SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A police chase starting in the Placerville area ended in South Lake Tahoe last week.
On November 6, 2026, Placerville Police Officers attempted to stop Scot Hiltabrand II on reasonable suspicion of stalking a female victim. Hiltabrand II struck a uniformed Placerville Police Officer with his vehicle, a silver Toyota Tacoma.
Placerville Police pursued Hiltabrand II eastbound on US-50 and requested help from the California Highway Patrol. CHP officers from the Placerville CHP Area took over the pursuit just west of Fresh Pond.
With the assistance of El Dorado County Sheriff’s Deputies, South Lake Tahoe CHP Area Officers coordinated a traffic control plan to minimize risk to the public in Meyers, ensuring road construction crews were cleared out of the pursuit’s likely path of travel. South Lake Tahoe CHP Units and a CHP Supervisor joined the pursuit eastbound on US-50, just west of Strawberry, and the pursuit continued with El Dorado County Sheriff’s Deputies successfully deploying spike strips at two locations along US-50.
Provided / CHP
While attempting to evade law enforcement, Hiltabrand II reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. Hiltabrand II continued driving on two flat tires, until reaching the City Limits of South Lake Tahoe, where he lost control of the Tacoma and rolled the car onto its roof.
CHP Officers, with the assistance of an El Dorado County Sheriff’s K9 Deputy, took Hiltabrand II into custody. Hiltabrand II was booked into El Dorado County Jail for Recklessly Evading Law Enforcement, Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer and Resisting an Officer.
CHP South Lake Tahoe and CHP Placerville will provide additional/supplemental reports to Placerville Police, who will be referring Hiltabrand II to the El Dorado County District Attorney for prosecution.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The University of Nevada at Lake Tahoe is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Thomas Horvath as vice provost and dean and a five-year strategic plan to guide academic programs, research, community partnerships and campus investment.
Selected following a national search, Horvath began his appointment Nov. 1. He brings more than 18 years of higher education leadership experience advancing student success, faculty development, research and partnerships with government agencies and community organizations.
Thomas HorvathProvided
“Thomas brings a combination of academic leadership, scientific expertise and a commitment to student success that will serve our Lake Tahoe campus well,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Jeff Thompson. “His background in aquatic biology connects directly with the opportunities for learning and discovery in the Tahoe Basin. He understands how to bring faculty, students and community partners together, and we look forward to working with him to advance the campus’s academic mission.”
Horvath joins the University from California State University, Monterey Bay, where he served as dean of the College of Science. He previously served as interim dean of both the College of Science and the College of Health Sciences and Human Services. His work has focused on expanding educational access, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and connecting academic programs with workforce and community needs.
A biologist by training, Horvath earned his doctorate in aquatic biology from the University of Notre Dame and his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Indianapolis. His academic and leadership experience includes roles at the State University of New York at Oneonta and the University of Koblenz-Landau, now Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University, in Germany. His scientific background complements the Tahoe campus’s focus on freshwater ecosystems and environmental research.
The campus’s strategic plan, “Blue Skies, Bright Minds 2027-2031,” provides a framework for decisions about academic programs, partnerships, facilities and staffing, with an emphasis on opportunities shaped by Tahoe’s environment and communities.
Developed through listening sessions, surveys and conversations with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and partners, the strategic plan establishes four goals.
The four goals are:
Elevating Lake Tahoe Communities: Amplify the culture and wellness of the region by advancing partnerships, programming and accessibility.
Convening Global Thinkers and Changemakers: Attract the world’s most important conversations to Tahoe by establishing a premier destination for summits, retreats and exchange.
Innovating for Sustainability: Discovery through research, innovation and collaboration that advances a more sustainable world.
Advancing Transformative Scholarship: Empower people through programs, experiences and infrastructure built for Lake Tahoe.
Community welcome reception Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and partners are invited to welcome Horvath and learn about the strategic plan Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Prim Library at the University of Nevada at Lake Tahoe. Guests are asked to RSVP through Eventbrite by Monday, Nov. 9.
Crews are conducting final touchup and cleanup after completing the two-year repaving of 13 miles of Highway 50 at Lake Tahoe, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Work from Stateline to Spooner Summit began April 2025 and required approximately 98,000 tons of new asphalt, the state announced on Friday morning.
Between Spooner Summit and Glenbrook, the double line median was expanded to two sets of double yellow lines with a four-foot separation between traffic directions to reduce potential head-on crashes and enhance safety.
Between Roundhill Pines and Glenbrook crews used a new, wider striping pattern along with centerline rumble to help reduce cross-over crashes.
Installed 13 miles, or more than 220,000 feet, of Intelligent Traffic Systems underground conduit line to further connect and power roadway cameras, road-weather information systems, traffic counters, traffic flow detectors, automated chain-snow tire control signage, and more.
Work included reinforcing more than 2,000 feet of existing culvert pipes, 52 new storm drain inlets, 1,300 feet of new storm sewer culvert pipe, and approx. 38,000 feet of new roadside curb and gutter installed, helping protect Lake Tahoe clarity by channeling stormwater into designated drainage systems.
Workers also upgraded the guardrail and barrier wall to enhance safety and installed drainage improvements to reduce roadway water ponding.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bread & Broth seeks donations to support its annual Thanksgiving dinner and invites all community members to attend. The dinner will take place Monday, November 23, from 4-6 p.m. at Grace Hall, St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Avenue, South Lake Tahoe. Guests are welcome to enjoy a festive meal featuring traditional holiday dishes.
Guests will be treated to a classic Thanksgiving meal including turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, rolls and pie for dessert. In addition to the meal, dinner guests will be given food giveaway bags containing dairy products (such as eggs, butter, milk), fresh produce, bread, pastries, meat, and canned goods.
Bread & Broth served nearly 250 dinners to local residents last year and expects an even greater turnout this year. For many attendees, this Thanksgiving dinner might be their only holiday meal of the year. One guest described what the event meant to their family last year: “My family and I can’t afford Thanksgiving dinner this year, so this dinner is absolutely fantastic. Our family is so glad for this delicious meal and the time we can share it with family.”
Over 75 volunteers will contribute their time and energy to prepare and serve this special holiday meal, carrying on the tradition of service in the community. The preparations for this annual celebration will begin several days in advance, with Bread & Broth’s dedicated volunteer cooks working diligently to prepare and cook the meal. Bread & Broth volunteers and servers will transform Grace Hall with festive Fall decorations and homemade placemats, which will be crafted by children enrolled in St. Theresa’s Religious Education program.
A $25 contribution will provide a Thanksgiving meal for a family of four, while $100 will support four families. Bread & Broth welcomes donations of any amount to help purchase food for the Thanksgiving dinner. Community support is essential to funding these dinners.
Donate online at breadandbroth.org by selecting the “Thanksgiving Dinner Donation” button. For mailed donations, make your check payable to St. Theresa Bread & Broth and send it to: Bread & Broth Thanksgiving Dinner, c/o St. Theresa Church, 1041 Lyons Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Tipsy Putt Tahoe is celebrating Veterans Week by giving veterans and military service members a free annual membership, offering a full year of games, discounts and opportunities to connect with friends and family.
From November 9 through November 15, veterans and military service members ages 21 and older can stop by Tipsy Putt Tahoe, present a valid military ID and activate their complimentary one-year membership. No purchase is necessary.
The membership includes free unlimited mini golf and free 1-2 Putt®, Tipsy Putt’s tabletop golf game, plus discounts on select beverages and other member benefits. Those who choose to use the Tipsy Putt app for their membership experience can also access monthly coupons and buddy passes to bring friends or family along for the fun.
Located near the base of the Heavenly Gondola, Tipsy Putt Tahoe combines mini golf, interactive games, food and drinks in a lively gathering place for locals and visitors. The Veterans Week offer is designed to extend appreciation beyond a single holiday, giving veterans a place to return to and enjoy throughout the year.
How to redeem: Visit Tipsy Putt Tahoe November 9-15, show a valid military ID and ask the team to activate the free annual membership. Participants must be 21 or older. The app is optional but provides access to additional monthly offers and buddy passes.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The American Legion is calling on community members to roll up their sleeves and help clean up the grounds surrounding its local post during a volunteer clean-up event Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Sponsored by Keep California Beautiful (KCB) and co-sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, the two-hour event aims to bring local volunteers together to improve the area surrounding the American Legion post while supporting the organization’s efforts to remain open and serve the community.
As part of the sponsorship, Tito’s Vodka has pledged a $1,500 donation to the post if 25 local community volunteers participate in the clean-up effort.
The American Legion is expecting approximately 10 to 12 of its members to participate, along with volunteers from the California Conservation Corps. South Tahoe Refuse is also supporting the effort by donating a 25-yard dumpster for collected debris.
Organizers are encouraging anyone in the community to participate. Tasks will include general grounds maintenance and debris removal, including plenty of pine cone pickup. No experience is necessary, and even an hour of helping can make a difference.
The post has faced recent fundraising challenges as it works to keep its doors open, making community participation and the potential donation especially meaningful.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, rakes, shovels and brooms.
The busy holiday season is fast approaching! And while that means great food, fun, and happy memories, for many dog parents it might also represent their dog losing their mind every time the doorbell rings!
It’s one of the most common, yet untrained, K9 behaviors. Dogs overreacting to a ringing doorbell or someone knocking! So why do dogs everywhere lose their minds over doorbells or knocking?
It’s a complex combination of an initial trigger, protective instincts, excitement, anxiety, fear, or stress, and most importantly, learned responses from barking and the door opening! And to your dog, it’s mission accomplished!
Dogs and Doorbell Drama
· Strongly reacting to a ringing doorbell comes from a dog’s instinctual need to protect their territory and people.
· Once the trigger happens, dogs join in to alert their owners that something is happening. Much like a pack of wolves communicating and alerting other members through barking or howling.
· The sudden and startling doorbell sound also overwhelms a dog’s hypersensitive ears. Depending on the dog’s temperament, this often triggers an emotional response (depending on the dog’s temperament), such as:
o Fight-or-flight.
o Increased excitement, anxiety or stress; and
o A protective response.
· It’s also important to remember that your dog’s reaction to the doorbell is a learned response reinforced over time! Repeated exposure reinforces the dog’s automatic behavior. If the owner is excited, stressed, or overreacts, the dog learns even faster to overreact to the doorbell or knock.
Calming the Doorbell Drama!
The good news is that your dog can learn to stay calm! They can learn to associate positive experiences with the doorbell or knocking, rather than excitement or anxiety, through desensitization, counter-conditioning, and positive reinforcement, along with an owner’s calm behavior. Learn how to teach your dog to stay calm when the doorbell rings with the infographic below!
The hot news is, the Mediterranean diet is once again the latest buzz. A new study reveals 25 years of data is linked to a longer life! A blood-based marker of the Mediterranean diet may be the key to better health and more years to enjoy living…
That means the superfoods I’ve been writing about for years–olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fruit and fish–all key parts of the healthy Mediterranean diet and my Healing Powers series based on the top diet is super after all.
Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November 2026, the study shows that people with higher scores on a Medi diet live longer. But note, the people who did better followed a Mediterranean diet were less likely to smoke or have type 2 diabetes. But there’s more!
Why the Mediterranean Diet Is Right for Tahoe The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest ways to eat because it combines plant-based foods, healthy fats, and a whole-food lifestyle that helps lower inflammation, is heart healthy, and cuts chronic disease risk like obesity.
Forget counting calories, since this diet provides a flexible eating style shared in European countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. That means you can savor our store and restaurant vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains as daily staples.
Extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source (rich in monounsaturated fats. Think fish and seafood several times a week for omega-3 fatty acids, nuts and seeds in moderate amounts, moderate dairy (yogurt or cheese) and limited red meat. In a nutshell, eating fresh, seasonal, local ingredients are in and processed, sugary junk food is out!
It Works for Alpine Holistic Health Scientists believe this superfood diet can help lower chronic inflammation by reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (you can get your number in a blood test), which are tied to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Lake Tahoe’s residents already enjoy fresh produce, seafood, and outdoor activity, which align well with the Mediterranean diet. Actually, I fell into this way of eating back in 2000 at Tahoe when I was completing The Healing Powers of Vinegar book, the first one of nine books in the collection. And the wholesome Mediterranean diet is a central theme in the series.
The diet’s flexibility for all ages means it can be adapted to local foods without strict restrictions. No crash diets here. Tahoe folks can adopt the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle by focusing on local, fresh, plant-rich meals, and regular activity— which boost long-term vitality.
Cal Orey, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from SFSU. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series and the new, revised 2nd ed. of The Healing Powers of Honey (Kensington Publishing, Penguin Random House) is here! Her website is http://www.calorey.com
TRUCKEE, Calif. — The California Public Utilities Commission has faced intense backlash over a staff proposal that could affect rural solar customers served by smaller investor-owned utilities, including Pacific Power, Bear Valley Electric Service and Liberty Utilities, which serves customers in the Truckee/Lake Tahoe area.
According to public CPUC documents, the proposal aims to reform how these utilities compensate customers for electricity exported to the grid, with the goal of making their programs more cost-effective and better aligned with California’s energy needs.
However, the proposal has drawn opposition from solar advocacy groups, including the Solar Rights Alliance, which argues that the changes would undermine existing agreements and set a troubling precedent for solar customers across California.
A change to existing agreements
California’s investor-owned utilities are required to enter into interconnection agreements with solar customers. These agreements establish the terms of net metering, which allows homeowners to receive credits for excess electricity their systems send to the grid.
Under existing rules, solar customers are guaranteed 20 years of net metering terms. The Solar Rights Alliance argues that the California Public Utilities Commission’s proposal would break that guarantee for customers of Liberty Utilities, Pacific Power and Bear Valley Electric Service. If approved, the proposal would shorten the grandfathering period for existing solar customers from 20 years to 15 years, potentially reducing the credits they receive for excess electricity exported to the grid.
The alliance warns that the change could cost affected homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in expected savings over the life of their systems.
Although the proposal currently applies only to customers of the three smaller utilities, the alliance argues that the same rules govern solar agreements across California, including those with Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric.
The alliance contends that weakening protections for rural customers could make it easier for regulators to revisit existing agreements with customers of the larger utilities in the future.
Rural customers at the center of the debate
The Solar Rights Alliance also argues that the proposal unfairly targets rural customers who invested in solar energy to reduce their electricity bills.
“Six times over the last decade, the State of California has told Californians that if they sign up for the state’s rooftop solar program, they can stay on the program for twenty years. Millions of consumers responded by making significant financial investments in solar panels, believing that the state would keep its word,” said Dave Rosenfeld, executive director of the Solar Rights Alliance. “It boggles the mind that the CPUC is now not only discussing breaking those contracts, but doing it just for people who live in rural communities. This is a targeted attack on rural residents by unelected San Francisco-based government bureaucrats.”
The debate follows previous efforts to change existing solar agreements statewide. Assembly Bill 942, introduced in 2025, sought to modify the terms of legacy solar contracts but was ultimately defeated and rewritten.
The group has also questioned why the CPUC is pursuing the change, noting that the three smaller utilities have not requested it.
“We call on elected officials from these affected communities to stand up for local consumers and demand that the state honor its commitments,” Rosenfeld said.
The Sierra Sun reached out to the CPUC for comment but received public documents outlining the proposal instead.
For Tahoe-area homeowners with rooftop solar, the outcome could determine whether the financial terms they relied on when installing their systems remain in place for the full 20-year period.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Six athletes in the Truckee/Tahoe and surrounding areas are preparing to take a ride on iconic mountain peaks in the upcoming six-stop 2027 Freeride World Tour.
Ross Tester. Placing third overall last tour, the Team Palisades Tahoe alum skier is entering the tour’s deepest field, competing against 23 other skiers in the men’s division. The 2017 North Tahoe High School grad was named Freeride World Tour Rookie of the Year in 2021. In this tour, he faces four former tour champions, including the reigning FWT Champion and 2026 FIS Freeride World Champion, Ben Richards (NZL), Marcus Goguen (CAN, 2025), Max Hitzig (GER, 2024), and Maxime Chabloz (SUI, 2022).
Kai Morgan. The 21-year-old Palisades Tahoe skier won the 2026 Palisades Tahoe IFSA Qualifier. It was one of many podiums in the FWT Qualifier and Challenger series, earning his debut in the Freeride World Tour. The rookie enters the deep field of the ski men’s division alongside Tester.
Tyler Curle. Another regional men’s skier, Curle also joins Morgan as a rookie on the Freeride World Tour. The 28-year-old works at Moment Skis in Reno and rose through the Qualifier and Challenger divisions this year, earning his World Tour debut this upcoming season. His 2nd-place run at the 2026 Kicking Horse IFSA Challenger Stop solidified his spot in the pro tour. Curle grew up riding at Mt. Rose and considers it his home mountain. He also competed on the Palisades Tahoe freeride team.
Delila Quinn. A former Junior World Championships runner-up and Freeride World Tour skier in 2023, Quinn returns to the pro tour after setbacks and hard-fought persistence, working her way through the Challenger series. The Tahoe-born and raised skier also joined the Palisades Tahoe Freeride Team at an early age. The 23-year-old placed 1st at the 2026 Kirkwood IFSA Challenger Stop for her return to the pro tour. She will face reigning FWT Champion Lou Barin (FRA), two-time FWT Champion Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN, 2023 and 2025), and 2026 FIS Freeride World Champion Zuzanna Witych (POL) in the women’s ski division.
Shayne Blue Sandblom. The Tahoe-based snowboarder returns to the pro tour after entering the finals in his rookie year last season. Sandblom also took second place at the Val Thorens Pro while still healing from a sprained MCL. The Incline Village resident revolves between Sugar Bowl, Palisades Tahoe and Diamond Peak. The 24-year-old rose to the pro tour after a dominant year in the Challenger series in 2025, where he took first place at both Kirkwood, California and Arapahoe Basin, Colorado.
Mia Jones. The 21-year-old North Tahoe snowboarder returns to the pro circuit as the reigning FWT Champion in the women’s snowboard category, also achieving Rookie of the Year and FIS Freeride World Champion in her inaugural year. She also won three events in one of the most dominant rookie seasons in tour history. In this year’s field, she’ll compete alongside three former champions Noémie Equy (FRA, 2025), Katie Anderson (CAN, 2023), and Tiphanie Perrotin (FRA, 2022).
Mia Jones holding her FWT Champion trophy. Provided / Bernat Andreu, Freeride World Tour
The regional athletes make up a significant portion of the 13 U.S. athletes on the upcoming tour’s roster in a total field of 53. Reigning champions are returning in all four categories, with a new generation of rookies joining this season.
The Tahoe region athletes were cut on the area’s renowned freeride terrain, evidenced by the multiple Freeride World Tour stops here, including at Kirkwood in 2011, 2013, and 2014 and Palisades Tahoe in 2009 and 2010.
Jones and Sandblom are featured in a five-part YouTube docu-series called Freeride: No Second Run. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at top-level free-ride competition with personal stories and candid post-competition interviews. The first two episodes stream Nov. 8.
2027 tour destinations and dates have been released, beginning in January and running through March. Snowbird in Utah has been added as one of two finals. The competition is formatted so that all athletes compete in the first four stops, with their top three results counting toward finals qualification. The top 60% will advance to the finals, which are the last two stops at Snowbird and Verbier.
This #GivingTuesday Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation invites our community to support the Patient and Family Support Services at the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center.
Cancer care is much more than just medical treatment. From counseling and acupuncture to massage, exercise programs, transportation and lodging assistance, the Patient and Family Support Services provide compassionate resources throughout their cancer journey. These services are offered free of charge to Cancer Center patients and families, thanks entirely to community philanthropy.
Since the Cancer Center’s early days, the vision for supportive care has been central to its mission. The Cancer Advisory Council and dedicated community members helped establish a model of care that recognizes the needs of both patients and caregivers, setting our rural cancer care apart through a commitment to supporting the whole person.
Today, Pam Hobday and Rick Green invite you to help carry forward the legacy of compassionate cancer care. Thanks to their generosity, your gift can go twice as far! Pam, the original Chair of the Cancer Advisory Council, has contributed a $25,000 matching gift, joined by another $25,000 matching gift from longtime Cancer Center supporter Rick Green. Together, their gifts provide a combined $50,000 matching opportunity for Patient and Family Support Services.
“District Board Member, Randy Hill understood that caring for someone with cancer means caring for the entire family, including the caregivers who walk alongside them,” Rick Green, longtime Cancer Center supporter. “That commitment helped shape the compassionate approach to care at Tahoe Forest. I’m proud to continue supporting the Patient and Family Support Services and help ensure patients and their loved ones continue to receive the support they need throughout their journey, like my family received during treatment.”
“As the original Chair of the Cancer Advisory Council, I’m proud of the vision and community generosity that helped build the Cancer Center and its commitment to supporting patients and caregivers,” said Pam Hobday, the original chair of the Cancer Advisory Council. “Our Patient and Family Support Services differentiate our Cancer Center. These services have long been central to what makes cancer care at Tahoe Forest special, especially in a rural community. I’m honored to help carry this legacy forward so patients and families can continue receiving this compassionate care at no cost.”
Join Pam and Rick this Giving Tuesday to help meet the match and support the patients and families who benefit from these vital programs.
Make your gift to Patient and Family Support Services today!
STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Knight Monsters dropped a hard-fought battle against the Kansas City Mavericks by a final score of 2-1.
In the first period, after failing to score last night, Tahoe found the back of the net first as captain Jake McGrew scored his fourth goal of the season to give Tahoe a 1-0 lead. With the goal, McGrew has now recorded a point in seven of the last eight games for the Knight Monsters.
Later in the first period, Kansas City forward Owen Lindmark would score his first goal of the year off an awkward puck bounce to tie the game at 1 heading into the locker room.
In the second period, Andrei Loshko put the Mavericks in front with his third goal of the year. With great goaltending from Tahoe’s Alex Tracy and Kansas City’s Logan Terness, the score remained 2-1 going into the final period.
Although Tahoe had offensive zone time late in the game with an empty net and an extra attacker on the ice, they couldn’t push one past Terness, and the Mavericks took home a 2-1 victory and claimed the regular-season series from Tahoe.
The Knight Monsters will continue their road trip as they head to Rapid City to take on the Rush. The series starts on Wednesday, November 11, with puck drop at 6:05 pm PT.
The Knight Monsters return to Tahoe Blue Event Center on Thursday, November 19, as they take on the New Mexico Goatheads for School Day presented by Richard Harris Law Firm. Puck drop is set for 10:30 am PT. Season tickets and ticket packages for the 2026-27 season are now available. For more information on becoming a 1645 Club Season Ticket Member, visit knightmonstershockey.com.
The Latest Renovations and Venues at Lake Tahoe’s South Shore
From fresh dishes to new accommodations, from extra activities to advanced meeting spaces, South Lake Tahoe is constantly innovating. The only elements we strive to leave unchanged are the natural ones. In fact, you can marvel at the stunning peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the strikingly blue waters of our eponymous lake right from your room, game, meeting, table, trail, or entertainment venue. That’s because everything you need is within walking distance on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Add 365 days of outdoor recreation and 24/7 entertainment to the mix, and you have an equation that can’t miss.
Activities
Go ahead; play like it’s your job. Our fresh mountain air can stir up inspiration like nothing else. And you can easily incorporate this new batch of activities into any event itinerary, or try our ever-popular horseback rides, guided nature walks, hot air balloon excursions, and lakeside yoga sessions.
Get a front row seat to colorful granite stones and pristine waters beneath your kayak while taking in picturesque mountains that frame the shoreline all around you. The Summit Shores tour from Clearly Tahoe is a 1.5 to 2-hour guided paddle that’s designed for all skill levels. Expert local guides provide a smooth journey and share about the geology that formed the Tahoe Basin as well as the local flora and fauna.
Heavenly Mountain Resort aims to keep you connected. In addition to offering skiing and snowboarding lessons, restaurant options, lodging properties, and event space, this local resort now provides a bike haul program. Mountain bikers and Class 1 e-bike riders can upload their bikes to the mid-station for access to our community network of trail systems. So your group can keep calm and roll on.
The latest offering from Lagree South Lake, this low-impact yet high-intensity strength workout is intense on muscles but gentle on bones and joints. With plenty of group options, these trained teachers redefine team-building exercises.
Accommodations
If you like options, upgrades, and renovations, you’ve come to the right place. South Shore hotels, resorts, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and campsites are updating their amenities left and right.
With its cozy fires and bubbling hot tubs, The Iceberg Tahoe is anything but cold. Fully renovated in 2025, this hotel is the ideal combination of a remote, tucked-away feel with close proximity to shops, trails, restaurants, and ski slopes.
Sure, your group could cluster inside a conference room, but wouldn’t you rather be sipping cocktails poolside in a cabana? Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe now features The High Dive Pool + Lounge, a venue that claims to be Lake Tahoe’s second greatest body of water. It looks promising, but we’ll let you be the judge.
With in-room gas fireplaces, private terraces or balconies, and separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs, Edgewood Resort just completed a comprehensive redesign of its lodge rooms and suites. Edgewood also added a 5,600-square-foot lakefront ballroom that can host up to 250 guests for receptions and corporate events, a 2,100-square-foot heated deck for outdoor ceremonies and gatherings, and a lakefront private dining space for up to 40 guests.
After a $45 million comprehensive renovation, Gurney’s Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa plans to open its doors in 2027. The 7.6-acre lakefront resort also includes a cafe, pizzeria, restaurant, and dessert shop alongside a health and wellness spa, meeting spaces, and private beach access.
Restaurants & Bars
The following establishments have just joined our lineup of delectable South Shore provisions. Hot tip: JWB Prime Steak and Seafood released an updated menu. Even hotter tip: We developed a group dining guide for planners so you can spend less time organizing and more time tasting.
Japanese A5 Wagyu. Bread with Black Truffle Butter. White Cheddar Lobster Mac & Cheese. Those are just some of the dishes you can order at the latest restaurant within Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe. Might as well pair it with one of their award-winning wines. Cheers.
This is not your grandmother’s afternoon tea. Edgewood Tahoe recently launched a modern tea experience with thoughtfully curated sips and small plates. Hosted inside the resort’s fine dining restaurant, your tea and cakes come with sweeping panoramic views. Who knows, you might just brew up your next big idea.
Building on the momentum of the resort’s rebrand and summer 2025 debut, Caesars Entertainment has launched pool enhancements, meeting and convention spaces, and a bar and lounge area with live music seven nights a week—right at the center of the casino floor.
Find your untapped potential at the newest taproom and cafe. Select from indoor and outdoor spaces with firepits, a stage—even a whimsical garden tucked beneath the pines where winding brick pathways, soft market lighting, and atmospheric landscaping create a charming, almost secret-garden feel. Paddle House specializes in private events, and the food is just as good as the brews. Their blueberry mascarpone cake is a local delicacy.
Try chef-led culinary experiences that pair tastings at handpicked local restaurants with the history, hidden stories, and neighborhoods that make the South Shore unique. From progressive dinners to private sightseeing and food tours, it’s a memorable way to bring a team or client group together over great food and a deeper taste of Tahoe’s local character.
Transcend Your Agenda
All of these exciting transformations happening in South Lake Tahoe combined with our existing offerings means that the only thing missing is you. Browse venues for events, meetings, and conventions of all sizes, or book your group accommodations to secure the choicest spot for your crew. Your guests will feel so invigorated, they might just push back their return flight (which is a great time to mention that we’re only a short drive away from Reno-Tahoe International Airport). Ready to make a move? We’d love to see your RFP.
Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe things to do.
TL;DR: South Lake Tahoe has been named Expedia’s #1 Trending Destination for 2027, following a 195% surge in travel searches. Discover why this year-round mountain destination is capturing travelers’ attention worldwide.
The secret is out! South Lake Tahoe is capturing the attention of travelers worldwide, and Expedia’s latest travel trends report confirms it.
According to Expedia’s Unpack ’27 travel trends report, South Lake Tahoe saw a remarkable 195% year-over-year increase in travel searches, earning the top spot among trending destinations worldwide.
And it’s easy to see why. From sparkling blue waters and sandy beaches to breathtaking alpine scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers something unforgettable in every season. Visitors can hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts, explore scenic hiking and biking trails, cruise across the lake, or simply relax and take in the mountain views. Add exciting entertainment, delicious dining, and a wide variety of places to stay, and you’ve got a destination worth discovering again and again.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, a romantic mountain escape, or a memorable family vacation, South Lake Tahoe delivers an experience unlike anywhere else.
Who doesn’t love that cozy autumn feeling of walking to your mailbox, or a drop box, or an in-person voting center to cast your vote for local, state, and national leadership?
2026 is a midterm year, meaning no voting for the U.S. president and vice president. With that spotlight off, local races receive more, much-deserved attention. Ideal, since that’s where voters have the most power to effect change. But without presidential candidates on the ballot, there tends to be considerably less participation. In 2022’s midterm election, 36% of California’s voting age population cast a ballot compared to 53% in 2024’s general. In Nevada for those same years, 41% bumped up to 58%.
The irony isn’t difficult to spot: Rules and codes over local development, utility rates, transportation options — these and hundreds more decisions happen in your neck of the woods and are made by the people you vote into office. But it doesn’t have the same drama or them-versus-us vibe, so it might not feel as critical to participate.
We hope reviewing the answers provided by candidates in the following pages adds a reason to your pros and cons list about voting on or before Nov. 3. There are very real issues at hand and critical decisions being made, and who you vote for could turn the tide one way or the other.
For our election coverage in our October edition, we took a methodical approach to the jurisdictions and special districts featured: Those we questioned in person as part of the Truckee Candidate Forum on Oct. 8 — Truckee Town Council, Tahoe Forest Hospital District, and Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District — were not included in print. (You can re-watch those forums, which took place Oct. 6 and 8, at ttm.ompnetwork.org.
A North Shore Election Forum took place Oct. 6, where state candidates participated in a Q&A. Find the recording at firsttuesdaybreakfastclub.com.
Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association is hosting an IV-CB Community Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Duffield Theater at Incline High School. It will be broadcast live and available afterward at youtube.com/@iv-cbcommunityforum9730.
We also touch on Measure P, which goes before all voters within the TTUSD boundaries.
You’ll find three district-specific questions asked of the candidates, who were allowed no more than 125 words in response per answer. Please sit with their answers and mull over who you believe would best fill an empty seat on a board, then responsibly fill out your ballot and cast your vote by Nov. 3. A healthy democracy depends on participation.
For uncontested races and other information, view our 2026 Election Tracker at tinyurl.com/5f4w5j4c.
Residents must register to vote by Oct. 19. Same-day voter registration is possible, but must be done at a county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov for a list of early voting locations.
Residents must have registered to vote in person or by mail by Oct. 6. Same-day voter registration is possible and must be done in person at a polling location. Visit tinyurl.com/mrfcsc7p for a list of early voting locations.
Two years ago, the Incline Village General Improvement District was in a precarious spot. Fraud allegations, financial issues, failed recalls, and a general manager spot that couldn’t seem to be kept filled — interim GM Bobby Magee, who resigned after three months, followed by Kent Walrack, who lasted a similar length of time before being terminated by a new board. That same month, January 2025, the still-current GM, Bob Harrison, was put in place.
Earlier this summer, Trustee Mick Homan wrote a piece for Moonshine saying that at long last, things are looking up. “With key hires in HR and finance to supplement the existing team, focus shifted to three priorities,” he wrote. “Improving organizational health, restoring financial discipline, and advancing long-term capital planning.”
The shape of that progress looks different to different people. There are three candidates running for two seats on the IVGID Board of Trustees, with only one incumbent running for reelection: David Noble. That means there’ll be at least one newcomer, either Harry Swenson, who ran in 2024, or Ryan “RB” Brooks. The candidates touch on cost discipline, transportation, and utility management.
Candidates were limited to 125-word responses per question, and they have been edited for style and clarity. Order of replies determined by a randomizer.
1. Public transportation has been identified as a critical option to reduce traffic, lower pollution, expand mobility, and more. December 2025’s cancellation of TART (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit) Connect’s microtransit services and the Aug. 1, 2026, discontinuance of IVGID’s Senior Transportation Program have created a gap in public transportation needs across Incline Village/Crystal Bay. What do you see as the most critical way(s) IVGID can support or encourage expanded public transportation options?
Brooks: The end of these programs left us without on-demand transit for the residents who depend on it most: seniors, workers, and people without a car. As I see it, IVGID’s most critical role is to restore service quickly and on solid legal footing. IVGID’s counsel has advised that [Nevada Revised Statute] 318 doesn’t allow the district to operate transportation directly. Rather, we should let a local 501(c)(3) run the service and receive state and federal funding directly, including [Nevada Department of Transportation’s] [Federal Transit Administration] Section 5310 and Older Americans Act funds and Washoe County senior service contracts. IVGID’s role would be to convene partners and help prepare grant applications. Any direct financial support would be reviewed by legal counsel first, so we don’t trade one lawsuit risk for another.
Editor’s note: Words in brackets were added by editors and do not count against word count.
Noble: IVGID representatives have been in discussions with county representatives since April to strongly encourage restarting/funding TART, which would assist all residents, including seniors. Those discussions have included the use of at least some of the taxes generated from STRs in unincorporated Washoe County (over 90% of those revenues come from STRs in Incline Village and Crystal Bay), which currently go to the county, Travel North Tahoe Nevada (formerly the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau), and the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Unfortunately, IVGID is prohibited from providing public transportation service, unless it is tied to at least one of IVGID’s recreation venues.
Swenson: I would work with the board and amend the long-standing contract with Washoe County to ensure senior transportation services are fully funded by the county and are consistent with services offered in other towns/districts of the county. For instance, the county provides discounted Lyft rides and taxi services for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. We need to ensure our community is aware of the services available.
IVGID has the responsibility of providing transportation according to the contract with Washoe County; therefore, the elimination of services was wrong. The problem appears to be budgetary and due to the services provided by IVGID going beyond what the county provides in other communities. Services should have been reviewed and refined rather than eliminated.
2. IVGID provides essential utilities while also operating an extensive recreation system. How would you determine which responsibilities should take priority when the district faces competing financial, infrastructure, and community needs?
Swenson: Maintaining and updating our water and sewer infrastructure is critical. Much of it is still original and in state of disrepair. We’ve had too many water main and line breaks. We need to budget and execute on a plan to get it upgraded and properly maintained. At the same time, we need to make the maintenance of our existing facilities, such as the recreation center, a priority. We should budget for these things first and then determine what additional projects can be accomplished. Only projects that can be delivered should be contained in the budget that results in your beach and recreation fees. This would resolve the over-collection of fees from our community while keeping our facilities in good repair.
Brooks: Tier 1 – Public health, safety, and legal obligations. Water, sewer, and effluent systems come first because they protect residents and the lake, and regulations aren’t optional.
Tier 2 – Taking care of what we already have. Before paying for anything new, IVGID should fully fund the repair and replacement of its existing pipes, pumps, facilities, and equipment.
Tier 3 – Core recreation at the heart of our community. Each IVGID facility should be evaluated on cost, usage, and how close it comes to covering its expenses. But keep a holistic approach.
Tier 4 – Wants. New amenities, expansions, and nice-to-haves come last.
Three rules would guide me in how I apply this:
Keep the money where it belongs.
Plan on a five- to 10-year horizon.
Show our work.
Noble: Water and sewer services take priority over all recreation venues because those services are essential to daily life. IVGID recently completed the effluent export pipeline project under Highway 28 — a $62 million-plus project finished a year ahead of schedule and $13 million-plus under budget. Looking forward, I believe reinvestment in IVGID’s water service and ski area should be priority. Wildfire preparedness measures (pipe replacement, backup generators, etc.) need to be accelerated for our water delivery system to be better prepared for future wildfire events. Diamond Peak is the only venue that generates a profit for the community ($1 to $5 million/year), yet no meaningful investments have been made in nearly 20 years — lodge, lift, and snowmaking upgrades are long overdue to address declining skier visits.
3. The past few years have seen ups and downs in the facility fee amounts district property owners pay annually. For example, in the fiscal year ending 2023, residents paid $780. In 2024, that amount dropped to $455. In 2026, due to impacted district finances, the annual fee went up to $1,375. The current IVGID board said the latest increase will help ensure district financial stability and the ability to manage current and future capital facilities. Do you think the board and staff have handled the financial instability well? How would you seek to maintain or improve district financial management moving forward?
Noble: The facility fee was kept flat from 2010 to 2023, while construction, labor, and food prices rose considerably over that period. The fee went up to $1,375 to begin addressing years of deferred maintenance and capital projects that languished due to analysis paralysis. I led the effort in early 2025 to hire IVGID’s new GM, who has rebuilt the finance department. We now have the right personnel in place for IVGID to comply with all applicable fiscal and accounting protocols, resulting in a clean (no exceptions or disclaimers) [Fiscal Year] 2025 audit. IVGID will be removed from the state’s fiscal watch list once the anticipated clean audit for FY 2026 is filed in November, which will enable IVGID to access additional financing tools for future projects.
Swenson: IVGID is collecting money for projects without the ability to complete in the budgeted year for many years; it’s resulted in excessive cash reserves. The excessive cash build-ups have also allowed your money to be used where it wasn’t intended or budgeted. The lower-fee years were during a time when the board linked the fees to the ability to deliver projects and services; they didn’t over-collect but collected for what was achievable. Last year’s capital improvement plan was for $30 million of projects and barely executed on $6 million. Now, with the tripling of fees, they’ve collected another $40 million out of your pockets. The board needs to budget and collect only for projects and services it can deliver, nothing more. Apply proper fiscal management!
Brooks: The current board and staff faced the problem honestly. They built a long-term capital plan, ranked the most critical projects, and stabilized the general fund. The effluent pipeline replacement finished a year early and under budget. That’s real progress.
Going forward, I would:
Instead of raising fees, pursue cost savings and revenue generating opportunities. For example, we have a $400,000 line item for the replacement of golf carts. Let’s solicit sponsors like Titleist or Nike to brand and sponsor the golf carts.
Index the fee to construction costs every year with a published formula.
Autumn Color Reflected in the Twilight
Caples Lake, Calif.
Fall is here, and for photographers, it’s the most exciting time of the year. Grab your gear and head to the mountains. Great images may seem easy, but capturing world-class ones is not as simple as it appears. I have five key elements that I look for in a single image:
1. Color: The sky and landscape should be bursting with color. Brilliant blue skies, glowing sunsets, and vibrant fall foliage make images pop.
2. Water: I prefer a one to three-second exposure to soften the water into a creamy flow of motion. Reflections double the foliage and sky color, creating beautiful, mirrored compositions.
3. Strong Compositions: Find a solid center point, such as an is
olated tree or a splash of color. Your eye should wander around without being led out of the frame. S-curves and diagonals make images more dynamic.
4. Old Things: Ghost towns, dilapidated buildings or barns, and remnants of bygone eras are not only enjoyable to discover, but they are often weathered, rusted, or in disrepair, captivating viewers.
5. Weather: Clouds, snow, and rain can all enhance an image. Cloudy days reduce the contrast of shadows. The first snowfall of the year is a must-see, and a gentle rain to wash away dust is always welcome.
I haven’t yet captured a photo that incorporates all five elements, but I’ll keep trying!
It being a midterms year, Moonshine Ink sought to create a political education column, speaking with academics on the state of politics in the country. In this edition of the Politics Brief, Moonshine spoke with Teaching Assistant Professor Owen Fite, Ph.D., from the University of Nevada, Reno’s political science department. Answers were lightly edited for style and clarity.
You teach a class on political philosophy, so I’m wondering if you can define democracy and tell me about how it has evolved since its creation? Why didn’t the founding fathers go with a direct Athenian democracy?
To give the general synopsis of what Athenian democracy was, it wasn’t monolithic, it wasn’t static. It changed over different years in which it existed. But the most radical take … that I think is worth juxtaposing from today is a democracy in which you had 6,000 citizens who showed up to the Pnyx — the assembly. It’s this hilltop in Athens. And the first 6,000 citizens that showed up there got to be essentially congress members for the day.
Those citizens would be voting yea or nay on the various proposals that were submitted by [a] council of 500. This was still restricted to Athenians, even if there were other city-states and areas that were under Athenian rule. This was still a very exclusive form of citizenship that also did not include women or children or slaves. But these people also were paid.
As a way to make this more accessible even to the poor, you could get paid essentially a day’s wage to show up and do your citizenry duties. And so you had a form of citizenship that allowed for such participation and allowed for real engagement, whether it’s because you were picked by lottery to be one of these more deliberative council members in this smaller body of 500, or you always having this right to show up early to this assembly with 5,999 other folks and vote yea or nay on these various proposals. I don’t think I need to explain to you how different that is from democracy today.
Aristotle gives you a theory as to three noble forms of government — what are pure, virtuous forms of government: benevolent kingship, aristocracy, and polity, or what also might be translated to a constitutional polity of sorts.
The perverted forms, or the forms of government that end up taking shape if the noble ones end up being corrupted, are: tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy. Democracy is seen as mob rule, rule of incompetence, rule of those who are subject to material needs. In other words, people are selfishly going into these assemblies looking for what they can get. If they don’t have their needs met, they’re going to be even more desperate and selfish instead of deliberating and thinking of a collective communal good.
And it isn’t until we get to John Locke and what we would call the introduction of liberal democracy that we get kind of this 180, where we get essentially the English Civil Wars, and we get this re-understanding that government is based on consent, individual’s agreement to enter into a social contract and accept legitimate authority.
[The founding fathers] had a lot of liberal ideas to pull from, they draw from Lockean philosophy, and so they have the basis of a liberal democratic government, but one that is still supposed to be based on rationalism, that is still supposed to exclude women, those who are not educated enough, like children, those who are supposed to only be property owning. In other words, still this idea that those who can’t provide for themselves are going to corrupt a public body, seeking their own selfish good if they don’t have their own material sustenance met.
And what one could clearly argue as real skepticism of the everyday citizen, the fact that the Senate was not able to be elected until we get to the 1900s shows that the founding fathers didn’t want everyday people in charge of affairs. The fact that the electoral college existed meant another layer of insulation in which individual people could not express their concerns. By just keeping it in the House of Representatives, it allowed some sort of representation based off citizens, which is still a very exclusive circle.
Not everyone could be a citizen … that would be specifically capped by a Senate. It’d be capped to really make sure that all these warnings made by political philosophers over the last thousand years [about] a tyranny of the masses, a tyranny of the uneducated, would never really take shape.
ZOON POLITIKON: Politics isn’t simply Congress or voting, says Owen Fite, it’s the network of relationships and decisions that shape how we live together. File image
As politics becomes wrapped up in every facet of life, what would you say to somebody who says that they’re not political? How does this tie into Aristotle’s idea of the zoon politikon?
Zoon politikon translates to political animal.
And this is an assumption made by Aristotle that people are political creatures. In other words, politics is not something we should avoid. Politics is the very essence of being human.
The fact that humans have ideas of what is good and bad, what’s better and worse, what is righteous, what is sincere, what is emotion, these are all very human things. And all of this has to do with politics. In order to understand this you have to have a more capacious definition instead of an institutional definition of politics just being Congress or voting.
But politics at its origins is the practice of compromise, of agreeing. Well, that’s what it’s like to be a person. The only way one could avoid politics would be living out on an island by themselves with no interaction with anyone else.
But even that is still the consequence of politics. For example, [if] some different treaties or different governments agreed not to populate this one island,[then] even if someone avoids all politics, the very absence of politics … requires politics elsewhere. And so that’s a different answer, though, to how someone who tells me they’re not political, how I’d respond to them.
I would do a long Socratic kind of back and forth if I had all the time in the world and I was invested in really getting this through. I would ask, ‘What does it mean to not be political?’ I’d throw it on its head. And if someone said, ‘Oh, it’s just I like my job and I like watching my TV.’ I’d ask, ‘Well, how do you have your job? What are the economic forces at play? What are the facts of insurance, the subsidies, the workplace protections, the fact that you have a home, the zoning, the roads that get you from here to there, the fact that you have TV, that you have internet connection here and there, that everything that leads to you being a part of another’s world, that’s political.’
It is interesting because I feel like some of the people I’ve talked to think it’s pointless. They think that they don’t have influence, or maybe they think that there’s no point in voting in the presidential election because they think that the only potential power that they have is within local elections.
What I would call a meaningful distinction of what you brought up is the difference between having agency and influence versus control and masterdom. Yeah, people in the U.S. right now do not have control over their politics.
They do not have a masterdom over politics unless they are one of those few exceptions of a political party elite or Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos-type billionaires. That doesn’t mean someone doesn’t have influence. If I were to have a conversation with individuals, I would probably take it as local, scaled down as possible to think of what influence have you had on friends, on family, on the community, and I would interrogate them or challenge them to say, how is that apolitical? You convincing a friend to watch a certain show over another, going to this event versus another, joining this club, spending their time doing this and that.
Whether they’re subtle or not, they have interconnections with ideas of what is better, what is worse, what are ways that we want to associate, we want to cohabitate, we want to live together, what institutions we want to make, whether they’re formal or informal.
What I problematize about the definition that you cited is that it’s really restricted by an institutionalist type of thinking that, yes, if you only work with institutions and you expect institutions to completely reflect what you want, it’s going to feel like you have no agency, but that’s only one avenue of politics.
The most radical changes over history, the biggest political change happens outside of formal institutions. It creates new institutions over time. You as an individual are not going to do that. You don’t have that control or masterdom, but that’s where you don’t get these big critical junctures until it actually takes up across a large group, a large mass of people.
We go back to the heart of it, which is politics only exists with others. You as an individual are not going to change everything in politics by yourself. It’s all part of a collective action problem, a collective effort.
What does the midterm election look like through the eyes of young voters in the Tahoe region? We asked five Gen Zers, ages 19 to 23, about whether they plan to vote, the issues that matter most to them, how well political parties represent them, and how they feel about voting in California and Nevada. Their answers reflect a generation that is engaged but not necessarily aligned, with concerns ranging from the cost of living and housing to international conflict, data centers, healthcare, and the economy. Respondents are listed alphabetically, with the order rotated throughout the Q&A.
Ella Brandt, 23
From Tahoe City
Ethnicity: White
Gender identity: Female
Registered as: Democrat
Ella Brandt is a Cal Poly alumnus currently working at a marina on Lake Tahoe.
1. Will you vote in the midterms? Why or why not?
Yes, I will be voting. I think it’s a pivotal and impactful time to be able to utilize and exercise my right to vote and take part in our democracy, especially given where I stand on who controls the House and Senate.
2. What do you think is the most important issue in the midterm election and why?
Cost of living and health care are two of the biggest issues in this midterm. The propositions on our ballot could bring real relief on housing, health care, and taxes. This is largely important to help the well-being of families and workers across California.
3. How well does your political party currently represent you and why?
I think the Democratic Party ultimately represents me better than any alternative. When I weigh my options, the party aligns more closely with my values, particularly environmental sustainability, access to health care, and Congress holding the President accountable.
4. In a national (political) context, how do you feel about being Nevadan or Californian?
It’s hard to sum up all Californians in one way, and voting is how every part of the state gets heard. I like being Californian overall, but living in Tahoe, I think I may have a different perspective than most Californians. For instance, we deal with seasonal crowds and a housing market that’s hard for locals to afford.
5. Will you be voting by mail or in person? If by mail, do you have any reservations about using this method?
I will likely vote in person.
6. On the ballot is a billionaires tax, a one-time tax of 5% on the wealth of individuals worth over $1 billion. The tax is meant to subsidize healthcare, education and food assistance for Californians. Are you in support of this and why or why not?
(Editor’s Note: This question was asked only of Californians.)
I am in full support of this. Individuals with that much wealth and accessibility to money should contribute to the communities around them. It would bring a meaningful influx of money to those who need it.
7. What local election are you following, if any?
I am not currently following any specific local race.
Brenna Ritchie, 21
From Incline Village
Ethnicity: White
Gender identity: Female
Registered as: Democrat
Brenna Ritchie is a Rangeland Ecology and Natural Resources Management student at Montana State University.
1. Will you vote in the midterms? Why or why not?
Yes, of course, they are still important votes because it changes options for the primary elections: if you have an opinion in the primaries, then you should have a vested interest in the midterms.
2. What do you think is the most important issue in the midterm election and why?
Economics and cost of living and also data centers! Data center policy is something that every American citizen can rally behind, regardless of party, because they affect so much of our future and use of resources. Specifically, our future water use and land use are drastically impacted by data centers, and these are the two most important things for American agriculture — which is ultimately what keeps us all alive.
3. How well does your political party currently represent you and why?
Not super well — both are quite polarized on issues. Neither party tries to see the perspective of the other- and both are losing followers because they are so far leaning. I think there is a huge hole in American politics for someone who is middle ground on issues to collect voters from both parties due to their evenness and views for both sides.
4. In a national (political) context, how do you feel about being Nevadan or Californian?
I love being a Nevadan — I love being part of a swing state where your voice actually matters — especially in a contentious time right now with data center controversy.
5. Will you be voting by mail or in person? If by mail, do you have any reservations about using this method?
I will be voting by mail, and no I don’t have any reservations about using it — I trust the mail service to send packages, cards, and more, and I see sending a ballot as the same thing. I have faith in our hardworking citizens to deliver it, and for people counting them to act as upstanding Americans and do the right thing- as long as it gets counted, I don’t care through which avenue I vote.
6. What local election are you following, if any?
I am not following many local elections because I am not currently living there, but I do hear and keep tabs on the IVGID elections from my dad.
Hazin Burtt, 19
From Truckee
Ethnicity: Mixed
Gender Identity: Male
Registered as: Independent
Hazin is a professional rock climber.
1. Will you vote in the midterms? Why or why not?
I will be voting in the midterms because I believe that one vote can make a difference.
2. What do you think is the most important issue in the midterm election and why?
I believe the most important issue is our president and getting him impeached. If we cannot loosen the control of the Republicans in Congress, then we will have to suffer the consequences of his actions.
3. How well does your political party currently represent you and why?
They represent me well, but they don’t cover all my opinions on things. But that is to be expected. They represent me more than the Democrats and much more than the Republicans.
4. In a national (political) context, how do you feel about being Nevadan or Californian?
I don’t feel terrible about it because while Gavin Newsom makes some terrible decisions, he does some good for the environment.
5. Will you be voting by mail or in person? If by mail, do you have any reservations about using this method?
I will be voting in person, I like the sticker and the small trip out to vote at a poll.
6. On the ballot is a billionaires tax, a one-time tax of 5% on the wealth of individuals worth over $1 billion. The tax is meant to subsidize healthcare, education and food assistance for Californians. Are you in support of this and why or why not?
(Editor’s Note: This question was asked only of Californians.)
I am in support of this but I do wish the percentage was higher. It would allow so many people to live their lives with what should be the basics, but who currently cannot.
7. What local election are you following, if any?
I am not following any local races currently.
Emmett Roberts, 22
From Olympic Valley
Ethnicity: White
Gender identity: Male
Registered as: Independent
Emmett is a Tufts University Alumnus currently working as an electrical engineer.
1. Will you vote in the midterms? Why or why not?
I will vote in the midterms. I mostly want my vote to reflect how I feel the president is handling his term by voting on congress members. So while I will be voting for state government and propositions, my main motivation is to vote for congress members.
2. What do you think is the most important issue in the midterm election and why?
The biggest issue for me is the international conflict and the US’s involvement. I am very against the conflicts, and our government is not only funding Israel with weapons and money, but also making little diplomatic progress towards a ceasefire with Iran.
3. How well does your political party currently represent you and why?
I am nonpartisan so I feel it represents me pretty well. I have ideals that align with multiple different parties, and even if most of them are more aligned with the Democratic Party, I don’t think its current image is one I fully support or agree with.
4. In a national (political) context, how do you feel about being Nevadan or Californian?
I feel good about being Californian, the people in California share mostly the same important social and political viewpoints as me.
5. Will you be voting by mail or in person? If by mail, do you have any reservations about using this method?
I will be voting in person.
6. On the ballot is a billionaires tax, a one-time tax of 5% on the wealth of individuals worth over $1 billion. The tax is meant to subsidize healthcare, education and food assistance for Californians. Are you in support of this and why or why not?
(Editor’s Note: This question was asked only of Californians.)
I think it is a good idea if implemented correctly. I will be voting for it, but I don’t want the money used improperly and I don’t want to drive billionaires out of the state, which could severely decrease state tax revenue and have other economic consequences.
7. What local election are you following, if any?
None.
Luke Bracco, 23
From Truckee
Ethnicity: White
Gender identity: Male
Registered as: Independent
Luke Bracco is a mountain guide and from Alamo, California. He has lived in Tahoe on and off for his entire life.
1. Will you vote in the midterms? Why or why not?
Yes, definitely. Midterms decide who’s in Congress and who sets policy at the state and local level, and those decisions affect day-to-day life more than people realize. Skipping them means letting other people choose for me.
2. What do you think is the most important issue in the midterm election and why?
The economy and unemployment are issues that have my attention. Housing and healthcare are equally important, but hinge on the stability of a consistent paycheck. Holding work is critical to being able to build a life, and for people my age, that’s a huge source of uncertainty.
3. How well does your political party currently represent you and why?
I lean Democrat and it’s the closest fit, but not a perfect one. I agree with the party on a lot of social and policy priorities, but I don’t always feel it puts enough focus on jobs and affordability, which are important issues to me.
4. In a national (political) context, how do you feel about being Nevadan or Californian?
I have mixed feelings living here. California is a leader in innovation, climate policy, and culture, but it also falls victim to political issues seen at a national level. It’s frustrating that critical issues like cost of living and housing fall behind more divisive social issues. We spend too much time fighting over ideas that affect a relatively small portion of the population and ignore ones that truly affect the lives of everyone.
5. Will you be voting by mail or in person? If by mail, do you have any reservations about using this method?
I will vote by mail. It’s convenient and I have no reservations about it.
6. On the ballot is a billionaires tax, a one-time tax of 5% on the wealth of individuals worth over $1 billion. The tax is meant to subsidize healthcare, education and food assistance for Californians. Are you in support of this and why or why not?
(Editor’s Note: This question was asked only of Californians.)
I’m torn on the billionaire tax. I like the goal of funding healthcare, education, and food assistance, and I think the ultra-wealthy can contribute more, but I worry about the application. Whether it’s a true one-time tax, how wealth gets valued, and if the money actually reaches those programs are some questions I’ve raised. It also strikes me as a headline political move, another easy to support or protest idea that keeps us from talking about long term, harder to address issues.
7. What local election are you following, if any?
I’m not following a specific local race. Honestly, I haven’t seen much coverage of local issues, and I think that’s a gap in how elections get covered.
The Lake Tahoe camping season may be winding down for the summer, but there are still a few places to enjoy sleeping under the stars this fall.
Milky Way over Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe | Photo: Rachid Dahnoun
Lake Tahoe is a popular camping destination all summer long; however, for the hardy outdoors people among us, year-round camping opportunities exist around Lake Tahoe. Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy the changing leaves, fewer crowds, and quieter beaches and trails, and the cooler temperatures are perfect for long hikes and mountain bike rides.
Fall colors around Lake Tahoe. Photo by Carol Chaplin.
Here are some of your options for camping this fall in Lake Tahoe:
Campground by the Lake, season runs from April through the end of October (weather permitting).
D.L. Bliss, Donner Memorial, Emerald Bay, and Sugar Pine Point are OPEN during the winter for hiking and snowshoeing, but these parks are CLOSED to camping beginning mid-September (varies by park).
Bring extra layers (temperatures drop at night), and don’t forget your sleeping pad! While you are here, make sure you check out all the beautiful fall colors.
South Lake Tahoe Camping | Photo: @keeptahoe.local
Easy Ways to Build Attendee Wellness into Your Meeting at Tahoe Blue Event Center
Today’s attendees expect more than productive meetings—they’re looking for experiences that leave them feeling energized, inspired, and genuinely refreshed.
Fortunately, South Lake Tahoe makes that easy.
Located just steps from the shoreline and surrounded by mountain scenery, Tahoe Blue Event Center gives planners the opportunity to weave wellness into the agenda without adding complicated logistics. A 20-minute walk, a quick yoga session, or an express spa treatment can provide the reset attendees need before the next keynote or networking event.
Whether you’re planning a multi-day conference or looking to elevate a single afternoon break, here are a few planner-friendly wellness experiences that fit seamlessly into your schedule.
Start the Day Lakeside
There’s something about the crisp mountain air and calm waters of Lake Tahoe that immediately shifts your mindset.
Before the first session begins, invite attendees to gather at a Lake Tahoe beach for a guided breathwork or yoga session, light stretching, or a simple morning walk along the shoreline. Clearly Tahoe’s clear-bottom kayaking tours are well-known for a reason. Whether your group prefers a serene early morning paddle or the LED glow sunset tour, you’ll get to discover hidden coves and quiet moments that make the lake feel like it belongs only to you. Their expert local guides enhance the experience by sharing history, geology, and facts about the plants and animals of Lake Tahoe.
For the most unreal views and unforgettable experience, Lake Tahoe Balloons is an excellent treat for small groups.
Turn a Coffee Break into a Mountain Break
Networking doesn’t always have to happen inside the convention center. Even a short outdoor break helps attendees recharge while taking in one of the country’s most iconic alpine landscapes.
Just up the street from the Tahoe Blue Event Center, Van Sickle Bi-State Park offers miles of scenic hiking trails that begin practically at your doorstep. Planners can encourage attendees to take a short hike during longer breaks or organize small-group walking meetings through the towering pines and granite outcroppings.
Because trails vary in length and difficulty, groups can easily tailor the experience to fit a one-hour break or a longer afternoon of free time.
Schedule Time to Truly Recharge
Sometimes, the most productive thing attendees can do is slow down.
South Lake Tahoe is home to several wellness businesses that make it easy to add restorative experiences before or after meetings.
For something truly unique, Tahoe Forest Baths offers one of only two authentic Japanese cedar enzyme bath experiences in the United States. Guests relax in naturally heated cedar and living enzymes designed to promote relaxation, circulation, and recovery, with the option to finish their visit at an oxygen bar.
Looking for movement instead? OMNI Tahoe offers hot yoga, barre, dance, and therapeutic fitness classes that work well for small groups or individual attendees seeking an active reset. Those looking for quick recovery after travel can also visit Revive Well Tahoe, where IV hydration, wellness shots, and halotherapy help guests feel refreshed before another full day of meetings. Another excellent choice is Elevate Wellness, a premier facility offering many wellness treatments and an onsite apothecary and gift shop.
Fuel Better Conversations
Wellness doesn’t stop with movement.
South Lake Tahoe’s growing collection of health-conscious restaurants makes it easy to keep attendees feeling their best throughout the day. Schedule a networking breakfast at Sprouts Natural Food Café, enjoy fresh island-inspired fare at Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar, or plan a group lunch at Verde Mexican Rotisserie, where fresh ingredients and lighter options help attendees stay energized for afternoon sessions.
Wellness Plans for Every Forecast
One of the advantages of planning a meeting in South Lake Tahoe is having flexibility no matter the weather.
Sunny skies make outdoor wellness breaks effortless, while cooler temperatures provide the perfect excuse to unwind indoors. Schedule yoga at OMNI Tahoe, book book services at the Spa at Edgewood to pamper yourself, or simply utilize Tahoe Blue Event Center’s outdoor event lawn whenever conditions allow. The venue’s versatile indoor and outdoor spaces make wellness programming simple to incorporate throughout your event.
Meetings That Leave a Lasting Impression
The best meetings don’t just deliver valuable content—they leave attendees feeling better than when they arrived.
With walkable access to hiking trails, lakeside gathering spaces, wellness studios, restorative spa experiences, and nourishing dining, Tahoe Blue Event Center makes it remarkably easy to build moments of renewal into any agenda. Whether it’s a sunrise breathwork session, a midday walk through Van Sickle, or a cedar enzyme bath after the final keynote, these simple additions help transform meetings into memorable experiences.
When wellness is built into the schedule, everyone leaves with a little more energy, a little more inspiration, and every reason to come back.
Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe things to do.
Everyone should be able to experience awe-inspiring Lake Tahoe, especially working professionals who are constantly in front of their screens. Good thing the South Shore is full of accessible and adaptive experiences that planners can use when setting up accommodations for attendees and their travel companions. The mobility impaired, the visually impaired, and the hearing impaired can all enjoy Tahoe time, as well as those with cognitive, sensory, and mental health considerations.
Make the most of South Lake Tahoe’s 365 days of outdoor adventures and 24-hour entertainment scene. Choose from 143,000 square feet of event space options and over 10,000 hotel rooms nestled beside diverse restaurants, energizing nightlife, and epic views that are designed for every body and mind.
Accessible Activities
When it comes to team building, there’s plenty to do on the South Shore. Here are just a few of the opportunities available to your group. We also have this handy interactive accessibility map, highlighting locations with the best services to accommodate a wide range of accessibility needs.
Skiing
South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding programs with accommodations, including private lessons for bi-ski, 3 track, 4 track, and tethered skiing, as well as lessons catered to visual impairment, hearing impairment, and cognitive concerns. The resort’s gondola and mid-mountain observation deck are also fully accessible. And you have even more options to explore. Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood provide adaptive ski programs in addition to accessible lifts, restrooms, and guestrooms.
Camping
For accessible campsites, look no further than Campground by the Lake. Nevada Beach is another great option with campgrounds, paved paths, shoreline walkways, firm sand, and accessible facilities.
Tube Tahoe sets the standard with pristine snowy terrain and views of both Mt. Tallac and Echo Summit. Plus, they regularly host special needs community events.
Climbing
The climbing initiative at Blue Granite Climbing Gym promotes inclusivity while providing under-resourced youth and underrepresented populations the opportunity to experience rock climbing. They have adaptive tools available for use, and they often host events dedicated to the disabled community.
Scenic Cruises
Welcome aboard the M.S. Dixie II at Zephyr Cove. Its main deck, restrooms, dining spaces, and outdoor areas are accessible. And if you select the sunset dinner cruise option, get ready for unreal vistas of Emerald Bay.
Accessible Destinations
These recreational hubs are able to serve all kinds of visitors and will definitely enhance any agenda.
Beaches
Connelley Beach features ADA parking, Mobi-mats®, and an ADA outdoor restroom. With the Healthline Medical All Terrain Beach Wheelchair at Lakeside Beach, the Wheeleez Sandcruiser Wheelchair at El Dorado, and the Mister Boardwalk® walkway at Nevada Beach, your entire group can marvel at the stunning scenery.
Trails
The Ed Z’Berg Nature Trail at Sugar Pine Point State Park is a 0.7-mile paved loop with educational signage that guides you through a shaded forest. This park includes accessible picnic areas, restrooms, and a wheelchair-friendly fishing pier. Our Lake of the Sky Trail is unpaved but relatively flat, which means it’s suitable for some power chairs. The property also features an audio tour and information in Braille. Approximately 4 miles in length, the fully accessible Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is a paved route through towering pines and serene meadows.
Historic Sites
Originally coined the “Grandest Resort in the World”, Tallac Historic Site offers the chance to roam through the fully wheelchair-accessible Baldwin Museum, Valhalla Community Events Center, and Boathouse Theater.
A local haven filled with boutiques, eateries, and a movie theater, Heavenly Village contains wide, navigable walkways. You’ll find the wheelchair-accessible Heavenly Gondola here, as well as Braille signage at the Observation Deck.
Accessible Events
From adaptive ski days to Journey of Hope cycling, from red-carpet celebrations to community outreach, Access Tahoe is a grassroots organization dedicated to creating access for all. Visit their Instagram page for the most recent list of upcoming events.
Accessible Transportation
Traveling to Lake Tahoe without a car? No problem. Lake Link, the South Shore’s free public mico-transit system, provides on-demand, app-based rides. Our bus system is also free to use and ADA accessible. Our meetings district is compact and has wide, well-paved sidewalks, making the downtown area easy for all to enjoy.
Let’s Meet
The mountains are calling, and so is the continent’s largest alpine lake. You can answer by browsing event, meeting, and sports venues designed for gatherings of every size. Our wide range of lodging options provide luxury amenities, stunning scenery, and flexible spaces that deliver results instead of routine.
Located 6,224 feet above sea level, South Lake Tahoe elevates your experience at every turn. Ready to make a move? We’d love to see your RFP.
Explore Places to Stay
Stay in Lake Tahoe
Find the perfect accommodation that matches your unique preferences and ensures an unforgettable experience at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is an ancient marvel filled with 37 trillion gallons of 99.9% pure, sapphire blue water that we are fortunate to recreate in and around. Please respect its pristine nature and that of the surrounding forests and mountains by packing out all you pack in. If no trash container is handy or is filled, take your trash with you and find another appropriate receptacle.
Come Back Again. And Again.
Things to Do in Tahoe for Every Season
Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe things to do.
See What’s New for the 2026/27 Lake Tahoe Ski Season
Family Skiing Heavenly Mountain Resort Lake Tahoe
Winter is never far away when you’re high up in the Sierra Nevada, and our resorts are bringing the fun back with expanded services and shorter wait times.
If you’ve been dreaming about snagging first-chair on a powder day or plan to head out with the family for a vacation that makes you wonder if you are in a real-life Hallmark movie, there’s no destination quite like South Lake Tahoe. Find out what’s new and what to expect at Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts this upcoming 2026/2027 season.
Upcoming events include the Toyota Air and Après event, tentatively scheduled for March 5 – 7, which promises an action-packed experience. The resort will construct an impressive 45-foot jump at the base of a World Cup trail. Expect professional athletes to astound with their gravity-defying tricks under the mountain’s illuminated night sky.
Heavenly Resort will continue with a reservation-based parking system for winter 2026/2027. Click this link for more details.
If you are new to Heavenly, it can seem daunting to navigate the four base lodges, with two in California and two in Nevada. Click here for the basics, including where to park, shuttle bus services, and how to access the mountain.
Skiers and Boarders at Kirkwood Mountain Resort Lake Tahoe
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is scheduled to open on Friday, December 4th, marking the beginning of the 2026-2027 Lake Tahoe ski and ride season!
Events and freeride competitions return this season, including the Winter Solstice Kickoff Party, New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, Women’s Weekend, Proud to Be Me Week, Banked Slalom, Slush Cup, IFSA competitions, and the Freeride World Qualifier.
Kirkwood is continuing their reservations-based parking program to improve guest arrival and reduce congestion on weekends and peak days. This initiative will feature free, paid, and complimentary carpool parking options until noon.
Sustainability remains a priority, with plans to enhance food waste digesters, improve waste sorting, and implement automated dumpster sensors to minimize landfill contributions.
Kirkwood is known for deep powder and runs for even the most avid enthusiast to test their mettle.
Sierra-at-Tahoe marks its 80th anniversary this winter with a season of nostalgic events and special celebrations. Projected opening day in late November or early December, weather permitting.
The resort is also rolling out a new mobile app featuring an interactive trail map, activity-based badges and rewards, and on-mountain leaderboards.
For weekends and holiday periods, Sierra-at-Tahoe will use a parking reservation system designed to improve access and support carpooling. Reservations will be complimentary for passholders and for vehicles carrying four or more people.
Tahoe’s snow tubing parks are almost ready to roll for the season, offering fun for all ages and skill levels. From groomed lanes to laughter-filled runs, tubing is one of the easiest ways to dive into winter play. Check operating dates below, and get ready to slide into the snowy season.
If you’ve been following OpenSnow’s Bryan Allegretto for his Lake Tahoe forecasts, you know he’s passionate about accurately predicting what the surrounding mountains will get. He’s the voice of reason when other news outlets and weather services hype up FEET of snow, only for the reality to fall far short. But even for “BA”—as he’s known—the storms in the first week of February 2025 were way off, and by a huge margin. In fact, it was his worst prediction in his nineteen-plus-year career. I had the chance to chat with him to get the inside scoop on what went wrong.
BA’s Soul Crushed
Bryan Allegretto enjoying one of Tahoe’s famous storm cycles when the forecast was spot on.
BA takes his forecasting seriously—so seriously that he’s been keeping a scorecard to track just how spot-on (or not) he’s been. Over the past nine seasons, his predictions for every storm across the Tahoe Basin have been off by just 1.5 inches on average. But during the first week of February, things went way off course. He was off by anywhere from 5.5 to 12.9 inches, with some mountains missing the mark by as much as 2 feet! Normally, when he’s that far off, it’s because the storms delivered more (think: colder, fluffier powder). This time? As far as he can remember, it was the first instance they delivered way less.
Atmospheric Rivers are Tough
One of the many warm storms during the wet n’ wild Jan 2017 season
Lake Tahoe’s weather is infamous for its feast-or-famine cycles, and a big reason is that up to 50% of California’s precipitation comes in the form of an atmospheric river. These intense bands of moisture originate from the tropics and slam into the Sierra. If Lake Tahoe is lucky enough to be on the cold side of it, we get huge snowfall. But if not, it means rain—LOTS of rain. And that’s exactly what happened during the first week of February.
Alarm Bells Ding
As the storms began to arrive in the 5-day window, BA was already mentioning how concerned he was about the forecast. First, the band of moisture was narrow at only 50 miles wide which is tiny in the scope of the globe. If the storm moved even a few miles north or south, the amount of liquid we get would be drastically cut. Then there was the problem of temperatures. It set up a battle royale of two giants – cold air to the north and the warm subtropical air flowing into the northern Sierra. Depending on who wins and when, this “could make a BIG difference in snowfall totals.”
Worst Case Scenario Happened
And that’s exactly what happened. Instead of the storm staying focused on Tahoe, it quickly moved north. While the National Weather Service predicted 30 inches of liquid and BA estimated 22 inches as a conservative forecast for the week, the greater Lake Tahoe area only received a meager 6-12+ inches. The moisture tap shut off before the cold air could move in, and the snow ratios—usually around 10:1—were closer to 7:1. The result? A rude awakening after the storm passed.
“Biggest Temperature Gradients as Far as I Can Remember”
A lot of this came down to how cold it was to the north—a real tease for weather forecasters. It was snowing all the way to the beach in Oregon and even in Susanville. With that much cold air up north, it seemed like it would force its way south, but it didn’t. Instead, the warm air took over. Not just in Tahoe, but across the entire West, where everyone got hit with rain. Jackson Hole was in the 50s, and even Utah saw rain!
Models Aren’t Gospel but a Tool
The GFS model… Snow porn at its finest. For the 1st storm in the larger cycle it predicted nearly 12 inches of liquid! The ENTIRE week only got 6!
The best tool for weather forecasters today is still the weather models. But as BA pointed out, “These are global models. Each micro-climate has its own set of errors. You need to understand these nuances and apply them to your forecast.” Take the GFS, for example. The U.S. model, affectionately known as “snow porn,” always assumes snow ratios are way too high, predicting crazy amounts of snow—and it’s nearly always wrong. Then there’s the Canadian model, which tends to underforecast how much snow places like Mt. Rose will get. The real voice of reason? The European model. Statistically, it’s proven to be the most accurate, and now with A.I. to help fix its errors, it’s getting even better.
OpenSnow Will Learn and Get Better
In the end, BA summed it up best: “It’s hard to forecast storms in the mountains.” But that’s exactly what drew Bryan to this field in the first place—the challenge of forecasting and getting it right. Sometimes, like the week of February 1st, 2025, you get it wrong. But that’s an outlier, and the team at OpenSnow is using it as a learning tool. Instead of taking a back seat, they’re constantly working to improve their product. They’ve even hired a full-time A.I. developer to create their own OpenSnow A.I., which is processing 40+ years of data to correct model errors and improve predictions.
And it’s not all about enjoying the summer for pickleball. The folks at OpenSnow use the “off season” as a chance to reflect and improve. That’s when they discovered the Canadian model’s issue with the Mt. Rose snow forecast. They’re always striving to get better.
We get how tough forecasting can be, and we hope this behind-the-scenes look helps explain the challenges involved. Big kudos to him—and to all of the OpenSnow team—for the hard work they put in!
When looking for a skiing destination, one of the factors that typically comes into everyone’s mind: “Is there more than one ski area to visit?” The answer when talking about the cozy town on the shore of Payette Lake is a wholehearted YES! In fact, McCall Idaho skiing has the perfect amount of resorts big and small to fit everyone’s budget, plans, or vision of what they think a ski town is all about.
McCall Idaho Skiing – Covers All Needs
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Within half and hour from the center of McCall, you have access to three vastly different ski areas. The closest is the Little Ski Hill which is only a few minutes away, offering affordable skiing and schussing under the lights. Less than nine miles away, you have the flagship resort: Brundage Mountain. Not just a ski area but rather a basecamp to outdoor fun such as snowmobile excursions to Burgdorf Hot Springs. The furthest away, but a MUST for all visitors, is Tamarack. This resort is now coming into a renaissance due to a new owner. Both Tamarack AND Brundage are a powder hound’s dream especially during mid-week. You’ll pretty much have each place to yourself. The best part is both of these offer lift-accessed backcountry skiing if you have the gear, knowledge, and fortitude to step outside into the wilderness.
The Little Ski Hill – For 1st Timers & Ski Addicts
Image appears courtesy: Payette Lakes Ski Club
As T.E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia said, “Big things have small beginnings” and the Little Ski Hill in McCall, Idaho is the greatest example of this. Founded in 1937 for local forest workers to recreate during the winter, this quaint area doesn’t have one or two Olympians but SIX who got their start here. Although it may only have a 405-foot vertical drop, it makes sure that every inch of it is maximized. They do this by offering night skiing, a legit terrain park, AND a kid-first attitude that families love. How do you know it’s good? By hearing the laughter and whoops on the slopes. If you’re looking for a fountain of youth or just affordable skiing, this place is it. How affordable? Well, an adult day pass goes for only $30 or hand out $140 and get a SEASON PASS!!!! College students can pick up a season pass for $80 and kids 5-17 can get one for $50.
Compared to other ski resorts throughout the country, the road to Tamarack isn’t treacherous. Heading due south from McCall on Highway 55, follow the massive ridgeline until you pass through Donnelly. We HIGHLY recommend making a pit stop here for breakfast at the Flight of Fancy Bakery. Besides serving tasty pastries and other scrumptious options, their baked oatmeal is the BEST oatmeal you’ll have anywhere.
If you pull into Tamarack’s parking lot mid-week, it will feel as though it’s your own private resort. Although it might have less in-bounds acreage than its cousin Brundage, the 2,800’ of vertical skiing will make sure your legs are screaming especially that you can lap the mountain without stopping. For those that have knowledge about the backcountry, the lift-accessed terrain is MASSIVE since the resort sits on a ridgeline making for easy pickings. That’s just a few of the many reasons you should visit Tamarack Resort.
Brundage Mountain – McCall’s Classic Resort
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Last, but not in any way the least, Brundage Mountain Resort will always be near and dear to our hearts. Looking at the trail map and statistics, you’ll think that it isn’t very big or that it’s pretty mellow. Well, you’d be wrong. Just like all Idaho skiing, you have to look in-between the lines or rather in the glades to find the challenging stuff. For example, from looker’s left, the trails or rather “zones” of the Hidden Valley area holds some amazing steeps you’d find in places like Kirkwood. And if you have a few extra dineros in your pocket, we HIGHLY recommend booking a backcountry guided tour via a snowcat. At over 18,000 acres to explore, the snowcat tours will make sure you find some untracked pow to shred.
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Nordic Skiing
Although we’re focused on the gravity fed version, we have to give a nod to the McCall Idaho skiing version known as nordic skiing. Instead of an afterthought, cross-country skiing here is big. So much so that there are multiple nordic centers that maintain and manage trail networks. The jewel on the crown is Ponderosa Park. It’s located on a 1,000 acre peninsula that splits Payette Lake. Featuring heavily forested trails with rolling topography to ridge tops offering up spectacular views of the lake. The newest edition, opened in 2005, is Bear Basin which contains 30 km of trails to explore. You’ll also find trail networks at Tamarack Resort and the summer activities hot spot for mountain biking at Jug Mountain.
As the throngs of skiers and snowboarders head to busy destinations like Vail, Park City, or Whistler, you may want to consider McCall, Idaho for your next ski vacation. From consistent snowfall, thousands of acres of skiing, and fun winter activities like the McCall Winter Carnival, you’ll understand why we consider not just McCall but ALL of Northern Idaho – the last frontier of skiing. If you want to learn more about McCall like what’s there to do, what places to eat, and even insider tips on how to get there be sure to read our insider’s guide:
Sandcruiser Wheelchair at 
