By Tim Hauserman
Rare snow conditions have created more avalanche danger in the Tahoe Basin this year than we normally experience in a decade.
www.rgj.com/story/life/outdoors
A few were caught in avalanches, but fortunately, lived to tell the tale.
Sadly, one winter enthusiast wasn’t so fortunate. Recently a 23 year old Sugar Bowl Ski Instructor, Curtis May, didn’t return to his locker after an afternoon of skiing in heavy snow. An extensive search by hundreds of volunteers, ski area employees, and law enforcement personnel had to be called off after several days after May was not found.
Unfortunately, tragic circumstances such as this are not unheard of in the winter paradise that is Tahoe. Skiers and snowboarders get lost or caught in avalanches. Fortunately, Tahoe has a number of highly trained rescue personnel that go out and save the vast majority of those lost, but the goal of all should be to stay safe in the backcountry and avoid putting yourself and rescuers in danger.
Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, a group which might be the group which heads out into the snow to find you if you get lost, has created a Winter Awareness brochure which provides useful information to keep people safe.
Here are a few key points:
Before you go:
Check the weather forecast.
Check the avalanche report www.sierraavalanchecenter.org
Check your equipment and make sure everything is in working order.
Bring a basic emergency kit
Dress in layers, avoid cotton, and bring enough layers in case you are stuck in the cold for a long period of time.
Be fed, hydrated and well rested
Go with a fully charged cell phone. Search and rescue got a few pings off the missing individual’s cell phone, but it stopped soon after. Rescuers are assuming the battery died.
Consider investing in an avalanche beacon. They are at a nominal cost and can help rescuers find you should you get caught in an avalanche.
Before you go, tell a responsible person the three W’s:
Where you are going
When you will be returning
Who you are going with.
Once you are out on your adventure:
Recognize and avoid avalanche prone terrain. If you are backcountry skiing or heading out of bounds you owe it to yourself and those who rescue you to be fully trained in avalanche danger, and to act responsibly.
Don’t ski out of bounds. A snowboarder recently posted a video of what his go pro caught as he triggered an avalanche in a restricted area at Sugarbowl the same day May went missing. He was a very lucky man to be alive, however Sugarbowl is considering legal action.
Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia and understand how to prevent it (See dress in layers above).
In case of an emergency. Remember to STOP:
Stop-Stay put in a safe place. The further you go the longer it will take rescuers to find you.
Think-Evaluate your options.
Observe-Look around and use what you see to help the situation.
Plan-Formulate a plan of action. Control your thoughts, think positive.
For more information go to tahoenordicsar.com
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
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by Tim Hauserman
The Tahoe Rim Tour, one of the most interesting and challenging cross-country ski races in the region, is set to run for it’s 8th time this upcoming Sunday, January 24th. The race begins from the back of the North Tahoe High School, travels through the trails of Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area, then climbs to the top of the Fiberboard Freeway to an aid station at Starratt Pass. For Great Ski Race participants, the course to this point will seem familiar, but now the route diverges and the Tahoe Rim Tour continues on the Fiberboard, then enters the trail systems of Northstar. The route follows rolling terrain through Northstar before eventually reaching the finish line at Northstar Cross-Country.
The race is 26 km and includes both a classic wave at 9:00 am, and a skating wave at 9:30.
There is more then 2000 feet of climbing, making for a challenging, but spectacular course.
Several factors make the race unique and fun:
It is a point to point race.
Some of the terrain is not groomed on a regular basis, so the race gives you the opportunity to experience a route that you don’t often get to ski.
While both skating and classic styles are represented, it is the only long distance race in the Tahoe region with an emphasis on classic skiing, with the classic division counting for the Fisher Cup Race Series.
![hh_TCX_View_web_2[1]](https://yourfriendinhighplaces.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/hh_tcx_view_web_21.jpg?w=300&h=199)
Courtesy of Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area
While many will race the event, you can also take your time (although not too much time as there are time cutoffs). Either way there will be a party and food waiting at the finish line in Northstar, and buses back to the start when you have had enough.
The Tahoe Rim Tour is a fundraiser for the Far West Nordic Association, and is sponsored by Northstar Resort and Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area. To register or volunteer go to farwestnordic.org
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
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By Michelle Portesi
Cedar Glen Lodge in Tahoe Vista
The holidays are upon us, the kids are out of school, and Mother Nature has blessed us with snow this year! There is plenty to do and see here in between cozying up to a fire and hot toddys.
Skiing and Snowboarding – of course! Fresh powder means hitting the mountain for fresh turns. With approximately 20 ski areas in and around the Tahoe basin, you have plenty to choose from.
Ice Skating – There are several places to take a turn on the ice. Northstar, the Truckee Park, the top of Squaw Valley and The Resort at Squaw Creek all have ice rinks.
Snowshoeing – everywhere! The great thing about snowshoes is that once you have your equipment, you can almost do it right out your back door. Well, almost. My favorite spots are Sugar Pine Point in Tahoma and The Donner Memorial Park at Donner Lake, but anywhere there is public access to wide expanses of snow will suffice.
Photo from Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows
Eat, Drink and be Merry! – Tahoe and Truckee abound with great places to dine, some even putting on a Christmas dinner for those of you who don’t want to cook! Here are a few suggestions.
www.riverranchlodge.com
www.ritzcarlton.com
www.loneeaglegrille.com
OR…Call your favorite restaurant for information on their holiday hours.
Events Calendar from Tahoe Weekly
DEC. 24 Thursday
Holiday sip and paint
The Ritz-Carlton and Painted Vine partnered to offer a holiday-inspired evening of painting and sampling wine or champagne. Create a winter masterpiece with step-by-step instruction. Ages 21 and older. $75. | RSVP (530) 562-3035
DEC. 24-25 Thursday and Friday
Holiday Festivities Northstar
Enjoy holiday festivities throughout the Village at Northstar with holiday fun for all ages. Meet Santa daily from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Enjoy sleigh rides from noon to 3 p.m., join the daily Ripperoo Parade at 3:45 p.m., write Letters to Santa, and Ski with Santa on the mountain from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 25. | northstarcalifornia.com
Torchlight Parade Soda Springs
Enjoy the Torchlight Parade, gifts from Santa, cocoa, coffee and photos with Santa at 5 p.m. at the bottom of Nob Hill. | sugarbowl.com
Skiing with Santa Norden
Come meet and ski with Santa at Sugar Bowl from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the bottom of Nob Hill. | sugarbowl.com
Santa and Penguin Pete Incline Village
Celebrate the holidays with Santa and Penguin Pete at Diamond Peak. Take a photo and get a candy cane between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. | diamondpeak.com
The Ritz- Carlton Lake Tahoe, at Northstar
DEC. 25 Friday
Breakfast with Santa Tahoe Donner
Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Tahoe Donner Downhill at 10 a.m. | tahoedonner.com
Family snowshoe tour Northstar
Grab the kids and join a Family Afternoon Snowshoe Tour for a 3-hour, guided tour for all ages to a historic red caboose set in an alpine meadow for hot chocolate, cookies, and snow play from 1 to 4 p.m. $50, $30 12 and younger, $20 rentals. | RSVP northstarcalifornia.com
Full Moon Snowshoe Tour Tahoe Vista
Enjoy learning about natural history and astronomy from knowledgeable guides while snowshoeing under the full moon. Treks are 2 to 3 miles and include snacks, hot drinks, snowshoes and poles, and permit fees. $65. | tahoeadventurecompany.com
DEC. 26 Saturday
Snow Fort Building Competition Olympic Valley
Resort at Squaw Creek hosts a Snow Fort Building Competition from 1 to 2 p.m. Meet at the ice rink. | squawcreek.com
Dessert decorating Olympic Valley
Resort at Squaw Creek hosts Dessert Decorating in the lobby from 2 to 4 p.m. $5. | squawcreek.com
Village Station grand opening Soda Springs
Celebrate the grand opening of the new Village Station at Royal Gorge from 4 to 6 p.m. with cocktails and appetizers. | royalgorge.com
Snowshoe Under The Stars Northstar
Tahoe Star Tours hosts guided snowshoe tours with Tony Berendsen featuring a lively science-based talk about the cosmos and poetry reading. Guests of all ages will enjoy an easy to moderate snowshoe walk with an unobstructed view of the cosmos, followed by the opportunity to view constellations through high-powered, professional telescopes manufactured by Celestron. Tours are 2 to 2½ hours. Meet at 5 p.m. at Northstar Cross Country Center. $43-$61 | northstarcalifornia.com
DEC. 26-27 Saturday-Sunday
Holiday Crafts Olympic Valley
Resort at Squaw Creek hosts Holiday Crafts in the lobby from 6 to 7 p.m. $5. | squawcreek.com
Moonlit Snowshoe Tour Alpine Meadows
After the mountain closes and the winter moon rises, experience a snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine Meadows. Enjoy an intimate seated dinner where you’ll be served an Alps-inspired menu with dishes like potato cheese soup, chicken cordon bleu and apple strudel. This unique experience is only available for 50 guests and available during select dates during the winter season. | squawalpine.com
DEC. 26-30 Saturday-Thursday
Family Movies Olympic Valley
Resort at Squaw Creek hosts Family Movies at 7 p.m. | squawcreek.com
DEC. 27-29 Sunday-Tuesday
Stella Pop Up Dinner Truckee
Stella at The Cedar House Sport Hotel offers its pop up winter dinner series with one menu and one seating from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with an Après Pop Up. Diners are encouraged to ask questions of the kitchen staff, join in conversations and savor the tasting menu. Each course is served with brief comments about ingredients or technique. $97. | RSVP cedarhousesporthotel.com
DEC. 27-30 Sunday-Wednesday
Snowshoe Tours Olympic Valley
Resort at Squaw Creek hosts Sunset Snowshoe Tours at 4:30 p.m. night. $20 per person includes rentals. | squawcreek.com
DEC. 28 Monday
Farm to Table dinner Olympic Valley
Farm-to-Table dinner and a movie in collaboration with the Tahoe Food Hub and other local farmers features a four-course, family style meal. The event is capped with an all-ages movie for the kids to enjoy in comfortable seating while the parents sit back and enjoy dessert and cocktails at 5:30 p.m. at Squaw Valley. | RSVP squawalpine.com.
DEC. 29 Tuesday
Snowshoe Under The Stars Northstar
Tahoe Star Tours hosts guided snowshoe tours with Tony Berendsen featuring a lively science-based talk about the cosmos and poetry reading. Guests of all ages will enjoy an easy to moderate snowshoe walk with an unobstructed view of the cosmos, followed by an unobstructed view of the cosmos, followed by the opportunity to view constellations through high-powered, professional telescopes manufactured by Celestron. Tours are 2 to 2½ hours. Meet at 5 p.m. at Northstar Cross Country Center. $43-$61 | northstarcalifornia.com
DEC. 30 Wednesday
Farm to Table dinner Olympic Valley
Farm-to-Table dinner and a movie in collaboration with the Tahoe Food Hub and other local farmers features a four-course, family style meal. The event is capped with an all-ages movie for the kids to enjoy in comfortable seating while the parents sit back and enjoy dessert and cocktails at 5:30 p.m. at Squaw Valley. | RSVP squawalpine.com.
DEC. 31 Thursday
Snowcat, torchlight parades Mount Rose
Enjoy après at Mt. Rose before heading into town for dinner. A snowcat parade kicks off the festivities at 4:45 p.m. followed by a kids torchlight parade at 5:30 and a fireworks show at 5:50 p.m. | skirose.com
Bring the glitter to the mountain Homewood
Start the New Year’s celebration off at Homewood Mountain Resort by dressing up in your most glamorous outfit to receive discounts in the North Lodge from 3 to 5 p.m. and enjoy an afternoon performance by Tahoe Flow Arts Studio starting at 4 p.m. with a breathtaking performance featuring acro-yoga and hula hooping acrobatics. | skihomewood.com.
Sunset Snowshoe Tour Tahoe Donner
This scenic snowshoe hike meets at Trout Creek Recreation Center and the tour will go from 4 to 5:30 p.m. | RSVP tahoedonner.com
Torches at Tahoe Donner Tahoe Donner
Kids ages 10 and older who can ski intermediate runs unassisted are invited to participate in the annual Torchlight Parade at Tahoe Donner at 6:15 p.m. Enjoy a DJ and snacks before the parade. | tahoedonner.com
New Year’s Eve celebrations Olympic Valley
The Resort at Squaw Creek rings in the New Year with three celebrations. The New Year’s Eve Grand Celebration is tailored to the 21 and older crowd while Kid’s Night Out is geared toward children ages 4 to 12 and the Teen’s Night Out focuses on ages 13 to 20. Each party features dinner, live music, party favors and entertainment. Tickets $40 for children and teens, $75 for adults, $100 for one adult and one child. | RSVP (530) 581-6610
Dine at High Camp | Olympic Valley
After a day on the slopes head to the Village Events Plaza Stage for après and live music with Chi McClean from 2 to 4 p.m. followed by a New Year’s Eve dinner at High Camp from 6 to 9 p.m. The festivities really begin with a fireworks exhibition in The Village at 7 p.m. followed by a late-night party at the Olympic House from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. | squawalpine.com
New Year’s Eve celebrations Northstar
The Ritz-Carlton hosts a buffet of seasonal delights followed by an evening of live music, ice skating and fireworks to ring in the New Year in the Village at Northstar at 9 p.m. Afterwards enjoy music and dancing in The Living Room. | ritz-carlton.com
New Year’s Eve Party West Shore
The West Shore cafe hosts its annual New Year’s Eve party with live music by Ike and Martin and a four-course meal followed by a champagne toast at midnight. | RSVP (530) 525-5200
Mountain Table Dinner Northstar
The Mountain Table Dinner Series offers a unique dining experience in the Zephyr Lodge on select dates this season. Each dinner will feature a winery or brewery complemented by a menu featuring locally and regionally sourced produce and proteins prepared by Executive Chef Steve Anderson. Seating for all dinners will be family style with live music. | northstarcalifornia.com
Fire & Ice Eve Northstar
Ring in the New Year with live music, ice skating and roasting s’mores by the fire at Northstar Resort. Enjoy a fireworks exhibition and fun with the whole family. | northstarcalifornia.com
New Year’s Eve Stella Truckee
Stella at The Cedar House Sport Hotel offers its pop up winter dinner series with one menu and one seating from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Diners are encouraged to ask questions of the kitchen staff, join in conversations and savor the tasting menu. Each course is served with brief comments about ingredients or technique. $227 | RSVP cedarhousesporthotel.com
Live music, parties & fireworks Area venues
Ring in the New Year with live music, fireworks shows, cruises on Lake Tahoe and more celebrations around the Tahoe and Truckee region. Make dinner reservations in advance at your favorite restaurant, book a night out on the town (including that room to party late), and take in a fireworks celebration to welcome 2016. See “Ring in the New Year” in The Music Scene in this edition for celebrations.
Celebrate the Holidays Olympic Valley
Celebrate the holidays in the Village at Squaw Valley with Santa visits, carolers, kids games and movies, live music and moonlit snowshoe tours throughout the holiday weeks. Ring in the New Year with dinner and fireworks at High Camp on Dec. 31. | squawalpine.com
For more ideas on things to do, go here: thetahoeweekly.com
Or…check the website of your favorite ski resort!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LYNN RICHARDSON, YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES!
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YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES 