South Lake Tahoe is a winter paradise offering a wide array of activities to complement its world-famous skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re looking for high-thrill adventures or serene moments by a crackling fire, this guide covers the must-try experiences to make your winter visit truly unforgettable.
If you’re seeking an active way to take in Tahoe’s serene beauty, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are perfect options. Hope Valley Outdoors, just south of town, features over 60 miles of trails winding through meadows, valleys, and mountain paths. These tree-lined routes offer sweeping views and a chance to connect with the snowy landscape. Explore gear rental shops here.
Snowmobiling with Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center Lake Tahoe
Feel the rush of winter with a snowmobile tour through the snow-blanketed forests of South Lake Tahoe. Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center provides access to breathtaking panoramic views at elevations nearing 9,000 feet. For family-friendly options, Tahoe Snowmobiles and Lake Tahoe Adventures offer tours suitable for all ages.
Sometimes, the simplest joys are the most memorable. Sledding and tubing are perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe offers machine-groomed sledding and tubing hills for all ages. Other great spots include Hansen’s Resort on Ski Run Blvd and Tube Tahoe at Tahoe Paradise Golf Course in Meyers.
Complete your winter wonderland experience with an old-fashioned sleigh ride. Pulled by majestic draft horses, these decorated sleighs glide through snowy fields and pine forests, creating magical memories against Tahoe’s stunning backdrop.
After a day of adventure, there’s nothing like soaking in natural hot springs. South Shore also has one of America’s only Japanese-style cedar bathhouses – learn more about this unique and nourishing experience here. There are a few different options, but for those seeking a little luxury, we recommend the trek to David Walley’s Hot Springs, a soothing retreat where you can relax in healing waters surrounded by the Sierra Nevada’s breathtaking scenery. Consider making a stop at Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor, the Genoa Bar & Saloon. Learn more about all of our spa options here.
6. Fireside Cozy Time
South Lake Tahoe knows how to do après-ski right. Gather around a fire pit with family and friends to toast marshmallows, sip hot cocoa, and share stories of the day’s adventures. From boutique coffee shops to cozy mountain lodges, you’ll find plenty of spots to warm up and create lasting memories.
Even when it’s snowing outside, you can climb to new heights indoors. Blue Granite Climbing Gym offers year-round climbing opportunities, from beginner-friendly walls to advanced challenges. Classes, clinics, and youth programs make this a must-visit spot for climbers of all skill levels.
Channel your inner Olympian with a curling session at the Lake Tahoe Ice Arena. Lake Tahoe Epic Curling offers Sunday evening “Learn to Curl” classes, as well as private group events. It’s a unique way to bond with family or friends while trying something new on the ice.
Looking for something a little different? Head to Yosemite Axe Throwing for a fun and exciting indoor activity. Perfect for groups or solo adventurers, this thrilling pastime lets you channel your inner lumberjack while staying warm and dry.
Tipsy Putt combines mini-golf fun with a laid-back vibe and a fantastic drink menu. It’s a great indoor option for families during the day or for adults looking to unwind in the evening. Enjoy some lighthearted competition while escaping the winter chill.
Bonus: See Lake Tahoe From The Sky
Image appears courtesy: Tahoe Helicopters
There are so many ways to see the richness of Lake Tahoe, but what about from the sky? The expert pilots from Tahoe Helicopters offer you the opportunity to see iconic sights. Imagine the beauty of Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Desolation Wilderness, Crystal Bay or Sand Harbor from thousands of feet above. They offer all kinds of flights, including an hour-long sunset tour. Be sure to bring your camera and be the envy of all your friends.
South Lake Tahoe has something for everyone during the winter season. From adrenaline-pumping snowmobile tours to serene hot springs, your days here can be as action-packed or laid-back as you choose. So, pack your snow gear, plan your perfect winter getaway, and experience the magic of Tahoe like never before.
Instead of jumping ahead to all things 2026, we at Moonshine Ink decided to revisit some of 2025’s most top-of-mind stories for our region and see what has (or hasn’t) changed.
Below, you’ll read about the latest regarding Tahoe lead cables, North Lake Tahoe incorporation, fire insurance, and the Town of Truckee’s self-reflection.
Almost five years since a lawsuit was first filed to remove two lead-leaking telecommunications cables from Lake Tahoe, the cables are fully and completely gone.
This one deserves some historical context:
Back in November 2020, Moonshine Ink broke the news that two four-inch-thick telecommunications cables existed beneath Lake Tahoe’s surface, actively leaking lead into the water — and that legal action was being taken to do something about it.
CABLE BE GONE: A crew removes the final length of a telecommunications cable buried below the sand and high-water mark at Baldwin Beach in September 2025. Photo by Jesse Patterson/Keep Tahoe Blue
The intervening years have been somewhat of a rollercoaster. The lawsuit, filed in January 2021 by California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, initially resulted in a settlement by cable owner AT&T that fall. The company agreed to remove the cables, though denied they generated pollution.
Obtaining permits lengthened the removal process. Finally, AT&T planned for fall 2023. But a July 2023 Wall Street Journal investigation found the publicly traded corporation had a legacy of lead-clad infrastructure across bodies of water in the U.S., resulting in a freefall of AT&T stock and the company backtracking on removing the Tahoe cables until more lead testing could be done. (We reported on this, too.)
In September 2024, AT&T settled. By the end of that November, 8 miles of cables were pulled out of Lake Tahoe, though a segment remained due to its proximity to a sensitive habitat to the Tahoe yellow cress.
A year after that removal, on Sept. 18, 2025, the final phase was completed. AT&T worked in coordination with the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit to pull out the obsolete cable from Rubicon Bay to Baldwin Beach.
“Good weather and calm lake conditions allowed AT&T’s contractor to pull the remaining 100-foot section of cable with minimal impact to Baldwin Beach and Lake Tahoe,” shared USFS Public Affairs Specialist Lisa Herron in a statement. “Forest Service staff were on site throughout the operation, monitoring work to protect habitat for Tahoe yellow cress, a plant found only on Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.”
The League to Save Lake Tahoe (Keep Tahoe Blue) was also involved with the lead-cable removal.
“Taking out these decades-old, unused cables has been a top priority for Keep Tahoe Blue and the community as a whole. We’re proud to have helped make it happen and grateful to everyone who contributed,” said Laura Patten, natural resource director at Keep Tahoe Blue. “Good things happen in Tahoe when unlikely partners come together for a shared purpose.”
It took a little over two months for a grassroots organization called Eastern Placer Future to collect what should end up being enough signatures to advance the idea of a Town of North Lake Tahoe closer to the incorporation finish line.
To commence an official exploration of becoming a new town by Placer County’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), Eastern Placer Future needed to collect 2,188 signatures (or 25%) from certified voters within the proposed town boundary. During the last week of November, a third-party consultant verified the group collected 2,387 between September and mid-November.
This is the first time such an effort has progressed so far, despite multiple efforts dating as far back as 1966.
Steve Teshara, one of the Eastern Placer Future committee members, contributes the current success to waning influence of the Lake Tahoe portion in Placer County. District 5, which includes Tahoe’s North and West shores, is 77% of the county’s land area, but its population is not rising. Western Placer’s is.
PETITION POWER: The grassroots Eastern Placer Future reached its most significant milestone to date after enough signatures were collected to move the possibility of a Town of North Lake Tahoe closer to reality. Pictured here: Joy Doyle, Katie Biggers, Sarah Coolidge, and Kerry Andras. Courtesy photo
“[District 5 Sup.] Cindy [Gustafson]’s probably the last supervisor that will be a resident of this area,” Teshara said. “That’s a central concern that we’re expressing to people, and people are resonating with that … People want to see where does our money really go, what do we get back, and are there some services that we could do better because they would be all coordinated locally? We’ll still have services provided by the county … like health and human service and a court system and things like that. And we may do some work and contracting with the county to start with, but people are really getting the sense that this is an opportunity to put in place local decision-making.”
But there’s a long way to go before anything becomes official.
During the first week of December, an Eastern Placer Future representative delivered the petitions to the LAFCO office in Auburn and then accompanied LAFCO staff to take the petitions to the Placer County elections office, which has 30 days to review.
“[The elections office is] the final arbiter of whether we’ve got the requisite number of signatures … We do expect to qualify for the petition being certified as valid,” Teshara said.
Assuming all systems are go, LAFCO will review an official Eastern Placer Future application (the group is currently raising $25,000 for a downpayment connected to this) and then put out a request for proposal for a comprehensive fiscal analysis. An environmental analysis will be considered separately.
“And then LAFCO looks at all the pieces, and they make a determination based on do they think that the town would be financially sustainable over a period of time, not just for a couple of years,” Teshara said. “They have to make sure that it’s an efficient way to provide government services in our area.
“Once they go through all that, then ultimately it has to go to the county for discussions, and finally some sort of county vote on the revenue neutrality negotiations.”
Eastern Placer Future funded an initial feasibility study for incorporation back in 2023. Based on Placer County costs and revenues for fiscal year 2021/22, Eastern Placer annually generated about $16.4 million in property tax; about $3.2 million in sales tax; $22.7 million in Transient Occupancy Tax; $2.1 million in property sales; and $862,000 from utility and service providers. The comprehensive fiscal analysis through LAFCO will create more accurate numbers based on recent costs and revenues, though Teshara said Eastern Placer Future anticipates there being enough funding to operate the town.
“A main way that LAFCO judges viability is it determines what your general fund revenues are,” he said. “If you have a general fund surplus of a certain percentage, that is a very helpful sign and metric. We anticipate that being the case.”
Should the Town of North Lake Tahoe (or whatever its official name might end up being) incorporate, it must do so without any harm to the county. Also part of the LAFCO process are revenue neutrality negotiations. “The county will pass through to the town the property tax, the sales tax, the other things that would be legally accruable to the town, but the county can’t lose a bunch of money based on this,” Teshara explained.
Assuming LAFCO approval, then board of supervisors’ approval, voters will step in to decide. To pass, it will take a 50%-plus-one ballot vote of registered voters within the proposed boundary. Regarding whether such a vote could happen as soon as November 2026, Teshara said, “All I can say is that we’re pushing as hard as we can to get through the process. Does the process take time? Are timelines stipulated under state law that LAFCO has to abide by? Yes.”
As the target is a moving one, Teshara said the best place for the latest updates is easternplacerfuture.org, which will have information about upcoming meetings, donation needs and milestones, and progress points.
When Moonshine dove deep into fire insurance in September 2023, the mood — and situation — was dire. That year, most insurance giants (Farmers Insurance, State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual) began limiting coverage in California in reaction to increasing wildfire concerns. As options shrank for homeowners and commercial tenants, many Californians began turning to the FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort at higher costs. One Truckee resident told the Ink at the time that her premium through the FAIR Plan shot her monthly payment up by 272%, from $1,800 to $6,700.
Looking back at that time from the end of 2025 reveals that such increases were only just beginning. From October 2024 to September 2025, the FAIR Plan acquired 268,379 new dwelling and commercial policyholders. That’s a nearly 200% increase from the October 2022 to September 2023 timeframe.
The FAIR Plan was enacted in the late 1960s to offer insurance to those unable to find coverage through traditional routes. As of September this year, the plan’s total policies in force (or the number of active policies) is 645,987 — a 96% increase since September 2023.
Further, the FAIR Plan’s total exposure following the same timeframes is $696.1 billion (a 52% increase since last September, and 145% increase since 2023). Back in March 2024, FAIR Plan president Victoria Roach said to a state legislative committee, “We are one event away from a large assessment. There’s no other way to say it, because we don’t have the money on hand [to pay every claim] and we have a lot of exposure.” That event, as it turned out, seemed to be the January 2025 Los Angeles fires, which resulted in an estimated $4 billion loss for the FAIR plan. In February, plan policyholders were assessed $1 billion to recoup losses — the first member assessment in 30 years.
On the Nevada side, the 2025 Insurance Market Report put out by the Nevada Division of Insurance noted that “insurers reported that wildfire risk had a direct impact on policy availability in 2023 … This trend has continued into 2024, where certain areas, such as Incline Village and Stateline, have seen wildfire-related policy non-renewals rise significantly.”
BULKING UP: California’s state fire insurance option, known as the FAIR Plan, has seen its policy count skyrocket (by nearly 100% from September 2023 to September 2025). In Nevada, there’s no statewide option, though the legislature recently passed policy to keep insurers from jumping ship like they did in California in 2023. Pictured here, the 2021 Caldor Fire creeps up on a residence. Photo courtesy Cal Fire
There’s no insurer of last resort in the Silver State, but that seems to be the preference. In June 2024, then-Nevada Insurance Commissioner Scott Kipper held a town hall in Incline Village to discuss fire insurance for residential and commercial owners/tenants. Kipper said then that he didn’t consider the FAIR Plan a good policy.
“I believe [a FAIR Plan is] great for consumers having access; terrific,” he said. “But these plans generally provide lesser levels of coverage at a more expensive price. So, there’s a tradeoff that we need to ensure we work toward.”
Mike Peyton, a Farmers Insurance agent based in Incline Village who handles insurance in both California and Nevada, added the insurer perspective. “[The FAIR Plan is] a double-sided sword,” he said. “As soon as carriers know there’s a FAIR plan, there’s a larger propensity to pull out. That’s what happened in California; all the carriers said, ‘Welp, they have a FAIR plan so at least the consumer has somewhere to go.’ It kind of backfired.”
In June of this year, the Nevada Legislature passed A.B. 376, which allows insurers, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, to exclude wildfire coverage from homeowners’ policies and offer it either as a standalone product or eliminate it altogether.
On a positive note, this move could dissuade insurers from leaving the state like they have in California. So says Nevada policy analyst Anahit Baghshetsyan, who spoke with KUNR in October about the bill and said, “One policy you could think about would be debundling the home insurance, offering only wildfire insurance, mitigate the costs through that, or limited-time insurance, so maybe people would just seek wildfire insurance only in the summer months.”
Peyton, meanwhile, noted that despite the unambiguous state of fire insurance out West: “I think we’re on the upswing.”
The reasoning behind his optimism, he explained, is that people are better educated about wildfire realities and the sticker shock of rising prices has subsided. “Carriers are raising rates again but you’re not seeing double,” he added. “Now it’s the standard 3% to 7% [increase].”
Dillon Sheedy, assistant wildfire prevention manager and forester with the Truckee Fire Protection District, pointed to an encouraging trend from a fire service perspective: “More homeowners are taking proactive steps to create defensible space and meet the standards insurers now look for,” he wrote in an email. “These practices are achievable for most properties in our area, they make a real difference in wildfire risk, and we are seeing insurers remain willing to cover homes that demonstrate strong, well-documented wildfire mitigation actions that follow these guidelines and regulations.”
Sheedy noted that thanks to Measure T, passed by Truckee voters in 2021 to create a dedicated source of local funding for wildfire prevention, the district has expanded its defensible space and home-hardening inspections and increased fuels reduction and green-waste programs, among other increased home survivability efforts.
He added, “We can’t speak on behalf of insurers, but we do believe that communities demonstrating strong, consistent wildfire mitigation work are the ones best positioned over time … As the statewide insurance landscape continues to evolve, our goal is to ensure that the Truckee area is a model of what a well-prepared and wildfire-resilient mountain community looks like.”
The Town of Truckee’s Transparency? So Far, Improving
It’s been a year of considerable self-reflection for the Town of Truckee. After growing outcry over the town’s land development processes and skepticism around an organizational assessment of the town grew to a boiling point in early 2025, a giant reset button was hit in mid-May.
The hope: That three reports meant to analyze the young town’s function internally and externally could provide common ground for groups at odds to move forward in a more unified fashion.
More than 110 recommendations were shared at a May 13 council meeting for the town to address residents’ desire to preserve Truckee’s natural beauty, staffing burnout, processual issues, and more.
Six months later, the rubber has not only hit the road, it’s put mileage on the odometer.
“There’s 15 or 20 [recommendations] that are done,” said Town Manager Jen Callaway, “and we’ve got a ton that are in process that we’re working on — almost 50 of those. We’re making great strides. I think the most probably notable and exciting [one] from a community’s perspective and the staff’s perspective is we just got authorization to execute a [three-year] contract with Cloudpermit [for no more than $182,246]. That’s the permitting software, and we are on target to be live with that in May [2026] at the start of the building season. Pretty rapid progress on that.”
Other notable recommendations that have seen progress the last quarter of 2025:
• Hiring: Council approved 10 of the assessment’s recommended 20 new full-time positions — six of which were for the Truckee Police Department. Staff is 90% through the recruitment process. A new tracking process, NEOGOV, is being used to streamline the ability to collect applications and advance promising individuals.
“What we approved and recommended with this first budget was reclassification of the lieutenants to the captain,” Callaway said specifically of the PD positions. “That required a classification study. We’ve done that; they’ve been reclassified and hired an administrative sergeant … And then an emergency services coordinator, so a second position in emergency services. That recruitment is underway now.”
Administrative Services Department survey: complete
Town fiscal policy updates: 75% complete. Staff intends to bring draft policies to town council for final approval during December.
Enhance town’s credit card procession and payment capabilities: 50% complete
Specific to the town’s planning division, which was recognized as “the biggest organizational/operational challenge facing the town” by the Baker Tilly organizational analysis, staff has incorporated amendments to help “clean up” the development process, Callaway said. The application has also been simplified.
Further, “Our community development director, especially for larger projects, is having more of an initial conversation about timelines, expectations, and trying to understand that better before we even start,” Callaway said. “In addition to the software and the planning on-call hours, the staff is really working hard to try to understand expectations and see if we can meet those, or if we can’t, we’re really clear about why.”
Ed Vento, president and CEO of the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, echoed the sentiment of success. “If you asked me to grade them, I’d give them an A,” he told Moonshine. “I don’t expect perfection; I do expect transparency … The [Cloudpermit] software isn’t going to fix everything, but we expect it to be another tool for staff to use and the public to use toward a better customer service experience.”
CATT members have been able to sit down with engineering and town building staffers to hold discussions on current processes. Vento said he expects the same cooperation and collaboration when meetings with planning staff happen as well.
“Now that both [the town and CATT] have had success, we can approach each other and not think somebody’s up to something,” he continued. “We’ve been able to see each other work. The joke is everyone thinks the town has a conspiracy going. And maybe CATT does too … we both figured out that none of us have the time, the will, and the smarts to work on these conspiracies. We figured out how each other works now and nobody has the time for BS. Is there an issue … with discretion [over design decisions]? Yes, but we’ll address that. We’re taking care of the low-hanging fruit. They’re doing a good job, and I think we are too in communicating.”
It’s no secret that our holiday season in Truckee/Tahoe can be a quintessential winter wonderland. For many, these early winter months are marked with the joy of falling snow, twinkling downtown lights, and our favorite folks gathered around what my mother would call “a rip-roarin’ fire.”
“… IT’S NO COINCIDENCE THAT SO MANY WINTER CELEBRATIONS CLUSTER AROUND WHAT MAY JUST BE THE MOST MAGICAL TIME OF THE YEAR: THE WINTER SOLSTICE.”
In the weeks before Christmas, trees parade like proud passengers atop family cars, gelt (the foil-wrapped chocolate coins given as gifts and game tokens during Hanukkah) reappears on grocery shelves, and elementary school students huddle around craft tables to make ornaments for downtown displays.
As a child at Truckee Elementary, I distinctly remember these ornament-decorating parties. One year, we transformed sheets of white paper into supersized snowflakes; the next, we marbled the inside of transparent globes with acrylic paint and glitter. And while most of our holiday activities centered around Christmas traditions, our teachers still carved out spaces for others. In kindergarten, we munched on latkes and gelt while playing dreidel. For our winter holiday recital, we sang classic Christmas carols side-by-side with “Kwanzaa is Here.”
While nearly all of my schoolmates celebrated Christmas, and nearly none celebrated Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, power remained in the simple practice of acknowledging multiple holiday traditions. That same strength lies in recognizing that our holidays, despite their differences, share important throughlines such as joy, light, renewal, generosity, and gathering.
And it’s no coincidence that so many winter celebrations cluster around what may just be the most magical time of the year: the winter solstice.
For millennia, humans have marked this season with celebrations around the solstice. It’s unclear when exactly these “holidays” began, but archeological sites around the world showcase human architecture intentionally aligned with the path of solstice sun. Stonehenge, for example, marks both the summer solstice — when the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the northeast to shine its first rays into the structure’s center — and the winter solstice, when the last moments of sun cast long rays directly through the circle’s heart. And predating Stonehenge by over 6,000 years, Karahan Tepe in Turkey was similarly built to cast solstice sunlight on key statues and structural elements throughout the site. Ancient Rome and Greece greeted the solstice with exuberant parties, and Yule festivities celebrated by Germanic peoples came to shape many of the beloved rituals we now associate with Christmas: decorating evergreen trees, feasting, gift-giving and lighting candles to illuminate this short-sunned season.
It’s possible that the timing of contemporary Christmas was also gleaned from solstice celebrations. Early religious scholars showed little interest in pinpointing the day or season of Christ’s birth, and it wasn’t until 336 C.E. that emperor Constantine declared December 25th as Christmas. Because the date of this newly declared “Christmas” lined up so closely with solstice celebrations such as Yule and Zoroastric celebrations of Mithra — god of the sun, whose birthday had long been celebrated on December 25th — its timing is popularly attributed to an effort of the Church to adapt pre-existing celebrations.
And just as Christmas absorbed and reshaped solstice traditions, Hanukkah also transformed, particularly in the United States America.
While of minor religious importance within Judaism, Hanukkah became culturally amplified in the 19th and early 20th centuries as Jewish-American communities sought to establish and distinguish their celebrations alongside the growing prominence of Christmas. Gift giving, not traditionally a component of Hanukkah festivities, was widely adopted to liven the Jewish holiday in hopes that it could metaphorically (and literally) hold a candle to the cultural phenomenon that American Christmas had become.
Kwanzaa, meanwhile, was founded in 1966 by American activist Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga to acknowledge African American and Pan-African heritage, community, and culture. Its name was derived from the Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits,” inspired by the harvest festivals celebrated across the African continent, many of which are held in December near the southern hemisphere’s summer solstice. In India, Hindu celebrations of the solstice take part in January with regionally distinct names and iterations.
LIT UP: A menorah holds nine candles, one for each night of Hanukkah, plus one helper candle called shamash, used to light the others. File photo
Local indigenous communities including the Wašiw, or Washoe, tribe have tracked astronomical movement since time immemorial, developing keen understandings of how the moon, stars, and planets move across the sky. Features throughout Wašiw land indicate a deep-seated understanding of the winter solstice.
With this context — far from exhaustive, yet reflective of our celebrations’ interconnected histories — we come back to our snow-dusted corner of the world.
“AS THE DAYS BEGIN TO LENGTHEN, WE CAN CARRY THIS LIGHT FORWARD WITH THE SIMPLE TRUTH THAT THERE IS MORE UNITING US THAN SETTING US APART.”
The lampposts in downtown Truckee wear candy cane stripes, and carols drift through the evening air in Incline Village as Jennifer Street comes to life with holiday light shows. True to form, the North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation is getting ready for a Hanukkah après ski, complete with hot chocolate and latkes. Coffee shops are brimming with cider and pumpkin spice. Garlands of oranges and cranberries and popcorn drape over door frames. At home, my menorah waits on the coffee table with anticipatory candles.
On Christmas morning, I’ll sip a Bloody Mary. Your kids may be snacking on Santa’s leftovers – after all, how often do they get to eat cookies for breakfast? And many of us will end our night among our favorite people, wrapped in sweaters beside a rip-roarin’ fire.
Whatever individual celebrations are in store for us, we’ve arrived at this season as one community. Together, we’ll move through these shortened days. Beneath the snow, seeds for next spring’s flowers lie waiting, ready to endure a hardy winter. If we’re lucky, this season will offer each of us moments of joy, connection, and reflection.
Kwanzaa celebrates African American and Pan-African culture. File photo
And, even when the holidays come to an end, this early-winter season remains a rallying cry to bring our community closer still. Each day we will be gifted a touch more light and gain a little more time in the sun. If we allow it, this prodigal light can be its own kind of celebration, a quiet call to action. As the days begin to lengthen, we can carry this light forward with the simple truth that there is more uniting us than setting us apart.
May this returning light remind us that we are at our strongest when we honor the many threads that make the Truckee/Tahoe tapestry whole. As the sun lingers a bit longer each day, we can choose to retain the warmth that makes this season feel special. We can choose to look out for our neighbors, to notice what we share, and to step into a new year connected — to one another and to this place we call home.
FIRE and star observances have long been associated with solstice celebrations. File photo
If you’ve been following OpenSnow’s Bryan Allegretto for his Lake Tahoe forecasts, you know he’s passionate about accurately predicting what the surrounding mountains will get. He’s the voice of reason when other news outlets and weather services hype up FEET of snow, only for the reality to fall far short. But even for “BA”—as he’s known—the storms in the first week of February 2025 were way off, and by a huge margin. In fact, it was his worst prediction in his nineteen-plus-year career. I had the chance to chat with him to get the inside scoop on what went wrong.
BA’s Soul Crushed
Bryan Allegretto enjoying one of Tahoe’s famous storm cycles when the forecast was spot on.
BA takes his forecasting seriously—so seriously that he’s been keeping a scorecard to track just how spot-on (or not) he’s been. Over the past nine seasons, his predictions for every storm across the Tahoe Basin have been off by just 1.5 inches on average. But during the first week of February, things went way off course. He was off by anywhere from 5.5 to 12.9 inches, with some mountains missing the mark by as much as 2 feet! Normally, when he’s that far off, it’s because the storms delivered more (think: colder, fluffier powder). This time? As far as he can remember, it was the first instance they delivered way less.
Atmospheric Rivers are Tough
One of the many warm storms during the wet n’ wild Jan 2017 season
Lake Tahoe’s weather is infamous for its feast-or-famine cycles, and a big reason is that up to 50% of California’s precipitation comes in the form of an atmospheric river. These intense bands of moisture originate from the tropics and slam into the Sierra. If Lake Tahoe is lucky enough to be on the cold side of it, we get huge snowfall. But if not, it means rain—LOTS of rain. And that’s exactly what happened during the first week of February.
Alarm Bells Ding
As the storms began to arrive in the 5-day window, BA was already mentioning how concerned he was about the forecast. First, the band of moisture was narrow at only 50 miles wide which is tiny in the scope of the globe. If the storm moved even a few miles north or south, the amount of liquid we get would be drastically cut. Then there was the problem of temperatures. It set up a battle royale of two giants – cold air to the north and the warm subtropical air flowing into the northern Sierra. Depending on who wins and when, this “could make a BIG difference in snowfall totals.”
Worst Case Scenario Happened
And that’s exactly what happened. Instead of the storm staying focused on Tahoe, it quickly moved north. While the National Weather Service predicted 30 inches of liquid and BA estimated 22 inches as a conservative forecast for the week, the greater Lake Tahoe area only received a meager 6-12+ inches. The moisture tap shut off before the cold air could move in, and the snow ratios—usually around 10:1—were closer to 7:1. The result? A rude awakening after the storm passed.
“Biggest Temperature Gradients as Far as I Can Remember”
A lot of this came down to how cold it was to the north—a real tease for weather forecasters. It was snowing all the way to the beach in Oregon and even in Susanville. With that much cold air up north, it seemed like it would force its way south, but it didn’t. Instead, the warm air took over. Not just in Tahoe, but across the entire West, where everyone got hit with rain. Jackson Hole was in the 50s, and even Utah saw rain!
Models Aren’t Gospel but a Tool
The GFS model… Snow porn at its finest. For the 1st storm in the larger cycle it predicted nearly 12 inches of liquid! The ENTIRE week only got 6!
The best tool for weather forecasters today is still the weather models. But as BA pointed out, “These are global models. Each micro-climate has its own set of errors. You need to understand these nuances and apply them to your forecast.” Take the GFS, for example. The U.S. model, affectionately known as “snow porn,” always assumes snow ratios are way too high, predicting crazy amounts of snow—and it’s nearly always wrong. Then there’s the Canadian model, which tends to underforecast how much snow places like Mt. Rose will get. The real voice of reason? The European model. Statistically, it’s proven to be the most accurate, and now with A.I. to help fix its errors, it’s getting even better.
OpenSnow Will Learn and Get Better
In the end, BA summed it up best: “It’s hard to forecast storms in the mountains.” But that’s exactly what drew Bryan to this field in the first place—the challenge of forecasting and getting it right. Sometimes, like the week of February 1st, 2025, you get it wrong. But that’s an outlier, and the team at OpenSnow is using it as a learning tool. Instead of taking a back seat, they’re constantly working to improve their product. They’ve even hired a full-time A.I. developer to create their own OpenSnow A.I., which is processing 40+ years of data to correct model errors and improve predictions.
And it’s not all about enjoying the summer for pickleball. The folks at OpenSnow use the “off season” as a chance to reflect and improve. That’s when they discovered the Canadian model’s issue with the Mt. Rose snow forecast. They’re always striving to get better.
We get how tough forecasting can be, and we hope this behind-the-scenes look helps explain the challenges involved. Big kudos to him—and to all of the OpenSnow team—for the hard work they put in!
When looking for a skiing destination, one of the factors that typically comes into everyone’s mind: “Is there more than one ski area to visit?” The answer when talking about the cozy town on the shore of Payette Lake is a wholehearted YES! In fact, McCall Idaho skiing has the perfect amount of resorts big and small to fit everyone’s budget, plans, or vision of what they think a ski town is all about.
McCall Idaho Skiing – Covers All Needs
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Within half and hour from the center of McCall, you have access to three vastly different ski areas. The closest is the Little Ski Hill which is only a few minutes away, offering affordable skiing and schussing under the lights. Less than nine miles away, you have the flagship resort: Brundage Mountain. Not just a ski area but rather a basecamp to outdoor fun such as snowmobile excursions to Burgdorf Hot Springs. The furthest away, but a MUST for all visitors, is Tamarack. This resort is now coming into a renaissance due to a new owner. Both Tamarack AND Brundage are a powder hound’s dream especially during mid-week. You’ll pretty much have each place to yourself. The best part is both of these offer lift-accessed backcountry skiing if you have the gear, knowledge, and fortitude to step outside into the wilderness.
The Little Ski Hill – For 1st Timers & Ski Addicts
Image appears courtesy: Payette Lakes Ski Club
As T.E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia said, “Big things have small beginnings” and the Little Ski Hill in McCall, Idaho is the greatest example of this. Founded in 1937 for local forest workers to recreate during the winter, this quaint area doesn’t have one or two Olympians but SIX who got their start here. Although it may only have a 405-foot vertical drop, it makes sure that every inch of it is maximized. They do this by offering night skiing, a legit terrain park, AND a kid-first attitude that families love. How do you know it’s good? By hearing the laughter and whoops on the slopes. If you’re looking for a fountain of youth or just affordable skiing, this place is it. How affordable? Well, an adult day pass goes for only $30 or hand out $140 and get a SEASON PASS!!!! College students can pick up a season pass for $80 and kids 5-17 can get one for $50.
Compared to other ski resorts throughout the country, the road to Tamarack isn’t treacherous. Heading due south from McCall on Highway 55, follow the massive ridgeline until you pass through Donnelly. We HIGHLY recommend making a pit stop here for breakfast at the Flight of Fancy Bakery. Besides serving tasty pastries and other scrumptious options, their baked oatmeal is the BEST oatmeal you’ll have anywhere.
If you pull into Tamarack’s parking lot mid-week, it will feel as though it’s your own private resort. Although it might have less in-bounds acreage than its cousin Brundage, the 2,800’ of vertical skiing will make sure your legs are screaming especially that you can lap the mountain without stopping. For those that have knowledge about the backcountry, the lift-accessed terrain is MASSIVE since the resort sits on a ridgeline making for easy pickings. That’s just a few of the many reasons you should visit Tamarack Resort.
Brundage Mountain – McCall’s Classic Resort
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Last, but not in any way the least, Brundage Mountain Resort will always be near and dear to our hearts. Looking at the trail map and statistics, you’ll think that it isn’t very big or that it’s pretty mellow. Well, you’d be wrong. Just like all Idaho skiing, you have to look in-between the lines or rather in the glades to find the challenging stuff. For example, from looker’s left, the trails or rather “zones” of the Hidden Valley area holds some amazing steeps you’d find in places like Kirkwood. And if you have a few extra dineros in your pocket, we HIGHLY recommend booking a backcountry guided tour via a snowcat. At over 18,000 acres to explore, the snowcat tours will make sure you find some untracked pow to shred.
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Nordic Skiing
Although we’re focused on the gravity fed version, we have to give a nod to the McCall Idaho skiing version known as nordic skiing. Instead of an afterthought, cross-country skiing here is big. So much so that there are multiple nordic centers that maintain and manage trail networks. The jewel on the crown is Ponderosa Park. It’s located on a 1,000 acre peninsula that splits Payette Lake. Featuring heavily forested trails with rolling topography to ridge tops offering up spectacular views of the lake. The newest edition, opened in 2005, is Bear Basin which contains 30 km of trails to explore. You’ll also find trail networks at Tamarack Resort and the summer activities hot spot for mountain biking at Jug Mountain.
As the throngs of skiers and snowboarders head to busy destinations like Vail, Park City, or Whistler, you may want to consider McCall, Idaho for your next ski vacation. From consistent snowfall, thousands of acres of skiing, and fun winter activities like the McCall Winter Carnival, you’ll understand why we consider not just McCall but ALL of Northern Idaho – the last frontier of skiing. If you want to learn more about McCall like what’s there to do, what places to eat, and even insider tips on how to get there be sure to read our insider’s guide:
Japan. Its snow is so legendary that it has coined its own term: ‘JaPow.’ It has become a part of every skier’s and snowboarder’s lexicon. Ranking up there with Steamboat’s “Champagne Powder” and Bozeman’s “Cold Smoke.” We understand if you want to experience where this term originated at Niseko’s ski resorts. But if you’re like us and want to go where no one else is going, we’ve learned that it might be time to go skiing in Hokkaido and experience its ‘Bonchi.’
A map of Japan might make you think that the northern island of Hokkaido is small compared to the rest of Japan, but you’d be surprised to find out it’s nearly one-quarter of the country’s landmass (~22% to be exact) and roughly the size of the state of New York! And there’s more to skiing in Hokkaido than the well-known resorts of Niseko or Rusutsu. There are over 100 resorts to explore in the Hokkaido region alone! On our trip this winter, we learned about a magical place called the “Hokkaido Powder Belt.”
Hokkaido Powder Belt
On Hokkaido, most of the resorts that people visit are on the western side, surrounding the city of Niseko. The Hokkaido Powder Belt, however, is in the center of Japan’s northern island. Using Asahikawa or Furano as base camps, you can access a variety of different-sized ski areas, each offering something unique.
Bonchi – Another Kind of JaPow
As we mentioned in “10 Things I Wish I Knew Ahead of Skiing in Japan,” the sea effect is what makes Japan’s snow so consistently great. While Niseko, being closer to the ocean, benefits from this effect and stays warmer, Hokkaido’s Powder Belt lies further inland. This means it receives slightly less snowfall than Niseko, but the quality of the snow more than makes up for it.
To set it apart from the rest of “JaPow,” central Hokkaido is now calling its snow “Bonchi Snow.” “Bonchi” means “bowl” in Japanese, referring to Furano’s basin-like topography. It also plays on the word “bon,” which means “good” in French, giving it a playful twist—suggesting that this is the land of the best snow, the kind of powder you crave.
Authentic Japan in Hokkaido
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
From every person I’ve spoken to, the Niseko ski resorts feel as if you could be at a Colorado resort just as much as you’re in Japan. On the other side of the spectrum, you have the Tohoku ski areas, which are located in the northern part of the main island. There’s a high likelihood you’ll be the ONLY Westerner at these resorts, and without someone who speaks Japanese, it can be difficult to get around. The Hokkaido Powder Belt is the perfect medium between the two. It still feels authentically Japanese, yet you’ll probably run into people who speak English, especially at resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
Experience Over Pow
On our trip this winter, what started as one of the coldest and snowiest seasons in Japan turned into something unexpected. When we arrived in Hokkaido, a high-pressure system sat over almost the entire country, providing sunny, warm-ish (still below freezing) conditions for skiing throughout our entire trip. The locals told us that a week without snow is unheard of. Even without fresh snowfall, the rich Japanese culture we experienced and the stunning scenery made the trip worth it.
Tomamu
Overlooking Tomamu Resort – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Photos and videos can leave quite an impression before you even set foot on the slopes. But I’ll admit, the pictures of those two massive towers surrounded by nature felt so foreign to me. I imagined that with two giant skyscrapers, there’d be a sprawling village beneath them just as big. Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Rather than creating a massive village that stretched across the entire valley, the resort chose to build up, preserving as much of the natural surroundings as possible.
The Skiing
Like many Japanese ski areas, this mountain spans two peaks. From the base, it looks like you’d need to shuttle between them, but in reality, the trails connect the two effortlessly. Tower Mountain, located next to the Towers, is the more mellow of the two. It’s home to night skiing on certain days and “Hotalu Street.” But no matter what the snow’s like, you’ve got to make sure you at least bomb down “Hotalu Street” once. The snow-covered avenue feels like you’re in the video game Skate or Die, weaving through a charming Japanese village.
But the real skiing is on Tomamu Mountain. Right off the Unkai Gondola, head skier’s left, and you’ll find wide-spaced birch trees on a steep pitch just begging to be shredded.
The Ice Village
John LaConte enjoying ice ramen at Tomamu’s Ice Village – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
I’ve seen countless photos of ice villages in places like Iceland and Norway, but I never had the chance to experience one in person—until Tomamu. It was truly magical and something you need to take in if you visit here. Inside, you’ll find an Ice Post Office where you can send a postcard. An Ice Bar serving Japanese whiskey cocktails in glasses made of ice. And if that’s not enough, there’s even an Ice Chapel where, according to the resort staff, there’s at least one wedding everyday throughout the season!
Oh, and there’s an Ice Ramen Restaurant… and let me tell you, that was an experience. The frozen egg in the ramen was like a ramen-flavored gobstopper—definitely something you’ve got to bite into to understand.
Local Freshies® tip: I can tell you right now, whatever you wear normally snowboarding or skiing, be sure to add a layer if you visit the ice village. After a day of skiing, the ice from the village felt as if cold was emanating from the structures.
Furano
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Even from a distance, its hulking face is impressive. Out of all the dozen or so ski areas we visited in Japan, Furano stands out with the rowdiest terrain—probably why it’s the most popular in the region. The steep slopes are made for expert shredders. The resort itself feels like a mix of different resorts rolled into one. The Ropeway’s cable car reminded me of Jackson Hole’s tram, while the fall-line skiing following the mountain’s natural topography brought to mind Taos’ classic trail system. A shining example of this is the A-3 trail: a fun, steep, twisty, tight run that bounces down the fall line as if it were trying to reenact how a waterfall would flow if it were made of snow.
Through it all, Furano still maintains its authentic Japanese vibe.
On sunny days, the views are stunning. Across the long valley, you can see the massive, treeless peaks looming over the snow-covered farmland below.
Danger Lurks
With each new angle, the mountain reveals more big lines you didn’t catch from the last perspective—and, at the same time, more danger. From the top of Kitanomine, looking toward the backside of the Furano zone, we saw huge fractures that looked like glide avalanches just outside the resort’s boundaries.
Kamui Ski Links
Our guide to Kamui Ski Links Akihiko Wakamatsu smiling after our 1st dawn patrol lap – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Some mountains stand tall, practically yelling at you, “You got what it takes?” while others are more comfortable in their own skin. Kamui Ski Links is definitely one of the latter. It wasn’t the first impression that blew me away—it was what we discovered once we got to know the place.
Mom & Pop Feel
Out of all the mountains we visited, Kamui Ski Links was our favorite. Why? It has that “Mom & Pop” ski area vibe we all crave. There are almost no “Gaijin” around, just a true community spirit, with race clinics on the mountain and locals enjoying cheap meals of soba and chicken curry with rice in the lodge.
And then there’s the terrain. From the base, it looks like the slopes are short, but that’s not the case. Turns out, their gondola accesses nearly 2,000 vertical feet of skiing. While the terrain might not be as steep as Tomamu or Furano, what it lacks in steep shots, it more than makes up for with a laid-back vibe (aka fewer crowds), accessible glade skiing, and a relaxed boundary policy.
Other Ski Areas
While we didn’t get to explore every ski area, the region is packed with some seriously unique spots. Asahidake is a one-hit gondola that opens up access to Mt. Asahidake’s epic backcountry terrain. Then there’s Kurodake, another one-lift wonder, featuring cliff bands to huck off, chutes to tackle, and steep fall-line skiing that’ll make experts feel right at home. And let’s not forget about Sahoro, which offers an all-inclusive resort experience along with its tree-lined slopes—perfect for some solid tree skiing. Then there’s Pipu, Canmore (not the Canadian one), and Santa Present Park to round out the list.
Where to Stay
The lobby at Asahikawa – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Resort Living or City Experiences
Depending on the kind of experience you’re after, that will dictate where to stay. If you’re looking for the all-inclusive resort vibe, you’ve got that option. Staying close to the slopes means you’ll be spending most of your time at the hotel, where nightlife is pretty much nonexistent. But if you’re the type who wants to expand your horizons, staying in one of the nearby cities is a great choice. It’ll give you the chance to sample local cuisine, check out shops, and soak in the local scene. In that case, staying in a city might be more your style.
Asahikawa – City Experiences
The town’s architecture feels like if Milwaukee went full-on Japanese and then got dropped next to a bunch of massive mountains. Staying in a real city means you’re in for an authentic experience—straight-up local vibes. For a general rundown of things to try and do along with some tips, check out our Japan Guide. For Asahikawa, here’s what to expect:
Local Cuisine
The city’s known for its ramen, and you’ll find spots serving it all over. But if you want to do a side-by-side ramen showdown, check out the Asahikawa Ramen Village, where eight of the city’s most famous ramen joints are all in one place. Another regional delicacy? Soba noodles. Made from buckwheat, Hokkaido produces nearly 40% of Japan’s supply. These brownish noodles are a staple in Japanese meals, with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. You’ll find them served both hot and cold—perfect for whatever vibe you’re feeling.
Sanroku gai – Nightlife
The Japanese live that New York lifestyle—work hard, play hard, and trust us, they work HARD. As the sun sets, Asahikawa’s entertainment district, Sanroku Gai, really comes to life. This area is packed with over 1,000 restaurants lining the tiny winding walkways, serving up fresh seafood caught right off the local waters. Plus, you’ll find plenty of drinking spots to keep the vibe rolling into the night.
OMO7 Hoshino Resort
For part of our trip, we stayed at the OMO7 Hoshino Resort in Asahikawa. As the name suggests, it’s a resort right in the heart of the city. The lobby features a “wax bar” stocked with high-end waxes and tools, so you can tune up your skis on the spot. Downstairs, there’s a beautiful onsen with soaking tubs, a cold plunge, sauna, and a giant whirlpool—perfect for easing those post-ski aches and pains. We didn’t get a chance to try breakfast, but friends who’ve stayed rave about it. The iconic dish? Waffles topped with salmon. It might sound odd, but apparently, it totally works.
The resort’s central location made it the perfect spot to dive into the local culture after a day on the slopes. Plus, it’s a great basecamp with Kamui Ski Links, Asahidake, and Kurodake all under 90 minutes by car, and even Tomamu just over two hours away.
Tomamu Hoshino Resort- Resort Living
As part of our trip to hit up Tomamu, we stayed at the towers. If you’re coming with a family and don’t feel like resort hopping, Tomamu Hoshino Resort would be the ideal basecamp. Besides the incredible skiing, the resort offers an insane amount of other activities, such as horseback riding in the snow (Jaime sooo wanted to experience this), snowmobile tours, ice fishing, and even curling, to name a few. Inside the towers, you’ll find rooms that are absolutely massive—even by American standards, let alone Japanese. A standard room includes a separate family area alongside a huge bedroom.
Join Local Freshies® in January 2026!
Photo by: Josh Laskin – Alex riding the JaPow from his trip a few years ago
This trip definitely sparked the itch for some more JaPow, especially after seeing what these mountains have to offer. After our last visit in 2023, where we got to experience Japan’s legendary snow (and got totally skunked on our Hokkaido visit), we’re ready to go back to Hokkaido for round two!
If you’ve ever wanted to experience Japan, come join us for the 10-day Hokkaido Indy Trip. More details will be dropping in April 2025.
Ever since Caldor ravaged Sierra a few years ago, the resort has become a powder hound’s dream. Storms would dump feet of snow, and only a few hundred locals would be out shredding it. The question on everyone’s mind was, ‘Will Sierra-at-Tahoe survive?’ If the crowd on Saturday, February 8th, is any indication, it’s returning to its former glory.
Back to the Good ‘Ole Days?
In town, the roads were eerily empty. But as we turned left at 8 a.m. onto the access road this Saturday morning, the drive up to Sierra became a slow crawl, with hundreds of cars winding their way up the mountain. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen so many people heading up to ski. By 10 a.m., all parking was at capacity, with cars waiting at the entrance for spots to open up. Talking to friends in town who have been skiing here for years—long before Caldor and the pandemic, during the busy 2015-2017 seasons—they said days like this used to be the norm. In fact, things would get so crowded that they’d call all the ski shops and hotels to let them know the resort was full, sending out text alerts and the whole nine yards.
The Perfect Storm
Photo by: Local Freshies
Without access to data, we can’t be absolutely sure why it was so crowded but can make some educated guesses. Here’s a list of potential factors that may have contributed to the crowds on Saturday, February 8th.
Drought Winter
For the 2024-25 season, January saw little to no snowfall, leading to a build-up of demand for some fresh, soft turns.
Hype Train For The Storms
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is notorious for the hype generated by media outlets. Social media, news stations, and various other platforms were predicting that Tahoe would receive 6 to 9 feet of snow. While this didn’t exactly happen, it certainly fueled the excitement to get up here.
Super Bowl Weekend
Despite not being an official holiday, Super Bowl weekend is one of the most popular times to visit Tahoe, especially with the opportunity to head to the casinos and bet on the big game.
Multiple Events
In addition to everything else, Sierra hosted several events, including a USASA Boardercross competition and a local snow camp aimed at getting young kids on the slopes.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Joins Ikon
The biggest news of the season is that Sierra has joined the Ikon Pass. But is this something locals wanted? Every local we’ve spoken to has shared a similar sentiment: “It sucks, but if it keeps the lifts running, it’s the lesser of two evils. I just hope it doesn’t ruin Sierra and turn it into another crowded South Shore ski area.”
Unlike Epic, which is owned by a publicly traded company, the Ikon Pass is backed by a privately held fund, so any insights about its impact are largely anecdotal. Was the Ikon Pass a factor in the crowds returning? Everyone we spoke to on the lifts had a Sierra-at-Tahoe season pass or another product, like a three-pack. While this may be true, it’s also like a surf break—people might not always tell the full story.
Is this the New Normal?
While it’s refreshing to see Sierra returning to its glory days, every local is thinking the same thing: Will powder days become as crowded as those at other Tahoe ski resorts? Only time will tell. At the end of the day, here’s hoping Sierra continues its comeback after the Caldor fire.
You’ve packed perfectly for your ski vacation by following a ski trip packing list. The alarm rings and you jump out of bed pushing the shades open. It’s blue bird, and there’s over two FEET of fresh snow. Today’s going to be epic! Quickly scarfing down breakfast, you rush out of the cabin for first chair. Music’s blaring. You and your friends are beyond stoked. Today’s the day! Pulling up to the slopes, you jump out and open the tailgate. Your stomach drops. This is when you realize you’ve forgotten something. If this is your first ski day or one of many, learn from our mistakes and use this quick day of checklist to make sure you have all your skiing essentials BEFORE you rush out the door.
Printable Checklist
Once was enough when I forgot a pair of goggles and had to drop another thirty bucks for a pair because it was storm day. Instead of letting this happen again, we created a checklist to make sure we have everything we need before we step out the door. Learn from our mistakes and download our FREE skiing essentials checklist:
The first and quite possibly most important piece of gear is what you’re going to wear. If you wear the right stuff, you’ll be warm on cold days. Cool on sunny spring adventures. Dry when Mother Nature throws a curve ball, and it’s raining/sleeting. To learn about what features to look for in each type of garment, how to identify waterproofness, and a rundown of what to wear in any weather condition, head over to our comprehensive clothing guide:
There’s nothing worse than having cold feet. NEVER ride with cotton. Instead, pick up a pair of merino wool blend or ones specifically designed to keep you warm and wick away sweat like Primaloft or Thermolite. Whatever you do, don’t double up on them either. Just get a pair of ski socks that are a bit beefier like a mid-weight variation.
Base Layers
Think of this as your second skin. Base layers are designed to be snug so that it keeps you warm, but at the same time easily wicks perspiration from your skin. If you grew up in a colder climate, you’ll know these as “Longjohns.” They’ve advanced quite a bit in their technology over the years and feel less like a piece of chainmail and more like a soft satin covering.
Mid Layer
Image appears courtesy: REI
Being based out of Tahoe, this is the layer we don’t always wear but have in the car just in case. Mid layers are things like a fleece or a puffy. It’s that extra bit of warmth on those cold days. This doesn’t have to be for your upper body only. For some reason, my lower body (i.e. feet) gets colder quicker so I typically wear a mid-layer on the bottom and not on my upper body.
Ski Pants
The barrier between you and the elements. Nearly every pair comes with gaiters on the bottom to make sure snow doesn’t go up your leg but from there things begin to vary. If you’re looking for a touch more protection from the wind and snow on the back but with the freedom of no waistband, then you may enjoy going the bib route.
Ski Jacket
Photo by: Local Freshies®
Instead of a heavy insulated jacket, we prefer to go with a shell and then layer underneath. If the sun does come out or the temps suddenly begin to rise, you can quickly shed layers and stay comfy. For a deeper dive on what features to look for in a jacket and some recommendations, be sure to check out our article: Unzip On What To Look For In The Best Women’s Snowboard Jacket.
Gloves
Like most other pieces of ski equipment, gloves or mittens can get pricey rather quickly. It’s not unheard of to spend upwards of $200. If you’re only going out for a handful of days, you don’t need to spend that much. Invest those $$$ on more critical items like the jacket or pants. A great budget friendly glove is the Gordini Gore-Tex Storm Glove or for a few more bucks the Black Diamond. Gordini’s entire mitten and glove offerings are Snow Joke If It’s Freezing Outside. Founded in 1956 and fiercely independent to this day, their focus is less on marketing spend and more about pushing the envelope on technology, offering them to you at an affordable price.
Neck Gaiter / Face Mask
Normally, we carry two neck gaiters. A warmer one that’s a bit heavier in weight for those cold storm days like the Smartwool Merino 150 Neck Gaiter. And then another that’s incredibly breathable that we could use even on a warm spring day like the Buff CoolNet UV+ line. Note: The Buff CoolNet is so breathable you could even use it in a warm climate like Costa Rica if you wanted to protect your skin.
Skull Cap / Balaclava
Although a helmet has insulation to keep you warm, you’ll be grateful to have that bit of extra wind protection when you have a skull cap. Another option is to skip the neck gaiter and go full balaclava.
Equipment
Out of all the skiing essentials, your equipment has A LOT to do with personal preference and skill level. We have MULTIPLE articles going into how to identify the best equipment for you such as Rocker Vs Camber – Which Is Best For You. We suggest starting on our ski & snowboarding equipment homepage and go from there:
Do a quick once over to make sure each bolt is tight and nothing’s broken. I’ve had a few times where my high back somehow lost a screw. I’ve seen and heard countless times where friends don’t feel comfortable on their snowboard — here’s how to Get Yo Stance Dialed – Snowboard Binding Setup so that you can rip with the best of them.
Snowboard / Ski Boots
Check the laces and latches to make sure nothing’s out of order. Frustrated with your current boots? Here’s 7 Things To Look For In The Best Womens Snowboard Boot based on our findings that will help both men AND women.
Ski Poles
If you’re renting or buying a pair of poles, the easiest way to find the right size is to flip them over and hold them underneath the basket. Your forearm should be at a 90 degree angle to the floor with the upper arms comfortably on your sides.
Helmet
Image appears courtesy: REI
The most expensive item in your entire kit is your brain so it’s a good idea to rock a helmet. I learned this the hard way by getting a few concussions in my youth. At a minimum, a helmet protects you from scratches and bruises from a random tree branch sticking out. At its best, the helmet will make sure that if a stray skier, snowboarder, or boulder hits you or you hit it, your noggin has some extra protection. Jaime LOVES her new Drift Wildhorn Helmet. It fits her googles, stylish, and a fraction of the price compared to some of the others on the market.
Goggles
Photo by: Local Freshies®
While ski goggles are one of the skiing essentials to have, this is yet another example of something you don’t need to drop big coin on if you aren’t spending thirty days on the slopes. Focus on the basics. Do they fit your face and helmet appropriately? At a minimum, you want them to reduce glare and block the wind from making your eyes water. We delve into how to find the best pair for you and review all the brands on the market in Get Your “Eye” On The Best Ski / Snowboard Goggles Out There.
Accessories
While some of these are truly skiing essentials like your season pass, others are not as much. But, you’ll be glad you have them such as sun block on those sunny spring days.
Lift Pass
Regardless if you’re a season pass vet or a day pass junkie, there’s a good chance you have to print out something to bring with you when you get to the resort.
Snacks
When the snow is good, you don’t want to waste your time having to stop for food. Just like the Snickers commercial croons “Hungry? Why wait”, stuff your pockets with jerky and granola bars.
Backpack
Image appears courtesy: REI
We don’t normally ride one with one if we’re only going to be out for a few hours. But on those epic storm days where it just keep snowing and snowing, we can’t bare to pull ourselves from the slopes. You can of course ski with a regular backpack, but there’s a good chance you’ll feel like you have a cat attached to your back attempting to toss you over the handlebars. If you’re going to ride with one, we recommend picking up one that’s light and designed to carry a water reservoir like the Osprey Kamber 20 L Snowpack for men or the Kresta for women. It isn’t bulky, and you won’t even notice that you’re riding with it.
Wax
Image appears courtesy: REI
Not as critical mid-winter, but on those warm spring days we typically carry a bit of warm weather paste wax such as Maxiglide or MountainFLOW quick wax and a tiny bit of citrus base cleaner to fend off any stickiness.
Tool
It is true ski resorts typically have a wrench at the bottom of each lift but normally they’re really a pain to use. Instead, have something like a Dakine Torque Driver Tool in your pocket. It has all the different sized bits and will work WAY better than what’s available on the slopes.
Lip Balm
Don’t let the wind and sun leave you with pain. Protect those speakers from the elements with some lip balm.
Sun Block
You’re most likely going to be up higher in elevation which means closer to the sun. Even if it’s cloudy, make sure to dab on some sun screen. Sure, goggle tans are cool but you don’t want to look like a red panda when you get home.
GoPro
If a snowboarder or skier lands a backside 360 in the park and it wasn’t caught on film, did it happen?
Headphones
Mother Nature is all we need on the slopes, but I know for some music is what makes skiing & snowboarding fun.
Ski Trip Packing List
If you’re planning to go on a ski vacation, you need a lot more gear than what we highlight above. Besides the skiing essentials, you’ll also need other items like beanies, flip flops, toiletries, and even a swimsuit. To make sure you don’t forget all those items, use this ski trip packing list to save a week of misery on the slopes.
In outdoor gear, Gore-Tex membranes are the gold standard for protection against the elements. We’ve hailed this material in many of our articles including our backcountry ski jacket guide. And to this day, there are very few proprietary brands from companies like Patagonia or North Face that can provide that kind of protection. A fabric that has started to bubble up as a competitive alternative to Gore-Tex is Dermizax by Toray. We take a deep dive into Dermizax Vs Gore Tex to see how they stack up.
Verdict
When comparing Dermizax vs Gore-Tex it comes down to what you’re looking for in your outerwear. Personally, for 95% of the time I like the Dermizax material. It offers more flexibility and a soft feel, similar to a softshell. It also provides excellent breathability when I’m sweating on the skin track and performs exceptionally well in most snowstorms. On the other hand, Gore-Tex is what I want on a wet Sierra Cement or Cascade Concrete day when the flakes are instantly turning to liquid as they touch me. Jaime, the Local Freshies® Gal, wants superior protection at all times and so she would never part with her Gore Tex Pro regardless of the conditions.
How We Compared Dermizax vs Gore Tex
Jaime wearing the Norrøna Lofoten with the Gore Tex Pro membrane – Photo by: Local Freshies
We’ve done a side-by-side full season test with Jaime using a Norrøna Lofoten Jacket which comes with Gore-Tex Pro and while I used the Ortovox Ortler 3L with Dermizax NX in the exact same elements. Although it wasn’t a perfect comparison since they both use different fabrics on the exterior, it did give us an idea of how they stack up.
Waterproofing
On paper, Gore-Tex Pro has a whopping 28,000+ mm waterproof rating versus Dermizax NX which is rated at 20,000 mm. In simplest terms that means the Dermizax NX material can withstand 20,000 mm of water pressure before it starts to leak versus the Gore-Tex Pro can withstand up to 28,000+ mm. Just to give you an idea how impressive that is — most ski resort jackets come with a 10-15,000 mm waterproof rating.
The Monsoon Test
They say a 20,000 mm jacket can protect you from rain in a hurricane, and that’s exactly what we did. We had the fortunate (or unfortunate) opportunity to test it during a three-hour monsoon at a New York Giants game. Jaime’s Norrøna Lofoten Jacket with Gore-Tex Pro kept her dry, while my Ortler 3L with Dermizax NX performed well for most of it — though I still ended up a bit damp. In “normal” winter conditions, the Dermizax NX performed just as well as Jaime’s jacket.
Winner: Gore-Tex Pro
Breathability
The next important factor is breathability. When you begin to get soaked with sweat in a cold environment, it can lead to a dangerous situation. One of the easiest ways to solve for this is to wear moisture-wicking breathable materials including your jacket. Gore-Tex Pro has a breathability rating of 25,000 g/m2. This means that 25,000 grams of water vapor (I.e. sweat) can pass through a square meter of Gore-Tex Pro in a 24-hour period. Although Toray the manufacturer of Dermizax NX doesn’t provide a breathability rating, we’ve read that it provides anywhere between 30,000 – 50,000 g/m2.
Testing on the Skintrack
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Within a ski resort, sweating might not be a big deal but it’s a different story on the skin track. Climbing up a mountain can you get warm pretty quickly. On a spring day with temperatures starting well below freezing and hitting highs in the upper 40s, I was blown away with the Dermizax NX membrane. I believe the breathability rating is spot on. Even though I’m the sweaty type, it kept me comfortably cozy in the full range of activities without having to keep taking it on and off. While Jaime, on the other hand with her Gore-Tex Pro, was constantly going on and off with her shell.
Winner: Dermizax
Feel
The final feature that most don’t talk about is “feel.” We’re not talking about Fernando’s Hideaway “dahling” on how you look but how the material feels when you’re moving on the mountain. Do you feel inhibited? Does the fabric make it sound as if you’re crumpling up a piece of paper? For many it isn’t a big deal, but it’s something to at least consider.
Marketing Hulabaloo or Legit?
Gore-Tex fabrics combined with bullet proof denier are notorious for how stiff they feel hence the name “hardshell.” One of the Dermizax NX fabric’s chief competitive advantages that they market is its multi-directional stretch capabilities. Is it REALLY that big of a deal? Before I tried it, I could really care less about feel. I was chasing the “protection against the elements” bug. I can tell you that Dermizax’s multi-stretch abilities aren’t malarkey but legit. Instead of buying a size up, I’m able to rock a more form fitting jacket and still get the protection I need. Jaime, while she cares about the feel, doesn’t care enough to EVER part with her jacket. In fact, she uses it all year long on EVERY adventure from mountain biking to backcountry skiing.
Winner: Depends
Just a few years ago, I would’ve said that there isn’t any waterproofing material that could compete against Gore-tex. It may still be the #1 brand but as you can see from Toray’s Dermizax offering, it might not be the best tool for all situations. It comes down to what you’re looking for.
One of the things we love about skiing and snowboarding in Idaho is that it’s home to some of the few truly independent ski areas left in the West. Resorts like Magic Mountain and Lookout Pass have a special charm that keeps us coming back year after year. However, a tragic incident at Sun Valley has brought the issue of ski area liability to the forefront. After a skier died, his widow filed a lawsuit against the resort. The Idaho Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is setting a new legal precedent, which could lead to significant changes in the future.
What Happened?
In November 2019, a 65-year-old doctor named Stewart Milus from Boise was skiing at Sun Valley. The resort has two main ski areas: Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. Bald Mountain itself is divided into two sections: River Run and Warm Springs. According to court documents, Stewart was skiing down the lower River Run.
Lay of the Land
An example of the snowguns that Steve Milus hit.
We’ve skied this run before—it’s a wide, groomed trail that leads to the River Run Lodge. As the primary route to the base, it can get crowded. On this particular day, it was moderately busy. The court noted that Stewart was skiing “with poor control.” He crossed into the path of another skier, skied across the backs of their skis, yelled, then fell and crashed head-first into a tall, yellow-padded snowmaking tower in the middle of the run. He was taken to Wood River Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Lawsuit Puts Law into Question
Afterwards Stewart’s widow filed a lawsuit against Sun Valley. While the lower courts upheld a 1979 statute, as has been the case for decades, the Idaho Supreme Court took a different stance. The court ruled that a jury should decide whether the ski resort could be partially at fault, regardless of the skier’s actions.
What’s Next
Even though Idaho’s Supreme Court has already made a decision, they are set to hear arguments in February about possibly reconsidering their unanimous ruling. This could return the interpretation of Idaho’s law to how it was before the court’s December 2023 ruling.
Eerily Similar to Mt Hood Ski Bowl’s Mtn Biking Case
Alternatively, the ruling could stand. And if it does, it feels similar to what happened with mountain biking at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl a few years ago. In Oregon, businesses don’t have the same legal protections as those in Idaho. As a result of a lawsuit, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl was forced to shut down its bike park permanently. While larger resorts like Sun Valley and Schweitzer are likely safe, it’s the smaller ones we love—like Pomerelle—that are most at risk. In the worst case, this could lead to closures similar to what happened in Vermont when a lawsuit hit their industry in 1978.
There is a Silver Lining
Jaime’s happy place – Magic Mountain Photo by: Local Freshies®
We like to hold a glass half full perspective. So even if the Supreme Court stands, it may not mean the end for Mom & Pops. There are various outcomes from this ruling that could happen. For example, a new bill could be introduced, similar to the one last February that was proposed by Rep. Barbara Ehardt at the urging of the ski industry. Although the bill didn’t receive a hearing, it aimed to clarify the existing law by adding a clear statement that ‘no standard of care’ applies to the duties of ski areas. In summary, stay tuned as this story develops over the course of the month.
Calling a jacket perfect is pretty subjective and hard to defend. And yet it’s the first thing I put in the title. I have a lot of outdoor gear that I like but very few items make it on the love list. But the Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket is one of them covered in crayon hearts and googly eyes.
Jack(ie) of all Trades
Most would argue that being decent or even good at lots of things isn’t a desirable quality. You’d want to be great at something and leave the mediocre part behind. But what if you could be great at lots of things? I know. It sounds like a load of fairy dust. But I say dump it on my head and call me a princess because this coat exceeded any expectations I had about it.
My first thought was I might use it for spring skiing or just throw it over my puffy to stay dry in a rainstorm. And I will wear it for both of those, but it also lines up with hiking, trail running, biking, resort snowboarding, and especially backcountry splitboarding. What I’m saying is, the Mammut Taiss HS Womens Jacket will be a top go-to choice for all the outdoor activities I do. That’s my bold statement… and here’s why.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a moderately priced jacket that can cross many seasons and sports, this is a solid choice. When a piece of gear is versatile, that can help with the cost as you’ll get more use and potentially need less gear overall. I put this Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket in the same functional category as my previously mentioned Norrøna Lofoten backcountry jacket. And while they aren’t a 1:1 comparison, the Mammut is half the price of the Norrøna but will get just as much, if not more use across the year.
Preferences on a hardshell span wide when it comes to jackets. This jacket might be named HS and hold the durability, waterproof, and breathability of a hardshell but it is as soft-feeling as you can get. It actually feels silky smooth. No crunchy sounds. No weird creases against your arms when you bend. Just plain enjoyable to wear.
Two is the Right Number… of Pockets
More pockets doesn’t make a jacket better. It just means more zippers. More random places to stuff things, like a junk drawer that’s out of control. For me, where the pockets are and their size are MUCH more important than how many pockets it has as a whole. This jacket’s pocket game is simple. Two pockets on the chest, deep in extending to mid waist and a small interior pocket. That’s it. And that’s all it needs.
In action sports, pockets that sit low on the waist can hamper your stride when loaded, making hinging at the hips uncomfortable and conflicting with backpack waist straps. These two chest pockets sit at a height that won’t constrict breathing if filled or impede a backpack chest strap or chestie mount. For me personally, I need deep pockets to stash cameras. If I’m forced to put my cameras or video equipment in my backpack, I have a higher likelihood of not capturing a moment because I don’t want the hassle of taking off my bag. These chest pockets are deep enough to hold GoPros with sticks, small DSLR cameras and even cell phones with gimbals or handheld grips.
Rolls Up to Travel Size
When outdoor galavanting whether it be on feet, wheels, or snow, you might not want to wear the jacket all the time. That means you need to be able to take it off and stash it somewhere small, either in a pocket or your backpack. The Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket squishes down to a handful that can easily be stuffed anywhere. You never have to choose whether to bring it or not because taking it off won’t be a hassle to carry.
A Hood for a Big Head
Well not a big head, per se. But when you have a helmet on but want to pull your hood over it comfortably so your neck still bends, swivels, and you aren’t choking or feel like you have blinders on, this jacket does it. I tried pulling it over both a snowboard helmet and mountain biking helmet and both were still comfortable to see and wear. That’s a nice bonus if you get caught in a rain storm and want to keep water out of your neck and eyes. One word of caution though. If you have an underneath layer that also has a hood, be aware that it may make the outer Mammut hood too tight or not fit as comfortably as it would with no additional hood fabric wadding up behind your neck. Too many hoods can be a bad combo.
No Throat Zipper Choking
A great jacket can be ruined when you zip it up all the way to the top and the material is so rigid and abundant under your chin that it feels like you’re choking. The ultra soft texture of this jacket helps alleviate that feeling completely. There is enough material under your chin that you could pull it over your lower face to block weather or it can curl under your chin out of the way as if it wasn’t even there.
Two-way Underarm Zipper for Flexibility
Underarm ventilation is mandatory on any outdoor coat, regardless of what you’re doing. Sometimes you just need to let in some air. It’s a nicety to have dual zippers, letting you choose if you want to directly let your armpit breathe or open from the bottom for more side venting. But when it comes to backpacks, you must have the dual option to easily let you vent without having to remove your pack to find a zipper. When my backcountry pack is on, it blocks the lower section of the vent so having the upper zipper as an option makes venting very easy without touching my backpack at all.
A True Year-Rounder with Credentials
Mammut markets this jacket as a hardshell for year-round use. And I fully agree with that description. The flexibility to move allows you to use it for many sports throughout the year. And with performance, it rates the highest at 6/6 by Mammut standards for water impermeability, breathability, and windproof. That’s hard to beat. The Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket also rates high at 4/6 for durability, packability, and lightweight. Since I don’t do rough sports like climbing, I can’t argue durability as I won’t be scraping it across sharp surfaces. But I do think they are being a little hard on themselves for packability and lightweight features when I can roll it up in my hand and it feels like I’m wearing nothing when it’s on. But I know if you count grams and mm for size, they do have jackets that are smaller and lighter.
Layerability
This jacket is stated as Mammut’s Regular Fit. They describe it as “comfortable to wear with plenty of movement… perfect for layering.” They also offer different jackets in another fit called Ski Regular. The difference in description is that the Ski Regular is better for underneath warm layers, helmets, and transceivers. So naturally, I would say I want the Ski Regular instead of just Regular. But that’s not the case. The Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Womens Jacket, with its Regular Fit rating, allows me to do everything the Ski Regular calls out and with comfort. This jacket is comfortable over a helmet, has plenty of space for an underneath transceiver, and I always wear a base layer AND a Patagonia puffy under my shells. I can fit all of this underneath this Regular Fit coat with no complaints.
Sizing
I think it’s a female thing, but I always worry about what size to get. Two-dimensional drawings of measurements never pan out in the real world for me. I always take my measurements as they recommend and then I still worry I bought the wrong size. And many times I do.
For this jacket, I sit right at the upper range of Medium but could technically sit in the Large (on paper more comfortably.) My first thought was to size up and get the Large so I could be more roomy and comfortable. But there’s always that nice feeling when you get the actual right size and it fits just how you want, without feeling like you’re wearing a garbage bag just in case you put on four more coats underneath. I have another backcountry coat, the Norrøna Lofoten, which is very similar in style and function. I went with my real-life example and picked the Medium for the Mammut because the Norrøna is a Medium as well and fits spot on with all my layers and cameras.
The final verdict on size: the Medium was the right choice. I can put all the layers I want underneath as well as my camera equipment and still move freely outdoors. And if I just want to wear it out to the store or on a winter’s day, it looks like it fits and isn’t ridiculously oversized.
Even Perfect isn’t Perfect
As you can tell, I am stoked on this jacket and plan to use it a lot across the seasons. My vote is it’s in the WIN column and a recommended buy. But this review wouldn’t be balanced if I didn’t have something I wish was improved. Nothing is ever perfect-perfect.
More Color Please
When it comes to creating visuals, there’s nothing worse than dark colors, especially black. Nothing black looks good outdoors in photos or videos. There’s no pop. No pizazz. Just blah. Sadly, this coat is Marine Black which is the darkest blue possible before actually being black. Most companies today don’t make bright, electric colorways anymore and that sucks. Nothing like the 80’s. Everything was neon! I will wear this coat a lot, but I will have to think twice when on photo/video shoots because of its dark, un-photogenic color. I can only dream of a bright green, orange, blue, or yellow even!
A Bit Extra Length
With constant movement whether it’s by biking, running, or snowboarding, a little extra length is nice just to keep things from creeping up. If I could just get an inch extra on the back of this coat, I would be beaming with joy. So far in wearing it, it has stayed put with my backpack and when running around in it, but a girl can wish for just one more inch in the caboose to keep things covered 100% of the time.
Not everything is price driven when you buy gear, as warranty, durability, special use, etc. all matter tremendously. But, many times it really does come down to cost. Will it last as long as a jacket twice the price and with a longer warranty period? That’s to be seen, but for now, I will enjoy wearing it as much as I can.
Regardless of whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, camber and rocker are two terms that have likely been introduced into your vocabulary. We’re taking a close look to define what they are, how they differ, and to help you determine whether rocker or camber is better for you. But first things first: let’s start with what they actually mean.
What Is Camber
Image appears courtesy: REI
Merriam-Webster’s definition of camber is “a slight convexity, arching, or curvature, as of a beam, deck, or road.” In this case, it refers to the curve on a pair of skis or a snowboard. If you lay a board or skis flat on their base and look at them from the side, you’ll see what appears to be a reverse arc.
Why Do They Have Camber?
The reason for this arc is that it provides increased contact against the snow and springiness between your feet. The result is it allows you to make the perfect arc when carving. Another advantage is that it gives the rider or skier a natural “pop” when ollieing.
How Traditional Camber Came To Be
Image appears courtesy: Pixabay
Snowboard technology over the years hasn’t lived in its own bubble but rather looked around at other board sports like surfing and skateboarding. One of the ideas that was influenced by skateboarding was camber. Longboards with camber were designed so that when weight was applied, it created a reverse arc making it easier to carve a continuous “S” path by just leaning left and right.
Skis Adopted Camber
Skier Darin Haworth enjoying the fresh powder at Kirkwood – Photo by: Local Freshies®
Snowboarding may have drawn inspiration from other sports, but skiing’s use of camber dates back much further, all the way to the 1840s. Camber made it possible to create thinner, lighter skis. What skiing did borrow from snowboarding, however, was the concept of camber combined with a more aggressive sidecut, which led to the creation of what were known as “parabolic skis.” This innovation was such a significant leap forward in technology that many at the time claimed it “revived” the sport. Whether or not that’s true, it undeniably impacted skiing, introducing a whole new way of sliding down the mountain that the two-plank crowd hadn’t experienced before.
Rocker – The New Style
Image appears courtesy: REI
For decades, camber was the only shape that dominated the market, and there was no debate over rocker vs camber. That all changed when Lib Tech sparked the “rocker revolution” by introducing the Skate Banana. This was when the flip side of camber—rocker, or reverse camber—was introduced. From the side, a ski or board with rocker will appear to “smile” at you.
McConkey – The Man Who Brought Rocker To Skiing
The rocker shape was introduced by Shane McConkey on the skier side with his Volant Spatula Skis. When they came out, reviewers used terms like “fun”, “easy”, and saviors to the sports of skiing/snowboarding. This “banana” shape made it extremely easy to ride fresh powder when it was deep due to the natural arc already formed.
The Waterboy Argument
These two vastly different ski and snowboard designs had created a passionate debate between rocker vs camber. It’s like the scene from the movie Waterboy where Bobby Boucher has the argument on water versus Gatorade. I’ve heard friends on both sides make statements like:
“You can’t land on the bolts when it’s a rocker. I feel like I’m fighting a wet pig in the park. Camber all the way.”
“Deep pow on a camber? No way! All the board wants to do is dive like a submarine and make me tomahawk.”
What’s Better Rocker Or Camber?
So, which shape is better in the eternal rocker vs camber argument? Unfortunately, it isn’t an easy answer. For those with the money, a “quiver” might be your best option. A quiver is a set of decks or skis that you can pick and choose from depending on the conditions and skill level.
Rocker In Your Arsenal
Image appears courtesy: Diamond Peak – Photo by: Ryan Salm
If you’re going heli-skiing, cat-boarding, or wake up to 3 feet of deep powder, floating in the bottomless snow is VERY critical. A good choice for this is the Rocker. The natural “U” shape allows you to float easily through the snow without having to lean far back to get through it. It will provide effortless float. This includes Lib-Tech’s original banana profile and Arbor’s Rocker Profiles.
The Cons To The Rocker
Personally, a full rocker board feels a little squirrelly at high speeds. Locking into a turn, the board feels “soft” and loose more like a skid instead of a carve.
Locked n’ Loaded For A Camber
On the other hand, if your focus is on carving groomers or shredding through resort powder that’s only a few inches deep, at best a camber deck might be the funnest shape for you. As a purist, the ability to make a perfect carve and explode out of your turn allows you to exit faster than you went in.
World Of Camber Hurt
For friends who’ve started snowboarding for the first time, a bigger camber and/or sidecut could cause you to get frustrated. Think of it like tight suspension on a sports car. The design provides a more responsive ride, which means you could easily catch an edge. In addition, a true camber’s flex will make it a bit more difficult to keep the nose afloat in deep snow.
The Rocker Revolution Brings Hybrid Designs
Luckily, the answer doesn’t have to be one or the other. After the dust had settled with rocker vs camber shapes, there has been an explosion of all kinds of different ways of thinking. Both skiing and snowboarding manufacturers have begun to push the envelope on what’s possible with the arc. Shapes from a “flat” board to all sorts of hybrid combinations coming together into one deck.
Goldilocks Would Like Hybrid
If you’re looking for one board to rule them all, a hybrid is what you want. Is it the best in all conditions? We’ll be honest… when Lib Tech released the “banana” boards, we loved the different surfy feeling to it. Over the years though, we’ve gone the hybrid route for any days with soft snow and a true camber board for groomer days or spring.
Most Popular Hybrid Styles
Image appears courtesy: REI
Despite having an infinite amount of combinations, there are certain styles that are more prevalent than others. Here’s a few of them:
Hybrid Camber
This is when the design is primarily a camber between the feet but rocker at the nose and tail. Snowboarders or skiers that love a camber design but want a little help keeping the board afloat in deep snow will love it. For beginners, this will also help keep you from catching an edge.
Hybrid Rocker
The gold standard in pow slashing – the T.Rice Orca
The opposite of the Hybrid Camber is the Hybrid Rocker profile. Instead, it has rocker in the center and camber on the tips. In addition, both the nose and tail are still off the ground unless the board is weighted (i.e. someone standing on it). Hybrid Rockers still help with float but also ride better than a traditional rocker at higher speeds.
As the name states, these are designed to primarily ride in one direction. The natural binding location is usually setback a bit. The focus is on camber from the tail of the board/skis to the front bindings. The nose is longer with a pronounced rocker uplift. This style provides stability like a classic camber, but the tip allows you to float easier in powder.
Within this category, there are a few different profiles. Overall, the base it flat from tip to tail. At the nose and tail is where the unique flavors come in. Some have minor camber. Others have a few millimeters of rocker on each end. Others are flat for most of it and only have rocker from the front bindings through the nose to help with float. This is an awesome option for those who like to hit park, rails, or tinker around on kickers.
An example of a flat profile is the Capita Ultrafear or for those who want a boost in technology, we recommend checking out the BataleonTBT profiles. Not quite flat. Not a true rocker. They’re their own design that’s been patented.
What To Look For In A Hybrid
As you can tell, picking the type of snowboard you ride is a purely personal preference. For example, Jaime LOVES a board that has WAY more camber than I do but with a bit softer flex. Me, on other hand, for years looked for a camber-rocker-camber design such as the Orca. This allows the board to carve well but at the same time helps keep the nose afloat. Is it perfect? Nope, but it’s a great go-to option on most days.
Consider ALL Snowboard Shapes
A unique snowboard shape is the Weston Revel – Photo by: Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
As I personally came to realize when picking your snowboard or skis, the rocker vs camber debate is just one factor to consider. You also need to think about all the other shape and technology features, such as “magna-traction,” sidecut, and whether the board is “volume-shifted.” Our detailed article, Shape Up or Ship Out on Snowboard Shapes: Types, Terms, & More, covers all of these factors in depth. Ultimately, there are many choices when it comes to brands. Now that you have a better understanding, get out there, demo some new boards, and let us know what you think!
For more tips about gear from finding the right jacket to a pair of goggles and more, be sure to visit our Skiing & Snowboarding Gear homepage.
Valentine’s Day in South Lake Tahoe just makes sense. What better way to celebrate the love and beauty in our lives than being surrounded by the untamed splendor of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras? See this guide to a perfect Valentine’s Day interary in South Lake Tahoe and be inspired to plan your own!
Sleeping in can be just what the doctor ordered, or for many of us, having breakfast in bed is unbeatable. However, seeing the sunrise on Lake Tahoe from the water’s edge is in a completely different league. Create a precious memory this morning and check the forecast, time your morning, have a coffee, bundle up, and be with your special someone while you spectate an unforgettable sunrise.
The Sun is Up!
After an early morning and rewarding sunrise, you will probably have worked up an appetite! For more than your average breakfast, head to Jimmy’s Restaurant at The Landing Resort to try their impressive eggs benedict. Or, head to Artemis Lakefront Cafe for a delicious meal with middle eastern options like their incredible Turkish coffee! After breakfast, you should be eager for more outdoor activities. With so much snow here, getting back outside will be the perfect seasonal wake-me-up after breakfast. Depending on your personal preference and skills, choose between skiing and snowshoeing and have a classic Tahoe morning with your loved one. Special moments in nature are exactly what keep us here year-round. Sharing these moments with someone you love makes those moments all the more special.
Snow Problem!
After an active, snowy morning in paradise, you’re likely ready to relax. Wind down in true Valentine’s Day form at Champagne & Chocolate in Heavenly Village. Choose your ideal combo of champagne, homemade fudge, caramel apples, or specialty coffees. This dessert, wine, coffee, and gift shop is perfect for settling down and lounging after a fun, busy morning. Or, depending on your style, take your bubbly and chocolate somewhere more private and add an intimate interlude to your day.
Stroll Along The Lake
The more time you spend on the lake, the better. It may be a cliché, but walking next to the lake is a perfect way to seize the day Tahoe-style. Life in South Lake Tahoe has always been lake-centric, so take time, get close to the water, and feel the power that so many of us are drawn to and call home. You don’t need a psychology degree to understand the positive effects that occur when a person is outside in a place as breathtaking as South Lake Tahoe – it just feels good. This special relationship with people and nature is something to consider and experience while you are here. Sharing a bond with your significant other is special, and bonding in nature can become an unforgettable experience.
After smooth skating and good eats, come back outside to a cozy firepit for some in-the-moment relaxation. Grab a drink to accompany the flames, your special somebody, and the marvelous South Tahoe wilderness. Find a fire and a drink, and warm up with your favorite person by your side.
Fine Dining
Valentine’s Day dinner is an important part of the holiday. Luckily, South Lake Tahoe knows exactly how to play host to this vital evening. The Bistro at the Corner and Riva Grill are two local favorites that offer special Valentine’s Day menus to make the evening especially unique. Both of these choices will leave you with a memorable meal and a perfect V-Day atmosphere. If you’re looking for next steps after dinner, look no further than The Loft in the Heavenly Village. The Loft (also offering a 5-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner) is the perfect late-night restaurant and lounge where you can enjoy a nightcap in an enticingly sleek setting. Go right for the dessert and drink menus to find the perfect combination of flavors while you decide whether or not you’d like to catch one of their magic shows… although at this point in your night, there may be more than enough magic in the air to call it an evening. Click here for a full list of Valentine’s Day dinner options to complete your Valentine’s Day itinerary in South Lake Tahoe.
Ready to extend your trip? You’ve only scratched the surface of all that there is to do and see during winter around Lake Tahoe’s south shore, and there’s plenty more to discover and re-discover!
Share your trip with us by using the hashtag #VisitLakeTahoe
South Lake Tahoe in February means fresh snow to enjoy and unlimited Winter activities on and off the mountain, all with unbeatable views. From unforgettable indoor experiences to outdoor activities that will leave you breathless in more ways than one, see why a trip to Tahoe in February is a must.
Get in Some Groomer Runs at Heavenly
Heavenly Ski Resort offers fantastic views and equally impressive terrain.
Magic After Dark allows patrons who desire a more adult experience to enjoy magic unfiltered. It’s an irresistible window into the mind of award-winning magician-comedian Robert Hall, reserved for those 18 years of age or older.
Magic After Dark is Lake Tahoe’s #1 rated 18+ show. It features award-winning magicians from around the world in a 75 minute, high-energy, adult magic and comedy show. Come visit Taste at the Loft, which features one of the best and most surprising menus on the South Shore, a delicious range of American Tapas and Small Plates. The show is for (im)mature audiences only.
Take a Tree-Trivia Snowshoe Trek
Think you know trees? Think again.
The Sugar Pine Foundation and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association have teamed up for a morning snowshoe trek to Echo Lake. This adventure will be a leisurely snowshoe from the Echo Lake Sno-Park (Johnson Pass Rd) to Lower Echo Lake (however, it could be more challenging if snow levels are deep). Along the way, our friends and experts at the Sugar Pine Foundation will reveal the mysterious world of trees in winter. Tap here for more information.
Do Some Figure Eights at an Ice Rink
Heavenly Village Ice Skating | Photo: Heavenly Village
The ice skating rinks in the Heavenly Village, Edgewood Tahoe Resort, and the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena are ready and waiting for you to lutz and loop to your heart’s (or ankle’s) content. February is all about family fun in South Lake Tahoe, so be sure to bring the little ones!
Make Some Real Life Fish Stories
Tahoe’s clear waters are where the California record 37-pound Mackinaw was caught | Photo: Marcello Rostagni
There are several local outfitters steeped in fish stories and history, and some secret spots are available to provide any and all with a Lake Tahoe fishing adventure. Teeming nearby streams and rivers will get your heart — and your line — jumping. With the waters of big blue never freezing, you can book a charter ANY time of year, just be sure to bring your parka. Fishing is one of the best and most rewarding water sports in Lake Tahoe!
See South Lake Tahoe by Snowmobile
Snowmobiling can be a fun experience for the whole family
Another great family activity to consider when visiting Lake Tahoe is snowmobiling. If you have a few hours to enjoy being outside, we HIGHLY recommend taking the guided tour from Zephyr Cove. The two-hour tour provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe’s cobalt-blue waters that very few others get a chance to see during this time of year. For those with only a bit of time, you can rent a snowmobile for 30 minutes and take it on a racetrack, walking distance from downtown. For more ideas on how to saddle up, head over to Snowmobiling in South Lake Tahoe.
Test Your Luck at the Tables
Friends playing craps in South Lake Tahoe Casino
You don’t have to be a high-roller to roll the dice. Lake Tahoe is home to world-class casinos all walking distance from the lake, hiking trails, and Heavenly’s Gondola. There’s nothing like pulling up to a table and sipping on your favorite drink after spending the day exploring the great outdoors.
Melting into relaxation is easy at each of the four casino day spas. All have spas with massage, facials, and other services. Gyms and pools are also available for those who want a little exercise or more ways to play with the littles.
Try Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing in South Lake Tahoe
The options on where to go cross-country skiing are pretty endless, especially during the mid-season. Residents venture to the Mountain Sports Center at Camp Richardson once there are more than two feet of snow on the ground at lake level. Located just below Mt. Tallac, the scenery of this impressive peak and on the shores of Tahoe is what put this destination near the top of the list. If the snowpack hasn’t reached two feet, head up to Kirkwood Resort. At an elevation of 7,800’ above sea level, it’s a great option for early or late season. The trail pass includes a vast network of trails with three warming huts, including the Kirkwood Inn (est. 1864).
Tahoe Knight Monsters Hockey vs Utah Grizzlies at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, February 6-8, 2026
Comedian Jamie Lissow at Bally’s Lake Tahoe
Saturday, February 14, 2026, Jamie Lissow (from Gutfeld), Valentine’s Day Better Off Dad Tour 2026, in the Bally’s Lake Tahoe Showroom.
TobyMac at the Tahoe Blue Event Center
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, TobyMac: Hits Deep Tour 2026 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. With Guests, Crowder and Jeremy Camp.
Toyota Air & Après at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2026, Toyota Air & Apres at Heavenly Mountain Resort. A weekend of live DJs, fireworks, a Big Air show, and more at Heavenly Mountain Resort!
So your friends all ski and snowboard, but you haven’t had the chance? It’s not too late! Sometimes, we let fear block our way to trying something new. Something bigger. Something marvelous. Get out of your comfort zone and try skiing or snowboarding this season. You’ll meet new friends, get outside, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Below are our tips for snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe.
Family Skiing Heavenly Mountain Resort Lake Tahoe
Rent, Don’t Buy For Your First Time
A new snowboard or pair of skis can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000. We have a number of businesses in town ready to rent you everything you need to set you up for success. For a full run-down of all the shops in Tahoe and what they offer, head over to our Tahoe Ski Rentals section.
Hot Tip: Borrow Clothing Where Possible
We get it. You want to look good on the slopes, but out of all things for snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe, this is where you can afford to be frugal. Borrow a friend’s jacket, an uncle’s pair of goggles, or ski pants from an older sibling. All my first ski clothing was from my Uncle, and you know what? It worked just fine!
What To Buy
The rule of what to buy versus borrow is simple: If it touches your skin, it might be a good idea to buy. That means the base layer, which includes thermals and ski socks. If you want to learn more about a base layer and what to look for in clothing, head over to the Local Freshies article: Helmets, Mitts, Boots & Ski Suits – Equipment For Skiing & Snowboarding. You may consider purchasing knee pads and wrist guards for extra protection and maximum comfort.
Say ‘NO!’ To Your Friends & Get Lessons
Skiers at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Out of anything on this list, I would spend money on its lessons. While your best friend says they can teach you, they’ll probably give you a few words of encouragement and leave you flailing about like a dead fish on a beginner slope. This is why most people give up on the sport. Skip the hassle and reduce the strain on your relationships. Sign yourself up for ski school. If you’re up here for a few days, think about doing a multi-day package. You’ll save yourself from pain and learn faster!
Beginner Areas At Lake Tahoe Resorts
Now that we know the basics of what you need to do, where should you go skiing or snowboarding if you’re a beginner in Tahoe? Everywhere! All the ski resorts have dedicated areas specifically for beginners.
Heavenly Mountain Resort – Great Views While Learning
Groomed run at Heavenly Mountain Resort
At over 4,800 skiable acres, there’s A LOT of terrain within Heavenly Mountain Resort. For beginners, depending on where you’re staying, each access point has some terrain specifically geared towards you. If staying within the casino corridor, you can hop on the gondola and gain access to the Big Easy Chair and Tamarack Lodge. You’ll be rewarded with great views of Lake Tahoe as you learn how to ski/snowboard. Another great beginner area is near California Lodge. In a similar concept, you take the Gun Barrel Express or scenic Tramway to the higher-elevation green zone called Patsy’s. You’ll still get the incredible views of the lake and a gentle slope to get some turns in.
Kirkwood – Take In The Sierra
Groomed run at Kirkwood Mountain Resort
It is true that Kirkwood is a powder hound’s dream. Big snows and steep slopes, but it’s also home to some incredible beginner skiing terrain. The mountain’s topography naturally divides the area by skill level. Beginners will want to keep towards the bottom of the mountain and head to the Timber Creek Area. The chairlift provides access to wide open groomed runs to learn on. To spice it up, there’s even a gentle gully called Squirrel Ridge that snakes its way down all the way to the bottom.
Sierra-at-Tahoe – Great Deals & Fun Vibe
Broadway Run at Sierra at Tahoe Resort
Tucked away just west of Echo Summit, this mountain, compared to the other two Lake Tahoe resorts, has the most relaxed vibe. In addition, Sierra-at-Tahoe really goes all out to cater to beginners with their insane package deals like the Adult Learn To Ski/Ride 3-Pak. You can enjoy three days of mountain access, group lessons, and rental equipment! Similar to Kirkwood, the beginner area has its own lift, which provides access to the wide-open groomer called Broadway. The best part? Once you’re ready to test your mettle, you can ride the big chair to the top and try out the easy cruisin’ run known as Sugar n’ Spice.
Tip: If you do take Sugar n’ Spice, be aware that as a snowbank appears to the left, stay to the middle or right. Hot shots like to bomb this section and may shoot out of the trees.
As Dr. Seuss proclaimed, “Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!” In summary, you might be sore after it all, but you’ll come home with stories to tell and memories that will last a lifetime. There are so many good places to learn snowboarding & skiing for beginners in Tahoe, so what are you waiting for? Get after it!
Snow Lingo
Après-ski: French term that means “after skiing.” This is the time when you take off your boots and kick back with friends to talk about the great day you just had.
Bunny hill: Old-timey nickname for a ski resort’s learning area.
Carving: The process of digging in the edge of your skis to make a smooth turn.
Powder: Extremely light, fluffy snow that falls during periods of cold temperatures and low humidity. Powder is a joy to ski in and the opposite of “Sierra cement,” which is very wet, heavy snow.
Corduroy: Freshly groomed snow that’s machine-packed into a ribbed texture that resembles corduroy.
Terrain park: A designated area at a resort dotted with jumps, rails, and other manmade features that allow advanced skiers and snowboarders to perform awesome tricks.
Halfpipe: A U-shaped channel carved out of the snow that’s a popular terrain-park feature.
First tracks: Getting up super early to catch the first chairlift up the mountain and be the first skier on the freshly groomed runs.
Support SAC while finding new backcountry partners!
SlabLab is a new backcountry-specific platform for finding great partners built by two Truckee locals. Not only can you search based on the qualities you want in a partner, they have great resources to help you improve your communication and teamwork in the backcountry.
Sign up using our link and SlabLab will donate $5 to the Sierra Avalanche Center.
Family poses with Tessie, Knight Monsters mascot, at the team meet and greet event
The Tahoe Knight Monsters, the ECHL’s newest hockey team and Tahoe’s first professional sports team, are returning to the ice for their second season, and they can’t wait to share this experience with visitors and locals alike. With affiliations to Vegas’s Golden Knights and the Henderson Silver Knights, the Knight Monsters hockey team joins a dynasty befitting of our mascot and region. Hockey is one of the most thrilling sports to watch, and the team has tons of surprises planned to make this season one for the books.
These games are fun for the whole family with Tessie, the team mascot, there to hype the crowd and for photo opportunities, and themed nights throughout the season, like:
Friday and Saturday, February 6 & 7 – Celebrate the spirit of the Games! Join the Knight Monsters for Retro Weekend as we bring the thrill of the Olympics to the ice with fast-paced hockey and special festivities!
Wednesday, February 18, Join us for All Abilities Knight at the Tahoe Blue Event Center: a celebration of inclusion, accessibility, and the power of hockey to bring everyone together!
Friday and Saturday, February 20 & 21, Affiliation Weekend – The Golden Monsters will take the ice for two thrilling games that highlight the strength of our NHL & AHL partnership, presented by Travel Nevada!
Wednesday, march 11, Pucks & Paws – It’s a PAWsome night at the Tahoe Blue Event Center! Join us for Pucks & Paws Night, featuring an epic showdown between the Knight Monsters and the Kansas City Mavericks!
Most hockey games take place during our snowy season – there are many ways to get out there and experience the winter wonderland, whether you enjoy downhill thrills or not. Check out this page to explore snow play in Tahoe.
No trip to Tahoe is complete without getting out on the famous blue waters. There are three boat cruises that run year-round: Tahoe Bleu Wave, MS Dixie II (this one offers a dinner cruise with live music), and Tahoe Cruises.
In addition to hockey games, the Tahoe Blue Event Center has a full calendar of concerts, comedians and special events. Take a look and see if there is something that suits your fancy.
The Knight Monsters can’t wait to take to the ice and celebrate our community’s love of winter sports, bringing a new form of entertainment to our region. We hope you’ll join us for a game!
Take Lake Link Shuttle to the Tahoe Blue Event Center
Lake Link is a free, on-demand shuttle that takes you to South Shore beaches, trails, entertainment, and nightlife. Catch the service between 7 am and 9 pm, Sunday through Thursday and 7 am and 11 pm on weekends (summer and winter). Download the app to book your ride!
Transportation update: The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is enhancing its Route 50 Express Service to accommodate attendees of select Tahoe Blue Event Center events. This extended service offers a convenient, reliable, and free transportation option for event goers, with plans to expand service to additional events throughout 2025 and 2026.
The Route 50 Express will operate between the South Y Transit Center and the Kingsbury Transit Center, with stops outlined in the schedule below. Parking along the route is limited; however, free parking is available at the garage on Kahle Drive near eastbound US 50 and the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Mobility Hub. Additional events and Route 50 Express Service schedules will be posted at http://www.tahoetransportation.org
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