Archive for the ‘Local Events’ Category
Truckee River bike trail in Tahoe City
Even though the recent snow storms have given a late season boost to the ski season, the lower elevations of the Sierra are still either devoid of snow, or down to a pittance. So is there a good side to the mild winter we had?
This year, we’ve been given the opportunity to get out there and do our favorite outdoor activities earlier then ever. In fact, some great mountain biking and hiking trails will soon be ready for us to enjoy. Here are a few suggestions for places to go:
Bliss to Emerald Bay
Truckee Trails-All those wide open spaces north of Truckee are beginning to open up for mountain biking, hiking and running. The Emigrant Trail should be snow free soon, as well as the dirt roads between Prosser, Boca and Stampede Reservoirs. The Donner Rim trail is another sunny place to trek with views of the Sierra Crest and Donner Lake. If you haven’t tried one yet, this might be a good time to try a Fat Bike. These bruisers with super big tires, can roll right over any remaining packed down snow and mud.
Donner Lake Rim Trail
Emerald Bay-The trail to the Vikingsholm and along the south facing side of the bay is ready for hiking. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles and ospreys, and enjoy the quiet trails without the throngs of folks you will find there mid-summer.
Get on the lake-If you are treated to a warm day with no wind, grab your paddleboard or kayak and head to Donner Lake or Lake Tahoe. It’s beautiful, and probably free of boat wakes. But stay on your board and out of the water, because while the air temperature might be cozy, the water will be cold.
Donner Lake
Hit the TRT-The Tahoe Rim Trail section which heads north out of Tahoe City (from Fairway Drive) is south facing at a low elevation, the perfect combination for an early snowmelt. Climb for about a mile to a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River canyon, and feel the joy of boots on dirt.
Walk the river-The Truckee River Bike trail from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley is mostly free of snow. Take a relaxing stroll along the river.
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Here we go again. It’s time for Snowfest! North Tahoe and Truckee’s Winter Carnival. Ten days of races, parades, strange and bizarre events, and lots of chances to eat, drink and be merry.
This year the theme is “Bring back the 80s.” So head up to the attic and find that bright 80s ski gear and get ready to party. Everyone has their favorite Snowfest event they can’t wait to get back to year after year, and then of course it is fun to try something new and different as well.
The Old Favorites-
Begin your week by heading to Squaw Valley for the Torchlight Parade, Laser Light Show, Fireworks and Snowfest Queen Coronation on February 28th. Then don’t miss our home town funky parades in Tahoe City on March 1st and Kings Beach on March 8th. While sometimes it seems like there are more kids in the parade then watching it, that’s what makes it fun. After the Tahoe City Parade head on over to Garwoods to watch a large contingent of fools jump in Lake Tahoe and swim way too far out as part of the Polar Bear Swim.
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Then of course, if you get hungry you could hit the Sunnyside Luau on March 2nd for some delicious Hawaiian style fare, or get something that sticks to your ribs at The Bridgetender Rib Fest on March 7th.
Something New and Different
How about trying Granlibakken’s Gone Bonkers Kids Ski Race on March 2nd? There’s a course full of bumps and obstacles to make it interesting and fun for the little ones.
Or how about the Tahoe Mountain Man contest? Here is your chance to show off your skills at snow shoveling, climbing over berms and putting on chains.
After all that Mountain Man stuff it’s time for some pizza. Head off to Zano’s in Truckee for the Godfather Pizza Eating Challenge. Can you eat a four pound pizza all by yourself? Now is your chance to find out.
These are just a few of the fun things to become a part of over the next ten days. Go to www.tahoesnowfestival.com to check out the full calender of events.
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Also this week: Catch the last of the Alpenglow Mountain Festival.
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Thursday Feb. 27: Cross country ski tour with Grassechi from 9-10am at Tahoe City Winter sports Park. Nordic skills clinic from 1o:30am until noon. Alpenglow Sports Winter Wildlands Alliance Back-country Film Festival from 7-10pm.
Friday Feb 28: Cross country ski tour from 9-10am at Tahoe Cross Country and a Nordic skills clinic from 10:30am-noon. A beginners guide to cross country skiing from 7-9pm at Alpenglow Sports.
Saturday, March 1: Nordic demo day from 9am-3pm at Tahoe Cross Country
For more info, visit alpenglowsports.com
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ALSO: Don’t miss the last 3 events of the Rahlves Banzai Tour:
March 1-2 at Squaw Valley,
March 8-9 at Alpine Meadows and
March 15-16 at Sugarbowl. For more info, visit
http://www.rahlvesbanzai.com
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Think of me, Lynn Richardson, for all of your Truckee/Tahoe real estate needs
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Yes, it’s that time of year again. When we take stock of 2013, and make plans for the steps we want to take in 2014. Let’s not call them resolutions, because we know those usually don’t work. What if instead, we just look at doing a few things in 2014 that will make us feel good, while maybe doing good for the community as well:
1) Find a local organization to support: While giving is an important part of what makes the winter holidays special, how about continuing that spirit of giving all year round? In fact the organizations that do good around these parts probably need our help even more once the soft glow of Christmas giving has flittered away. Whether it’s a financial donation or a gift of your time, it will be greatly appreciated and will brighten up the lives of those in need. Hands on Tahoe is a wonderful organization that connects volunteers to the community.
Community Christmas Food Drive
2) Try a new sport: Have you paddleboarded, kayaked, road biked, cross-country skied or snowshoed? Or thought about trying something a little more daring like snow kiting or rock climbing? The Sierra is loaded with different ways to enjoy what nature has given us, and there are lots of folks who can rent you the equipment and teach you how to do your new sport right. Who knows, perhaps it will become your new favorite.
Hiking in January above Donner Lake
3) Find a new trail: If you’ve hiked or biked much of the Tahoe Rim Trail or the Donner Lake Rim Trail, how about finding a new and different trail to explore. There is nothing quite as cool as that first time on a lovely ribbon of single track.
4) Seek out a new business. There are many small businesses that show off the work of local artists, or put out a delicious cup of joe. Go out there and experience something new. In the process you will help a few Tahoe/Truckee folks bring in some money, which they will then turn around and spend to support other businesses and our little towns.
5) Still want to make a resolution to lose ten pounds? What if instead you call it a “get outside every day and do something active in our beautiful place” resolution? It’s amazing how being outside in the wilderness where there are no refrigerators just makes the pounds drop off.
Have a very Happy New Year, and go have some fun!
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