In Lake Tahoe, the adventure isn’t complete without your pup by your side. Read on to discover the best activities, restaurants, and places to explore with your furry friend in tow. If you think you’ll love Tahoe (you will), just imagine how much your dog will. From dining out to treks around the lake, you’ll quickly realize that this lake town is doggy heaven. There are so many places to explore in dog friendly Lake Tahoe!
First things first, selecting a pet-friendly hotel
With a whopping 44 pet-friendly hotels, you’ll find options that welcome your fur family and suit every taste and budget. Explore pet-friendly lodging here.
Start With the Bijou Community Dog Park
If your dog needs to let off some steam, head to Bijou Community Dog Park. This expansive park features three areas for dogs: one for big dogs, one for little dogs, and an agility course. It’s the perfect spot to let them roam off-leash and burn off some energy.
Once your pup is happily tuckered out, take a stroll and explore the rest of this amazing park. You’ll find a basketball court, a bike park and track, volleyball courts, a skateboard park, and a disc golf course with 30+ holes. There’s even a gazebo area, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the day.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Tahoe
When it comes to dog-friendly beaches, Kiva Beach is where you want to be. You will have a wide-open beach to roam. This spot also offers astounding views where the marsh meets the lake, looking right up at majestic Mount Tallac.
Kiva Beach Lake Tahoe
Another great beach is North Zephyr Cove Beach; just be sure you are not on the resort’s private beach.
Regan Beach is a lovely park. With lots of sandy beach for dogs, the water is shallow enough that it’s also ideal for small dogs. For more dog-friendly beaches and general beach info, check out Tahoe Beaches.
Dog-Friendly Hikes in Tahoe
Hiking Mt Tallac Lake Tahoe
For the best views of the whole lake, the Mt. Tallac hike offers the most stunning scenery. This is one of the longer, more challenging trails at over 10 miles, even taking the shortest possible trip. You do not have to summit the peak to enjoy some great views. Cathedral Lake is a perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic before turning around or heading up the final ascent. If you decide to go for the entire hike, you and your dog will need plenty of water for the strenuous journey. There’s no feeling more incredible than being up in the clouds towering over Lake Tahoe and its surrounding forests.
If you’re looking for those great views but something less intense, check out Van Sickle Bi-State Park. The Van Sickle Trail connects with the Tahoe Rim Trail, allowing you to access many more trails, but it also offers scenic views within the first mile of the hike. This park is excellent for dogs of all sizes.
Glen Alpine Falls
A personal favorite is to venture out to any of the numerous waterfall hikes (excluding Lower Eagle Falls), especially Glen Alpine Falls (lower or upper). The nice part about starting at the trailhead is that you’ll have the option to connect to a number of different hikes that all lead to or loop around lakes, streams, and even past some cool historic spots.
Most trails around the Tahoe Basin allow dogs as long as they are leashed. Anywhere along the Tahoe Rim Trail is an exceptional option with views. Although we love our dogs here, this is not the type of place where you’ll see disposable bags at every trail or beach, so always remember to be prepared and treat our home like it’s your own. Come prepared to pack it in, pack it out.
After exploring, you’ll want to find something to eat…
AleworX @ the Y | What could be better than live music, wood-fired food and craft beer? A spot with a patio and firepits where you and your pup can kick back year-round.
Azul Latin Kitchen | With a sizeable outdoor patio, live music, and a fresh Latin-fusion menu, Azul will delight your tastebuds. Don’t miss the margaritas.
Basecamp Beer Garden | Located at Basecamp Hotel, this cozy nook is tucked away in the heart of downtown. With lawn games in the summer and warm firepits in the winter, cruise by and see what it’s all about.
Elements Eatery & Bar | Featuring a lake view patio and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is a great choice for dining with your fur family.
The Hangar | This place is a whole vibe! This is a must with 26 rotating beers on tap and more specialty options in the cold case, plus food trucks and a whole outdoor area where dogs can play. Bonus? In wintertime, they have giant clear igloos with heaters inside to stay toasty while you are toasted.
Sprouts | Serving an array of healthy breakfast and lunch options, including freshly squeezed juices and delicious smoothies, Sprouts is famous among locals and is just steps from Lakeview Commons Beach.
Stateline Brewery | Located in the heart of downtown, Stateline offers great food and great brews in the middle of all the action, served by kind and knowledgeable staff.
Helpful Resources for Traveling with Your Furry Best Friend
If you are ever unsure of where and what you are or aren’t allowed to do, it can’t hurt to visit the USDA Forest Service site for up-to-date information regarding tips and rules for enjoying our parks and nature. You can also view Rover’s tips for flying with your pet here.
We can’t wait to see you and your pup enjoying one of America’s most magnificent natural treasures. Please remember to pack it in and pack it out wherever you go, which means bringing plenty of dog waste bags and potentially a ziplock to put them inside for longer treks. Thank you for helping us keep this slice of heaven pristine for all.
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 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!
Since I can remember, Trew Clothing has bucked the outdoor industry’s trend of using subdued colors. You can easily spot a Trew Gear outfit on the mountain because their designs and colors stand out—not in an offensive way, but in a “I wish I had that jacket” kind of way. After rocking the Burton Cyclic pant last season, I figured it was time to spice things up and go for something a little bolder and brighter. So, I swapped in the Trew Capow Bib—here’s what I think!
Verdict
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
These are built for those seeking only the best in materials and design. As soon as you slip into them, you’ll feel combat-ready, whether on the skin track or at the resort. The CAPOW offers a good compromise between backcountry-specific and resort-focused gear, keeping it as lightweight as possible while reinforcing key areas, like the rear of the pant. They provide enough space to layer a fleece underneath while still feeling like you can handle whatever the mountain throws at you. And they have legit cargo pockets!
Men’s Capow Bib Pants Specs
Dermizax EV Membrane 3-Layer (read more about Dermizax below)
I’ve NEVER owned a pair of bibs in my life… well, maybe as a kid, but I don’t remember. I had to get used to how the bibs bunched differently than regular pants when I did a deep squat. I had to trust the upper bib’s stretch-woven nylon, and once I did, they felt perfect.
What I Love About Them
Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
It feels like they thought of everything. It’s no wonder, since Trew turned to Canadian Powder Guides to help design them. For example, the front zipper has a double zipper, allowing you to open only the segment you want, and the side ventilation zips feature a button on top to ensure the pants keep their shape, even when fully open. The large cargo pockets provide ample room for snacks and tools, while the regular pockets are big enough to store your wallet or the largest phone. AND the fun colors offer something other than black.
Great Tall Option
For those looking for tall snow pants, the Trew Capow Bib Tall comes with some of the longest inseams I’ve seen on the market—35 inches! At 6’3″ tall with a 36-inch inseam, I can wear a size large, and they fit and look like normal pants on me.
A Bit About Dermizax
We’ve praised GORE-TEX material in many of our articles, including our backcountry ski jacket guide. While GORE-TEX offers superior waterproofing (28,000 mm+), Dermizax’s standout quality is its breathability and soft feel, all while maintaining impressive water resistance. After a full season of using a jacket with Dermizax, I’m a convert, and it’s a great alternative. Stay tuned for our in-depth analysis of Dermizax vs. GORE-TEX.
Cons
Backcountry ski gear is all about keeping it simple. The more bells and whistles, the heavier it gets. While the deep pockets, flexible venting, and armor are incredible, as a pure backcountry pant for recreationalists, it’s a bit too much for my personal preferences. I can understand why, though, since it’s designed hand-in-hand with Canadian Powder Guides, who are like the Marines. They need gear that allows them to live out in the backcountry for days if necessary.
Who are These For
If you’re using these for both backcountry and resort skiing, then they’re perfect. Or, if you’re a person that spends days ski touring or if you’re a ski guide, you’ll love the amount of detail put into every part of the bib. If you still want excellent protection against the elements but at a lower price point, consider checking out Trew Gear’s Jefferson Bibs.
With so many awesome places to pose and vistas to take in, finding the best from this past year was quite the challenge! Our team had so much fun going through this year’s #VisitLakeTahoe Instagram images. Our community really knows how to live it up in Lake Tahoe!
Enjoy our Top 10 Lake Tahoe Instagram photos from this past year and don’t forget to add #VisitLakeTahoe to your posts to be featured.
10. Lake Tahoe Has Hockey! Tahoe Knight Monsters at the Tahoe Blue Event Center
Thank you for checking out our Lake Tahoe Instagram highlights for 2024. Here are recommendations for the best places to take photos while you visit. No matter what route you take on your next Lake Tahoe expedition, please be sure to positively impact the local environment and wildlife along the way. As a city in the middle of a forest, South Lake Tahoe and its guests have a responsibility to keep wildlife wild by never feeding them and properly disposing of garbage in bear-resistant containers.
My first backcountry tour was one of the most terrifying and eye-opening experiences I’ve EVER had in my life. It was a rude wake-up call. It raised the question, “Even with avalanche training, how well prepared are you when things go sideways?” Besides avalanche training, EMT certification is something ALL of us should have not just for skiing but for heading out into the wilderness be it hiking, biking or even camping. Luckily in the end, it was a great learning experience for everyone involved.
Note: All the student’s names in this article have been changed to protect everyone’s identity.
The Final Descent Is Oh So Sweet
After three full days of intense learning, it was finally time to hit the slopes. The next question was what run should we do: “Movie Screen” or the “Glades?” Some raised concerns about “Movie Screen” being too steep, so as a group we decided to split up—radios in hand and snow conditions relatively safe. Our group chose to drop into the “Movie Screen.”
Turn after sweet turn of glorious corn was gobbled up, slashing our way down the perfectly pitched face. High fives all around at the bottom, then a short hike to the next descent point, about a thousand yards away. We regrouped, and one by one, dropped into the final face. The snow here was thicker and stickier than at the top, a sign we were a little too late that day.
It’s No Longer A Drill… This Is Real!!!!
Everyone was waiting at the bottom, except for Sean, our tail gunner and the last person in the group. Suddenly, over the radio, we hear a calm Sean say, “Um, we’ve got an emergency.” At first, we all thought, “Are you kidding me, another drill? We’re exhausted and just want to go home.” But then, with a solemn expression, Richard confirmed: this was no drill. It was real.
Richard gave everyone the option to leave, since some of us had work commitments to get to. But after a brief look around, the whole team agreed that the right thing to do was stay and help.
We stared up at the massive hill we had just skied and sighed. We began the climb back up to Sean and Mary. As we trudged up, the group quickly turned to chaos. Some went straight up, while others zigzagged in every direction.
Broken Leg??? Real-life Backcountry Emergency
As we reached Sean and Mary, our worst fears were confirmed—she had broken her leg. We were so close to finishing up our weekend backcountry tour and heading home, yet we were still so far. Only a mile from the Visitor Center, we could see the building, but it might as well have been in Antarctica. With a team member injured, getting out was going to be a challenge.
What were our options? Fortunately, Richard and Sean were prepared. Richard decided to ski out and speak with the on-duty National Park Ranger to see if we could get a sled, while Sean stayed behind to stabilize Mary.
While we waited, we tried to comfort Mary with jokes and kept her warm. About an hour later, we received confirmation that a Ranger would snowshoe up with a sled so we could ski out with our injured team member. Two volunteers immediately offered to meet the Ranger halfway to help carry the sled back.
What the Heck is a Dead Man’s Anchor?
While we waited for the sled, we began to set up a dead man’s anchor to help lower it safely to where Mary was lying. Most of us stared at Sean when he mentioned those words. “What the heck is a dead man’s anchor?”
We come to find out that it’s when you bury a pair of skis, tied with a rope, deep in the snow to ensure the sled doesn’t slip away as we lower it down. Wow! All I could think about was how unprepared I really was for this backcountry tour.
Over the radio, we heard Richard asking if we should call for a helicopter. With the sun setting, time was of the essence. Soon after, we received confirmation that a helicopter was on its way.
Woop, Woop, Woop – A Helicopter Approaches
Before we could see it, we could hear the helicopter approaching—woop, woop, woop. The sound echoed off the surrounding peaks. In the distance, a small speck appeared, growing larger until we could clearly see it was the helicopter. It made a large swoop over us but didn’t even attempt to land. Our hearts sank. The pilot was uncomfortable landing on the side of the mountain.
“What are we Going to do?”
Over the radio, we heard that the California Highway Patrol had another helicopter in the area and could attempt a rescue. We watched as another helicopter approached. Hovering just 50 feet above us, they lowered a basket to Mary and helped load her in. As they slowly ascended from the side of the peak, she dangled hundreds of feet off the ground as they flew her out. They safely landed at the Visitor Center, where she was transferred inside the other helicopter for the ride to the hospital.
With Darkness Coming We Need To Move Quickly
As we wave our goodbyes, we notice the sunlight is quickly fading. Both Sean and Richard shout for all of us to pack up and gear up fast. Darkness in the backcountry is very different from at home. Once it’s dark, everything becomes a bigger challenge.
Geared up with lanterns on our heads, we slowly snowboard down the cat track. In the moonlight, we skin the rest of the way down to the parking lot. The plan had been to leave by 3:00 p.m., but when an emergency happens on a backcountry tour, your 9-to-5 life takes a back seat to safely getting out.
Was It Worth It?
Reason we head into the backcountry…
In the end, this class couldn’t have been a better learning experience. It taught us a ton about avalanche safety, but the real danger isn’t just avalanches… it’s the backcountry as a whole. Besides understanding the snowpack, it’s a good idea to take a Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course as well. Sean’s words continue to ring in my ears to this day, “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” This is something all of us should consider when playing in a place as dangerous as the woods. And, it’s always a good idea to be surrounded by individuals that are calm and collected.
If you want to learn how to get started, find out what gear you’ll need, or hear about our personal experiences like this one, head over to our comprehensive backcountry guide: All Things Splitboarding & Backcountry Skiing.
On Monday, December 23, 2024, two chairs on Heavenly’s Comet lift collided, causing several riders to fall about 30 feet into the snow. It took us back to our own experience at Heavenly a few years ago, when something similar happened on the old North Bowl Chair, around the same time of year. Rappelling off a chairlift—something I never imagined I’d have to do—became an unexpected reality. It certainly wasn’t part of my plan for the last day of Christmas break, but that’s exactly what happened. Though the situation was a bit unnerving, we came out of it unscathed. In fact, it turned into a surprisingly exciting adventure, and we ended up making a lot of new friends along the way.
How Did We End Up Repelling off a Chairlift?
The original plan for the day was to check out Angora Ridge on our brand-new splitboards. Unfortunately, half of the crew with backcountry experience was sidelined by the flu. So, instead of heading out willy-nilly, we decided to get a feel for our new splitboards and dial in our gear on the slopes. Still recuperating from our New Year’s Eve bash at Steamers, we woke up a bit later than usual. Poking our heads outside, we noticed cloudy skies and temperatures above freezing for the first time in over a week. Typically, we would head over to the Stagecoach Lodge, but since the lot was already full, our parking decision was made for us, and we headed to Boulder Lodge instead.
Chair Suddenly Falls!
Actual chairlift that fell off.
Everything seemed pretty typical as we rode the Boulder lift up and transferred to the North Bowl Chair. This lift accesses a ton of great terrain, but at the time, it was a fixed-grip chair, so we usually used it to shuttle us over to the main part of the mountain. As we slowly ascended past Tower 5, for some reason, Jaime glanced over at the descending chairs. Without warning, one of the heavy chairs suddenly slid off the line, dropping swiftly into the snow below with an eerily quiet “poof!” We stared at it in pure shock as the lift continued to climb. “Did that just really happen?” Within moments, the lift came to a sudden stop. “Uh oh… looks like it did!”
Rescue Team? What Does That Mean?
Sitting there, we waited patiently, unsure of what was going to happen next. A few minutes later, a ski patroller appeared under the lift line. He asked if everyone was okay. After we nodded, he informed us that mechanics were on their way to determine the best course of action.
Fifteen minutes later, we were notified that a rescue team had been assembled and was on its way. “Rescue team?!? What does that mean?” We were then told that they’d evacuate us off the chairlift by rappelling us down. Jaime and I were in pure shock and a little freaked out by the news.
After what seemed like an eternity to our frazzled nerves, rescue was finally in sight—but not in the way we had originally expected.
Off in the distance, the team of rescuers appeared. One ski patroller scrambled quickly up the tower, like a monkey with the line, while the others guided the ropes into place from below. Swiftly and safely, each chair’s occupants were slowly lowered to the ground until it was our turn.
As the small wooden seat was raised, we were instructed to lasso the rope over our shoulders. Scooting slowly off the chairlift and onto the rescue seat, we put our lives—figuratively—into the ski patroller’s hands. Gripping the metal pole in front of us tightly, we were slowly lowered down. The fear started to dissipate, and it actually became fun. I mean, how many people get to be rescued off a chairlift? Not many!
Landing safely on the ground, they took our contact info, and we were allowed to ride down. Strapping into our boards, our adrenaline was still pumping from the experience. The sensation was heightened as we slashed through the powder, unable to contain our ear-to-ear grins.
How did ski patrol and Heavenly staff handle it?
Photo by: Alex Silgalis
Looking back, everyone on the North Bowl lift that day was VERY lucky, considering what could’ve been a disastrous experience, as we saw with the Comet incident. While we never found out why a chairlift fell off the lift line, the ski patrollers involved were very professional and extremely knowledgeable. In addition to how they handled the situation, Heavenly management provided everyone there with free lift ticket vouchers, a few drinks, and lunch to help calm our nerves.
When it comes to hosting a luxury wedding, there’s no place like the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Known for its incredible natural beauty, vibrant venues, and expert local vendors, Tahoe offers everything a couple could dream of for their big day. We sat down with two wedding experts, Lindsay Townsend of Cloud 9 Event Company and Corey Fox, a renowned Tahoe-based wedding photographer, to talk about what makes South Lake Tahoe the ideal destination for luxury weddings.
Q: Lindsay, how did you get started in the wedding industry?
Lindsay Townsend: I moved to South Lake Tahoe in 2006 after working in the music industry in Los Angeles. I was looking for a change, and the mountains felt like home. My first role in Tahoe was as a wedding coordinator at Zephyr Cove Resort, and from there, I fell in love with the process of creating unforgettable events. Over the years, I’ve planned weddings at some of Tahoe’s most iconic venues and have come to appreciate just how special Tahoe weddings—and Tahoe clients—really are.
Q: Corey, what led you to photography and weddings?
Corey Fox: I grew up visiting Lake Tahoe, and my journey into photography started while I was an acrobat. I discovered that carrying a camera helped me feel comfortable in social settings, and I quickly fell in love with capturing people’s stories. My first wedding gig came from a friend who trusted me to shoot her big day, and I was hooked. Weddings are this perfect blend of artistry and emotion, and I love how photography allows me to document the beauty and meaning of each moment.
Q: Why is South Lake Tahoe the perfect destination for a luxury wedding?
Lindsay Townsend: For me, it’s the stunning natural beauty—it’s literally breathtaking. South Shore also offers so much variety. There are luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and cozy Airbnbs, making it easy to accommodate guests with different tastes and budgets. Plus, the area has endless activities, from boat cruises to beach gatherings and even hot air balloon rides. South Lake Tahoe lets you create a wedding experience as formal or casual as you want, and there’s always something for your guests to enjoy.
Corey Fox: From a photographer’s perspective, South Shore has the best lighting on the lake. The sunsets are dreamy, and the shoreline views are unbeatable. The lighting here makes it easier to capture the vibrant blues of the water and those golden hour moments that feel like magic. South Lake Tahoe really makes my job easier—and the photos stunning.
Q: What makes a wedding in Tahoe feel truly luxurious?
Lindsay Townsend: Luxury doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. Here, it’s about intention—choosing thoughtful, meaningful details. The natural surroundings already set a spectacular stage, so couples don’t need elaborate décor. It’s also about making the experience seamless for your guests. Things like efficient transportation, clear timelines, and small personal touches, like handwritten notes for guests, go a long way toward creating that feeling of luxury.
Corey Fox: I completely agree. Luxury is about the energy and care you put into each detail. When couples focus on meaningful elements, it creates an emotional richness that guests will remember long after the day is over. And having a skilled, local vendor team who knows the area ensures everything feels effortless.
Q: Any unique ideas or trends you’ve seen recently?
Lindsay Townsend: I love when couples include personal touches. One of my favorites was a couple who wrote handwritten notes for each guest, which they displayed at the ceremony. It was such a heartfelt gesture. I also love seeing pets included in Tahoe weddings—it’s such a dog-friendly place, and pets are family, after all!
Corey Fox: For me, it’s seeing grooms get involved. Last season, a groom made wooden table numbers and coasters for their wedding, and the effort and thought behind it were so special. It’s those intentional, meaningful details that make a wedding feel truly luxurious.
There are endless ways to enhance your wedding in Tahoe…
Whether it’s a big boat cruise for your entire guest list or an intimate outing with just your immediate family and wedding party, here are some of our favorite ways to add a little extra Tahoe magic to your special day:
Boat Cruises: Couples and guests can explore the lake by boat and discover the hidden nooks and crannies of the shoreline.
Clear Kayaking: A unique way to see the lake’s stunning blue water up close.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: A once-in-a-lifetime experience that launches and lands on a boat in the lake—perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
Mini Golf at Flatstick Pub (year-round) or Magic Carpet: A casual and fun activity for welcome parties or post-wedding gatherings.
Why South Lake Tahoe is the Ultimate Wedding Destination
From its breathtaking natural beauty to its warm and welcoming vendor community, South Lake Tahoe offers couples the perfect backdrop for their luxury wedding. Whether your style is formal and glamorous, or casual and heartfelt, Tahoe provides the unforgettable backdrop and support to create a wedding experience you and your guests will never forget.
Start planning your dream wedding today and discover why South Shore is the place to say “I do.”
We get “geeked” when our readers reach out and interact with us. From giving us tips from their own experiences to asking questions, we’re humbled that you took time out of your day to interact with our cozy corner of the inter-webs. It’s been a long time coming, but a few of our loyal readers suggested that we write an article on snowboard binding setup and so here we go.
Learn From Our Mistakes
Over the past three plus decades, we’ve talked to a lot of shop techs and learned a few things from our own trial and error. Does anyone remember base-less bindings? The goal here is to make sure you can learn from our mistakes and knowledge to save yourself from pain and headaches in the future when you do your snowboard binding setup.
Figuring Out Your Stance
The shocking thing is when I ask friends what their stance is many don’t have a clue. It’s a good idea to know so that if you switch up your boards or take off the bindings for some reason, you don’t forget.
What Goes Into a Stance?
There are three major pieces of criteria that go into it – binding angles, width, and which foot forward.
Goofy or Regular
Image appears courtesy: REI
When we talk about snowboard shapes, nearly every type except for true twins have one side of the board that you can differentiate as a nose and another as the tail. The first thing to figure out is if you’re goofy footed (right foot forward) or regular (left foot forward). If you’ve skateboarded or surfed, then you should apply the same philosophy to snowboarding. First time standing sideways? Another aspect to consider is typically your dominant foot is the one on the back while the front one is focused on balance and direction. Using this rule, being a lefty I should then be a goofy rider and my wife a regular rider. Instead, we’re the opposite. She rides goofy and I regular.
Personally, the anecdote I’ve heard over the years in shops may be a better way to figure it out:
When you run and slide on a slippery surface like a kitchen floor or a sheet of ice, whichever foot leads will be your front foot.
Choosing a Stance Width
Image appears courtesy: REI
Now that you have an inkling if you’re goofy or regular, let’s focus on how wide a stance you should rock. A good place to start is to be a little bit wider than your shoulders. You’ll feel stable and generate enough power to pop over obstacles.
For those that have an engineering mindset, I’ve heard a few different ways to figure out your stance. Some suggest it should be the distance between the middle of the kneecap to the ground. Others say it’s based on your height:
Play the Angles Yo!
Next is how you setup your feet, specifically the angles. Out of all the stance criteria, this is by far the most personal. If you lay your snowboard down and setup the binding to be EXACTLY perpendicular to the length of it, that’s considered “zero” degrees. When the binding points towards the nose, that’s a positive angle, and if it’s turned to the tail, then it’s a negative angle. Snowboard binding plates are designed in a way that they can increment by 3 degrees.
Figuring Out the Binding Angles
Most riders we’ve spoken to choose to set their front foot somewhere between +27 and +15. And for their back foot, +6 to -15. Figuring out where to start depends on your riding style and what you’ll be hitting.
Duck Stance – Freestyle Assassins
Image appears courtesy: REI
If you see someone has it set to +18 and -12 then this is what you call a duck stance. This is a great option if you like to hit a lot of park. When you ride switch (i.e. backwards), this ambidextrous setup makes it easier to turn since the back foot is pointed outwards. For the back foot, we wouldn’t go past -21 degrees. More on why under the injury section.
Power Baby – Free-Riders Unite
Growing up in the Midwest, my buddies and I used to call the positive on both feet “power” stances. These angles naturally helped you carve a tight turn on heel-side or toe-side. For example, a +21 in the front and a +9 on the back. Since most days in my youth were spent in the park, I rarely rode this stance since it makes riding switch a bit more challenging.
Hybrid – Taking All Comers
In between the park rats and Euro-carve fanatics you have the in-between stances. This could be where you set up the front foot to be a little more angled such as +21. And on the back only a slight duck-foot like -3.
Experiment
To this day, I’m still tweaking and modifying my snowboard binding setup in small increments based on what makes me feel more balanced. On spring days were I’m ripping corn snow all day long, I might setup my stance to be a +21 and a +6 to let me really lean into the turns. I spend most of my days in the Hybrid department, since my park days are behind me due to back issues. I ride a +21 in the front and a -12 in the back. This is similar to when I do deep squats in the gym and so it allows me to feel comfortable.
Binding Position
Now that you have an idea on how to figure out your stance, it’s time to talk about WHERE to place the bindings on a snowboard. This is less about preference and more about what the snowboard is specifically designed for.
Centered Versus Setback
In the universe of snowboard shapes, there is A LOT of variety (i.e. volume shifted, directional tapered). But when you boil them down to mounting bindings, there are two basic kinds – centered or setback. Centered is when the bindings should be set in the exact middle of the snowboard. Setback is when the snowboard is designed with a bigger nose (to help float in powder) and the binding are “set back” towards the tail a bit. You should never have the bindings mounted closer to the nose.
Why is it Important to Follow Manufacturer’s Recommendations
A lot of R&D is put into snowboards to make sure they ride well for you. From how it flexes to the way it floats in deep snow, it all comes down to where they expect you to place the bindings. For example, a Jamie Lynn – Lib-Tech board is designed to have the bindings setback 1.5 inches. If you mount your bindings as centered, you’ll make it more difficult to engage turns.
Asymmetrical Snowboards
The gold standard in pow slashing – the T.Rice Orca
Speaking of research, a ton of science has gone into how we go into heel-side turns and toe-side turns. Many snowboard designers have now taken this into account and have come out with asymmetrical snowboards such as the T. Rice Orca. For most riders, the heel side is more difficult to turn sharply than toe-side. To overcome this issue, asymmetrical snowboards have a deeper side-cut to help you with tighter turns and better maneuverability. It also helps with balance. These types of snowboards normally have it marked on the board to make sure you mount the heel side of the binding on the appropriate side.
Toe Edge / Heel Edge
The goal is to have your body as centered as possible. All binding plates allow you to adjust them so that you can move them back towards the heel-edge or forward to the toe-edge. The general rule is to mount the binding in the center but there are of course exceptions.
For example, if you have a bigger boot and ride a regular sized board, you may want to mount them closer to the heel edge. This ensures you don’t get toe-drag on a toe-side turn. And if you have a smaller boot size, you’d want to have it closer to the toe edge. When I mount a friend’s board for the first time, I usually strap in their boots to give me an idea where the center of the boot is.
Toe Ramp & Foot Bed
After you’ve mocked up the width, stance angles, and where to place the bindings, the final snowboard binding setup adjustment before tightening them is to set the toe ramp / foot bed. This is the part of the binding you’ll be stepping on. You want the sole of it to match as closely as possible to your boot with minimal overhang. Nearly every binding I’ve seen allows you to expand or contract depending on the size of the boots you’re rocking. When you set this correctly, you ensure that you are maximizing the power applied into your toe edge.
High-Backs and Low-Backs
Union high back binding – Image appears courtesy: REI
As you would assume, the vertical piece that rises from the back of the binding is called a “High-Back.” In the 90’s, a few companies actually sold what were called “low-backs.” I remember trying a pair and boy were they fun in the park and doing “jibby” things but were terrible outside of anything else. In today’s world, nearly every company sells only High-Backs.
High-Back Adjustment
The heel cup has two screws, one on each side that allows you to tweak the High-Back. The goal is to have the High-Backs run as parallel to the heel edge as possible. Certain binding High-Backs are a bit stiffer so it won’t be perfect. This adjustment helps improve comfort and responsiveness when you engage a heel-turn.
Forward Lean Adjustment
The Forward Lean Adjustment is the lever in the center of the high back that is shown – Image appears courtesy: REI
Another adjustment you can make is on the back of the Heel-cup. This lever is called the Forward Lean Adjustment. Tilting your High-Back towards the toe edge will improve responsiveness on heel-side turns. Even so, technology has come a LONG way when it comes to snowboard boots where they already have a bit of natural lean built into them helping you engage the heel-side turn. Personally, since I grew up in the 90s using snowboard boots that had about as much structure as a pair of goulashes, I crank this like nobody’s business with max forward lean.
Strap Adjustment
Image appears courtesy: REI
Last but not least, you need to get the straps set perfectly. The ankle strap should come over the center of the boot once you’ve ratcheted in tightly. If you can’t even engage the ratchet, then adjust appropriately. This is similar to the toe strap as well. Make sure that it’s aligned to your boot. Be aware that some toe straps clip on top and while most others out their cup the front of your boot helping it push into the heel-cup as snugly as possible.
Burton = Apple
Close-up of the Burton EST Channel System – Image appears courtesy: REI
In many ways Burton is the Apple in the snowboard industry. For example, when you buy a Mac you have to use the Mac OS. In that same regard, when you buy a Burton Snowboard they have a binding mounting system that’s vastly different. Back in the 90’s, it was the 3D system to help reduce weight. Now it’s the EST which provides riders infinite flexibility on where they want to place their bindings.
ESTs, 4x4s, and 3Ds
Notwithstanding, if you know the type of snowboard you want or own, you have options when picking snowboard bindings. For example, Burton still offers both traditional bindings that fit the standard 4×4 mounting system. And there are binding companies such as Union that have designed their versions to be compatible to ALL systems including Burton’s channel system.
Preventing Injuries
We can’t reiterate this enough. Your knees should NOT hurt when you’re snowboarding. Bring a screwdriver with you and continue to adjust the bindings on the hill. Just like all sports, having the equipment fit you correctly will reduce your chance of getting hurt. Loose boots and incorrect snowboard binding setup can cause more damage than anything.
Is There a Perfect Stance to Prevent Injury?
We aren’t the experts on this, but I remember asking a friend who was a physical therapist and snowboarder if there’s a “bad” stance. His Answer? It depends. Zero – Zero was by far the worst option in his mind because your natural inclination is to look down the mountain. You’d then have the tendency to twist at your knees. In that same philosophy, in the duck stance the back foot may have additional pressure put on it if you are twisting the knee forward. For many, the “power” stance as we talked above may be the safest on the knees but it all comes down to what makes you feel comfortable.
What We Ride
At 6’3, I started at a 21.75-inch-wide stance and have slowly gone wider as my flexibility in my hips has improved. Now I’m at 23 inches wide and have my feet set +21 in the front and -12 in the back. Jaime, on the other hand, at 5’4 rides at an impressive 21.5 inch wide stance and +18 in the front and -12 in the back. In summary, snowboard stance comes down to personal preference.
Carnelian Bay Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges, South Lake Tahoe Man Indicted on Wire Fraud in Cryptocurrency Trading Scam
SACRAMENTO
Randy Anger, 57, of Carnelian Bay, pleaded guilty to distribution and receipt of child pornography, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in May 2021, Anger distributed and received child sexual abuse material while communicating with Brent Hooton. Hooton was separately charged and convicted. In Nov. 2021, Anger also received several images of child sexual abuse material.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance by Homeland Security Investigations and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
Anger is scheduled to be sentenced on Mar. 31, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. On both the distribution and receipt counts, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison per count. The actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court.
A federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment against Daniel Chartraw, 51, formerly of South Lake Tahoe, charging him with wire fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Chartraw was responsible for defrauding multiple victims in a cryptocurrency investment scheme. Chartraw claimed that his companies were capable of generating exceptional returns on cryptocurrency investments. However, instead of investing money from his victims as he promised, Chartraw used the money to fund his personal lifestyle.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
If convicted, Chartraw faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
~ U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California
Changes Coming to Community Health Labs, Previously Known as Affordable Labs
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
Tahoe Forest Health System’s Community Health Labs (previously called Affordable Labs) is changing on Jan. 2, 2025. This service aims to improve health outcomes, reduce wait times, and provide cost-effective options for individuals seeking lab tests.
Beginning Jan. 2, appointments will be required and are available Monday through Friday mornings, 8 to 9:30 a.m., in both Truckee and Incline Village. Appointments can be made online at tfhd.com/community-labs or by calling (530) 582-6510 after Dec. 26, 2024.
The Community Health Lab program provides cash pay lab testing, available with or without a medical provider’s order. Payment by cash, check, or credit card is required at the time of draw. Special discounted rates are offered to all patients who pay cash at the time of service. This is a low-cost laboratory screening service and cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement. Patients cannot receive Community Health Labs and insurance-billed labs on the same visit. For patients with a provider’s order, lab results will be sent to the ordering provider. For patients without a provider’s order, your results will be reviewed by a medical professional and sent directly to you.
For more information about lab services, locations, cost or to schedule an appointment, visit tfhd.com/community-labs.
~ TFHS press release
Year in Review: Protecting the Forests of the Middle Truckee Watershed
TRUCKEE
The Middle Truckee River Watershed Forest Partnership (MTRWFP) is celebrating results of the first full year of active projects, all of which are focused on reducing the occurrence of severe wildfire within the forests of the Truckee River Watershed.
With an overall goal of restoring forest health across 60,000 acres of the Tahoe National Forest, the accomplishments of the projects in 2024 are part of the MTRWFP’s 10-year vegetation management plan. Year-end accomplishments include:
Reduced hazardous surface and ladder fuels across 2,865 acres to lower the likelihood of high severity wildfire.
Improved forest health and resiliency across 2,537 acres, which reduced the likelihood of tree mortality from insects, diseases, drought, climate change and wildfire.
Prepared an additional 6,842 acres for fuels reduction and forest resiliency treatments in the coming years.
Completed pre-implementation environmental planning and compliance on 11,914 acres.
Forest preservation projects also help protect recreational assets and infrastructure in and around the Town of Truckee, benefiting its tourism-driven economy. Additionally, healthy forests preserve the water quality and quantity in the Truckee River which supplies approximately 85% of the Reno area’s drinking water.
In total, funding totaling $4,705,940 was spent on the planning and implementation of these highly beneficial projects. Funds came from federal, state and local government sources, as well as from private and nonprofit organizations To read more about the projects and objectives of the MTRWFP, please visit truckeeforests.org.
~ MTRWFP press release
North Tahoe Chamber Accepting Applications for Event Funding
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
The North Tahoe Chamber is accepting applications for grant sponsorship funding of events that are scheduled to take place in North Lake Tahoe in 2025. Funding for the grants is generated by the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID), and is used to support events that promote community vitality, environmental stewardship, and economic health in the region.
Submission criteria and the application process are outlined on the NTCA website. Jan. 10, 2025 is the deadline to submit. New events and events that have not previously been funded are encouraged to apply. The volunteer business and chamber advisory committee will review the applications and make recommendations to the NTCA board of directors.
Preferred investments include events that:
Feature human-powered sports, arts, culture, or health/wellness-focused
Create community vitality
Utilize the local workforce and resources/vendors
Have a positive economic impact
Support local nonprofits
Increase brand awareness of North Lake Tahoe
Support longer lengths of stay, shoulder season visitation, and that draw people into the mountains in summer and toward the lake in winter
Scoring and funding prioritization are based on how the events contribute to and benefit North Lake Tahoe. Each event’s traffic management and sustainability plans are also evaluated, with organizers responsible for outlining how they will mitigate the impacts of tourism on the community and environment.
Earlier this month, the NTCA Board of Directors awarded $262,000 in sponsorship funding, generated by the NLT-TBID, to 11 events scheduled for 2025.
Learn more about the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program and upcoming opportunities here.
~ North Tahoe Community Alliance press release
Tahoe Conservancy Awards $601,700 to the North Tahoe Fire Protection District
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
The California Tahoe Conservancy awarded a $601,700 grant to the North Tahoe Fire Protection District for 3 years of work on programs to help reduce wildfire risk for North and West Shore communities and their surrounding forests.
This grant will help North Tahoe Fire expand its workforce to support Firewise and Fire Adapted Communities by hiring a full-time assistant for these programs. The Fire Adapted Communities program helps residents take individual action to collectively reduce their neighborhood’s risk from wildfire.
In addition, the grant will fund the use of electric vehicles for Fire Adapted Communities personnel and defensible space inspectors, cutting climate emissions while supporting the expanded program to more easily operate throughout the fire district.
The North Tahoe Fire Protection District includes the communities of Kings Beach, Carnelian Bay, Dollar Hill, Tahoe City, Homewood, Tahoma, Meeks Bay, and Alpine Meadows. Additional funding for this program expansion comes from the Bureau of Land Management.
This funding will also support North Tahoe Fire’s planning for projects to improve forest health and reduce excess vegetation that can act as fuel for wildfires. Guided by the goals of the newly updated Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, North Tahoe Fire will prepare environmental review, surveys, and permitting for prioritized fuel hazard reduction projects on private and public lands in the wildland-urban interface—the zone where neighborhoods meet the forest. These projects will also advance the goals of the Lake Tahoe Basin Forest Action Plan, which includes expanding forest thinning projects in the wildland-urban interface.
~ California Tahoe Conservancy press release
Tahoe Connection to UnitedHealthcare Murder
TAHOE
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on Dec. 4 has a Tahoe connection. The backpack that suspect Luigi Mangione was wearing at the time of the murder was made by San Francisco-based Peak Design, which has a satellite office in the Tahoe area. Peak Design’s CFO also lives in Tahoe.
When he spotted Mangione wearing one of his company’s backpacks in video surveillance footage, Peak Design CEO Pete Dering called the New York Police Department’s tip line the day after the shooting to provide information. After receiving intense backlash on social media from those angry with the U.S healthcare industry, like “No one wants to buy from a company that snitches!,” Dering issued a statement on Dec. 13 about his company’s customer privacy policies. He wrote on the company’s website and social media that Peak Design “had not provided customer information to the police and would only do so under the order of a subpoena.”
Dering has received hundreds of death threats and the San Francisco office now has armed guards.
~ MS
Bringing the Outdoors to Nevada Schools
CARSON CITY
The Nevada Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group (AWG), a coalition of stakeholders committed to integrating outdoor learning into Pre K through 12 education, released its report to the Nevada Legislature. The report includes actionable recommendations to expand outdoor education opportunities throughout Nevada and marks a significant step towards improving systems of support for outdoor education and recreation.
The AWG has spent the past year studying strategies to incorporate outdoor education into Nevada’s schools. The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR) coordinated this effort.
The report outlines strategic priorities to foster outdoor learning in Nevada schools, including:
Capacity Building: Strengthening staff support systems.
Content Integration: Embedding outdoor learning across diverse subjects and grade levels.
Outdoor Learning Infrastructure: Expanding access to outdoor classrooms, nature play spaces, and school gardens through living schoolyards.
Policy: Establishing frameworks to sustain and grow outdoor education efforts statewide.
A critical milestone in this initiative is the AWG’s submission of a bill draft request to establish an Outdoor Education Network. This proposed program would:
Create an Outdoor School Designation program to recognize schools excelling in outdoor education.
Provide technical assistance to schools developing outdoor learning opportunities.
Pursue resources, including federal funding, to enhance outdoor education efforts.
The AWG’s report signals Nevada’s growing commitment to connecting students with nature and equipping educators with the tools and resources needed to make outdoor learning a central component of education.
~ Nevada Department of Conservation and Resources press release
NTCA Reinvests Nearly $7.5 Million Through 2024/25 Annual Grant Cycle
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
As part of the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program’s Annual Grant Cycle, the North Tahoe Community Alliance Board of Directors recently approved and recommended a total of nearly $7.5 million in tourism-generated funding for projects and programs designed to enhance community vitality and improve quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. This funding unlocks $8.8 million in matching grants, for a cumulative investment of over $16 million in the North Lake Tahoe community.
The NTCA board of directors approved the expenditure of up to $565,606 in TBID funds. Through the TBID, both day visitors and overnight visitors contribute to North Lake Tahoe’s vitality through purchases at activity providers, restaurants, and retailers. TBID funds must be spent on programs and activities that directly benefit the businesses paying the assessment.
The four projects to receive TBID funding support initiatives that contribute to community vitality, economic health and environmental stewardship:
Keeping Tahoe Blue Beach Pilot at Kings Beach
Dollar Creek Trail Grooming
Revitalize the Watson Cabin Phase II
Tahoe City Gateway Beautification
In January 2025, the Placer County Board of Supervisors will vote on the allocation of funding for the following:
North Tahoe Trail Access Improvement project
TCPUD West Shore Trail Reconstruction
Martis Valley Trail
North Tahoe Shared Use Trail Segment 1
Tahoe City Downtown Access improvements
A community art and gathering space for Kings Beach and Tahoe Vista
New radar speed signs as part of the North Tahoe Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
Skiing for Schools Program Celebrates 35 Years of Supporting Education
TRUCKEE
Skiers and snowboarders can now pre-purchase reduced-rate lift tickets through the Excellence in Education Foundation’s annual Skiing for Schools program, which is celebrating 35 years this season. The fundraiser offers access to North Lake Tahoe ski and XC resorts while supporting schools and programs within Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). Tickets are on sale now.
Ticket holders benefit from flexibility, with many resorts offering validity throughout the season. Proceeds from the program directly benefit TTUSD through the Excellence in Education Foundation’s grant programs, which enhance educational quality and resources for students and teachers.
Participating Resorts and Offers:
Northstar California: $179 lift tickets with no restrictions.
Palisades Tahoe: $169 lift tickets with no restrictions.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center: $30 trail passes, valid Sunday through Friday, non-holiday.
Northstar Cross-Country, Telemark, and Snowshoe Center: $35 lift tickets with no restrictions.
Boreal Mountain Resort / Woodward Tahoe: $79 lift tickets and $39 Woodward Tahoe 2-Hour Bunker sessions, valid all season (reservations required).
A limited supply of lift tickets is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Downhill lift tickets must be purchased in person at Tahoe Dave’s Ski Shops in Truckee, Kings Beach, and Tahoe City. Trail passes for Tahoe XC and Tahoe Donner Cross Country are available at Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City and Pacos in Truckee.
~ Excellence in Education Foundation press release
Project PCT Releases 30-minute Film and Fundraises for Sierra Nevada Alliance
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Sierra Nevada Alliance (SNA) and Pacific Crest Trail hiker/filmmaker Riordan Cicciu announced the completion of a 30-minute short film that has helped raise over $4,000 for conservation in the Sierra Nevada to date. In 2024 Cicciu established a goal to complete the trail while also creating Alchemy Lab to fundraise through unique methods involving outdoor recreation.
Alchemy Lab helps charity organizations raise funding and spread awareness for their causes by sharing inspirational stories. Cicciu created “Project PCT” to highlight the importance of preserving the Sierra Nevada, a mission that SNA has been dedicated to for over 30 years, while hiking the PCT itself. During his trek, both Alchemy Lab and SNA shared blog and social media posts that eventually led to the creation of the film. Along with their media, the two organizations shared a GoFundMe link for supporters to help fund the SNA’s conservation programs.
The video and fundraiser can currently be accessed online. For more information, visit sierranevadaalliance.org.
~ Sierra Nevada Alliance press release
Free Aging, Caregiver Educational Series Coming To Placerville
PLACERVILLE
The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Area Agency on Aging Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) presents a free, four-part educational series on senior caregiving in January 2025. The educational series will provide supportive information for people who currently care for or plan to care for a family member or friend aged 60 and older.
Classes will be held on Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2025, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. The series topics are as follows:
Jan. 8: Building Foundations of Caregiving – The role of the caregiver and the changes they may experience. The importance of building a support team and managing caregiver stress.
Jan. 15: Scams and How to Prevent Being Scammed – How caregivers can protect themselves and family members from scammers and scams, such as check fraud, gift card scams, love and romance scams, and others.
Jan. 22: What is a Mandated Reporter: Elder Abuse and Self Neglect – Elder abuse, including the signs of neglect and self-neglect, and the role of Adult Protective Services (APS). APS receives reports of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of elderly and dependent adults residing in their own homes.
Jan. 29: Legal Rights and Responsibilities – Legal rights and responsibilities as a health care and/or financial agent, as well as other duties associated with caring for their loved ones’ health and well-being. Discussion regarding Physician’s Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) will be included.
HAYLEY WILLIAMSON elected as TRPA board chair. Photo courtesy TRPA
TRPA Board Selects Hayley Williamson as Chair
STATELINE
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) governing board elected Hayley Williamson, the Nevada at-large board member, as its new board chair for a 2-year term. Williamson replaces Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson who served as chair of the bi-state governing body and who will remain on the board as one of six local government appointees. Williamson also serves as chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
The governing board also elected Governor of California Appointee Vince Hoenigman as vice chair. Hoenigman is the co-owner of a real estate company that has contributed to revitalizing downtown areas in Southern California and Nevada, and volunteers extensively with nonprofit organizations. The Bi-State Compact established a 15-member governing board, with seven members from California, seven from Nevada, and one non-voting appointee made by the President of the United States. Six of the seats are reserved for locally elected governing bodies.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency news release
Business Briefs
Lil Wayne Cancellation and Pickpockets at Tahoe Live
OLYMPIC VALLEY
Last minute changes occurred at Tahoe Live when Lil Wayne, one of the festival’s headliners, canceled the day of the concert. Tahoe Live continues to address the change in the lineup.
Lil Wayne was initially scheduled to perform on Saturday, Dec. 14, but canceled his appearance due to weather conditions. Tahoe Live rescheduled him for Dec. 15, but he opted out of performing. Tahoe Live said it informed attendees when staff learned of the cancellation. The rapper was seen at the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York, New York, during his scheduled play-time.
“We put months of effort and preparation into this event and we were as disappointed as anyone else. It’s the unfortunate reality of what we do as event promoters, we don’t control the weather and the artists’ decisions,” stated Tahoe Live in a statement.
Tahoe Live said it intends to address all attendees with ticket inquiries. Attendees can learn more by emailing [email protected].
There were also multiple reports of people being pickpocketed at Tahoe Live on Dec. 14. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received six reports of items being stolen off of people that include phones, wallets, and credit cards. NextDoor was full of reports of stolen phones from zipped pockets. Melissa Hodous of Truckee wrote that her daughter and three friends had their phones stolen, two from zipped pockets, and Zeem Saffouri of Truckee said that his nephew’s wallet was taken from a zipped pocket. There are currently no suspects.
The yuletide is here. It’s a time to relax and enjoy the company of our loved ones. As part of the festivities, why not adopt a new tradition? What’s this you say? How about skiing on Christmas Day? Sounds like a great idea to me! I think Christmas is one of the best days to play in the snow. If you’re listening but aren’t quite sold, let’s convince you.
Reasons To Get After It On Christmas Day!
Health
Christmas day generally consists of cramming a few thousand calories in your face followed by sitting in front of a TV and watching all the holiday classics. Why not bring a bit of good cheer into the day by getting out on the slopes. You’ll loosen up those body parts, jump-start your metabolism, and clear your head. There’s no better way to make sure your mind and body are aligned and ready for any (eating or relaxing) festivities!
Powder
Find a “powder” present this Christmas
Everyone wants a white Christmas, this is true. It’s all good, and I’m right there with them. The only question is why? For the looks? No way! No matter what the day, when I see a fresh coat of snow, I don’t dream of sugar plums dancing. I dream of face-shots, knee deep pow, and floating effortlessly turn after turn. Since Mother Nature has finally blessed most of us with snow this year, we should put it to good use. After you spend the day ripping it up, then you can sit back, staring out the window as you reminisce.
What People?
Although the week after the holidays is the busiest time of year at the resort, Christmas day is by far the least crowded day to ski or ride on the planet! Why? Believe it or not, many don’t consider riding or skiing on Dec. 25th. Whether they can’t fit it in their schedule, their pass is blacked out, or they just don’t think about it, nobody shows up. This gives you no lift lines and a whole mountain to yourself.
The next reason… you owe it to the resort staff! I know this is a touchy issue, so I’ll try to tread lightly. A lot of people feel negatively about companies making their employees work on Christmas. While I see the argument, think of it a different way. The staff understands this is a requirement of the position when they take the job. Knowingly accepting, this means they made a conscious decision and are okay with it (to a degree). So, if you don’t show up, it’s all for nothing so to speak. They are essentially standing out in the snow with nothing to do for eight hours. This year, pay them a visit, and you’ll find good spirits and high stoke!
Yes, the resorts are open, and they know many aren’t going to show up. They are a business though. What is the purpose of a business? To get customers. What do they do to entice patrons to show up? They sweeten the deal! There are lots of places to go online for good deals. The only catch… you have to buy in advance. Lucky for you, there is still time to buy! These could be the cheapest deals you will find all season. Take advantage of it!
These are just a few of the reasons we ride on Christmas. There are many others and all are equally legit. Take a chance this year. Start a new holiday tradition! For more fun ideas like this, tips on what gear to bring, or just to read about unheard ski resorts that have untracked powder for days or weeks after a storm, check out our guide: Ski Trip Planning – Plan The Best Ski Holiday Ever!
From us at Local Freshies®, we wish you a Merry Christmas and the best in the coming New Year!
Myth, legend, hardcore… these are the words that come to mind when talking about Mt Baker snowboarding. While it’s small in stature with heavy snow, Mt Baker is larger than life in snowboarding history. This terrain seriously packs a punch!
Why Visit It?
Most snow in the country!
The roots of snowboarding…
It’s got that “Old School Flavor”
The pitter patter of rain showers hit the roof. The alarm blazes with the preprogrammed annoying sound you set the night before to ensure not to oversleep. The gloomy skies and the steady rapping are enough to make you hit snooze, curl up, and drift away. That would normally be the case. Not today though. Today is your first day at Mt Baker! Today, the anticipation and excitement alone are enough to fuel you from your slumber. Turn off the alarm, slam a protein bar, and grab your gear on the way out the door.
Landscape Reminiscent Of Jurassic Park
Once loaded in the car, the journey begins. Still half asleep, the decision is to swing into one of the many local espresso bars to help clear the grogginess. Liquid salvation brings you back to life as you head out of Bellingham and begin the ascent into the Cascades. The anticipation of the day is the driving force. The rain continues to pound as you climb. It makes you wonder if it’s really snowing on Mt Baker at all. Windshield wipers are maxed out now and most begin to wonder if the reported 16 inches and still dumping are a myth.
Mt Shuksan hiding in clouds – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
The large neon evergreen trees covered in moss on the drive up resonates scenes from Jurassic Park. Just then the rain begins to let up. The drops transform to slush. One more turn up the road, and the slush morphs to massive white flakes. Large wet maritime flakes. They stick to everything including the car. There is no escape. It suddenly feels like you’ve been transported to the moon! Just then you see signs and pull into the White Salmon lot. As you get out of the car, the snow slows down for a moment, and the clouds part to expose the Shuksan arm and the massive ridgeline in front of you. No one speaks. Gazing upwards, it was evident… this is a special place.
History
Normally when talking about a ski area, it’s about the history of how it began, but Mt Baker is slightly different. This is THE home of free riding for snowboarders. Looking around, it’s easy to understand why Mt Baker and snowboarding go hand in hand. It has a lenient policy for entering the backcountry. The infamous Legendary Banked Slalom is held here. This event is one of the oldest in snowboarding and is the predecessor to the concept of boardercross.
Action packed turn at the LBS. Image taken by: Justin Kors
You won’t see speed suits like Giant Slalom but rather Gore-Tex and twin tip freeride boards. Also, to keep with the grassroots style, the winner receives a Duct Tape trophy along with an embroidered Carhartt jacket. To see the course in person, head over to Chair 8 and on the rider’s right toward the edge of the ski area boundary are the berms for the Mt Baker Banked Slalom course.
Another famous landmark here is the infamous Mt Baker Road Gap. This is the place where Shawn Farmer did the shirtless method over the road and nailed it the first time. Even though the Mt Baker Road Gap is in the backcountry, to see it in person, drive past the White Salmon Day Lodge, and it will be located right before the Heather Meadows Base Area.
Terrain
Dropping in between some tress at Mt Baker on a powder day – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
After snowboarding at over 88+ resorts over the decades, when it comes to terrain well-suited to snowboarding, Mt. Baker ranks pretty high on the list. While it may not have a terrain park per se, it doesn’t need one. It’s a free-riding paradise. Cliffs? Check. Steep & deep? Check. Gullies you can ride like a natural halfpipe? Check. Even the heavier snow of the maritime snowpack makes it feel like you’re riding a wave. And yet, it’s a mountain that doesn’t reveal itself right from the get-go. Just like a local surf break, understanding how the terrain flows is crucial to maximizing each turn. And that’s what makes it such a special place. For a full run-down of terrain and the mountain as a whole check out our Mt Baker Ski Guide.
Do Not Miss
The legendary lines of the Mt Baker wilderness as seen from Mt Baker ski area
The weather at Mt Baker can be unpredictable. Every storm that comes near Washington gets funneled right into the ski area. If the weather does clear, make sure to head over to Chair 8. Standing at the top of the lift looking left, the entire ridgeline is outside the ski area boundary and known as the Mt Baker Wilderness. Some of the most famous lines from early ski/snowboard videos were filmed there. You might even get lucky enough to see a rider hiking the ridgeline to get to one of these famous runs. Be patient! Watch them drop in and see something of true beauty. Something you would normally have to pop in a ski or snowboard video to see. It’s worth the wait!
Buyer Beware
Mt. Baker gets A LOT of snow! In fact, they set the world record in the 1998-99 season with over 1,100 inches of snow in a single season. But, beware—when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate and temperatures aren’t cold enough, it doesn’t snow… it rains. So, how do you know if it’s going to be raining or snowing at Mt. Baker? The best way to prepare is to check the weather forecast before driving up from Bellingham. We focus on the weather report for Glacier, Washington. Keep an eye on the snow level for the day—ideally, it should be around 2,500 feet for the best conditions. Otherwise, your Mt. Baker snowboarding session might end up a little sloppy.
What To Do If Ma’ Nature Flipped Off Old Man Winter
Downtown Bellingham on a rare sunny winter’s day – Photo by Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
So, conditions aren’t cooperating for some Mt Baker snowboarding session? Luckily, Bellingham is a cool town to hang out in if the snow isn’t as good as forecasted. Head over to our in-depth guide to Mt Baker and Bellingham where we give you insight on our favorite local places to eat, drink, and be merry when in town.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Heavenly Mountain Resort At Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of rental shops to equip you for the slopes. Read on for our ski & snowboard rental guide for South Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re seeking alpine skis, snowboards, or cross-country gear, the following establishments provide top-quality equipment and exceptional service to enhance your Tahoe adventure.
Services: Offers premium ski and snowboard rentals delivered directly to you, allowing you to skip the lines and enjoy personalized fitting in the comfort of your accommodation.
Services: Offers premium ski and snowboard rentals along with gear for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Known for its friendly service and extensive selection of outdoor gear.
Services: Offers groomed and marked trails for all levels, with rentals available. A great starting point for exploring Tallac Historic Site, Pope and Kiva beaches, and Fallen Leaf Lake.
Locations: Nine slope-side locations around Heavenly Mountain Resort
Services: High-performance ski and snowboard rentals, full-service tuning, complimentary in-shop storage, group services, and free delivery. They also offer a Junior Trade-In program where young skiers and snowboarders can exchange used equipment for a new ski or board package at 50% off.
Locations: Eight stores, including one in Heavenly Village
Services: Top-of-the-line demo skis and boots, specializing in boot fittings with a “Try Before You Buy” program. Carries brands like K2, Marker, Volkl, and Rossignol, and features a Wintersteiger tuning system. Additionally, Powder House rents snow gear such as coats and gloves.
Services: Offers hassle-free ski and snowboard rentals with flexible durations. Rental packages are tailored to skill levels, including Recreational, Demo, Performance, and Children’s rentals.
Services: As the largest sports store in Lake Tahoe since 1982, they provide a vast variety of ski rentals and packages to fit your needs, as well as a “Try Before You Buy” policy. Guests can also rent out specific gear elements such as boots and poles.
Services: Provides ski and snowboard rentals with a focus on quality gear at competitive prices, catering to both individuals and families. This shop also provides helmet and snowshoe rentals.
Additional Resources
For Sno-Park permits and more information on gear rentals, consider the following:
Tahoe Roadrunner: 2933 Highway 50 | 530-577-6946
Tahoe Bike & Ski Rentals: 3131 Harrison Ave | 530-600-0267
Embark on your Lake Tahoe winter adventure with confidence, knowing you have the best gear for the adventure of your choosing. Whether you’re carving down alpine slopes or gliding through serene cross-country trails, our rental shops have got you covered! We hope you’ve enjoyed our ski & snowboard rental guide for South Lake Tahoe.
The magic and beauty of South Lake Tahoe is on full display in January. Whether you are watching waves softly crash onto a snowy shoreline, prepping for a thrilling snowmobile adventure, or finding comfort at a local coffee shop, January here is a paradise for anyone anxious for a snowy piece of heaven. See a few of our recommendations below for what to do this January to help you make the most of this exciting month!
The Mountains Are Calling!
Riders on Heavenly Mountain overlooking Lake Tahoe. Photo: Rachid Dahnoun
There is no surprise that this is an amazing ski town, so… “when in Tahoe”! Find time to explore our mountains, and you’ll surely find a few perfect runs to alternate from throughout the day. Although time may feel limited when you’re here, the fun will not. Take advantage of the season and our terrain, and slide smoothly into ski season!
Friends eating around a fire at South of North Brewing Company. Photo: Paje Victoria
Living at such a high altitude has its perks: Up here, our bodies work harder to regulate ourselves in a place with less oxygen, which makes it crucial that WE EAT A LOT! In these colder months, doing so comfortably is important if you’re going out for food. With options like South of North, The Hangar, Sprouts Cafe, and Jimmy’s, dining out can remain comfortable and stylish all year round.
Sunset over Lake Tahoe. Photo: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
No visit is truly complete without an unforgettable sunset. From whichever part of the shore you get to, slow down and watch the mind-bending, timeless, therapeutic, and awesome landscape surrounding us. If you’re unsure where to find a good spot to see the sunset, click here for some suggestions!
Snowshoes are in style
Couple snowshoeing at sunrise on Kiva beach. Photo: Rachid Dahnoun
Hiking is a year-round hobby in South Lake Tahoe, as long as you can adjust your footwear for snow. Snowshoeing is a must-try if you’ve never done it, and if you have, it’s probably already on your Winter to-do list. Find the right rentals at several places in town, such as Tahoe Sports LTD or Powder House.
Stellar Stargazing
Night sky shot from Emerald Bay. Photo: Rachid Dahnoun
Make sure to take the opportunity to go outside on a clear night and watch the stars, especially if you’re visiting. Part of being in such a wild place is an amazing night sky. You won’t have to drive far or go camping to enjoy a great view of space and the great feeling that comes with it.
South Lake Tahoe is famous for its black bears, but there are plenty of other species in the area that you can hope to see. Some are certainly more common than others, like the coyote, but there are a variety of cool creatures to keep an eye out for, like mule deer, bobcats, porcupines, and bald eagles, to name a few. Discover what other animals you might see here!
Jose Andres Aguilar, also known as Cesar, Casa Baeza’s bartender, passed away on Nov. 30. He was 37 years old. Cesar was pronounced dead at Tahoe Forest Hospital.
The Truckee Police Department arrived on scene at the hospital. After extensive investigation, Truckee PD determined the circumstances to be non-criminal, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office coroner took over the case to conduct the autopsy. The cause of death is currently unknown.
NEW SUPPORTIVE HOUSING in Kings Beach. Photo courtesy Placer County
Brown Bear Studios Expand Housing Resources for Homeless
KINGS BEACH
A vision years in the making has become a reality with the opening of Brown Bear Studios, a 14-unit permanent supportive housing facility in Kings Beach. Originally the site of the 7 Pines Motel, the property has undergone significant transformation and marks a critical step forward in Placer County’s efforts to address homelessness in the North Tahoe region.
Residents moved into the facility over the last 2 weeks, quickly reaching capacity. The $1.45-million building purchase and subsequent multi-year renovations were made possible by a combination of grant programs, including the state’s Homekey initiative, which converts properties like hotels, motels, and vacant apartment buildings into long-term housing for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Tahoe property represents Placer’s first Homekey award and the largest addition to the county’s permanent supportive housing portfolio in recent history.
The Brown Bear facility is owned and managed by AMI Housing, a local nonprofit group that has deep experience working on permanent supportive housing projects for homeless clientele in the region. Homeless people with the most vulnerability receive priority screening and placement, and pay a fixed percentage of their income towards rent. Placements are filled using the waitlist from the homeless resource helpline, a telephone hotline accessed via calling 211 that helps assess homeless callers’ levels of need and connects them with housing, and other resources. There will be a property manager and case management to support residents on-site.
~ Placer County press release
Washoe County Approves Special Funding for Tahoe
WASHOE COUNTY
On Dec. 10, the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners approved District 1 Special Fund allocations to various nonprofits and government organizations: Chair Alexis Hill allocated a total of $63,235 to be dispersed among six local nonprofit organizations. Funds appropriated through the Commission District Special Funds must provide substantial benefit to the inhabitants of the county.
The board approved the following, as well as other initiatives:
$25,000 to Truckee North Tahoe/Transportation Management Association to support the North Lake Tahoe Express Airport Shuttle
$20,000 to Tahoe Fund for the educational Take Care of Tahoe winter and summer billboards
$10,000 to Tahoe Fund to support the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council
$5,000 to Washoe County Community Services Department to support Clean Tahoe professional fees
As the winter season sets in, the Truckee Fire Protection District (TFPD) is calling on residents to undertake proactive measures to ensure everyone stays safe. It’s important to understand aspects of mountain living that pose dangers.
Truckee Fire identified the following key safety measures:
Fire and Heating Safety:
Maintain Chimneys and Flues: Ensure chimneys and flues are clean and functional before use to prevent chimney fires.
Dispose of Ashes Properly: Store ashes in a metal container and keep them away from decks or flammable materials. Never dispose of ashes in trash cans, bear bins, or dumpsters — even if they seem cold. Each year, Truckee Fire responds to deck fire incidents caused by improper ash disposal.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Keep Propane Tanks and Gas Meters Clear of Snow: Prevent snow weight from damaging supply lines and ensure emergency access in case of leaks.
Holiday and Winter Activities:
Water Christmas Trees Regularly: A dry tree is highly flammable.
Sledding and Outdoor Play Safety: Monitor children playing outside and ensure sledding is done in safe areas. Do not allow children to build and play in snow caves in the berm at the edge of your property that’s adjacent to the street.
Snow-Related Hazards:
Beware of Roof Snow Shedding: Heavy snow and ice can slide off roofs without warning.
Avoid Dangerous Ice Activities: Local lakes are not suitable for ice skating, cross country skiing, or snowmobiling, particularly as temperatures fluctuate in the spring.
For more information on Truckee Fire, please visit truckeefire.org.
~ Truckee Fire Protection District press release
Implementation of Envision Washoe 2040 Master Plan
WASHOE COUNTY
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners settled on priorities for the implementation of the Envision Washoe 2040 Master Plan. The goal is to meet the needs of a growing community. The Envision Washoe 2040 Master Plan sets the policy-level vision that guides future growth and development in the unincorporated County. It was adopted in November 2023, and at that time, the board identified the first six initiatives to begin implementation of the plan.
On Dec. 10, the board voted to prioritize the following seven initiatives:
County-wide affordable housing initiatives
Resources to implement new master plan
Tahoe Area Plan
Public noticing
Equine businesses
Warm Springs ground water rights dedications
Dashboard indicators for measuring plan achievements
The work on implementing the master plan has included policy creation, organization, and planning. According to Bethany Drysdale, county media and communications manager, the implementation of the plans may involve changes to the county code or other regulations.
On Dec. 16, the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) is hosting a meeting to kickoff the 2025 Tahoe Area Plan (TAP) update. They will present on the upcoming update process, what to expect, and opportunities for input and engagement.
Campaign Seeks to Raise $50,000 For Local Forestry Program
TAHOE CITY
The key to restoring Tahoe’s forests and preventing catastrophic wildfire is a robust and talented workforce. That’s why the Tahoe Fund is raising $50,000 to provide scholarships for more than 50 students in Lake Tahoe Community College’s (LTCC) Forestry Education & Job Placement program.
LTCC’s Forestry Education & Job Placement Program teaches students how to assist with forest management, planning, and implementation work. For 3 years running, the Tahoe Fund has provided scholarships for students in the program, and recently awarded a grant to support the program administrator to ensure student success.
Over the next 5 years, forestry management occupations are projected to have more than 200 annual job openings in the greater Sacramento region alone. Approximately 76% of these jobs will be for middle- and high-skilled occupations. California community colleges like LTCC are a big part of the plan to prepare this crucial workforce of the future.
LTCC Forestry program graduates will be prepared for careers with Tahoe-based employers, including Cal Fire, the USDA Forest Service, the California Tahoe Conservancy, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, private forestry contractors, and other agencies that are part of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team.
New Tahoe Public Transportation Options Unveiled this Winter
LAKE TAHOE
The return of winter in Tahoe can make driving conditions challenging.
Leave the car behind and reduce traffic congestion, vehicle idling, fuel consumption, and air pollution. Using eco-friendly transportation options also reduces wear and tear on roads and limits the impact on wildlife habitats.
Lake Tahoe has many transit options on the North and South shores, and all transit is free to the user.
On the South Shore, Tahoe Transportation District now has Route 50 bus service arriving every 30 minutes. Route 22 travels up Kingsbury Grade to Stagecoach at Heavenly and The Ridge Resorts and on to the Carson Valley.
On the North Shore, Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) operates hourly service along SR-28 between Tahoma and Incline Village, and along SR-89 and SR-267, between North Lake Tahoe and Truckee with connections to Olympic Valley and Northstar Village.
Mountaineer provides free rides within Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. TART Connect now serves the North and West Shore communities as well as Olympic Valley, Northstar, and Truckee.
At Northstar, skiers can use Truckee’s Park and Ride lot near the airport, or catch the TART 267 route between Crystal Bay and Truckee. TART Connect has expanded zones and now offers free door-to-door service.
Take a TART bus to Palisades Tahoe and Alpine from Truckee, Tahoe City, Crystal Bay, and Incline. Where the TART line stops, the on-demand shuttles begin. Palisades Express shuttle and the base-to-base gondola take you around Olympic Valley and to Alpine Lodge.
Diamond Peak also has free ski shuttles from Incline Village that connect to TART.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Annual Tahoe Bald Eagle Count Set for January 2025
INCLINE VILLAGE
The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is hosting its annual Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers are grouped into small teams and stationed at one of 26 vantage points throughout the Tahoe Basin, mostly around the lakeshore, to get an accurate snapshot of eagle numbers at the lake.
This annual event is part of a nationwide census of the country’s bald eagle populations. TINS took over local coordination of the monitoring effort in 2012 for the entire Tahoe Basin and is now calling for volunteers.
The spotters take careful notes on the age, time, and direction of travel of every eagle spotted. When the data are compiled, TINS is able to plot the movements of each individual bird and get an accurate count for the day. Tahoe hit a record count in 2021 with 42 individual eagles.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome to participate, and TINS will try to accommodate volunteers’ preferred location. To help prepare, TINS also is hosting a talk the evening before, on Jan. 9. This free event will cover the history of bald eagles and their conservation in the United States, how the count works, and how to identify and age bald eagles.
~ Tahoe Institute for Natural Science press release
Staff Provides North Lake Tahoe Parking Management Update, Board Approves New Enforcement Technology
EASTERN PLACER COUNTY
Thanks to new hand-held technology devices, Placer County staff reported strong summer parking enforcement numbers in North Lake Tahoe at an early December board of supervisors meeting. Following an update about the program, staff requested a purchase of new technology to further enhance enforcement.
Implemented at ski resorts last winter and in the Kings Beach area this past summer, the county’s Parking Management Program in North Lake Tahoe continues to expand with the goal to reduce traffic congestion in the region.
Additionally, at that meeting the board also approved a contract to utilize the Citation Processing Center for parking citation processing and payments. This action allowed enforcement officers to switch from time-intensive, written paper parking tickets to automated electronic parking citations. It also shifted parking enforcement from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office to Placer County’s Public Works enforcement team to reduce the use of law enforcement resources in eastern Placer.
Staff anticipates returning to the board in March 2025 with results of this past summer’s initial phase of the Kings Beach Parking Management Implementation Plan, including the outcome of the paid parking demonstration and recommendations for future actions.
Community Celebrates Student Entrepreneurs at FuturePreneurs
TRUCKEE
The inaugural FuturePreneurs Pitch Showcase, hosted by Sierra Business Council and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, was a resounding success, filling the Truckee Town Council Chambers with a crowd. The event, held on Dec. 6, was the culmination of an intensive week-long education program designed to teach young entrepreneurs the tools to develop their business ideas and present a “pitch” to potential investors and the community.
Six teams presented their company ideas which showcased everything from creative solutions to pressing local issues to forward-thinking ideas for future markets.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS present business ideas at the Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy Truckee Chamber of Commerce
Winners of the showcase were selected by an expert panel of judges and the audience, with prizes being awarded for first and second places, and people’s choice.
The first-place winner was EmpowHER, a female-focused gym created by Jessica Wurzelbacher, Hattie Kaplan, and Melanie Marquez Cruz, aiming to provide an empowering and inclusive space where you can build a strong body, strong mind, and a strong future.
The second-place winner was Grad Grind, an innovative app concept designed by Anthony Garcia-Ramirez, Estefanía Gaitan Meza, Valentina Vasquez, and Iratze Aguilar Solorio to help high school students navigate the college application process in a budget- and time-friendly way.
The People’s Choice winner was Second Serving, a logistics concept developed by Jazmine Sanchez-Valdez, Lily Fay, Olive Masterson, and Litzy Payan. Their idea focuses on collecting unused food from vacation rental homes and delivering it to food banks and soup kitchens.
The success of this FuturePreneurs Pitch Week highlights the impact of collaboration on our community.
~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release
Business Briefs
First Flying Electric Ferry in the U.S. is Coming to Lake Tahoe
LAKE TAHOE
With Lake Tahoe attracting over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts year-round, road congestion has become an ever-increasing problem. Local company FlyTahoe and tech company Candela are set to solve this by introducing a revolutionary zero-emission vessel that will make its U.S. debut: the world’s first flying electric ferry, the Candela P-12, which recently launchedon Stockholm’s waterways.
Anticipated to launch in the next year or so, FlyTahoe will feature a 30-minute cross-lake service, cutting the travel time in half compared to the daily 20,000 car trips along the same route.
The P-12 is the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, hailed as a “game changer” for waterborne transport by combining long range with high speed and a revolution in energy eSiciency. This 30-seat vessel, designed to accommodate both skis and bikes, uses hydrofoil technology — computer-guided underwater wings — to fly above the water’s surface at high speeds, unaffected by waves and winds.
The P-12’s cruising speed of 25 knots (~30 mph) is crucial for commuters looking to cut travel times. The FlyTahoe ferry will connect the northern and southern parts of the lake in under 30 minutes, while driving around the lake often takes over 2 hours in the winter. FlyTahoe will create a vital link to the 14 world-class ski resorts encircling the lake, making it an ideal option for tourists and locals alike.
FLYING ELECTRIC FERRY: Lake Tahoe skiers will reach the slopes faster aboard the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, the Candela P-12. Photo courtesy FlyTahoe
A detailed analysis by the Tahoe Transportation Districtalready recognized ferries as the best solution to reduce traffic congestion along Lake Tahoe’s north-south route, citing lower costs per user and faster travel times than cars and buses. However, that analysis, conducted before the advent of the P-12 technology, did not account for the electric ferry’s ability to reduce energy usage by 80% compared to traditional ferries — a factor that Meinzer says significantly bolsters the unit economics and overall business case.
The launch is anticipated to happen by late 2025 or early 2026. “This timeline reflects our commitment to thorough diligence in manufacturing and ensuring compliance with key regulators, including but not limited to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG),Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the CA Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW),” wrote FlyTahoe founder and CEO Ryan Meinzer in an email to Moonshine.
~ FlyTahoe press release
Winner Announced For Auto Doctor’s 12th Annual Car Giveaway
TRUCKEE
The Auto Doctor announced the recipient of its 12th Annual Holiday Car Giveaway: Ashleigh Regan. This year’s program, now led by new owners Allen and Megan Amunson, continues the shop’s commitment to giving back to its community.
Regan, a Truckee local and patient at the Tahoe Forest Hospital Cancer Center, was nominated by her colleagues at HeyChef!, a local private chef company. Despite health challenges, Regan is celebrated for positivity, dedication, and work ethic.
The annual giveaway is a cherished community event where The Auto Doctor donates a fully refurbished and reliable vehicle to a local individual or family in need. The selection process highlights those who face significant hardships while demonstrating resilience and making a positive impact on others.
Under the Amunsons’ leadership, The Auto Doctor is committed to upholding the values, which ensure this annual tradition has a lasting impact on Truckee.
~The Auto Doctor press release
Announcing the Opening of Cabin Fever
TRUCKEE
After over 20 years of serving the Lake Tahoe-Truckee community, Cabin Fever Home is thrilled to announce the opening of a brand-new showroom in downtown Truckee, just east of Moody’s at 9940 Donner Pass Rd. (former location of the Carmel Gallery and Alpenglow Gallery).
The gallery offers an extensive selection of home furnishings and decor, from ready-to-ship pieces to bespoke custom orders, all designed to help craft the perfect mountain retreat.
Cabin Fever Home also now showcases stunning artwork by local landscape photographers Olof & Elizabeth Carmel. Come visit Cabin Fever this holiday season and discover the ideal pieces to transform a space.
Cabin Fever is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and can be reached at (530) 536-3131. For more information, visit Cabin Fever Tahoe.
~ Carmel Gallery press release
Beach-Cleaning Robot Cleans Over 1 Million Square Feet of Tahoe Shoreline
LAKE TAHOE
In 2021, BEBOT, the first solar and battery-powered beach-cleaning robot on the West Coast was introduced.
Now, in 2024, BEBOT cleaned over 1 million square feet of shoreline across 20 beaches, revolutionizing how humans care for beaches and paving the way for a sustainable future in tourism. With approximately 15 million visitor days annually to Lake Tahoe, traditional volunteer cleanups can no longer keep pace with the increased influx of visitors during the peak busy season. BEBOT elevates beach cleanups, sifting out debris as small as 1 cm from below the sand’s surface.
Among the 30,000-plus pieces of litter removed in 2024, plastic pollution dominated, making up nearly 50% of the total. Other frequently found items included cigarette butts, nicotine pouches, bottle tops, broken glass, sales tags, and zip ties — everyday items that contribute to the growing problem.
Expanded BEBOT operations to Tahoe’s North Shore beaches were funded by the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program, made possible by the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA). This funding allowed ECO-CLEAN Solutions to deploy BEBOT across 20 beaches around the Basin in 2024. These included public beaches such as Kings Beach, Meeks Bay, and Zephyr Cove.
Editor’s note: This story includes reporting on the once-anticipated Truckee Art Haus project, co-owned by Moonshine Ink reporter Melissa Siig. Siig was not involved in any conversations for this article. Her husband, Steven Siig, was the source utilized.
The comment seemed to be in jest, made during a January 2024 Town of Truckee Planning Commission meeting: “Who’s harder [to deal with],” Commissioner Dan Fraiman asked a project planner, “Marriott Corporate or town staff and planning commission?”
Fraiman, whose planning commissioner term ends in March 2025, is a builder of custom luxury homes, as well as commercial and modular construction. His question came after a lengthy discussion on sign standards for a proposed hotel in the Gray’s Crossing neighborhood, during which he’d commented on Truckee’s design standards as the reason “why it’s a pain in the butt to do anything here.”
The Town of Truckee is a 31-year-old jurisdiction navigating maintaining its mountain character while also supporting growth — and this in a state desperate to meet housing demands.
“I think planning departments always face challenges between part of the community’s interest in wanting to see change and growth and part of the community wanting to see things not change. Oftentimes planning departments are stuck in the middle,” said Denyelle Nishimori, community development director. “When you ask about what’s the planning department’s philosophy, we’re often at [the mercy of] whatever the community’s interests are. That’s our role.”
That philosophy is under fire. Many developers and homeowners claim, and have been for years, that Truckee’s planning decisions are more arduous than the public-facing process implies. Moonshine Ink heard mentions of complicated steps, expensive fees, and predetermined bias for projects. An organizational assessment of the town, conducted by third party advisory firm Baker Tilly, is expected to be completed in January 2025. Some have audibly hoped the results will address the problems in the planning division — both process and culture.
“I know so many people that are ready to galvanize and want to do great things, but they feel stymied by the [town’s planning] process,” said Heather Rankow, founding vice chair of Tahoe Housing Hub, as well as founder of Developers Connection, a development consulting business. “And it’s not even just big developers. It can be down to [accessory dwelling units] and red-tagging people and not willing to work with them and threatening to lien their property. And I’m just like, oh my gosh, are we really doing this over an ADU? Nobody with an ADU should have to go get a lawyer to try to get to some place where they can make it work.”
“If [the construction community] were a union, we’re ready to strike.”
~ Ciro Mancuso
“Over the past 40 years, I’ve developed projects in many different jurisdictions.
The amount of unofficial power that’s been afforded this specific planning staff is unique,” said Rick Holliday, the mind behind the Railyard Project in downtown Truckee. “They’re not elected by anybody, they don’t really answer to anybody. I think they’re driving the development agenda for Truckee, not the people
of Truckee.”
Town staff is aware of the frustrations and says change is constantly happening to improve the planning process, though individual staffers maintain that the planning division is simply there to uphold regulations and policies put in place by elected decisionmakers.
“Ultimately, I think some of the frustration is about the rules and what’s been adopted versus the planners themselves,” Nishimori said.
The “Truckee Way”
A top reason people seem to struggle with the Town of Truckee planning process, according to Nishimori, as well as Town Planner Jenna Gatto and Town Manager Jen Callaway, is competing interests — constituents don’t want to see very much growth. In a 2024 springtime poll, town staff found that among the 404 registered voters who participated, the third-highest ranked answer for improving Truckee (after more affordable housing and reducing traffic congestion) was “limit growth, development.”
“One of the things that stands out in Truckee is how valued community character is,” Callaway said. “We have a whole separate element in the general plan. A lot of our standards are designed to reflect … and to retain our community character.”
Other communities, she continued, make development decisions based on the economic impact. “My understanding for the town is, since incorporation,” Callaway said, “the town has never made a development decision because of the economics of the dollar value coming into the community for that development. It’s retaining the community character and the standards that the community wants.”
It’s through that lens that Truckee’s planning division defines its method. There are rules, and the planners abide. “We don’t personally have agendas,” Gatto said. “It’s really just what does our general plan and our regulations say, and those are what we follow.”
According to the three town staffers interviewed, the planning division is not made up of project advocates or community liaisons or regulation police. They are planners, hired to be community-minded and engaged in the fundamentals of public service.
“planning departments always face challenges between part of the community’s interest in wanting to see change and growth and part of the community wanting to see things not change. Oftentimes planning departments are stuck in the middle.”
~ Denyelle Nishimori, town of Truckee community development director
“Oftentimes a project will churn for a very long time until we can get [it] into an approvable fashion,” Gatto explained. “I’ve been here for 18 years [and know] how hard our planners are working to help people get their projects approved. That being said, we will stand up and we’ll oppose something if it isn’t consistent with what our community wants us to do.
“Getting to yes is part of the ‘Truckee Way.’ It’s in our DNA, it is what is expected of us, but at the same time, we are also tasked with upholding what our community wants to see for Truckee and that’s what makes our jobs really hard.”
The town provided multiple examples of how the planning division exemplifies a ‘getting to the yes’ mentality, such as the Ruppert Mixed Use Project preliminary application, which has issues related to parking, density, and property lines. Staff provided “options the applicant can consider to successfully permit the project and items that may not be able to be resolved (i.e., identifying major issues at the outset so the applicant can decide how to proceed),” per an email.
“I can’t honestly think of [any] occasions where we’ve thrown up roadblocks that are our own,” Gatto said. “We’re not making up regulations, we’re always citing the code or the reason for a response. Sometimes, projects change from a pre-application to a formal application, and there sometimes tends to not be recognition of, oh, your project became bigger, so now your fees have changed. And that’s simply just math.”
Since 1996, of the 3,274 applications submitted to the town, 17 have been denied.
A former planner for the town spoke with Moonshine about their experience working in the department. Because they’re still active in planning, they requested to remain anonymous. This person remarked there wasn’t anything alarming about how work was performed at the town. “There were a lot of developer frustrations, just like you’re hearing today, about the process taking too long,” they said. “I think Truckee has very high design standards and it comes at a cost. Developers don’t like that but look how beautiful the town is. There’s that balance.”
The road to obtaining the Truckee ‘yes’ is seen more critically by Nevada County District 5 Supervisor Hardy Bullock, who said he’s heard from his Truckee constituents since he first entered office 4 years ago that they see the town’s planning division as “not customer service centric, it’s not facing the proper way, [and] it’s very difficult and hard to navigate the process.”
Bullock added, “I think it’s a problem that needs to be fixed … I’ve told the town many times, this is coming your way because I’m telling you that I’m hearing about this.”
Changes are being implemented within the town, but it takes time. “You don’t just hear one complaint and say, ‘Oh, that’s a problem,’” Callaway said. “We need to get that evidence, and then development code changes … I think some of the frustration is the time it takes to actually determine something’s a real problem and we need to revisit it and then change the code requirements to make it work.”
Dylan Casey, executive director of California Housing Defense Fund (Cal HDF), said slow-moving permitting is a broad issue. “California historically has had what we call a discretionary housing permitting process at the local level where you have a set of rules that the development needs to comply with,” he explained. On top of that are community meetings and staff input. “And that sounds good, but the problem with that is that it creates a very unpredictable timeline. And unless the city is really diligent about moving the process along, it can delay projects for many, many years. Which makes it very difficult to finance and build housing when you don’t know when you’ll be able to move forward with it.”
On Truckee, Casey said he’s heard from developers with projects under review for stretches of time: “The reasons in each case are very case-specific, and so I don’t want to make any broad comments on the reasons for this, but I can say we’ve gotten the impression that it is a very slow process up there.”
The developer lens
While both Nishimori and Gatto were very clear that the town’s planning process is straightforward and not driven by staff’s personal opinion, developers who spoke with Moonshine tell a different story.
The history of attempted development in the Truckee Railyard has been documented many times over the years by the Ink. Truckee Art Haus was one of the projects that was closest to the completion mark before the developers eventually stepped away, frustrated.
THE TRUCKEE ART HAUS was a proposed movie theater for the downtown Railyard. Steven Siig, co-owner of the Truckee Art Haus & Cinema in Tahoe City, said the Town of Truckee Planning Division was skeptical of the idea from the get-go, despite the area’s master plan calling for a movie theater. In 2020, the Siigs bowed out of building the theater. “Meanwhile, the community is begging us to this day to build this theater in Truckee,” Siig said. “And now you can’t build, it’s impossible. It costs too much.” Courtesy rendering
“We love what we’ve done with the Art Haus here in Tahoe City, and we got to a point where we realized that Truckee needed this, but on a larger scale,” said Steven Siig, co-owner of the Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema alongside his wife, Melissa. “And we thought we were the ones to do that.”
The Railyard Master Plan included the construction of a movie theater, and Holliday was quickly on board.
But sitting down with town planning staff, Siig said there was limited encouragement. He says they were met with such responses as, “Why would we want to build a movie theater in downtown Truckee? People would just go to Reno,” and “We don’t think it should be a theater. We think you should open a restaurant.” Nishimori and Gatto refuted such claims.
The meetings became increasingly contentious, Siig recalled. “Both my investor and I left a few of these meetings with chairs on the floor,” he said. “And I’m a pretty easygoing guy, [but there were] chairs on the floor, slamming doors” over the resistance to having a movie theater.
The straw that broke the camel’s back was a misquoted traffic mitigation study fee. What was initially recorded by the town to cost $25,000 was later corrected to $250,000, but the correction wasn’t noticed until after town council voted to approve the project.
“After all these years and all of the chaos we’ve had, I’m counting my losses, which I think was $450,000,” Siig said. “For nothing, for absolutely nothing.” He added that he believes hurdles were intentionally put in place because the theater didn’t seem to fit staff’s idea of Truckee. “You’re trying to talk about reinvigorating a part of town and fulfilling a need that the community has been pleading for, and you’re trying to fulfill something that’s in the master plan for this area, and the town is basically fighting you at every corner.”
“Both my investor and I left a few of these meetings with chairs on the floor.”
~ Steven Siig, Tahoe Art Haus
In 2020, the Siigs officially called it quits for the Truckee Railyard theater.
Another downtown Truckee project: Residences at Jibboom, a 62-unit mixed-use community anticipated to go vertical in the spring of 2026.
Developer Sean Whelan, who bought the property in 2017, has been vocal with his complaints over the town’s approval process. After staff initially signed off on a pre-application for the project in 2018, Whelan and his team prepared more thorough plans. When he sat down with town staff again, he says he was told the proposed project wasn’t a good idea “and no longer supported even though the pre-app letter said it was an approved use and after spending $300,000 on architects and civil engineers.”
JIBBOOM-ED: After a lengthy process of working with the Town of Truckee to develop Residences at Jibboom, a 62-unit, mixed-use development, Sean Whelan finally has a date for vertical construction: spring 2026. Courtesy photo
What followed were years of revisions and redesigns, various permits and requests for development code amendments, alternative funding routes, switching architects, legal fees, a partner who quit, and more. Read About That Jibboom Street Dirt Lot for a 2022 update from both the town and Whelan during the 6-year process. Generally speaking, the town averages 1.5 to 2 years to process such rezoning applications
as Whelan’s.
Businesses and residents chime in
Aimee and Kane Schaller opened Elevation Escape Tahoe, an escape room on Donner Pass Road, in early August. The building was existing, and the work to be done minimal.
“Low voltage electrical and non-load bearing walls,” said Aimee Schaller, “and you would’ve thought we were asking to build the Taj Mahal.”
Upon approaching town planning in early 2024, Kane Schaller said that despite staff confirming the escape room was an allowable use, they were told zoning verification was still required, a 30-day process.
“I said, ‘Wait a minute. You’ve already said that it’s an approved use, but you’re still going to delay me for 30 days,”’ Kane Schaller said, recalling their explanation. “They said, ‘Well, it’s actually going to be 30 days to decide whether or not we have a complete application. And then 30 days from then.’ That costs us thousands and thousands of dollars of rent every month because of these delays for a use you’ve already said is approved.
“For a tenant improvement project for an approved use, we shouldn’t even break stride on the way through the planning department to the building department.”
“you would’ve thought we were asking to build the Taj Mahal.”
~ aimee schaller
Schaller said after he emailed council and the town manager, the process was finished in 3 weeks. But it didn’t end there. After submitting a building plan for the business, the next step before opening, Schaller was informed that despite other divisions and agencies providing comments within days of submission, town planning would take an additional 25 business days to reply.
“Again, this is after the initial 3 weeks at the beginning of the process,” Schaller’s second email, sent April 2, 2024, to the town council and manager stated. “This is untenable. All of the entities/departments that have a much more onerous lift to review details will be done in less than [half] of the time that the planning department claims that they need to decide what they want to comment on for a business that they have already reviewed. After the building (decades ago) and the business type (months ago) have already been approved by planning, what can they possibly need to still review, let alone that will take them 5 weeks to make a decision on.
“Simply put, you are allowing the planning department to choke out our town with bureaucracy; once the zoning is deemed permitted, it makes no sense that the planning department can hamstring the process like this.”
Residential property owners, mean-while, have faced challenges with the town’s ADU process. (The launch of a new ordinance got a bumpy start in 2021; read Your Short-Term Days Are Over.)
Rankow, who’s worked for numerous construction and architect companies in the area, is often hired by developers and residents alike to provide design and construction consulting in the Truckee/Tahoe region.
A homeowner in the Prosser area, she said, has gone through multiple stages of grief with the town in his efforts to utilize part of his house as an ADU. During his attempt to become compliant, he faced numerous hurdles for having a too-tall retaining wall, a too-large bear box, issues with his septic system, records stating part of the space was a guest house and whether that would count as a pre-existing ADU, the threat of a lien on his property, and more.
“All you’d have to do at the town is make the decision,” Rankow said of the historical record point. “Yes, we recognize that Nevada County in 1978 said that this was a guest house. We will say it’s existing non-conforming. Done. It’s not like you don’t have the authority to be able to do that. And that’s where I feel situations like that, things get very twisted.”
In her work with developers, Rankow said she’s also experienced town staff making changes to projects at the 11th hour. In one case, she gave as an example, two conditions were added 5 days before a public hearing that incurred a $1.5 million cost to
the developers.
“I tell all the owners, if you are one, two, three meetings in and it’s not solved, then you need to start CC-ing the town manager and all of town council and all of the planning commission and [Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe] and Moonshine Ink,” Rankow said. “You need to flood them with the data.”
Nishimori said the town is taking in more permits for ADUs than for new single-family residences — the first time such a trend has occurred. Similar to developer cries of foul, she said the town knows people are angry about code compliance with ADUs.
“[Our part-time senior planner who’s dedicated to ADUs] goes out and does site inspections,” Nishimori said. “I will admit a lot of them right now are after the fact. Maybe some of the frustration you’re hearing too is that people aren’t understanding ‘well, I bought this house, and it had this ADU and now you’re telling me it’s not an allowed ADU.’ So, she does get some of that, but there’s no judgment in that. She just says, okay, it doesn’t matter … We just want to see them come in and have [the ADUs] be safe [for the inhabitants].”
The lynchpin and the audit
At the center of all conversations surrounding the planning division was Nishimori. Now the community development director, Nishimori began working for the town in 2002, rising through the planning division to one of the top-most staff positions.
DENYELLE NISHIMORI is a Truckee staple. She’s worked for the town since 2002, and in 2020 was elected to the trustee board of the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District. Many people have suggested that Nishimori has instilled a culture at the town that’s hostile to development. Courtesy photo
Nearly every person who spoke with the Ink for this article, on or off the record, organically brought up Nishimori as someone who, beyond keeping the town’s rules and vision in mind, guides what projects are approved with a firm hand.
Ciro Mancuso has constructed more than 500,000 square feet of building in Truckee over the last 25 years and said he’s “never seen such a mess as we have now with the planning department.”
That is in part why he “started building [his boat storage unit] without a permit because of what [Nishimori’s] process was. She weaponizes the code rather than uses the code for guidance.” In response to the illegal construction, Nishimori determined that demolition and deconstruction of the structure
was required.
The Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT) submitted a public comment during a June council meeting in reaction to that decision, stating that demolition “despite structural integrity, simply because the permits were either not obtained or have expired … is not only counterproductive but also sets a concerning precedent for our community and our members … We ask that the town council further direct the town manager to ensure that the town government, particularly [the planning and building] departments, adopt a culture of customer service and not a culture of misapplied ‘guardianship’ or enforcement and work with its citizens and businesspeople in a supportive manner.”
While the town stepped back its requirement to demolish the storage unit, council determined Chief Building Official Mike Ross had full authority to determine whether or not the structure and foundation were safe and allowed to remain. As of press deadline, Mancuso awaits reports from a third-party contractor to determine soils tested and construction performed on the site were done properly.
“It was verbally communicated to Ciro that the soils and construction was done properly and saw no reason for removal,” Katie Mancuso, a real estate agent who’s married to Ciro, wrote in a later email. “The building permit keeps getting pushed out as the town comes up with more requirements and more roadblocks. There is no common sense.”
As community development director, Nishimori considers herself the face of the department, which is not always easy. “It can at times mean having tough conversations or making tough decisions that directly impact community members,” she wrote in an email. “A discussion with a homeowner about the ADU they didn’t realize was unpermitted when they purchased the property, a conversation with a developer about a proposed commercial project that exceeds the allowed height limit, a dialog with neighbors about a proposed housing project. With every tough conversation or decision, there is opportunity to listen, to understand, to ask questions and to work together on solutions and options to move forward.”
Nishimori said that despite claims otherwise, she wouldn’t have questioned specific projects, like the Truckee Art Haus or Residences at Jibboom. “It’s not about liking/not liking something (and I would not have said this),” she wrote, “it’s a conversation about options, problem solving and helping get to a successful outcome with the decision makers.”
Ciro Mancuso said fellow builders have stopped working in Truckee, and won’t return until there’s a change in town leadership, specifically the planning division. “If [the construction community] were a union,” Mancuso said, “we’re ready to strike.”
This includes affordable housing builders, says Truckee Planning Commissioner Dave Gove, who works as a real estate agent and has been a planning commissioner for 6 years. “In this environment, regulatory burden makes it cost-prohibitive to build stand-alone affordable housing, so any affordable housing is borne on the back of a larger project,” he shared. “If your community has the reputation of being one of the hardest jurisdictions in the state to get a project approved, you don’t get the larger project or the affordable housing.”
“Getting to yes is part of the ‘Truckee Way.’ It’s in our DNA.”
~ jenna gatto, town planner
Some are looking to an organizational assessment as a possible solution for improvements.
In May 2024, the Town of Truckee officially contracted with Baker Tilly for a best-practices review of the government agency.
“It was the right time from my perspective to do a holistic organization-wide look at our services, our staffing, our practices, how we operate, and get some neutral independent feedback on that,” Callaway said.
As part of its process, Baker Tilly hosted community engagement sessions to hear from certain focus groups. To populate those sessions, the town provided a list of regular community partners (the Truckee Chamber, Sierra Business Council, and others) for
the consultants.
Whelan attended the chamber and Truckee Downtown Merchants Association sessions over the summer. “The meeting turned into 1 hour of Truckee planning department-bashing,” he recalled. “People are furious.” More specifically, said others on background, Nishimori was mentioned as a stumbling block.
CATT, too, had a listening session. Executive Director Edward Vento touched on the organization’s involvement with the Baker Tilly assessment. “CATT is aware of some ongoing inefficiencies within the Town of Truckee Planning Department and has been collaborating with the town to address these concerns,” he wrote in an email to Moonshine Ink. “We look forward to reviewing the findings and recommendations from Baker Tilly’s ongoing assessments to work with town leadership, public stakeholders, and elected representatives to identify practical, long-term solutions for addressing any issues highlighted in the study, including those issues raised by the public and CATT membership.”
Baker Tilly declined to speak with Moonshine.
The town said it has been provided a brief verbal summary of these community sessions, which included comments on planning process and code questions, and expressed general lack of trust among the development community.
Nishimori agreed that part of the town code needs to catch up to new ideas. “We did that when we first heard about makerspaces, that our code didn’t even have that in it. So, we had to change our code to address that. We didn’t have a use called fast casual restaurant, so we had to change that. But we have all sorts of new things that people present as unique ideas. Those are things that, when they’re willing to tell us about their frustration and help us understand, then we can go back in and make those recommendations to the council to change things to make it so those are uses that are compatible and the community wants to see.”
Supervisor Bullock said Nevada County is on hand to provide any assistance, having recently gone through its own independent audit that “did a lot of heavy lifting to reorganize our building and planning department so it was customer centric.”
While some speculated that the Truckee assessment could pave the way for significant leadership changes, others, like Katie Mancuso, anticipate a more “padded” report that will be protective of the town.
Still, she sees now as the time for change. “I want it to be heard loud and clear that the community at large is resounding the same sentiment of where the problems are coming from … [The town says], ‘It’s a process, we’re just following the rules, following the code.’ That all sounds great and fair, but the truth is there are so many that have the same sour taste and experience that is directed back to the planning department. This begs the question, is it the process or the current leadership and their interpretation of the process?”
Nishimori said reporting on the situation could be an opportunity to open up the door to solutions: “If there are regulations that are challenging, if there [are] other perceived roadblocks to new ideas, let’s get them on the table and be open to hard conversations.”
Don’t worry: The arcades at Zano’s aren’t going anywhere. The new owners of Truckee’s most kid-friendly pizzeria want to keep the place as welcoming as it’s always been to families and the local community. “Zano’s has always had a down-home mountain vibe. It’s unpretentious with authentic people and food. We’re not going to change that,” said Austin Reid, who, along with his wife, Logan, recently bought Zano’s from longtime owners Tim and Dianna Brown. The Reids took over operations of Zano’s on Oct. 1.
PERSISTING PIZZERIA: Logan and Austin Reid recently bought Zano’s from longtime owners Tim and Dianna Brown, and took over operations on Oct. 1. Their plan is to keep the “heart and soul” of the pizza joint and add some “vibrance.” Photo by Jared Alden/Moonshine Ink
The Reids, who moved to the Truckee area full time in 2019 after spending many summers here, were looking at buying a local business when they saw a listing for sale of the beloved Truckee pizza joint. Austin Reid, who has a long history in the service industry and whose grandmother came to the U.S. from Italy, felt like it was meant to be. The Browns had owned Zano’s since 2004, when they fully renovated the restaurant, which was previously called Pizza Junction.
So, what, if any, changes can you expect to see at Zano’s under the new ownership? Not many, for now. Maybe some fresh paint, new music playlists, and offerings like family movie nights. “We don’t plan on changing the heart and soul of the restaurant, but we do have a vision of bringing in a renewed sense of vibrance,” Austin said.
Zano’s isn’t the only revered local business to change hands recently. Several flagship businesses around the area have made dramatic changes, either by bringing in new owners or closing the doors entirely.
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HERDED THE (SNOW)CATS: A Tahoe World newspaper clipping, circa 2000, features Tahoe Dave’s owner Dave Wilderotter and Marina Roberts, who Wilderotter says “was the heart and soul of the back end of Dave’s.” He continued, “She did our bookkeeping, our payroll, and CFO duties. Without Marina, we couldn’t have been as successful. She was able to herd the cats. I always thought of her as my partner.”
HERDED THE (SNOW)CATS: A Tahoe World newspaper clipping, circa 2000, features Tahoe Dave’s owner Dave Wilderotter and Marina Roberts, who Wilderotter says “was the heart and soul of the back end of Dave’s.” He continued, “She did our bookkeeping, our payroll, and CFO duties. Without Marina, we couldn’t have been as successful. She was able to herd the cats. I always thought of her as my partner.”
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS: Autumn and John Lincoln (at left and right) had been asking for years to buy Tahoe Dave’s from owner Dave Wilderotter (center), who started the business in 1977. The sale became official in August. Photo by Tom Zikas
Dave Steps Away from Tahoe Dave’s to Make Room for New Owners
If you ask Dave Wilderotter, the sale of his iconic business, Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards, was finalized on the dance floor on a Tuesday night over the summer at a Bluesdays concert in the Village at Palisades. That’s when he decided that his friends, John and Autumn Lincoln, would make great new owners of the business Wilderotter started in 1977.
“I just really liked them. They’d been asking to buy the business for years. But I had no intention of selling,” Wilderotter said. “The ski business is really fun. It was doing well, I liked it. But I finally said, ‘This makes sense.’” Wilderotter, who’s 72, officially sold the business to the Lincolns in August. That included six locations of his well-known ski and snowboard shops across Tahoe City, Truckee, and Kings Beach.
Wilderotter opened his first ski shop in Tahoe City in 1977, after working as a ski tuner at a nearby rental shop. Though originally called North Shore Sports, everybody just referred to it as Dave’s, and so Wilderotter changed the name to Dave’s Ski Shop. It specialized in ski rentals and wintertime gear essentials. A decade later, when a graphic designer friend made him a sign, it said Tahoe Dave’s because he thought that would sell more T-shirts, and Wilderotter rolled with it. As the business grew, he opened the additional locations one by one to serve more of the community. These days, Tahoe Dave’s is frequented by locals and visitors alike, offering services like ski tuning and rentals of everything from skis to jackets.
The Lincolns, who have strong ties to the Lake Tahoe area, recently sold a healthcare company they had started in Philadelphia and moved back to Truckee last spring. They were looking for a way to ground themselves in the local community. “We know how special Dave is and what he has built here,” John Lincoln said. “We want to be a part of that, to pick up the footsteps that Dave has laid down in the community and continue to make an impact.”
Under the new ownership, those in the know will still be able to get the discounts they’ve come to love. At checkout, if you sing the University of Michigan fight song from Wilderotter’s alma mater or say, “Dave’s mom is a babe,” you can get 10% off. (And apparently, if you have Tahoe Dave’s tattooed on your body, you’ll be provided a free lifetime supply of ChapStick.)
Wilderotter, who’s still active in many community organizations, workforce housing, and live music initiatives, may be officially retired, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be seeing him around. “I’m still going to hang out in the stores, because it’s fun,” he said. “I sold a pair of skis the other day because I was just sitting there.”
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CLOSED FOR RETIREMENT: Lindy Kramer, who opened the children’s boutique Tree House in Truckee back in 1979 staged a liquidation sale throughout most of 2024 and officially closed up shop in September. Photo by Jared Alden/Moonshine Ink
CLOSED FOR RETIREMENT: Lindy Kramer, who opened the children’s boutique Tree House in Truckee back in 1979 staged a liquidation sale throughout most of 2024 and officially closed up shop in September. Photo by Jared Alden/Moonshine Ink
Tree House Children’s Boutique Says Goodbye 45 Years Later
The sign on the window at Tree House Children’s Clothing and Gift in historic downtown Truckee said: “It has been my honor and joy to have served you and your families. In retirement, I am looking forward to enjoying the wonderful place I’ve lived in for over 50 years and also seeing new places around the world.” The note was written by Tree House’s one and only owner, Lindy Kramer, who opened her children’s boutique in Truckee back in 1979. The store closed its doors for the final time in late September.
In the ’70s, Kramer was a flight attendant with United Airlines who sewed baby blankets on the side to sell to children’s shops. She wondered, “Why not open my own store?” and so she did. Kramer ran it while continuing to fly around the world with United until 2000, when she gave up her world traveling job to focus on her shop.
“We can’t compete with Target’s pricing, but we were always known for quality merchandise at a fair price and excellent customer service.”
~ Lindy Kramer, Former Tree House owner
Staying in business all of those years brought its challenges — from finding employees to competing with big-name stores and the rise of online shopping. “We can’t compete with Target’s pricing,” Kramer said. “But we were always known for quality merchandise at a fair price and excellent customer service.” The shop, which sold children’s clothes, shoes, and toys, was a go-to spot for families looking for unique and everyday items and individual gift-wrapping services.
When Kramer turned 78 this year, she decided it was time to step away. Instead of selling the business, she chose to liquidate her inventory through sales and close up shop entirely. “If you sell a store, you have an obligation to help the new owners, but I knew I just wanted to be done,” she said.
Though most of the shop’s inventory sold in its final months, Kremer still has about 100 pairs of kids’ shoes stacked up in her garage that she’ll be selling at a discount on Tree House’s website as long as supplies last. Her plans for the future: Enjoying some down time and getting back to traveling. “I’m going to sit here and enjoy not having to go to work,” she said. “And I’m planning a trip out of the country for next spring.”
The space Tree House occupied for 4 decades will now be the home of a new fine art gallery that’s a partnership between Piper Johnson of Truckee’s Piper J Gallery and Douglas DeVore from Alpenglow Gallery.
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FAMILY AFFAIR: A newspaper clipping shows Dean Schaecher, left, and Finn, with their two young children 19 years ago on the same steps as the photo above. Courtesy image
STAYING POUR GOOD: Pour House, the popular wine and cheese shop on Jibboom Street in Truckee, sold to Truckee resident Linda Baumgardner, left, in April. Previous owners Christa Finn, right, and Dean Schaecher are staying on for 2 days a week, fostering a smooth transition. Photo by Jared Alden/Moonshine Ink
New Proprietor at the Pour House, Former Owners Stay on
The best thing about the Pour House, the locals’ favorite wine and cheese shop in a historic green building on Jibboom Street in Truckee, is that you don’t need to know a thing about wine to feel welcomed here. Husband-and-wife duo Dean Schaecher and Christa Finn opened the Pour House in 2005 after years of working in local restaurants since they felt like Truckee needed its own wine shop.
“Wine can have a real snob factor, but it shouldn’t be that way,” Finn said. “We’ve always tried to make wine an everyday pleasure for anyone who wants to enjoy it.” Schaecher is the sommelier and wine buyer who can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about what’s in the bottle.
“I love the Pour House — it’s my third child. It can be hard to let go of something, but I’m so happy to see Linda taking over.”
~ christa finn, Former pour House owner
When they first opened the business, the couple had a 2-year-old daughter, and their son was born just a month after their opening day. Now, 19 years later, both of their kids are out of the house, and they were ready to pass their business along to new hands. They posted the Pour House for sale via a business broker, and that’s how they found Linda Baumgardner, a Truckee resident who previously worked for herself as a college and career counselor for young adults. Schaecher and Finn sold their business to Baumgardner in April, with part of their sale agreement being that the original owners stay on as staff through the transition and beyond.
“I’d been looking for my next thing for a long time,” Baumgardner said. “We all had a meeting and it just felt like we were all on the same page. They built this business from nothing, and they have so much wine knowledge. It’s the best possible outcome to have them both still so involved.”
Schaecher and Finn work 2 days a week at the shop, a perfect fit for them as well. “You don’t want to put 20 years into something and just walk away,” Finn said. “I love the Pour House — it’s my third child. It can be hard to let go of something, but I’m so happy to see Linda taking over. It’s really working out well for all of us.”
The variety of wines and the familiar faces you’re used to seeing at the Pour House won’t change, but there are a few updates that have taken place since Baumgardner took over the helm. You can buy a hunk of cheese or a bottle of wine via Apple Pay, which was not possible with the old purchasing system, and the website has been updated to include online ordering for in-store pickup, a current inventory of wine, and the ability to join the wine club online, which was all pen and paper beforehand. Baumgardner has also added more regular wine tasting events and created a new Instagram account for the business.
“I want people to know, you can still get your $10 bottles, and the quality of the wine will still be highly scrutinized by Dean,” Baumgardner said.
And it’s still a family affair. Baumgardner’s daughter is 2, the same age Schaecher’s and Finn’s daughter was when they started the business. “Knowing that they did this with very young kids makes me think, I can do this, too,” Baumgardner added.
A GREAT RUN: Based on a tough economy and family matters, Willard’s Sport Shop, a family-owned local business since 1978, shuttered its doors for good in late October. Photo by Jared Alden/Moonshine Ink
Willard’s Sport Shop in Tahoe City Closes After 43 Years
In Tahoe City, Willard’s Sport Shop, a family-owned local business since 1978, closed its doors for good in late October. Willard’s, which was run by Chris and Dennis Willard and their two sons, Dax and Pique, started with a ski shop at the base of Palisades Tahoe back in the late ’70s, followed by the addition of the Tahoe City shop in the early 1980s.
The slopeside Olympic Valley location was legendary for its boot-fitting and ski-tuning services, a go-to spot for pro athletes,
Mighty Mites families, and
local ski bums. The lakeside Tahoe City spot serviced more summertime outdoor gear needs for both locals and visitors to North Lake Tahoe, including bike and paddleboard rentals.
The Willards closed the Olympic Valley shop in 2012, after 34 years in business, when the ski resort came under new ownership.
“It’s hard to close your doors when it’s been your life forever. It was a hard decision, but with the economy and my parents getting older, it just got too difficult.”
~ dax willard, Former willard’s owner
But the Tahoe City location remained a stalwart local business for year-round outdoor gear and sporting goods. “It was a sad day in the valley when the original location closed up, but we were glad we had the Tahoe City location to fall back on,” said Dax Willard, 46, the general manager.
But over the last couple of years, it became a real struggle to keep the Tahoe City location open. “We saw a lot of business over big weekends and holidays, but the rest of the time, Tahoe City just hasn’t been thriving,” Dax said. “It was hard to find employees and running the business became overwhelming. My parents were getting older, and it was time to make a decision.”
Chris and Dennis are 76 and 80, respectively, and were still involved in day-to-day operations at the shop. They were waiting for developments like the Tahoe City Lodge, which was slated to be built across the street, for a much-needed boost to their business.
“It’s something we’ve been talking about for a long time, an ongoing conversation for years,” said Dax, who moved to Ashland, Oregon, and now runs his own café. “It’s hard to close your doors when it’s been your life forever. It was a hard decision, but with the economy and my parents getting older, it just got too difficult.”
The Willards sold and gave away their remaining inventory this fall and closed up shop on Oct. 27. The building at the Y in Tahoe City, where the shop had been housed for over 40 years and which was owned by the Willards, sold in early November. The new owner is currently looking to lease the space to a new tenant.
“We appreciate the local community and all the people who’ve supported us over the years,” Dax said. “It was a great run, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide a local service to this community.”
The holidays are all about traditions that bring family and friends together for quality time. But sometimes people use the break to do something other than just celebrating and gathering with family. This month, Moonshine Ink photographer Jared Alden asked community members:
What unexpected things will you do to celebrate the holidays this winter season?
Sean Whelan, Tahoe City Developer and dad
I am going to test my patience and turn the kitchen over to my two teenage kids for Christmas dinner!
Bob Mizak, Tahoe Donner Engineer
Since we just relocated here from Bethany Beach, Delaware, where the chances of having snow on Christmas are zero, we will definitely be doing something in the snow — snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing.
John Chan, Albuquerque, NM Safety supervisor at a trucking company
Usually, I’d expect myself to be home for the holidays, but unexpectedly this year I drove back out here to where I used to live, in the Reno/Truckee/Tahoe area, to visit my family and enjoy a few of my favorite spots.
I usually try to go against the holiday flow and work a lot, so I’ll be at the Tahoe Donner Trout Creek Rec Center front desk helping members and then setting up new climbing routes at the TDRPD Climbing Wall.
Preston Bruce, Reno Wildlife biologist
I will travel from the snowy Tahoe area to somewhere subtropical.
In this last edition of 2024, reporter Alex Hoeft tackles a topic that people have rattled our cages about for years — the Town of Truckee Planning Department. Time and again, we’ve fielded stories about the department stymying or controlling the outcome of project applications. The volume of complaints has grown, frustrations abound.
Curiously, my own story of interacting with the planning department arose a couple of years ago. It began with new neighbors of Moonshine Ink’s world headquarters who had an ax to grind (story for another time). They pointed out to the town our building was not zoned for an office. A long history of similar uses on the street exists, including in our structure, and Moonshine Ink had been there for over a decade. For better or worse, this non-conforming status was news to both our landlords and me. Unceremoniously, we were thrown onto the planning department roller coaster.
We went through all the stages: discovery, research, initial conversations, more discovery, more research, more conversations. The cycle went on and on … and on.
I grasp the why and the need for compliance with town code and ordinances, and the journalist in me savored digging deeply into the town code and recent state legislation that applied to our case. Our planner was responsive and attentive. In most ways, the process went well.
Yet when it came to the gray areas — of which many exist in planning — I felt a resistance.
For example, on one point about whether new state law applied to us, I consulted with two separate legal teams and they agreed with my interpretation that it did. Our planner said she and town legal counsel disagreed. After a couple of months of back and forth, finally, at a zoning administrator hearing, Community Development Director Denyelle Nishimori determined that we should have the lawyers talk. Why wasn’t that step taken earlier?
The news story this month, Town Planning In the Hot Seat, about the planning department reports many such questions from project applicants and looks at the reasons behind the department’s actions. Whether it’s staff going by the book or exhibiting power plays, I’ll let you decide after reading this far-reaching story. On one point though, I wish to reflect.
At the core of complaints, as I see it, and even in my example above from our case, is the perceived slow pace of Truckee planning. Yet, immense wisdom lays in taking time to consider big decisions, to review potential impacts and take the long view. That’s the crux of the lawsuit filed by the League to Save Lake Tahoe and Sierra Watch over the Palisades development.
In the story about the Truckee Planning Department, a former staffer says in response to criticisms of the town, “I think Truckee has very high design standards and it comes at a cost. Developers don’t like that but look how beautiful the town is. There’s that balance.”
Reversing development is difficult. Better to plan beforehand. Is pushing your development through the planning process more quickly worth unseen impacts to future generations?
As I cover in the Membership Update, a quiet and lingering pace is good for our brains. This holiday season, find your balance by slowing things down. Seek out the best fires of Tahoe, p. 34, witness the entrancing dance of flames, and feel how refreshed you are afterward. The Washoe people from a millennia ago understood the movement of stars and planets in the night sky because they took the time to stay still and observe. What are murals if not calls to pause and enjoy your surroundings?
Readers, I hope you take the time to cherish the holiday season and enjoy this 2-month edition. Meanwhile, we’ll see you online. The next print issue releases Feb. 13.
Wishing you a holiday and New Year full of peace and joy.
Writing a book is a creative passion. It requires carving out chunks of time away from work, family, and playing outside. After hundreds of hours of mental gymnastics, there is little chance of great financial success — but writers are still drawn to the challenge. Getting your words in print is an opportunity to show the world what is going on inside your noggin, a true expression of who you are. There are lots of writers with Tahoe connections who have made that giant leap to publication. Here are five recent examples:
America Through Time, Geology of the Lake Tahoe Basin by David Antonucci
David Antonucci has lived in Tahoe for over 50 years and has a passion for studying and telling the tale of the nature and history of this beautiful place. He has written about the 1960 Winter Olympics, Mark Twain’s adventures in Tahoe, and his recent book, Environmental History of Lake Tahoe, provided a detailed history of how Lake Tahoe went from wild wilderness to the international tourist destination it is now.
Antonucci’s latest book is America Through Time, Geology of the Lake Tahoe Basin: History and Features. The book “describes in detail, but in plain language, the forces and processes that created Lake Tahoe and its watershed,” said Antonucci. He sought to provide answers to the question that many visitors to Lake Tahoe ask: “What am I looking at?”
Antonucci says a primary goal of this book is to “dispel a lot of the myths and misinformation about the geology in a way that the public can read and understand. I wrote this mainly because there is a general lack of information on the geology of Lake Tahoe. And the internet is full of misinformation about how the lake was formed.”
Bright Eyes by Bridey Heidel
For longtime South Tahoe High School English teacher Bridey Heidel, writing began as an emotional escape from her difficult childhood. Her diary was a place for her to write “about what was happening in my life. Trying to make sense of the stories that you can’t say out loud,” she says. Bright Eyes is her story of being “tethered to a mom that makes the world’s worst decisions and how I survived that. How I used survival skills to figure out how to leave her behind and cut all ties.”
Heidel moved to Tahoe in second grade in 1978 and graduated from the same high school where she now teaches. But in between she changed schools 22 times living in places like Juneau, Alaska, and Austin, Nevada, as her mother moved from place to place.
While she lived off and on in Tahoe, it was certainly not an idyllic paradise. “We lived in a hotel in the dangerous side of town. You think everybody is here skiing and doing all these wonderful things, but that is not the case for a lot of people,” Heidel said. “That experience has been helpful to me as a teacher. I know how to teach those kids and talk about it. I use those skills every day with kids with foster care and on the outs. I notice red flags that other people might not notice.”
Bright Eyes, which she began writing in 2019 after meeting her lifelong idols — the band members of Duran, Duran — is a raw, powerful, and, in the end, cathartic story. While it was a tough write, she has been happy to discover while participating in book events that her writing has been helpful to those who have dealt with similar childhoods of neglect and abuse. A key point of the book, and perhaps the impetus for her to write it, is why is it so hard to break away from an abusive or addicted parent. This is the challenging situation that many teens face. She tried to leave her mom for many years before finally finding the courage to set herself free.
Mating Habits of Fireflies by Cathee St. Clair
A renowned local artist and now writer, Cathee St. Clair has lived in Truckee since 1988. She is best known in Truckee/North Tahoe for her exquisitely painted eggs and for introducing children to art through Arts for the Schools. St. Clair has also been working for many years on her recently published novel, Mating Habits of Fireflies.
The settings for St. Clair’s book are Italy and the San Francisco Bay Area during the Vietnam War and intertwines nature and the raw reality of what was going on in the world. The lead characters are a young artist who is a college student, “who processes life through her art, to make sense of life,” as St. Clair put it, as well as a young musician, with whom she quickly develops a deep connection. But then he draws the worst possible draft lottery number and faces being sent to Vietnam.
“The story is loosely based on my life, the things I experienced in that time,” she said. It started as a series of poems and morphed into a memoir, “but being plagued with a wild imagination and a poor memory, I decided to turn it into fiction, and write it in the third person to get more distance. It was then that the characters took over.”
St. Clair thrice attended what was then known as the Squaw Valley Community of Writers and worked with several editors and the Jibboom Street Writers before finally completing the book. “I had to mature a lot before I could tell this story,” she said. “It’s a story about perception and the healing power of art.”
All that hard work was worth it, as Mating Habits of Fireflies is a 2024 semifinalist in the Booklife Prize in Fiction and is featured as a Booklife Best of 2024.
The Laws Field Guide to Sierra Birds by John Muir Laws
True aficionados of the natural wonders of the Sierra Nevada often turn to John Muir Laws’ The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. In its 350 pages, there are over 2,000 drawings and paintings providing the essential information you need to identify everything from mushrooms to pine trees, beetles to birds, frogs to coyotes.
The popular field guide took Laws over six years to produce. Now, 20 years after the bird book’s original publication, a significantly revised edition of The Laws Field Guide to Sierra Birds has been published.
What has changed in the new edition? “There were a bunch of birds that were not in the original book, and my drawing skills have improved,” Laws said. “Drawing is a skill that you develop and the more you draw the better you get. In twenty years of pencil miles, my ability to render the birds has gotten better.”
In addition, some of the birds’ names have changed and Laws added new tips on how to spot birds more easily.
“I’ve always had a love of nature and natural history,” he said.
His dad was a bird watcher and taught him all about the birds. In addition to his love of nature, Laws also has a passion for the fine art of creating little masterpieces depicting every species, which is clearly evident in any of his books. How does Laws create his life-like renditions?
“I use photographs and study skins of preserved animals, but when I’m out in the field I’m constantly drawing the animals I see,” he said. “Drawing from life in the field is the best way to get a feeling for the bird.”
Voices from Tahoe by Barbara Weinetz
While Barbara Weinetz now lives in Wisconsin, her memories of life in Tahoe between the late 1970s and 2006 remain vivid. Known at the time as Barbara Olsen, she ran the PDQ market in Tahoma. When she left the Sierra, “for a long time I thought about writing a book about my experiences in Tahoe,” Weinetz said. Upon retiring, she finally found the time to do it and really enjoyed the experience.
“The more you write about somewhere you live, the more you remember the little things that made it special,” she said. Readers have told her the book helps them to remember fondly what it was like when they first came to Tahoe.
Voices from Tahoe is a mystery/suspense novel about a recently divorced woman who moves to Tahoe’s West Shore to run a market in the 1970s. It tells the tale of her new life learning to love the mountains and how three men come into her life through love, revenge, and mysterious circumstances. Part of the mystery is connected with Weinetz’s feeling that a spirit resides in the building, shared by other people who have worked at the Tahoma Market. Longtime Tahoma resident Ed Miller said Voices from Tahoe is “lots of fun and you may be able to identify some of the thinly veiled locals.”
Tengo un Feeling by Maria Ferres-Amat Tengo un Feeling is a bilingual tale about emotions, the idea for which was sparked by author Maria Ferres-Amat’s experience as a bilingual teacher and storyteller. She was inspired to create a bilingual book — not by simply mixing words, but by crafting a full story in two languages.
“Readers can seamlessly move between the languages, learning new words while immersing themselves in the story,” Ferres-Amat said. “When I tell stories, I often translate books on the spot, which made me realize how valuable it would be to have a book that’s already written in both languages. It’s a practical and fun tool for families and educators to encourage language learning while sharing a meaningful story.”
The story follows Arti on a journey as she navigates a day filled with emotions. From the joy of creativity to the frustration of challenges, this enchanting tale invites readers to explore and understand their feelings in both English and Spanish.
Ferres-Amat, who moved from Barcelona and for many years lived in Tahoe/Truckee, now resides in the Nevada City area but Tahoe will always hold a special place in her heart.
“Moving from Barcelona to Tahoe it was both exciting and challenging, but the warmth of the community made it a place where I could grow and thrive,” she said. “Tahoe is also where my journey as a bilingual creative teacher began, at a wonderful local preschool called Papoose. That experience allowed me to connect with families and truly made Tahoe feel like home.”
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.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activities for Meeting Groups
From picturesque mountain views to the crystal-clear waters of the largest and most beautiful alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe offers meeting groups more than just a place to gather. It’s also a destination where your attendees can make a positive difference on the world around them. Meet with purpose in our welcoming destination by adding these impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) opportunities to your conference or event agenda.
Tahoe Rim Trail
What better way to inspire teamwork than by rolling up your sleeves to help maintain the Tahoe Rim Trail? The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is always looking for volunteers to assist in preserving this 165-mile nature path, which loops around Lake Tahoe for both visitors and locals to enjoy. Your group can help the association through multiple CSR options.
Volunteer Activities
Trail Maintenance & Construction Trail Guides for Groups Cooking at Backcountry Camps Event Assistance Administrative Task Execution Community Outreach
These volunteer opportunities will help preserve one of Lake Tahoe’s most beloved trails and provide your attendees with the chance to bond while working together in the great outdoors.
Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association
If your meeting group is filled with biking enthusiasts, volunteer with the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) to combine their passion with a hands-on way to support multi-purpose trails located throughout Lake Tahoe. From May through November, TAMBA hosts “Trail Days,” when your attendees can help with trail building and maintenance. These CSR efforts are an excellent way to be a part of something special while creating lasting memories.
Keep Tahoe Blue – League to Save Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe would not be the beautiful mountain lake it is today without the help of Keep Tahoe Blue’s League to Save Lake Tahoe. Here’s your group’s opportunity to contribute to its continued preservation as well as the natural landscapes nearby. This environmental organization offers different ways to get involved.
The rewards for lending helping hands to this eco-organization are twofold. Not only is it a great way to be a part of Lake Tahoe’s lasting legacy, but it also allows your group to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and foster camaraderie.
Keep Tahoe Blue – Beach Clean-Ups
Besides maintaining the serene waters of Lake Tahoe, Keep Tahoe Blue also keeps its surrounding shores pristine. To accomplish this, the organization hosts beach and community cleanups that focus on clearing away plastic litter, trash and other debris that pollute the area.
If you’re interested in your group getting involved, engage in one or more of these CSR initiatives.
Ways to Help Keep Tahoe Blue
Combat Pollution on Your Own Attendees can download the free Citizen Science Tahoe app to report litter they find and its location before disposing of it. Data from the app is then used to advocate policy changes in Lake Tahoe.
Join a Cleanup Event Groups can sign up for beach and community cleanups that are held throughout the year.
Form a Tahoe Blue Crew While meeting here, your attendees can form a Tahoe Blue Crew to adopt and care for a special area of our alpine destination.
Terramar Lake Tahoe + Reno
Meeting planners looking to craft customized CSR programs for groups gathering in Lake Tahoe are in luck. With the help of Terramar Lake Tahoe + Reno, you can have social-impact activities arranged for your group, such as food bank volunteering, community gardening, wellness events, youth mentorship workshops and more. These efforts both give back to the community and promote team building among your attendees.
In addition, planners can partner with Terramar Lake Tahoe + Reno to handle the logistics of volunteering with and engaging with the mission-driven organizations mentioned above—the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association and Keep Tahoe Blue. This partnership makes it easier for your group to immerse themselves in community-driven initiatives while enhancing their meeting experience.
Get Started on Your Group’s CSR Journey
Contact the Visit Lake Tahoe team to start incorporating CSR initiatives into your meeting plans, or go ahead and submit your RFP.
South Lake Tahoe is the place to be for those that are looking to give the gift of an unforgettable Lake Tahoe experience. Between local shops and artisans, unique restaurants, and an endless array of outdoor activities, we have Lake Tahoe Gifts to stuff even the hardest-to-fill stocking. Check out our South Lake Tahoe holiday gift guide for our favorite local recommendations.
Lake Tahoe Gifts to Wrap
Heavenly Village is home to several art stores.
For those that like to wrap up their present and top it with a bow, you are sure to find that special piece you didn’t know you were looking for in one of the many local shops sprinkled around town.
Gaia-Licious Global Gifts is a true local treasure trove. Stocked to the brim with unique, handcrafted, and locally-made Lake Tahoe Gifts, this is a must-stop on any shopper’s visit to South Lake Tahoe.
Located in Heavenly Village, Pacific Crest Gallery offers a spectacular selection of fine art, sculptures, glass, jewelry, and gifts. From the sublime to the totally “Tahoe,” there is truly something for all tastes to be found here.
Village Toys has all your favorites! Classic & retro toys, nostalgic candy, board games & puzzles, educational & science toys, baby & preschool toys, books & videos, stuffed animals, arts & crafts; plus Lego, Barbie, John Deere, trains, Rubber band Guns, kites & outdoor toys, helium balloons, Lake Tahoe Souvenirs, & so much more!
A Lake Tahoe Gift to Remember
Give the gift of incredible views. Photo by Aramark / Rachid Dahnoun.
Sometimes the best gift is the most unforgettable experience. From skiing and snowboarding high in the Sierra Nevada mountains to kayaking, live events, and even snowmobiling, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to see. Here are some gifts for the intrepid explorer on your list.
No winter trip to South Lake Tahoe is complete without experiencing all that Heavenly Mountain Resort has to offer. Breathtaking views, plenty of room for fun, and terrain to challenge skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels awaits. Click here for lift tickets.
Clearly Tahoe specializes in providing unique guided tours in completely transparent kayaks, allowing guests to see Lake Tahoe up close and personal. This unforgettable journey along Tahoe’s east shore is an activity the whole family can enjoy together (ages 5 and up). Click here to see a full list of tours.
Glide through towering pine and aspen forests, breath in the fresh air, and marvel at the amazing scenery of the High Sierras at one of four snowmobile companies. South Lake Tahoe offers rides ranging from flat circular tracks through meadows, to winding trails along the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Tastes of Tahoe
South of North Brewing Company offers outdoor seating and great food. Photo by Paje Victoria.
For the foodie on your list, you can make the holidays a dream come true. With Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, or classic American fare, Lake Tahoe restaurants explode with unforgettable flavor.
Riva Grill on the Lake offers spectacular beachfront views and a unique menu that highlights local cuisine, wines, and Pacific seafood. Give the gift of a 10 ounce filet mignon, lobster tail, or whatever else your special someone is looking for.
Gordon Ramsay HELL’S KITCHEN is located in the historic Sage Room at Harveys, which was one of Tahoe’s first fine dining establishments. This restaurant shines a spotlight on many Hell’s Kitchen cast/chef recipes and dishes featured on the show including Pan Seared Scallops, Lobster Risotto, and Beef Wellington.
If you want to treat yourself (or someone else), Jimmy’s at The Landing Resort chefs cook up some superb California-Greek cuisine. The menu features fresh seafood, seasonal local veggies, and herbs, and rotating regionally inspired specials. You’ll be looking out at the mountains over a private beach while enjoying some elegant dining by a fire pit, or the indoor fireplace with your own private alcove.
Perched atop a hill near Kingsbury Grade and overlooking exquisite Lake Tahoe, Chart House is a legendary seafood restaurant known for being an excellent vacation destination. From its prime location, guests can witness Lake Tahoe’s most gorgeous sunsets, all while experiencing creative seafood dining and outstanding service. Nestled amongst the trees of the hilltop, the restaurant’s modern dining room feels like an extension of the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe area.
Even if your travels don’t bring you to Big Blue before the big guy in red starts harnessing the reindeer and loading the sleigh, there are plenty of ways to shop online for the perfect gift (or giftcard). When the shopping is finished and you’re ready to kick up your feet, check out our list of five lesser known winter activities.
There are multiple reasons why Lake Tahoe is world-renowned for its skiing and snowboarding. But one of the biggest is its snowfall. Compared to other regions, such as Colorado, where storms arrive in inches, here they come in FEET, but even so, making snow in Tahoe is an important way we ensure that terrain gets opened early. As anyone can attest, Old Man Winter can be a bit of a drama queen. So, when he’s feeling fickle—especially in the early season—we’re fortunate to be home to the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system: Heavenly Mountain.
Snowmaking operations at Heavenly Mountain Resort
How Big is Heavenly’s Snowmaking System?
In summary, Heavenly’s snowmaking operation is unmatched in Tahoe. In fact, it has more snowmaking capacity than Palisades Tahoe, Alpine, and Northstar combined. Their system can blow snow on 70% of its marked trails, and at peak capacity, they can cover a football field with 2 feet of snow in just 10 hours. In addition to the natural snowfall they receive, Heavenly boosts their snowpack by producing about 120 inches of snow each year.
Snowmaking is an Artform
When you hear ‘man-made snow,’ many people might think of a low-quality product on the slopes. But that’s not true at all. Like making great sourdough bread, the ingredient list is simple—just air and water. But it takes a practiced hand to create packed powder.
A Layered Cake
Then you must consider the time of year you visit as the type of snow they make will differ. Think of it like a layered cake. Near the ground, snowmakers will want denser snow because it’s more durable against ski traffic, and trails can be covered more quickly. That’s why, as snowmakers build the snowpack on open trails, you’ll find that the snow is softer—because its mix contains more air and less water.
When Can Heavenly Make Snow?
It’s not as simple as just saying ‘below freezing.’ Snowmakers need the water shot out of a snow gun to freeze before hitting the ground. For those who are meteorologists at heart, it’s all about the ‘wet bulb’ temperature. This tells you how easily water can evaporate based on humidity and air temperature. Without getting too technical, the magic number is 27.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Local Freshies® dives into the details of snowmaking in their article, Who Puts The ‘King’ In Snowmaking?
We get it. You only have so many trips available to you. While we won’t begrudge you if these behemoths in North America are a top priority to shred, we thought it would be fun to share some alternatives to the most popular ski resorts. In short, this isn’t the list of the most affordable ski resorts or a selection of our favorite non-Ikon or Epic pass holdouts. It’s rather a list of some of the most popular ski resorts to avoid and where are the best places to go on your ski trips instead to find the same vibes at a less crowded destination.
Aspen has always been the hotbed of the ski-town scene. Après isn’t just a few brews but rather an extension to the high quality skiing available at the assortment of ski resorts. For those with a discerning palate and enjoying the good life, look no further than Taos for one of your ski trips. When it comes to snow quality, nobody can compete with them. In fact, the snow is so dry that it seems to be made of bird feathers (don’t worry – no birds were harmed in the making of the snow). Then finish the day strolling through the promenade and celebrate with a dish of New Mexican cuisine. A fusion of Pueblo culture (i.e. Apache, Navajo) with Hispano Spanish & Mexican, your tastebuds will be cheering from all the unique flavors.
For The Powder Hound: Powder Mountain Not Snowbird
The terrain at Snowbird is amazing. Yes, the snow is deep. The problem is everyone in Salt Lake City knows it and that attracts skiers like bees to honey on a powder day. Not to mention every year the traffic to little Cottonwood Canyon has gotten worse and worse. If you want to enjoy the legendary deep snowfall but without the masses, head to Powder Mountain. It’s not on the Epic or Ikon Pass. And there’s over 6,464 skiable acres that are still open to the public to explore, if you’re willing to put in some hiking. Be forewarned! While the public can still access the mountain things are changing rapidly at Powder Mountain so you better go now before it’s too late.
Get Lost In The Woods: Red Mountain Resort Not Steamboat
Powder day on the paradise chair – Image appears courtesy: Red Mountain Resort
There’s something special about tree skiing or jumping into glades. Once you head off the main trails and make your own path, you’ll become addicted. It’s true that Steamboat’s slopes feature some of the most famous tree skiing on the planet. But, with over a million people visiting annually, expect them to get tracked out pretty quickly. For those wanting deep, dry snow and a varied selection of tree skiing, look no further than Red Mountain. Experts will enjoy Captain Jack’s Trees & Beer Belly while intermediates will froth over the goods flanking the Paradise Lift. With over 3,850 acres to feast upon, there’s a reason why their motto is “the last, great unspoiled resort” and why we think it’s one of the best places to go for one of your ski trips.
Palisades Tahoe has been the beating heart of extreme skiing for decades. A place that pushed athletes like Shane McConkey to the forefront. So, when the snow does fall, nearly every skier and snowboarder seems to come out of the woodwork within a 200-mile radius. On a busy powder day, expect A LOT of competition at one of the most popular ski resorts in North America. And with minimal tree skiing, visibility on a storm day can be difficult.
Skip the stress and head to the eastern side of Lake Tahoe to Diamond Peak. The views are spectacular, and the terrain is off the hook! And storm days won’t be a problem. Diamond Peak offers some of the best sheltered glade skiing in the basin when the winds are blowing. And compared to the other resorts in Tahoe, you’ll have the powder pretty much to yourself. Aside from giving you a break from the hustle and bustle of Tahoe’s larger ski resorts, Diamond Peak stands out with the fourth-largest vertical drop of any resort in the Basin, at 1,840 feet.
New England-Style Skiing: Smugglers’ Notch Not Stowe
Stowe is the true embodiment of what people envision as a pretty New England ski town. Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in Vermont, looms over the valley. It has a gorgeous bar at the summit and a grand resort hotel too. Heck, it’s even dubbed the Ski Capital Of The East and rightfully so due to the famed “front four” classic New England ski trails staring you down. Unfortunately, with it joining Epic, everyone else knows that too.
A better option if you still want to take in the culture but avoid the masses is to head over to its smaller neighbor, Smuggler’s Notch, who is still fiercely independent. Mount Mansfield still presides over Smuggs. The three inter-connected peaks provide 2,610 vertical feet of skiing across 1,000 acres. You can still find advanced and technical fall line skiing on Madonna Mountain. Enjoy and sample the sweet New England Maple-y glades. And the village of Smuggler’s Notch oozes that Vermont charm with a few less of those Wall Street brokers you’ll find in Stowe making it one of the best for one of your ski trips.
For The Trench Carving Fanatics: Sun Valley Not Park City
Photo by: Local Freshies®
It is true that Park City is the largest ski resort in North America boasting a whopping 7,300 acres and so there are plenty of places to find stashes. But it being the “king of the hill” brings a lot of attention, and its popularity has only grown over the years.
For that same world-class ski town and resort experience but with a fraction of the crowds, consider booking a trip to the town of Ketchum and its mighty resort – Sun Valley. This is a carver’s mountain dream. Due to its fast lifts and next to nothing lift lines, it’s easy for you to rack 70,000 vertical feet in a day, or for leisurely skiers that want to enjoy a relaxed lunch and a slow start, you can still get in 20 – 30,000 vertical feet. Combine that with drinking where Earnest Hemingway did, dining options you’d find in a big city, and high-quality grooming, it’s the perfect ski vacation destination. To read more about our personal experience – Farewell to Arms – All There Is To Skiing Bald Mountain.
For Those That Need Leg Room: Big Sky Not Whistler
Whistler is HUGE! Nearly 8,171 acres and 5,020 vertical feet of skiing & snowboarding available to you. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular ski resorts. But when you compare that to Big Sky with its 5,800+ acres and 4,350 vertical feet along with a 1 skier per acre average, it’s kinda hard to NOT want to visit Big Sky. From four mountain peaks to explore featuring more than 300 runs, featuring everything from steep chutes to smooth groomers, you’ll have lots of options if you do visit.
For The Steep n’ Deep: Revelstoke Not Jackson Hole
Image appears courtesy: Revelstoke Mountain Resort – Photo taken by: Tom Poole
There’s a reason why Jackson’s residential home starting price is at a whopping cool million. Surrounded by not one but TWO national parks, stunning vistas of the Tetons, and with some of the best snow on the planet falling on the steep terrain, there really is nothing like it. But the secret’s out and lift lines continue to exponentially increase. Just like the original settlers heading West for space, it’s time to head north… to Revelstoke. Home to a vertical drop that’s bigger than Jackson’s, steep terrain that’ll challenge the hardiest folk, and over 480 inches of snow annually, this place is downright glorious. AND, if you have a bit more money in the bank, you can even get a few days of cat or heli skiing in on one of your ski trips.
Ski-through village at Sun Peaks Resort – Image appears courtesy: Sun Peaks Resort
Since its inception in the 60’s, Vail’s goal was to provide the ultimate in winter fun. Inspired by mountain towns in Bavaria, the village gives a nod to classic European alpine architecture, but at the same time, high-end luxury such as pedestrian-friendly heated streets. Just like Vail, Sun Peak’s village gives a nod to European-style buildings as well, although when most think of British Columbia their thoughts go to Whistler where it’s rowdy, rambunctious, and home to a maritime snowpack (i.e. heavy snow). Just a few hours east though, Sun Peaks provides a more relaxed atmosphere that caters to everyone in the family. Together with snow that is as light and dry as you’d find in places like Colorado blanketing the 4,270 acres, you’ll have plenty to explore. And that’s why we think it’s one of the best places to go for one of your family ski trips.
Of course there are places like Jackson Hole that you NEED to ski once in your life, but after you do, it might be time to expand your horizons and check out some other locales that are a bit less crowded. For more about indy ski areas that feel less corporate, tips on when to visit certain ski areas, or even what gear to pack for a vacation head over to our in-depth guide:
To this day, I’m still tweaking and modifying my snowboard binding setup in small increments based on what makes me feel more balanced. On spring days were I’m ripping corn snow all day long, I might setup my stance to be a +21 and a +6 to let me really lean into the turns. I spend most of my days in the Hybrid department, since my park days are behind me due to back issues. I ride a +21 in the front and a -12 in the back. This is similar to when I do deep squats in the gym and so it allows me to feel comfortable.
