Archive for the ‘Squaw Valley’ Tag
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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The Sochi Olympic Games are over. For some athletes, medals in hand, they have won the ultimate prize they have worked their entire lives in pursuit of. For other athletes, the only spoils they take home are the memories. I hope for all who competed, they are glorious ones.
I thought it would be nice to do a follow up to the previous post from January as to how our local athletes did. Here’s the breakdown:
Julia Mancuso, Squaw Valley, Alpine Skiing, super combined- Bronze
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Jamie Anderson, South Lake Tahoe, Snowboarding – Gold
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Maddie Bowman, South Lake Tahoe, Freestyle Skiing- Gold
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David Wise, Reno, Freestyle Skiing – Gold
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Danny Davis, Truckee, Snowboarding half pipe – 10th
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Travis Ganong, Squaw Valley, Alpine Skiing – 5th
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Chas Guldemond, Reno, Snowboarding slopestyle – 15th
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Nate Holland, Truckee, Snowboardcross – sadly did not make it through qualifying rounds
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Tim Jitloff, Reno, Alpine Skiing – 15th
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Karly Shorr, Truckee, Snowboarding Slopestyle – 6th
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Marco Sullivan, Squaw Valley, Alpine Skiing – Downhill – 30th
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Hannah Teter -snowboard, half pipe- 4th
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Ryan Stassel -snowboard slopestyle – 14th
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And what were the final results for all of the marquis athletes that aren’t from the area, but NBC showcased as our top contenders?
From left to right:
Meryl Davis and Charlie White came home with the Gold for Ice Dancing, and a Bronze in the Team event.
Mikaela Shiffrin (Alpine Skiing) won a Slalom Gold.
Shani Davis (long track) surprisingly did not come home with any medals after multiple medal wins in previous Olympics and medal wins in several world cup competitions just before the Olympics.
J.R. Celski, along with his team mates Jordan Malone, Eddy Alvarez and Chris Creveling won a Silver medal in Short Track Speedskating in the 3000m relay, and the only medal for U.S. Speedskating.
Shaun White shockingly finished just off the podium at 4th in the half pipe. He did have the highest score at the event, unfortunately, during a qualifying round, not when it counted the most.
Gracie Gold brought home a Bronze medal in the team figure skating event, and just off the podium in 4th for the Ladies figure skating event.
Ted Ligety won a Gold medal in Giant Slalom.
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Congratulations to all our athletes, no matter where they placed. You represented the USA proud and well.
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Sign at Squaw Valley made by some of the local kids congratulating local skiers
Julia Mancuso and Travis Ganong.
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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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