”

Stacy Grajeda, the student senate president, said this was the first time the student senate was included in the address. She added it was “really nerve-wracking” to record the video introducing herself and her priorities that was shown, but that it will help her as she hopes to make the student government more visible to students, faculty and staff alike. 

“I love all these videos,” Grajeda said. “I really like that they’re reaching out and having these people there.”

Grajeda also said she appreciates Egan showing “this little silly side of her” in the address since students mostly see her in her office talking with important-looking people. 

Egan gave the audience a window into her life, sharing about the daily joy she learned from her dog Maggie and the problem solving skills and stress relief she learned from crocheting, displaying photos of her colorful creations on the screen. 

In crocheting, Egan said, “Small stitches become something pretty meaningful,” drawing comparison to the inner workings of the college.

Another highlight for multiple LTCC community members was student Hudson Conners’ video reflecting on his three years at the college shown at the very end of the address.

Vertical videos and Snapchat memories flashed across the screen as River by Leon Bridges crooned in the background. At the end, “HOME” stretched across the screen.

Egan was tearing up as she got back on stage, and her voice broke briefly as she told the crowd that the student belonging shown in Conners’ video is the reason LTCC is such a special place. 

“Everything shared today, every goal, initiative or program ultimately comes back to students, like Hudson, and the difference that you make in their lives,” Egan said at the end of her remarks. “Thank you for welcoming them, thank you for believing in them, thank you for opening doors for them every day. And thank you for everything you do for LTCC.”

Tahoe’s oldest locals: A guide to all things tree in the Tahoe Basin

by n Victoria Mastrocola Follown vmastrocola@swiftcom.comn | Sep 11, 2026 | Uncategorized

It’s easy to be captivated by Lake Tahoe’s ancient, shimmering waters and the vast mountain landscapes forever resting in the distance. Yet looming over every corner and rooted along almost every path are some of Tahoe’s oldest and most majestic locals – trees. “There are three ways to tell trees apart – cones, needles, and bark,” says Maria Mircheva, a passionate tree lover, expert and Executive Director of the Sugar Pine Foundation, an organization focusing on creating and upholding forest stewardship through things like environmental education and forest restoration. “The Sugar Pine Foundation plants hope as surely as it plants seedlings—restoring forests, creating a connection, and sowing seeds in people’s minds so that conservation becomes a shared promise for future generations.” From ascending the ridgelines of Mt. Tallac, to the wildflower-strewn Alpine Meadows, Mircheva shows us that these woods are teeming with a variety of species.

JEFFREY PINE (Pinus jeffreyi)

Residing in much of the Tahoe Basin, jeffrey pines are considered as the classic Tahoe tree. These lofty entities can live up to 500 years and are known to be very fire resistant thanks to their thick bark. A jeffrey pine’s needles are long and usually come in spurs of threes. They have heavy, spiny cones which range from 4 to 10 inches in length with the barbs pointing inward. “The spines are adaptations,” says Mircheva, “for animals to stay off, so they can’t get the seeds because the seeds are what reproduce.” Mircheva recalls reading about how a jeffrey pine was once found above 10,000 feet elevation. “They call jeffrey pines the ‘tree of the future’ because they’re so versatile and can survive in such extreme environments,” Mircheva adds.

Elevation: 6,000 – 8,000 feet

Where to spot them: 

• East Shore: Nevada Beach, Sand Harbor, Skunk Harbor, Zephyr Cove
• D.L. Bliss State Park 
• Rubicon Trail
• Tahoe City to Alpine Meadows foothills 

Fun Fact: Did you know that when jeffrey pines are warmed by the sun’s rays, they emit a vanilla or butterscotch scent? This is due to the tree producing sap that sits closer to the bark inside the tree. Next time you happen upon one basking in the sun, try the smell test. 

SIERRA LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta var. murrayana)

Think of lodgepole pines as the tree version of a phoenix. They’re used to rising from the ashes (literally). Known as the comeback species, these trees are often seen in areas where burns or floods have previously taken place. They have scaly bark and are nicknamed “wet feet” because “Lodgepoles are the only conifer that can survive flooding,” explains Mercheva. “All the other ones die.” Lodgepole pinecones are very small in size, and many remain closed until they are triggered by high temperatures caused by fires or intense sunlight, allowing for rapid forest regeneration. Their pine needles consist of two in a cluster that make the shape of an L. 

Elevation: 6000 – 9,000 feet

Where to spot them:

• Tahoe Meadows
• Spooner Summit 
• Meiss Meadows
• Donner Summit 
• Wildwood Avenue in South Lake Tahoe

Fun Fact: Lodgepole pines were first used by Native Americans to build lodges and teepees, hence the name Lodgepole.

WHITE FIR (Abies concolor)

Feel free to throw shade at white firs. In fact, they don’t seem to mind it. As one of the most shade-tolerant trees, they’re often the first trees to grow thanks to their natural succession, making them the trail-blazer conifer species after fires.  White Firs fall just behind Jeffrey Pines in terms of lower elevation domination. They have flatter, shorter needles. “The needles are more yellowish green, and point out,” Mircheva explains. They tend to grow in mixed conifer forests, with some growing as tall as 180 feet. The cones rest on the top branches of the tree and sit straight up. The bark on mature trees is scaly and carved, with an ashy-brown color. 

Elevation: 4,000 – 7000 feet

Where to spot them: 

• North-facing slopes
• Blackwood Canyon
• Lower Desolation Wilderness trailheads 

Fun Fact: White fir needles have a distinct lemon-orange smell when broken or crushed and are commonly grown to be used for Christmas trees.

RED FIR (Abies magnifica)

Red firs dominate subalpine forests throughout the Sierra Nevada. They prefer higher elevations and can handle heavy loads of snow thanks to their shelf-like branches. Similar to their white fir cousins, red firs have cones that sit upright on their branches, and Mircheva adds, “The pine needles face up.” Mature red firs have a distinctive reddish-brown bark. Early mountaineers used their plushy boughs to prepare their beds.

Elevation: 6000 – 9000 feet

Where to spot them:

• Mount Rose Highway
• Blackwood Canyon
• Angora Lake
• Stanford Rock Trail (access through Ward Creek Rd)

Fun Fact: Prior to maturity, young red firs are nick-named “silvertip” because of the silver luster of their needles and like white firs, are commonly favored to be used as Christmas trees.

WHITEBARK PINE (Pinus albicaulis)

Located in the subalpine zone, whitebark pines are considered Tahoe’s toughest trees due to their ability to adapt to extreme, high-elevated conditions. They are shaped by wind and ice which gives them a twisted and gnarled appearance, sometimes in krummholz (German for “crooked wood”) form. They can withstand hurricane-force wind gusts. Whitebark pines grow slowly but tend to live long lives. Their cones are often described as egg-shaped and do not open until they decay, which makes whitebark pines among the most primitive species in the Sierras.

Elevation: 8500 – 10,000+ feet

Where to spot them:

• Freel Peak area
• Mount Tallac’s upper slopes
• Monument Peak
• Crystal Range by Lake Aloha 

Fun Fact: Whitebark pines have a symbiotic relationship with the Clark’s Nutcracker, a species of bird that relies on the tree for food while the tree relies on the bird for seed dispersal.

INCENSE CEDAR (Calocedrus decurrens)

Preferring lower elevations of the basin, incense cedars make up many parts of Tahoe’s beautiful landscape on the slopes leading down to the water. Around Tahoe, you can find some aging from 150 to 300 years old. Commonly mistaken for pine trees, they are actually part of the cypress family and have cones shaped like a duck’s bill. They are very aromatic and are favored to be used for chests and closets. 

Elevation: 2000 – 7000 feet

Where to spot them:

• Emerald Bay/Vikingsholm 
• D.L. Bliss State Park 
• Incense Cedar Trail in South Lake Tahoe
• Secret Harbor

Fun Fact: Incense cedars rose to fame due to their soft, splinterless wood which has become a premiere industry-standard to create pencils.

SUGAR PINE (Pinus lambertiana)

“Sugar pines, with their graceful crowns, octopussy branches and long, fragrant cones dangling at the ends of those branches, have a charming silhouette that captures the imagination of people who walk beneath them,” says Mircheva. The world’s tallest pine species, sugar pines have been called the “king of pines” and are known for their giant pinecones which have the potential to reach up to 24 inches long. “They have shorter needles, and they come in bundles of five,” says Mircheva. Sugar pines are part of the white pine group, and Maria and her team at the Sugar Pine Foundation work with these amazing trees along with other white pines to fight against a tree fungus called Blister Rust. 

Elevation: 2000 -7800 feet 

Where to spot them: 

• Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park in Tahoma
• Emerald Bay State Park
• Desolation Wilderness (lower elevations)
• West Shore canyons 
• D.L. Bliss Campground near Lester Beach

Fun Fact: While early California settlers used its wood for fences and shingles for their homes, Native Americans would gather and eat their large, candy-like pine nuts. A Sugar Pine’s sweetish resin is how it got its name.

SIERRA JUNIPER (Juniperus occidentalis)

The Sierra or Western Juniper are some of the oldest and most gnarled-looking trees in the region, sometimes reaching ages of more than 2000 years old. They prefer higher elevations and can develop thick, hardy roots that interlace rocks and use them to grow laterally in an effort to stabilize themselves.

Elevation: 7500 – 10000 feet

Where to spot them: 

• Desolation Wilderness
• Blackwood Canyon
• Tahoe Rim Trail

Fun Fact:  A western juniper’s trunk diameter can reach a massive 16 feet – that’s comparable to 28 people standing side by side!

QUAKING ASPEN (Populus tremuloides)

While the dominant coniferous forest takes up much of Tahoe, you can’t help but notice the shimmying leaves of quaking aspen trees. These deciduous trees are part of the willow family and thrive near water sources. They are the most widely distributed tree in North America. Known as the “eyes of the forest”, the eye-like markings on their soft, smooth bark are from self-pruning their lower branches when they fail to receive enough sunlight.

Elevation: 5000 – 12000 feet

Where to spot them: 

• Fallen Leaf Lake
• Hope Valley 
• Spooner Lake State Park
• Van Sickle State Park
• Spring Creek

Fun Fact: Beavers absolutely love aspen trees. They prefer to snack on their bark over anything else. Aspen wood also makes for top tier dam-making material.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of Tahoe Magazine.

The Earth and Stars: 13 August – 9 September 2026

by Aurora Wellise | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

ASTROLOGY

We begin our exploration of the celestial energies with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. This beloved annual occurrence, active until Aug. 24, is a beautiful invitation to spend an evening beneath the cosmos. As shooting stars streak across the night sky, connect in your heart with all the other human beings making wishes at the same time.

Astrologically, we arrive at the midpoint of summer with an abundance of fire energy as Mercury, Jupiter, the sun, and south node all transit in Leo. On Aug 15, Mercury conjoins Jupiter in this heart-centered sign, creating opportunity for expansive, truthful, and courageous expression.

Energies may turn wonky on Aug. 17 as Mars in Cancer squares Neptune retrograde in Aries. Mars, the planet of action and forward movement, generally feels uncomfortable in Cancer’s nurturing waters, and Neptune can dissolve certainty and blur the path ahead. Fortunately, Venus in her home sign of Libra sextiles Jupiter that day, bringing grace, open-mindedness, and support for peaceful resolutions. 

On Aug. 22 the sun conjoins the south node in Leo before moving into Mercury–ruled Virgo the following day. Mercury follows suit, joining first the south node on Aug. 25 before meeting the sun in Virgo for a cazami on Aug. 27. Together, these alignments encourage the release of old identities and outdated stories, allowing more authentic patterns to emerge. We also experience a full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces the same day.

Jupiter trines Saturn retrograde in Aries on Aug. 31, bringing optimism to the work of structure and discipline. However, that supportive energy shifts quickly as Mars squares Saturn on Sept.1. Allow this transit to reveal habits, fears, and reactions that are ready to be transformed, remembering that impatience rarely produces lasting results.

NATURAL MAGIC

To support healing, create an ancestral water-and-fire offering for the Mars-Saturn square. In a safe outside place, light an orange or red candle; fill a bowl with spring water; add rosemary, rose petals, and cedar fronds. Then sit quietly and ask: What ancestral patterns around action, anger, protection, and survival am I ready to complete? 

Feel what arises, and write three patterns onto separate pieces of paper. Burn one piece and place its ashes into the bowl. Place a second, unburned, into the bowl among the plant beings. Place the third beneath the bowl of water. Blow out your candle and leave the ritual outside overnight. In the morning, offer the water, ashes, plants, and paper to your garden or compost as a prayer to the earth and to all those that came before you. Trust in the magic of healing

Two Public Land Projects Face a New Chapter

by Melissa Siig | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

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.

“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.

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.

“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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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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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.

Hospital District’s Latest Acquisition

by Mike English | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

Truckee River Day: Three Decades Shaping the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

by Addison Wingate | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

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 Day  on 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.

Foiled by Foiling

by Mike English | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

Informed Voters Don’t Happen by Accident

by Scott Parker | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

I’ve taught American government at the college level for 20 years. Over time, I’ve made a few observations about my students.

One of them is that of the several hundred students who have passed through my classrooms, I don’t believe I have changed many minds. It’s not a matter of demographics. They have covered a wide age span, ranging from high schoolers to retirees. Nor is it a matter of retention, at least in the short term. Most of them listen attentively enough to do well on tests and papers. But in casual conversations, I’m struck by how many held onto their preconceptions of how government and politics work. 

If I had to identify the reasons why this is the case, most if not all can be attributed to how and where we learn our personal values. Our early childhoods are dominated by our families, schooling, and communities of faith. Not knowing any differently, we default to what we learned early in life rather than entertaining any alternatives.

Our values, in turn, influence our attitudes toward events and issues. This is particularly true of controversial hot button topics that polarize the electorate. The goal of partisan politics is “mobilization of bias” –– attracting voters holding strong views on a given issue to your side.

The resulting polarized political climate works against promoting a well-informed electorate. The facts are out there and easily obtainable. Unfortunately, facts alone don’t change minds in a time where “facts” and “truth” have become highly subjective for many of us. (This is not a new thing, really. Kurt Andersen’s 2017 book Fantasyland makes the case that Americans throughout history have tended to live in realities of their own creation.)

One stumbling block is time. The information cost needed to be an engaged and well-informed citizen is simply too great for a lot of people. Many families are supported by two incomes. Families with small children compounded by the necessity of paying bills can overwhelm the mental bandwidth required to educate oneself on candidates, issues, and policies. The complexity of ballots, particularly in primaries under our top-two primary system, can be daunting for even the well-informed and confusing for everyone else. 

Complicating matters is the ballot initiative. A legacy of the Progressive movement of the early 20th century, Californians take it for granted that they can enact statutes or amend the state constitution at the ballot box. Some initiatives are easy to understand, both in their intent and their expected outcome. Many are not. 

Oftentimes we are confronted with initiatives whose purpose is obscure or at least opaque in their intent. I’ve spoken with people who voted for every office and every ballot initiative on their ballot because they thought they had to. This is untrue. It’s perfectly okay to undervote your ballot. I’ve done it more than a few times when I didn’t fully understand a measure. 

There are bright spots here and there. Voter turnout in California, particularly in midterm elections, is improving. In 2014 it was a paltry 30.7%, rising to 49.3% in 2018. The 2022 midterms saw some back-sliding, with a turnout of 42.9%. Presidential election years generally bring greater voting rates, with 68.8% in 2020 and 62.1% in 2024. This should be a welcome development, particularly in the midterms where there is much more at stake than popular perception would have it.

But do these voters make good decisions? Our political culture has long been dominated by candidates’ personalities and often blind identification with one of the two major parties. Voters make decisions based on image and “vibes” rather than on a clear understanding of the issues at stake in an election. 

There are a number of theories in my field as to why people make decisions at the polls. The prevailing school of thought is rational choice. This explanation holds that people don’t cast votes as a dichotomous, either/or decision (even though if you asked most people, they would probably describe it this way). Rather, rational choice uses a consumer-based approach. When we buy a consumer item, we rank-order our options to optimize value. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a can of beans, an electronic device, a car, or a house. Each of us is a rational actor in the marketplace.

This theory assumes that each of us has perfect information, when in most cases we probably don’t. A more plausible explanation, in my opinion, is a prospective and retrospective hypothesis. When times are bad, we want to go with whichever candidate or party offers a way out. When times are good, we want to stick with the candidate or party that is in office. Image and vibes may account for more than my colleagues and I may think.

So, how do we improve voter knowledge? I wish I had an innovative, outside-the-box solution.  California voters do not lack for information. There is the secretary of state’s guide with its tiny font on newsprint. There are the sample ballots and candidate guides published by the counties. There are lots of third-party resources such as the League of Women Voters. A personal favorite is Ballotpedia. This website covers all the major federal and state political contests, along with notable local elections. Importantly, it discloses major donors and contributions to both candidates and ballot initiatives. (Ballotpedia began as a volunteer-edited wiki but has been professionally edited for several years.) 

If I had to make a recommendation, I would suggest first choosing an issue area of interest to you. Then, find a source you believe reputable to research that issue and where candidates at all levels stand on it. 

Inform yourself and choose wisely. 

~ Scott Parker is an instructor of political science at Sierra College. Raised in Placer County, Scott earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, Sacramento, with graduate study at the University of Nevada, Reno. He lives in Truckee.

KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE

November’s General Election is just around the corner. Do you know your local candidates?

Moonshine Ink put together a detailed Election 2026: Tahoe/Truckee Tracker, showing the local agencies with seats up for election this year, who will be included on ballots, as well as the benefits and compensation each seat receives.

Review the tracker here.

Attend one or all the events below to hear from various candidates before the big day, Nov. 3, 2026.

P.S. Our October edition of Moonshine will cover critical races in our region. Stay tuned.

~ AH

North Shore Election Forum (Virtual) | Oct. 6

First Tuesday Breakfast Club is a community forum about news, projects, businesses, and influencers hosted by the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA). The October Breakfast Club will feature local candidates running for election, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Join on Zoom by visiting firsttuesdaybreakfastclub.com.

Truckee Candidate Forum Oct. 6 and 8

Both forums will be held in the Town Council Chambers at Truckee Town Hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Road and will be broadcast and recorded as well. The events are free and open to the public. Moonshine Ink serves as a partner to the events, and staff will be part of the team asking questions of candidates.

Night One: Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 5 to 8 p.m.

5 to 5:15 p.m.: Measure P

5:15 to 6 p.m.: Tahoe Truckee Unified School District

6 to 7 p.m.: Truckee Donner Public Utility District

7 to 8 p.m.: Truckee Fire Protection District

8 to 9 p.m.: Sierra College Board of Trustees, Trustee Area 2

Night Two: Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5 to 9 p.m.

5 to 6 p.m.: Truckee Town Council*

6 to 7 p.m.: Tahoe Forest Hospital District

7 to 8 p.m.: Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District

* The town council race is uncontested, however, organizers wanted to give community members a chance to hear directly from the candidates who will represent them.

Readers are invited to submit questions to Jessica Penman at jessica@truckee.com by Friday, Sept. 25. Due to time constraints, not all submitted questions may be asked.

Incline Village/Crystal Bay

As of press deadline, no candidate forums have been proposed for the Incline Village General Improvement District board.

Snow Through the Years

by Mike English | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

The Art of the Bench

by Tim Hauserman | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

Sandor Lengyel builds things meant to outlast him.

High on trails meandering along the West Shore of Tahoe, this means benches — massive, hand-built seats made from dead and downed trees, milled and hand-built on-site. Seven of them now sit along the trail — with one more on its way — offering hikers and bikers a place to stop, take in Lake Tahoe, and admire the view.

Lengyel, a Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) trail crew leader, built his first trailside bench after the organization rerouted and dramatically improved the iconic Stanford Rock trail. He wasn’t expecting much from a piece of furniture.

But “[the bench] really became a focal point up there,” he said. “It had a larger impact than I anticipated.”

That bench sparked an idea.

As TAMBA began planning the Meeks Ridge Trail — a route that will eventually connect to Lost Lake and, via the General Creek Trail, Sugar Pine Point State Park — it approached the Tahoe Fund about financing. What emerged was a distinctly Tahoe kind of equation: People who love the place and have the means to give back can pay $10,000 or more for a commemorative bench. TAMBA gets money to build the trail. And everyone who comes along afterward gets a wonderful trail to explore and places to rest.

It was a win-win-win. Then Lengyel started building the benches.

“Sandor blew us away. We didn’t realize they would be as magnificent as they would be,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry.

Magnificent may be understating it.

Building a bench

Lengyel began working on trails in Marin County after graduating from college. 

“I discovered it is legacy work,” he said. “The work we are doing will positively impact people’s lives long after I’m gone.” 

When he bought a house in Tahoma in 2005, he connected with TAMBA and started becoming involved in their trail projects, especially the Stanford Rock trail, before eventually working on the Meeks Ridge Trail. 

“Sandor blew us away. We didn’t realize [the benches] would be as magnificent as they would be.”

~ Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry

“With so many drought-stressed trees dead and dying, we were able to use dead trees to build the benches. Half of them we built with storm blow-downs,” Lengyel said. “We would mill as close as possible to the site, but we had to haul some of the slabs a thousand feet to the site.”

Lengyel would lug out an Alaskan mill, which is a large rail attached to a chainsaw. It is basically a miniature sawmill, and makes a clean, flat cut in the wood. “It’s slow, noisy, and dusty, and I wear double ear protection and a respirator,” he said.

Each bench requires six slabs. After cutting the slabs, Lengyel then strips the bark with an ax, wedge, and a draw knife, tools that have been used for taking on these tasks for hundreds of years. Once he has the slabs ready, other TAMBA folks help him to haul the pieces to the bench site. 

Seven benches have been built so far, with the last to be constructed next year when the Meeks Ridge Trail is completed at the highest overlook. This trail offers beautiful views of Lake Tahoe, the Meeks Bay meadow, and the edge of Desolation Wilderness.

In addition to being a great fundraising tool, “The benches are a huge hit with the locals,” said TAMBA Executive Director Drew Bray.

Finishing the trail

Bray is hoping they can finish the connection to Lost Lake by next year. But the job has been harder than anticipated. The further up the ridge they travel, the more challenging and rockier is the terrain. The money TAMBA received from Tahoe Fund and other donors, however, has enabled them to have professional trail building crews out working for 16 weeks this summer. “It’s making an incredible difference, but progress is slow,” Bray said. 

The need for trail volunteers and money is great in our area. 

“The Forest Service is chronically underfunded,” Lengyel said. “The Tahoe Basin is a global recreation destination, but the Forest Service has only a two-person trail crew. They are unable to maintain their system of trails. So, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and TAMBA have closed the funding gap and stepped in to maintain this amazing recreational resource.” 

In early August, the money needed to finish the trail’s construction arrived when South Lake Tahoe philanthropists Kyle and Jessica Aster gave TAMBA $250,000 to fully fund this upcoming season’s construction of the Meeks Ridge Trail. Avid mountain bikers, the couple made the donation not only to complete this trail, but for it to be the first phase in a new trail building program called the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project, which seeks to add an additional 45 miles of trails in the Tahoe Basin. 

“Time and time again the community steps up when the need is there,” Berry said. “TAMBA does a great job building trails, and a lot of people who love Tahoe have the capacity to really leave their legacy.”   

The Earth and Stars: 10 SEPTEMBER – 7 OCTOBER 2026

by Aurora Wellise | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

ASTROLOGY

Our astrological considerations begin with a Virgo new moon on Sept. 10, marking the height of the farming harvest season and offering grounded energy for both goal setting and practical acts of service. Venus in early Scorpio opposite Chiron in Taurus will stir tension between transformation and comfort, asking us to consider what makes us feel truly secure during our lunar reflections. Mercury opposes Neptune retrograde in Aries on Sept. 12, prompting diplomacy in communication but potentially in a blurry and intangible way. This energy shifts on the 13th, when Mercury trines Uranus in Gemini, sparking clarity and insight. Mid-month brings an exact sextile between Pluto retrograde in Aquarius and Neptune, quietly repatterning collective dreams and power structures. Chiron retrogrades back into Aries on Sept. 17, revisiting wounded energy in the realms of identity and initiation just as Saturn opposes Mercury, bringing serious conversations to the table. 

The sun moves into Libra on Sept. 22, delivering the autumn equinox and the balance between day and night. The Aries full moon on Sept. 26 conjoins Neptune, illuminating idealism and big dreams, while Mars in Cancer simultaneously squares Chiron in Aries. This full moon again asks us to let go of what isn’t working in favor of what we hope to experience, but with extra vigor and spice. Oct. 3, we have Mars, now in Leo, opposite Pluto in Aquarius, a reactive transit worth noting so we can cool our jets. The same day, Venus in Scorpio begins her retrograde, which will end in Libra on Nov. 13. 

NATURAL MAGIC

Fall Equinox is a wonderful time to celebrate with family. Cook a harvest meal with root vegetables and your favorite protein. Light one dark candle and one light candle, to honor the balance in the sky that brings the seasons and cycles to our lives. Making a gratitude list for everything that summer offered you is also a powerful practice; it can anchor positivity and support manifestation, and may become something to utilize with each turning of the seasons.

During Venus’s retrograde, the planet will disappear from the night sky to reappear in November as a morning star. The time when Venus vanishes from the sky has been spiritually significant for all who came before us and is worthy of preparing for. Offer yourself time between Oct. 3 and Oct. 14, when Venus will leave the night sky, to reflect and journal on attachments in love, self-worth, and how even minor shifts in these areas may shape the way we show up for ourselves and others. 

To Foil, to Fly

by Jon Grant | Sep 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

My experience in foils doesn’t extend much further than using a fair amount of the tin variety when cooking over a campfire. But there is a growing number of highly dedicated individuals in our area who have dove headlong into hydrofoiling, or just “foiling” — applying aeronautics to traditional watersports in order to “fly.”

“It’s a whole new spectrum of watersport,” said Steven Siig, longtime North Lake Tahoe local who has become a multi-day-a-week foiler.

There are various means of foiling — kite, wing, prone, downwind, efoil, and wake being the most prominent. While foilers find their rides thrilling and even spiritual, the learning curve can be steep, long, and painful.

“A lot of things are easy,” said adventure sports icon and foiling guru Craig Beck. “But it’s like, how much fun is that? Well, foiling ain’t easy.”

Beck has experimented with a number of the foil disciplines as a rider and a designer, and just recently tested his first skate foil to rave reviews. 

Siig’s crew are wake foilers. Sitting in the water with their foil-and-board setup, they’re pulled up via a rope attached to a boat like a wakeboarder. Yet once enough speed is gained, the underwater foil’s wings-and-fuselage attain lift, the board rises above the water, and the foiler begins to soar. Letting go of the rope, the foil continues to do its thing — the rider hovering around from wake to wake, a turn here, a glide there as they find their water-flight Zen.

Siig and most of his foil-mates — including Tom Burt, Russ Klein, Mark Hendricks, and Dan Fraiman — were Tahoe water skiers in the ’90s who moved on to wakeboarding in the 2000s and wake surfing in the 2010s. Foiling was next in line in the progression of riding on water. “We all started seeing foiling on the lake,” Siig said. “There weren’t too many people doing it in [wake] surfing, but we noticed it was starting to become a new tool in terms of water sports. Once it kind of caught on, we realized we could adapt it into the wake scene. We were on the first wave of people doing it [locally], and it started happening all over the world.” 

Through engine placement, ballast additions, and trim tabs (fins/rudders), new wake surf boats are creating bigger wakes, more technically shaped wakes, and more numerous wakes, essentially augmenting available terrain. The foil allows that terrain to be seized in a way that traditional wake surfing does not.

“Guys that are really good can go across the boat, to the third, fourth, fifth, six wave,” Siig described. “When Hendie’s like on the sixth wave, he’s way back there. Like a quarter mile away, then he pumps back up [closer to the boat].”

Foiling can produce a near-perpetual ride, the limitations not imposed by the lift/speed of the foil/board but by the human body’s need to take a break. Elite foilers can fly around for so long unattached to a boat that they sometimes seem less like athletes and more like wizards. 

Daily improvement — but difficult, dangerous

Like snowboarding in the 1980s and early ’90s, wake foilers are frontiersmen, learning on the fly and creating as they go. “My favorite thing about the sport,” Fraiman said, “is I feel like I get better and learn something new every time I go … The progression is cool.”

When Siig started foiling three years ago, he relied heavily on the coaching of his crew, even though they had at most a year or two of experience on him. 

The need for instruction in the sport is a recurring theme when speaking to foilers. There is an obvious reason why. 

“It’s freaking hard,” said Beck, the longtime adventure-man and perhaps Tahoe’s godfather of the foil scene. “It’s typically a minimum of 10 times before you basically get up. And once you get up, you’ve still got a lot to learn. There’s a lot to it.”

 But in a world where groceries are delivered at the push of a button and machines write people’s emails and do their thinking for them, there’s perhaps benefit to the sport’s inherent difficulty — a crucible that must be passed, the fun on the other side of the learning curve unable to be found through a prompt, the feeling of flight a thing to be earned by one’s own human acumen and determination.

Part of the sport’s difficulty is its inherent danger. The two sharp wings and fuselage connected to the mast-and-board are not entirely unlike a giant version of something you might find in a chef’s arsenal for slicing specialty meats.

“Seeing these hovering surfboards riding three wakes back with no rope defied logic and therefore captured my interest.”

~ Keith O’Meara 

He now wears a helmet (the only rider I saw when watching numerous local and international foiling videos), and when he falls, he wraps his entire face within crossed arms, aiming to make himself “into a ball” as he pushes the foil behind him and leaps forward. “I probably look kind of funny,” he said, “but you gotta protect yourself at all times.”

Even the boats themselves can be dangerous, especially when other boats are in proximity. 

Once a level of trust is established between wake foil crews, different groups can choose to come together to essentially create more terrain. Boats meet up in the lake and riders share the waves, moving seamlessly between their varied wakes as if a snow skier was somehow able to mingle back and forth between fresh pow and spring corn on the same run.   

But, as in snow sports, upping the terrain game can up the consequences. 

In early August, multiple crews were out doing their thing, and the interplay of numerous wakes was creating exhilarating conditions when calamity struck. “We had a big accident,” Siig said. “By circumstance you can get into the wrong place at the wrong time, and it happened. Someone got launched into the boat and broke six ribs, had a collapsed lung.” 

In Tahoe/Truckee, hear-tell of injury in adventure sports can feel like commonplace news, perhaps too much so. But we go on. We put the ski boots back on. We put the bike helmet back on. We get back on the foil.

You could call it competitiveness or sticktoitiveness. You could also call it obsession, or you could use another word, which came up with great frequency when speaking with foilers. 

“It’s an addiction,” Siig said. “I’m freaking addicted.”

But it is this need to get back on the foil that keeps the sport progressing and keeps the good times rolling. Tom Brady was addicted to winning football games, and Georgia O’Keeffe was probably addicted to painting close-ups of flowers. Such need can also be called passion. 

And when it comes to foiling, there might not be anyone more passionate about it than Craig Beck.

Action sports all-timer

Beck grew up on the water in Southern California, surfing the breaking ocean waves of Dana Point by the time he was 8 years old. 

Flight was in his DNA. His father was an Air Force pilot who flew experimental aircraft. The family moved around internationally for a few years before Beck landed in Truckee just in time for the 1960 Winter Olympics. Though he did not know how to ski, the 14-year-old procured an on-mountain, on-ski messenger job for the Games. His first ever run was from the very top of what is now Palisades Tahoe all the way to the bottom — his assignment to bring film from the start of the men’s downhill (ostensibly the only copy) down the black-diamond run to folks at the base who’d disseminate the photos worldwide. 

Undaunted, the young Beck simply watched how the Olympians were making turns and made a plan to mimic what they were doing. He managed to make it down the mountain, the film somehow survived in one piece, and a lifelong love of carving was born. 

Fifteen years later, Beck would produce one of the most pioneering and innovative ski films ever made, Daydreams, an ethereal showcase of Tahoe’s early extreme skiing movement and a foil of sorts to the more one-size-fits-all Warren Miller films of the time.

Beck got his first taste of hydrofoiling “35 or 40 years ago” on The Air Chair, the first commercial foil, marketed toward water skiers in the 1980s. “It was a giant turd,” Beck said.

So, he started innovating. Beck now works with sport-leading Lift Foils, and also designs his own custom boards (complete with his own custom artwork) sold on a more bespoke level.

To move from his disappointment in the air chair to designing top-level foil equipment, Beck turned to the sky for inspiration. After Daydreams, he launched heavily into aviation and aeronautics. He designed his own hang glider in his living room, and learned from its successes and failures in his pursuit of better designs and more efficient flight. He became a test driver for hang glide companies and gained an expert’s knowledge of aeronautics. Eventually he took his knowledge of wing forms and shapes to the wings of the water, some of his early hydrofoils even made from hang glider parts.  

“Hang gliding was basic,” Beck said. “Then wings got wider and narrower [for better performance]. That’s aspect ratio. And that’s the big deal now in foils.”

Aspect ratio is, in simple terms, wing span divided by wing area. In nature, birds that fly long distances and/or that tend to soar (think albatross or eagle) have long and narrow, high aspect-ratio wings. For maneuverability, as found in the shorter, broader wings of bats, for example, low aspect ratio is the name of the game. 

When converted to foiling, low aspect ratios offer heightened ease and stability while higher aspect ratios allow for increased speeds and optimized top-end performance.  

Into the Future

Foiling as a concept in water sports received a big boost in the 2000s when surfing great Laird Hamilton began using foil boards for tow-in big-wave surfing. In time, the various niches of foiling became more defined as mainstream sports with bright futures.

“It was around 2016 that wake foiling caught my eye on Lake Tahoe,” said Praxis Skis founder Keith O’Meara, his heralded “handcrafted” ski company based in Incline Village. “Seeing these hovering surfboards riding three wakes back with no rope defied logic and therefore captured my interest.”  

O’Meara met Beck at a Made in Tahoe festival, the former showing his snow skis and the latter showing a bevy of his custom-made surf, wake, and foil boards. “I was able to swindle a trade,” O’Meara said, “a pair of my skis for one of the Beck Boards, and in doing so Craig said he would teach me to wake foil.”

His friendship with Beck and intrigue with foiling grew from there, and Praxis has become a significant player in the Tahoe foil sphere. It is a dealer for Lift Foils as well as Slingshot Sports, and also showcases Beck’s designs.

“When you get a board from Craig Beck you get a one-of-a-kind board with one-of-a-kind artwork,” O’Meara said. “You get a board with a soul.” 

O’Meara stated that the most popular foil setups this summer have been for the wake and wing variety, with an increased interest in efoils. “The efoil is the easiest way to learn how to foil,” he said. “You will be up flying around on foil in a matter of hours.” 

“Efoiling is solitary,” observed Siig of the discipline in which a rider gains speed and lift from an electric propeller attached to the mast. “It’s go out and Zen out.”

Siig also finds spirituality in his crew’s morning wake foil sessions. “We call it church,” he said. “We call it praying, being one in the world.”

Yet with efoils costing up to $15,000, and top of the line wake boats well exceeding $100,000, the nirvana ain’t free. On your local barista or teacher salary (not to mention journalist wage), in fact, it’s prohibitive. And a primary tenet of spirituality is that it should be open to all who seek it. 

So, with all the progression that’s occurred since the Air Chair, all the distance that foiling has covered in the past 40 years, perhaps the final frontier is for foil flight to become accessible to all — all, that is, who dare brave its crucible of difficulty and danger in order to discover its realm of magic and beauty.

Equipment, types, technique

The foil-setup looks a lot like a miniature airplane. Composed of a front wing and a tail wing connected by a fuselage, when enough speed is reached lift is attained — and the above-water board and its rider take off in flight. 

While wake foiling uses a boat for propulsion and lift, kite and wing foilers harness the wind for theirs. Efoilers use a battery-powered propeller, and downwinders (downwind SUP foil) use an oar, wind, and the energy of small bump-waves. 

Prone foilers, found on ocean waves, start out on their bellies and paddle like surfers to catch a breaking wave for their initial speed and lift, catching multiple waves before ever needing to paddle again.

All foil disciplines employ “pumping” — riders pushing into the water with their legs to create energy in similar fashion to a child using its body to do so on a swing.  

Donner Lake’s low-to-the-water winds are often ideal for wing foiling. In Lake Tahoe, the higher, gusty winds (especially of approaching storms) in Incline Village and Kings Beach offer a goldilocks zone for kite foiling. 

And any morning where Lake Tahoe is calm and flat is prime for wake foilers to create their own waves to go out and fly around. 

Various Tahoe/Truckee sport shops are now stocking foil boards and setups, and many offer rental/demo packages as well. If you’re interested in trying out foiling, visit your local shop and talk with the pros.  

Worst Weather Prediction for a Storm in 19 Years?!?

by Alex Silgalis | Feb 18, 2025 | Uncategorized

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

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

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 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!

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The Great Escape From Lift Lines – McCall Idaho Skiing

by Alex Silgalis | Feb 13, 2025 | Uncategorized

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

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 1^st Timers & Ski Addicts

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.

 

Little Ski Hill Hours:

Monday: 3:30pm-8:30pm
Tuesday: 3:30pm-8:30pm
Wednesday: 3:30pm-8:30pm
Thursday: 3:30pm-8:30pm
Friday: 3:30pm-9:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm-9:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Tamarack Resort – Idaho’s ‘Untapped’ Ski Resort

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

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.

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:

McCall Idaho Travel Tips

The post The Great Escape From Lift Lines – McCall Idaho Skiing appeared first on Local Freshies.

The Next Hotbed of Skiing in Hokkaido & It’s Bonchi

by Alex Silgalis | Feb 11, 2025 | Uncategorized

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.’

Table of Contents

• Hokkaido Powder Belt
• Tomamu
• Furano
• Kamui Ski Links
• Other Ski Areas
• Where to Stay & Tips

 

Hokkaido is Bigger Than You Think

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

The post The Next Hotbed of Skiing in Hokkaido & It’s Bonchi appeared first on Local Freshies.

One Off or the New Normal? Sierra-at-Tahoe Slammed

by Alex Silgalis | Feb 10, 2025 | Uncategorized

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

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.

The post One Off or the New Normal? Sierra-at-Tahoe Slammed appeared first on Local Freshies.

Don’t Leave Home Without The Skiing Essentials

by Alex Silgalis | Feb 9, 2025 | Uncategorized

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:

Yes, I want my FREE checklist!

Clothing

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:

The Emperor's New Ski Clothes - What To Wear For Skiing

Socks

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

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

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:

Helmets, Mitts, Boots, & Ski Suits – Equipment For Skiing & Snowboarding

Skis / Snowboard

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

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

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

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

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.

The post Don’t Leave Home Without The Skiing Essentials appeared first on Local Freshies.

Dermizax vs Gore Tex – Waterproofing War – Which Is Better?

by Alex Silgalis | Feb 6, 2025 | Uncategorized

In outdoor gear, Gore-Tex membranes are the gold standard for protection against the elements. We’ve hailed this material in many of our articles including our backcountry ski jacket guide. And to this day, there are very few proprietary brands from companies like Patagonia or North Face that can provide that kind of protection. A fabric that has started to bubble up as a competitive alternative to Gore-Tex is Dermizax by Toray. We take a deep dive into Dermizax Vs Gore Tex to see how they stack up.

Verdict

When comparing Dermizax vs Gore-Tex it comes down to what you’re looking for in your outerwear. Personally, for 95% of the time I like the Dermizax material. It offers more flexibility and a soft feel, similar to a softshell. It also provides excellent breathability when I’m sweating on the skin track and performs exceptionally well in most snowstorms. On the other hand, Gore-Tex is what I want on a wet Sierra Cement or Cascade Concrete day when the flakes are instantly turning to liquid as they touch me. Jaime, the Local Freshies® Gal, wants superior protection at all times and so she would never part with her Gore Tex Pro regardless of the conditions.

How We Compared Dermizax vs Gore Tex

We’ve done a side-by-side full season test with Jaime using a Norrøna Lofoten Jacket which comes with Gore-Tex Pro and while I used the Ortovox Ortler 3L with Dermizax NX in the exact same elements. Although it wasn’t a perfect comparison since they both use different fabrics on the exterior, it did give us an idea of how they stack up.

Waterproofing

On paper, Gore-Tex Pro has a whopping 28,000+ mm waterproof rating versus Dermizax NX which is rated at 20,000 mm. In simplest terms that means the Dermizax NX material can withstand 20,000 mm of water pressure before it starts to leak versus the Gore-Tex Pro can withstand up to 28,000+ mm. Just to give you an idea how impressive that is — most ski resort jackets come with a 10-15,000 mm waterproof rating.

The Monsoon Test

They say a 20,000 mm jacket can protect you from rain in a hurricane, and that’s exactly what we did. We had the fortunate (or unfortunate) opportunity to test it during a three-hour monsoon at a New York Giants game. Jaime’s Norrøna Lofoten Jacket with Gore-Tex Pro kept her dry, while my Ortler 3L with Dermizax NX performed well for most of it — though I still ended up a bit damp. In “normal” winter conditions, the Dermizax NX performed just as well as Jaime’s jacket.

Winner: Gore-Tex Pro

Breathability

The next important factor is breathability. When you begin to get soaked with sweat in a cold environment, it can lead to a dangerous situation. One of the easiest ways to solve for this is to wear moisture-wicking breathable materials including your jacket. Gore-Tex Pro has a breathability rating of 25,000 g/m2. This means that 25,000 grams of water vapor (I.e. sweat) can pass through a square meter of Gore-Tex Pro in a 24-hour period. Although Toray the manufacturer of Dermizax NX doesn’t provide a breathability rating, we’ve read that it provides anywhere between 30,000 – 50,000 g/m2.

Testing on the Skintrack

Within a ski resort, sweating might not be a big deal but it’s a different story on the skin track. Climbing up a mountain can you get warm pretty quickly. On a spring day with temperatures starting well below freezing and hitting highs in the upper 40s, I was blown away with the Dermizax NX membrane. I believe the breathability rating is spot on. Even though I’m the sweaty type, it kept me comfortably cozy in the full range of activities without having to keep taking it on and off. While Jaime, on the other hand with her Gore-Tex Pro, was constantly going on and off with her shell.

Winner: Dermizax

Feel

The final feature that most don’t talk about is “feel.” We’re not talking about Fernando’s Hideaway “dahling” on how you look but how the material feels when you’re moving on the mountain. Do you feel inhibited? Does the fabric make it sound as if you’re crumpling up a piece of paper? For many it isn’t a big deal, but it’s something to at least consider.

Marketing Hulabaloo or Legit?

Gore-Tex fabrics combined with bullet proof denier are notorious for how stiff they feel hence the name “hardshell.” One of the Dermizax NX fabric’s chief competitive advantages that they market is its multi-directional stretch capabilities. Is it REALLY that big of a deal? Before I tried it, I could really care less about feel. I was chasing the “protection against the elements” bug. I can tell you that Dermizax’s multi-stretch abilities aren’t malarkey but legit. Instead of buying a size up, I’m able to rock a more form fitting jacket and still get the protection I need. Jaime, while she cares about the feel, doesn’t care enough to EVER part with her jacket. In fact, she uses it all year long on EVERY adventure from mountain biking to backcountry skiing.

Winner: Depends

Just a few years ago, I would’ve said that there isn’t any waterproofing material that could compete against Gore-tex. It may still be the #1 brand but as you can see from Toray’s Dermizax offering, it might not be the best tool for all situations. It comes down to what you’re looking for.

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Is Indy Idaho Skiing in Trouble? Supreme Court Puts it in Jeopardy

by Alex Silgalis | Feb 4, 2025 | Uncategorized

One of the things we love about skiing and snowboarding in Idaho is that it’s home to some of the few truly independent ski areas left in the West. Resorts like Magic Mountain and Lookout Pass have a special charm that keeps us coming back year after year. However, a tragic incident at Sun Valley has brought the issue of ski area liability to the forefront. After a skier died, his widow filed a lawsuit against the resort. The Idaho Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is setting a new legal precedent, which could lead to significant changes in the future.

What Happened?

In November 2019, a 65-year-old doctor named Stewart Milus from Boise was skiing at Sun Valley. The resort has two main ski areas: Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. Bald Mountain itself is divided into two sections: River Run and Warm Springs. According to court documents, Stewart was skiing down the lower River Run.

Lay of the Land

We’ve skied this run before—it’s a wide, groomed trail that leads to the River Run Lodge. As the primary route to the base, it can get crowded. On this particular day, it was moderately busy. The court noted that Stewart was skiing “with poor control.” He crossed into the path of another skier, skied across the backs of their skis, yelled, then fell and crashed head-first into a tall, yellow-padded snowmaking tower in the middle of the run. He was taken to Wood River Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Lawsuit Puts Law into Question

Afterwards Stewart’s widow filed a lawsuit against Sun Valley. While the lower courts upheld a 1979 statute, as has been the case for decades, the Idaho Supreme Court took a different stance. The court ruled that a jury should decide whether the ski resort could be partially at fault, regardless of the skier’s actions.

What’s Next

Even though Idaho’s Supreme Court has already made a decision, they are set to hear arguments in February about possibly reconsidering their unanimous ruling. This could return the interpretation of Idaho’s law to how it was before the court’s December 2023 ruling.

Eerily Similar to Mt Hood Ski Bowl’s Mtn Biking Case

Alternatively, the ruling could stand. And if it does, it feels similar to what happened with mountain biking at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl a few years ago. In Oregon, businesses don’t have the same legal protections as those in Idaho. As a result of a lawsuit, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl was forced to shut down its bike park permanently. While larger resorts like Sun Valley and Schweitzer are likely safe, it’s the smaller ones we love—like Pomerelle—that are most at risk. In the worst case, this could lead to closures similar to what happened in Vermont when a lawsuit hit their industry in 1978.

There is a Silver Lining

We like to hold a glass half full perspective. So even if the Supreme Court stands, it may not mean the end for Mom & Pops. There are various outcomes from this ruling that could happen. For example, a new bill could be introduced, similar to the one last February that was proposed by Rep. Barbara Ehardt at the urging of the ski industry. Although the bill didn’t receive a hearing, it aimed to clarify the existing law by adding a clear statement that ‘no standard of care’ applies to the duties of ski areas. In summary, stay tuned as this story develops over the course of the month.

For an in-depth write-up of the entire story, check out Idaho Capital Sun’s article.

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Simple Yet Perfect – Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket

by Jaime Pirozzi | Jan 30, 2025 | Uncategorized

Calling a jacket perfect is pretty subjective and hard to defend. And yet it’s the first thing I put in the title. I have a lot of outdoor gear that I like but very few items make it on the love list. But the Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket is one of them covered in crayon hearts and googly eyes.

Jack(ie) of all Trades

Most would argue that being decent or even good at lots of things isn’t a desirable quality. You’d want to be great at something and leave the mediocre part behind. But what if you could be great at lots of things? I know. It sounds like a load of fairy dust. But I say dump it on my head and call me a princess because this coat exceeded any expectations I had about it.

My first thought was I might use it for spring skiing or just throw it over my puffy to stay dry in a rainstorm. And I will wear it for both of those, but it also lines up with hiking, trail running, biking, resort snowboarding, and especially backcountry splitboarding. What I’m saying is, the Mammut Taiss HS Womens Jacket will be a top go-to choice for all the outdoor activities I do. That’s my bold statement… and here’s why.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a moderately priced jacket that can cross many seasons and sports, this is a solid choice. When a piece of gear is versatile, that can help with the cost as you’ll get more use and potentially need less gear overall. I put this Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket in the same functional category as my previously mentioned Norrøna Lofoten backcountry jacket. And while they aren’t a 1:1 comparison, the Mammut is half the price of the Norrøna but will get just as much, if not more use across the year.

Mammut Taiss HS Specs

• Mammut Dry Expedition 3-Layer
• Weight: 15.3 oz (per Mammut’s website)
• Waterproof Rating: 27,000 MM
• Breathability: 48,000 G/M²
• Price: $385
• Buy from Mammut, REI, Backcountry.com or Amazon

The Softest Hardshell You’ll Ever Meet

Preferences on a hardshell span wide when it comes to jackets. This jacket might be named HS and hold the durability, waterproof, and breathability of a hardshell but it is as soft-feeling as you can get. It actually feels silky smooth. No crunchy sounds. No weird creases against your arms when you bend. Just plain enjoyable to wear.

Two is the Right Number… of Pockets

More pockets doesn’t make a jacket better. It just means more zippers. More random places to stuff things, like a junk drawer that’s out of control. For me, where the pockets are and their size are MUCH more important than how many pockets it has as a whole. This jacket’s pocket game is simple. Two pockets on the chest, deep in extending to mid waist and a small interior pocket. That’s it. And that’s all it needs.

In action sports, pockets that sit low on the waist can hamper your stride when loaded, making hinging at the hips uncomfortable and conflicting with backpack waist straps. These two chest pockets sit at a height that won’t constrict breathing if filled or impede a backpack chest strap or chestie mount. For me personally, I need deep pockets to stash cameras. If I’m forced to put my cameras or video equipment in my backpack, I have a higher likelihood of not capturing a moment because I don’t want the hassle of taking off my bag. These chest pockets are deep enough to hold GoPros with sticks, small DSLR cameras and even cell phones with gimbals or handheld grips.

Rolls Up to Travel Size

When outdoor galavanting whether it be on feet, wheels, or snow, you might not want to wear the jacket all the time. That means you need to be able to take it off and stash it somewhere small, either in a pocket or your backpack. The Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket squishes down to a handful that can easily be stuffed anywhere. You never have to choose whether to bring it or not because taking it off won’t be a hassle to carry.

A Hood for a Big Head

Well not a big head, per se. But when you have a helmet on but want to pull your hood over it comfortably so your neck still bends, swivels, and you aren’t choking or feel like you have blinders on, this jacket does it. I tried pulling it over both a snowboard helmet and mountain biking helmet and both were still comfortable to see and wear. That’s a nice bonus if you get caught in a rain storm and want to keep water out of your neck and eyes. One word of caution though. If you have an underneath layer that also has a hood, be aware that it may make the outer Mammut hood too tight or not fit as comfortably as it would with no additional hood fabric wadding up behind your neck. Too many hoods can be a bad combo.

No Throat Zipper Choking

A great jacket can be ruined when you zip it up all the way to the top and the material is so rigid and abundant under your chin that it feels like you’re choking. The ultra soft texture of this jacket helps alleviate that feeling completely. There is enough material under your chin that you could pull it over your lower face to block weather or it can curl under your chin out of the way as if it wasn’t even there.

Two-way Underarm Zipper for Flexibility

Underarm ventilation is mandatory on any outdoor coat, regardless of what you’re doing. Sometimes you just need to let in some air. It’s a nicety to have dual zippers, letting you choose if you want to directly let your armpit breathe or open from the bottom for more side venting. But when it comes to backpacks, you must have the dual option to easily let you vent without having to remove your pack to find a zipper. When my backcountry pack is on, it blocks the lower section of the vent so having the upper zipper as an option makes venting very easy without touching my backpack at all.

A True Year-Rounder with Credentials

Mammut markets this jacket as a hardshell for year-round use. And I fully agree with that description. The flexibility to move allows you to use it for many sports throughout the year. And with performance, it rates the highest at 6/6 by Mammut standards for water impermeability, breathability, and windproof. That’s hard to beat. The Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket also rates high at 4/6 for durability, packability, and lightweight. Since I don’t do rough sports like climbing, I can’t argue durability as I won’t be scraping it across sharp surfaces. But I do think they are being a little hard on themselves for packability and lightweight features when I can roll it up in my hand and it feels like I’m wearing nothing when it’s on. But I know if you count grams and mm for size, they do have jackets that are smaller and lighter.

Layerability

This jacket is stated as Mammut’s Regular Fit. They describe it as “comfortable to wear with plenty of movement… perfect for layering.” They also offer different jackets in another fit called Ski Regular. The difference in description is that the Ski Regular is better for underneath warm layers, helmets, and transceivers. So naturally, I would say I want the Ski Regular instead of just Regular. But that’s not the case. The Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket, with its Regular Fit rating, allows me to do everything the Ski Regular calls out and with comfort. This jacket is comfortable over a helmet, has plenty of space for an underneath transceiver, and I always wear a base layer AND a Patagonia puffy under my shells. I can fit all of this underneath this Regular Fit coat with no complaints.

Sizing

I think it’s a female thing, but I always worry about what size to get. Two-dimensional drawings of measurements never pan out in the real world for me. I always take my measurements as they recommend and then I still worry I bought the wrong size. And many times I do.

For this jacket, I sit right at the upper range of Medium but could technically sit in the Large (on paper more comfortably.) My first thought was to size up and get the Large so I could be more roomy and comfortable. But there’s always that nice feeling when you get the actual right size and it fits just how you want, without feeling like you’re wearing a garbage bag just in case you put on four more coats underneath. I have another backcountry coat, the Norrøna Lofoten, which is very similar in style and function. I went with my real-life example and picked the Medium for the Mammut because the Norrøna is a Medium as well and fits spot on with all my layers and cameras.

The final verdict on size: the Medium was the right choice. I can put all the layers I want underneath as well as my camera equipment and still move freely outdoors. And if I just want to wear it out to the store or on a winter’s day, it looks like it fits and isn’t ridiculously oversized.

Even Perfect isn’t Perfect

As you can tell, I am stoked on this jacket and plan to use it a lot across the seasons. My vote is it’s in the WIN column and a recommended buy. But this review wouldn’t be balanced if I didn’t have something I wish was improved. Nothing is ever perfect-perfect.

More Color Please

When it comes to creating visuals, there’s nothing worse than dark colors, especially black. Nothing black looks good outdoors in photos or videos. There’s no pop. No pizazz. Just blah. Sadly, this coat is Marine Black which is the darkest blue possible before actually being black. Most companies today don’t make bright, electric colorways anymore and that sucks. Nothing like the 80’s. Everything was neon! I will wear this coat a lot, but I will have to think twice when on photo/video shoots because of its dark, un-photogenic color. I can only dream of a bright green, orange, blue, or yellow even!

A Bit Extra Length

With constant movement whether it’s by biking, running, or snowboarding, a little extra length is nice just to keep things from creeping up. If I could just get an inch extra on the back of this coat, I would be beaming with joy. So far in wearing it, it has stayed put with my backpack and when running around in it, but a girl can wish for just one more inch in the caboose to keep things covered 100% of the time.

Not everything is price driven when you buy gear, as warranty, durability, special use, etc. all matter tremendously. But, many times it really does come down to cost. Will it last as long as a jacket twice the price and with a longer warranty period? That’s to be seen, but for now, I will enjoy wearing it as much as I can.

The post Simple Yet Perfect – Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket appeared first on Local Freshies.

Rocker Vs Camber Debate – Which Is Best For You

by Alex Silgalis | Jan 28, 2025 | Uncategorized

Regardless of whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, camber and rocker are two terms that have likely been introduced into your vocabulary. We’re taking a close look to define what they are, how they differ, and to help you determine whether rocker or camber is better for you. But first things first: let’s start with what they actually mean.

What Is Camber

Merriam-Webster’s definition of camber is “a slight convexity, arching, or curvature, as of a beam, deck, or road.” In this case, it refers to the curve on a pair of skis or a snowboard. If you lay a board or skis flat on their base and look at them from the side, you’ll see what appears to be a reverse arc.

Why Do They Have Camber?

The reason for this arc is that it provides increased contact against the snow and springiness between your feet. The result is it allows you to make the perfect arc when carving. Another advantage is that it gives the rider or skier a natural “pop” when ollieing.

How Traditional Camber Came To Be

Snowboard technology over the years hasn’t lived in its own bubble but rather looked around at other board sports like surfing and skateboarding. One of the ideas that was influenced by skateboarding was camber. Longboards with camber were designed so that when weight was applied, it created a reverse arc making it easier to carve a continuous “S” path by just leaning left and right.

Skis Adopted Camber

Snowboarding may have drawn inspiration from other sports, but skiing’s use of camber dates back much further, all the way to the 1840s. Camber made it possible to create thinner, lighter skis. What skiing did borrow from snowboarding, however, was the concept of camber combined with a more aggressive sidecut, which led to the creation of what were known as “parabolic skis.” This innovation was such a significant leap forward in technology that many at the time claimed it “revived” the sport. Whether or not that’s true, it undeniably impacted skiing, introducing a whole new way of sliding down the mountain that the two-plank crowd hadn’t experienced before.

Rocker – The New Style

For decades, camber was the only shape that dominated the market, and there was no debate over rocker vs camber. That all changed when Lib Tech sparked the “rocker revolution” by introducing the Skate Banana. This was when the flip side of camber—rocker, or reverse camber—was introduced. From the side, a ski or board with rocker will appear to “smile” at you.

McConkey – The Man Who Brought Rocker To Skiing

The rocker shape was introduced by Shane McConkey on the skier side with his Volant Spatula Skis. When they came out, reviewers used terms like “fun”, “easy”, and saviors to the sports of skiing/snowboarding. This “banana” shape made it extremely easy to ride fresh powder when it was deep due to the natural arc already formed.

The Waterboy Argument

These two vastly different ski and snowboard designs had created a passionate debate between rocker vs camber. It’s like the scene from the movie Waterboy where Bobby Boucher has the argument on water versus Gatorade. I’ve heard friends on both sides make statements like:

“You can’t land on the bolts when it’s a rocker. I feel like I’m fighting a wet pig in the park. Camber all the way.”

“Deep pow on a camber? No way! All the board wants to do is dive like a submarine and make me tomahawk.”

What’s Better Rocker Or Camber?

So, which shape is better in the eternal rocker vs camber argument? Unfortunately, it isn’t an easy answer. For those with the money, a “quiver” might be your best option. A quiver is a set of decks or skis that you can pick and choose from depending on the conditions and skill level.

Rocker In Your Arsenal

If you’re going heli-skiing, cat-boarding, or wake up to 3 feet of deep powder, floating in the bottomless snow is VERY critical. A good choice for this is the Rocker. The natural “U” shape allows you to float easily through the snow without having to lean far back to get through it. It will provide effortless float. This includes Lib-Tech’s original banana profile and Arbor’s Rocker Profiles.

The Cons To The Rocker

Personally, a full rocker board feels a little squirrelly at high speeds. Locking into a turn, the board feels “soft” and loose more like a skid instead of a carve.

Locked n’ Loaded For A Camber

On the other hand, if your focus is on carving groomers or shredding through resort powder that’s only a few inches deep, at best a camber deck might be the funnest shape for you. As a purist, the ability to make a perfect carve and explode out of your turn allows you to exit faster than you went in.

World Of Camber Hurt

For friends who’ve started snowboarding for the first time, a bigger camber and/or sidecut could cause you to get frustrated. Think of it like tight suspension on a sports car. The design provides a more responsive ride, which means you could easily catch an edge. In addition, a true camber’s flex will make it a bit more difficult to keep the nose afloat in deep snow.

The Rocker Revolution Brings Hybrid Designs

Luckily, the answer doesn’t have to be one or the other. After the dust had settled with rocker vs camber shapes, there has been an explosion of all kinds of different ways of thinking. Both skiing and snowboarding manufacturers have begun to push the envelope on what’s possible with the arc. Shapes from a “flat” board to all sorts of hybrid combinations coming together into one deck.

Goldilocks Would Like Hybrid

If you’re looking for one board to rule them all, a hybrid is what you want. Is it the best in all conditions? We’ll be honest… when Lib Tech released the “banana” boards, we loved the different surfy feeling to it. Over the years though, we’ve gone the hybrid route for any days with soft snow and a true camber board for groomer days or spring.

Most Popular Hybrid Styles

Despite having an infinite amount of combinations, there are certain styles that are more prevalent than others. Here’s a few of them:

Hybrid Camber

This is when the design is primarily a camber between the feet but rocker at the nose and tail. Snowboarders or skiers that love a camber design but want a little help keeping the board afloat in deep snow will love it. For beginners, this will also help keep you from catching an edge.

Hybrid Rocker

The opposite of the Hybrid Camber is the Hybrid Rocker profile. Instead, it has rocker in the center and camber on the tips. In addition, both the nose and tail are still off the ground unless the board is weighted (i.e. someone standing on it). Hybrid Rockers still help with float but also ride better than a traditional rocker at higher speeds.

For Burton, this is the Flying V design and the C2 for a Lib Tech, which includes decks like the T. Rice Orca and Skunk Ape.

Directional Camber

As the name states, these are designed to primarily ride in one direction. The natural binding location is usually setback a bit. The focus is on camber from the tail of the board/skis to the front bindings. The nose is longer with a pronounced rocker uplift. This style provides stability like a classic camber, but the tip allows you to float easier in powder.

Good examples of the directional camber are the Jones Hovercraft and the classic Burton Custom.

Flat Variations

Within this category, there are a few different profiles. Overall, the base it flat from tip to tail. At the nose and tail is where the unique flavors come in. Some have minor camber. Others have a few millimeters of rocker on each end. Others are flat for most of it and only have rocker from the front bindings through the nose to help with float. This is an awesome option for those who like to hit park, rails, or tinker around on kickers.

An example of a flat profile is the Capita Ultrafear or for those who want a boost in technology, we recommend checking out the Bataleon TBT profiles. Not quite flat. Not a true rocker. They’re their own design that’s been patented.

What To Look For In A Hybrid

As you can tell, picking the type of snowboard you ride is a purely personal preference. For example, Jaime LOVES a board that has WAY more camber than I do but with a bit softer flex. Me, on other hand, for years looked for a camber-rocker-camber design such as the Orca. This allows the board to carve well but at the same time helps keep the nose afloat. Is it perfect? Nope, but it’s a great go-to option on most days.

Consider ALL Snowboard Shapes

As I personally came to realize when picking your snowboard or skis, the rocker vs camber debate is just one factor to consider. You also need to think about all the other shape and technology features, such as “magna-traction,” sidecut, and whether the board is “volume-shifted.” Our detailed article, Shape Up or Ship Out on Snowboard Shapes: Types, Terms, & More, covers all of these factors in depth. Ultimately, there are many choices when it comes to brands. Now that you have a better understanding, get out there, demo some new boards, and let us know what you think!

For more tips about gear from finding the right jacket to a pair of goggles and more, be sure to visit our Skiing & Snowboarding Gear homepage.

The post Rocker Vs Camber Debate – Which Is Best For You appeared first on Local Freshies.

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