Archive for the ‘Snowfest’ Tag
One of the things that makes Tahoe and Truckee the wonderful places they are is The Great Ski Race. After having to cancel last year due to a lack of snow, the race is back for it’s 37th rendition this year.
At 9:00 am on March 3rd, the first of a number of waves of skiers will set off from Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area near Tahoe City. The fastest racer will fly over Starratt Pass and make the 30 kilometer jaunt to Cottonwood Lodge just above downtown Truckee in about one hour and ten minutes. Lots of top skate skiers will race to the finish in under two hours, determined to show themselves that they still got it. On the other hand, there are a large group of skiers who are just out to enjoy the day, they stop at the two soup stations along the route to enjoy a snack, and then saunter on down to the finish line. The last of the nearly 1000 racers may take five hours or more to reach the final steep hill before the finish.
Sure, The Great Ski Race is a big cross-country ski race, the biggest in the Western United States in fact, but more importantly it is a great community event. Many skiers do it every year, trying to best their previous times, or those of their friends. For others, they’ve been hearing about it for years, and have finally determined that this will be the year. The party at the end is a raucous celebration of winter, and for many the highlight of the day.
And it’s all for a good cause. The Great Ski Race is the major fundraiser for the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team. Those are the guys and gals that head out into blizzards to rescue lost skiers or whomever else made a wrong turn or found some bad luck at the wrong time. They have saved a lot of lives and the race helps give them the equipment and resources they need to keep their operation running smoothly and effectively. For more information go to www.thegreatskirace.com
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The first week of March in the Tahoe-Truckee area means Snowfest! Ten days of fun events including ski races, eating contests and of course a few home town parades, make Snowfest a fun time to experience Tahoe.
Here are a few event favorites to look for:
March 1st-The Grand Opening ceremony at Squaw Valley includes the coronation of the Snowfest Queen, a Laser light show, fireworks and torch light skier parade down the slopes of Squaw. Speaking of the Snowfest Queen competition, the contest is based on an interview, resume, and who can sell the most Snowfest Raffle Tickets. The proceeds from raffle ticket sales are split between the Snowfest organization and a worthy non-profit that the girls are supporting. The contest winner gets a scholarship, so please buy tickets to help a hard working girl and our local community.
March 2nd and 9th-The Parades. The first, is in Tahoe City on March 2nd and then the following weekend on March 9th Kings Beach puts on their show. Look for kids marching, fire trucks wailing, Snowfest Queen and court waving, Old Man winter, and plenty of fun home town kitschy touches.
March 2nd-Garwoods Polar Bear Swim. After the Tahoe City parade, a few hearty folks swim all the way to the end of the Garwoods pier in water that can only be described as really, really cold. Hopefully the chill is lessened by the crowds of people cheering them on, or the alcohol they consumed before entering the water.
New this year, Sugar Bowl is hosting the Jack London Commemorative Sierra Sled Dog Derby on March 3rd and 4th. The event attempts to capture the classic sled dog races of old.
At Snowfest there are lots of fun events happening every day. Check out the choices at
http://www.tahoesnowfestival.com, or call 530-583-7167.
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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