Vistana Front Desk Blog

All the news and happenings on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, through the eyes of the Front Desk staff at the Tahoe Vistana Inn.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Winter Wonderland 2010










Wow! Your blogger has been painting and heading out with snowshoes and didn't update. I'm finally sitting down to let you know of our beautiful snowglobe like holiday plans in Tahoe Vista in close by surrounding ski resorts and small towns.
We are central to ski resorts so you can take your pick!
feet of new snow in the last 24 hours. That makes more than 14 feet of snow falling at the ski resorts’ higher elevations since late October, with more snow on the way. It started dumping heavily last night and this morning we woke up to bluebird skies and a ton of fresh powder, perfect conditions for skiing and riding.

Most North Lake Tahoe ski resorts have opened, including Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain Resort, Donner Ski Ranch, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Royal Gorge Cross Country, Soda Springs, Spooner Lake Cross Country, Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl, Tahoe Cross Country, Tahoe Donner Cross Country and Tahoe Donner Downhill.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Granlibakken Lodge just opened Friday, December 17. Granlibakken’s sledding hill is open and has been a family tradition for us for several years. Fun family play with no experience necessary and it really takes you back to another time when life seemed simpler and freer. Our motel does the same thing....a perfect getaway for friends and family and a chance

Another great place to cross country ski and snowshoe is Ed Z’berg- Sugar Pine Point State Park on the West Shore, which offers routes, used during the 1960 Winter Olympics, on five color-coded trails, ranging from one to three miles in length. Trailheads are located on the campground and day-use sides of the park.

Après ski, mark your calendar for a slew of North Lake Tahoe events this weekend. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe hosts “Saturday with Santa” Saturday, December 18, 2-5 p.m., in Incline Village with complimentary photos with Old Saint Nick and holiday treats, including fresh-baked cookies, hot mulled cider and hot chocolate.
2 pm
Toccata-Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presents Messiah series in nearby Incline Village.
The program features selections from Handel’s Messiah along with many holiday favorites. The concert will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Incline Village. The Sierra Nevada College Choir is collaborating with Toccata in this concert. See Toccata website for more information or call 775-313-9697.
Holiday Festivities in the Village at Northstar
12pm-2:30pm From 12/18 through 12/24 there will be live music in the Village and Santa will be in a different Village location each day from 12:00pm to 2:30pm to take pictures with kids.
Hair Band Tribute-free show Saturday at the Crystal Bay Club right next door where local atmosphere mixes with great casinos and entertainment. Saturday, Dec. 18
9 pm Metalshop, an outrageously funny spoof of 80s Heavy Metal music featuring some of the best musicians.
Sunday there is a one day telemark instruction event at Northstar-at-Tahoe. A must for those who have always wanted to try this fun sport.10am Learn how to Telemark or improve your skills. Instruction will begin promptly at 10am at the Cross-Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center located at mid-mountain at Northstar and will include an all access lift ticket, 4 hours of instruction, video analysis, PSIA manual, demo equipment if needed and a lunch voucher to be used at Northstar Resort outlets.

Luna Chix Skate Ski Clinic with Katerina Nash at Northstar Resort
11am-1pm 11am – 1pm at the Northstar Resort Cross-Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center. Event is free of charge however Luna Chix will accept $10 donations from participants. All participants must have a lift ticket and equipment.

Moonlight Snowshoe Tours at Northstar Resort
5pm Tours begin at 5pm Dec 20 and Dec 21 from the Cross-Country Center at Northstar Resort. This event features a guided snowshoe tour, hot chocolate, s'mores and live music by a bonfire. Snowshoe rentals are available. Reservations recommended.
www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com

Full Moon & Winter Solstice Snowshoe Adventure, Regional Park, Tahoe Vista
Adventure Join us for one of our very special Full Moon Treks through the brisk mountain air and wintery forest. As we travel by moonlight, our professional, knowledgeable guides will discuss Natural History and Astronomy topics as well as fascinating moon facts. Includes hot drinks, snacks, gear, permit fees and knowledgeable guides. Reservations required. This is practically next door to us!
Actually about one mile or less from the resort. Do drive up there though!

Astronomy Snowshoe Adventure, Regional Park, Tahoe Vista, CA
4:30-8:30pm Tahoe Adventure Company and Tony Berendsen present: Telescopic tours of the midnight sky. It all starts with guided sunset snowshoeing, followed by a brilliant tour of the midnight sky with professional astronomer Tony Berendsen. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks during Tony's entertaining presentation of the winter night sky. Reservations required. TahoeAdventureCompany.com

Danny Sturtevant At the Cottonwood Restaurant, Truckee, CA
6 pm Great contemporary pop and originals at the Cottonwood Restaurant, Truckee, CA.
We have great close by restaurants but when we go shopping in Truckee this is one of our favorites-great authentic Caesar salad and fresh specials.

Holiday Wine Tasting at Uncorked, Village at Squaw Valley, CA
5:00 to 7:00 pm ~ Taste some great wines at a fun party at Uncorked Squaw Valley in the Village at Squaw Valley. No tickets required, just show up.

Snowshoe Skills & Running Clinic at Northstar Resort
Date: Dec 23, 2010 (Thu)
Website: www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com


11:30am-1pm Open to all and led by Atlas Snowshoe and Salomon Trail Running Team members Ross and Sarah McMahan. Clinic will include training tips, clothing, managing energy and fueling your body. Technique for running on groomed trails, fresh snow, hills will be covered. Free with purchase of a trail pass.

Holiday Music at Alpine Meadows, Tahoe City, CA
Date: Dec 23, (Thu) - Dec 24, 2010 (Fri)
Website: http://www.skialpine.com/lake-tahoe-events/calendar/12-23-2010/holiday-music!
2pm - 6pm Bring the family to the Last Chair after a day on the slopes and celebrate the holidays with good music, good company, and a great atmosphere.

Leroy Virgil & His Wishkah Ramblers ~ Free at Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, NV
Date: Dec 24, 2010 (Fri)
Website: crystalbaycasino.com


9 pm The alternative country rockers play a free Red Room show.
Christmas with Santa at Tahoe Donner Downhill, Truckee, CA
Date: Dec 25, 2010 (Sat)
Website: www.skitahoedonner.com


Noon Santa makes a special visit to the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. Join Santa for a half-day of skiing and riding fun. The Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area will open at noon.
More of this post to follow (into New Year's day for events.)
I've got to go snow shoe a bit for lunch. The snow is amazing!!!!







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Friday, May 28, 2010

Memorial Day weekend/Summer is here!






This has been an amazing month! Flowers have burst forth, birds are singing, and we have had snow to kiss the blossoms.
Therefore, not only will there be lovely BBQ smells wafting through the pines, but three-possibly four ski resorts have re-opened. Squaw Valley, Sierra at Tahoe and Boreal are opening for the extended weekend, along with Heavenly open for sledding.
The sunshine is back so you really can come up and enjoy the benefits of two seasons.
I'm glad there is road to run on and my snow loving buddies are heading up to Squaw.
Come and enjoy uncrowded beauty, fantastic picture taking possibilities and perhaps some hot cider or a root beer float.

Monday, April 12, 2010

The perfect time to come up for a romantic getaway.


Yes, there is snow but it is not on the roads and it's just around for beautiful pictures and cute effects. It is uncrowded in North Tahoe and the boots on the ground fun has just begun. The hot tub is just perfect...and there are still areas where you can ski!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Amazing Snow in Lake Tahoe



You will just love our snowpack so far.
Northstar reports 9 new inches and 83 for the season.
They have great skiing for all levels.

Squaw Valley reports a 110 inch base with no new updated totals.
They are celebrating the anniversary of the 1960 Olympics held there so look for related activities this season. http://www.squaw.com
The sixties' picture shown here is on of their archive photos...

Mt Rose has beautiful views and 8 new inches added to the 65 inch base.
Saturday there is an '80's retro party.....http://www.mtrose.com/ This is their web cam-http://www.mtrose.com/web_cams.php

Alpine Meadows reports 18 inches from the last storm and 135 to date.
Jan 29 Alpine Meadows
KFOG Ditch Day!
Ditch work and ski with the KFOG team!
Feb6
Alpine Club Jamaica Ski...
Join them as they celebrate the Jamaica Ski Team with live music, BIG raffle...
http://www.alpinemeadows.com/lake-tahoe-skiing

Homewood
http://www.skihomewood.com/This is one of our family day favorites...the color picture shown in this blog is their front side view.


A special welcome back to Mr. and Mrs. K and beautiful family....enjoy! H.R.

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Monday, December 14, 2009

Fresh Snow in Tahoe!




It's glorious here! White and fluffy......the roads are fine and your favorite ski resort awaits your shouts of delight as you make your first run of the season.
Don't miss this one..........it's just what the doctor ordered. A little R&R from the city grind....a little holiday cheer........maybe just some private cozying up with your favorite book.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!



We do have snow! Northstar is open and I am expecting a detailed description from
an avid skiier this evening. Will post further.
Other resorts open or set to be soon....
Squaw Valley is open with two lifts...ice skating and Thanksgiving Dinner High Camp
Mt. Rose is open
Sugar Bowl is open
Boreal is open
Tahoe Donner will be announced
Alpine opens Dec. 5
Diamond Peak Dec. 10
Homewood Dec 18
I will have further updates as I get real ski and snowboarders to rate their favorites. We had real snow and have been cold enough to make snow daily.
When I last went to Northstar it was absolutely amazing coverage and that was quite late in the spring.
All local restaurants have wonderful Thanksgiving dinners..
GarWoods just sent over a menu and it sounds too good!
North Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most enticing dining options in Northern California and Nevada. Foodies and casual diners alike find that some of our finer dining restaurants, like the Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village which offers matchless panoramic views and signature High Sierra Cuisine; award winning seafood with spectacular deck dining at Jake's on the Lake, Tahoe City, Six Peaks Grille at the Resort at Squaw Creek, Graham's and PlumpJack Cafe in Squaw Valley and Moody's in Truckee, are reason enough to return again and again.

Breakfast at the long standing favorite of locals, the Fire Sign Cafe on the West Shore and Rosie's Cafe in Tahoe City, will leave you energized for the day…A lakeside fish taco at Sunnyside will keep your tummy happy…And Tahoe City’s Wolfdales, featuring “Asian Fusion cuisine” will quench your more adventurous taste buds at the end of the day. If you’re dining on a budget, each of our resorts and towns offers equally pleasing options in the ways of authentic Mexican, hardy burgers and made-to-order pizzas. Our favorite Mexican food is Las Panchitas in Kings Beach...world class sushi (this is not an exaggeration) at Hiro's Sushi, also in Kings Beach. The Log Cabin in Kings Beach is so good it's worth a little wait
for breakfast/brunch. Lanza's in Tahoe Vista is our little Italian restaurant to make you feel warm and cozy as well as nostalgic. And pizza orderers will really enjoy Jiffy's in Tahoe Vista....so much better than the average pizza.



Holiday Jazz Festival at the Hyatt November 27
8pm Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend with two amazing jazz concerts. An Evening with Chris Botti takes place on Friday November 27 2009

Squaw Creek Gingerbread Village and Tree Lighting November 27
5 pm to 8 pm View the unveiling of the Gingerbread Village and enjoy the Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Clause.

Nov 29, 2009 (Sun) 10:30 am to 3 pm
Sunday brunch at the Lone Eagle Grille Hyatt Lake Tahoe

Nov 29, 2009 (Sun)
101 Dalmations Live Theater
2 pm & 6 pm Disney's 101 Dalmatians Live theater show is fun for the whole family. See the show in the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Showroom at the Cal Neva...

Nov 30, 2009 (Mon) Monday Night Football
All of our local casinos have Monday Night Football events with beautiful surroundings thrown in just for extra sparkle...

Thanks to gotahoenorth .

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Summer at the Tahoe Vistana Inn


Hello again,

Heather here filling in for our new ladies...
This is an absolutely brilliant summer! Bright blue skies and lake, perfect weather...another lousy day in paradise!

Jul 25, 2009 (Sat)
Huey Lewis and The News at Old Greenwood
7 p.m. Lake Tahoe Music Festival presents the quintessential American rock band Huey Lewis and The News July 25 at Old Greenwood in Truckee Calif.

Jul 25, 2009 (Sat)
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Cal Neva Resort
7:00pm Tahoe Players presents Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf at the Cal Neva Resort Crystal Bay NV. The play is set on the campus of a small New England...

July 25 and 26th...10 am to 5 pm The 14th Annual Kings Beach Fine Art and Sculpture on the Shore makes its appearance at beautiful Kings Beach State Park on the shore.

July 25.Living Day History Tahoe Maritime Museum
10am - 5pm Join them for exhibits including boat displays classic wooden boats activities for children a guided tour at 2PM with more to see in the Museum.

Jul 24, (Fri) - Jul 26, 2009 (Sun)
Squaw Valley Institute Presents: Origins of the Tahoe Sierra Landscape
Various times Frank DeCourten Professor of Earth Sciences at Sierra College will lead another fantastic weekend of lectures and hikes focused on geology.

Jul 24, (Fri) - Jul 26, 2009 (Sun)
Wanderlust Music Festival
TBA Yoga music and nature with Michael Franti & Spearhead Sppon Gillian Welch and many others. Squaw Valley

Jul 25, 2009 (Sat)
Lake of the Sky Garden Club's Incline Village Garden Tour
10AM-4PM Lake of the Sky Garden Club's 21st annual garden tour at Incline Village NV. View 8 gardens including a 5-acre lakefront estate.

Jul 25, 2009 (Sat)
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Wine Walk
2:30pm-5:30pm Join them for a wine walk through the Village at Northstar for tastings at multiple locations and a commemorative wine glass.

Jul 25, 2009 (Sat)
Living History Day, Sugar Pine Point State Park
10:00AM-4:00PM Lake Tahoe Living History Day at Sugar Pine Point State Park invites the public to the 25th Anniversary celebration.

Jul 26, 2009 (Sun)
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Super D Downhill Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race
3:30pm-7pm Northstar Resort’s "Super D" races will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the top of either the Tahoe Zephyr or Vista Express Chair lift.

Jul 26, 2009 (Sun)
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor- Measure for Measure
7:00 pm Measure for Measure is one of Shakespeare’s most fascinating and intriguing comedies. Open air seating right on the lake...the perfect blend of beauty and fantastic performances.

Jul 26, 2009 (Sun)
TOCCATA Presents Mountain of Mendelssohn
7:30 PM Come celebrate the 200th birthday of Felix Mendelssohn with The Orchestra and Community Choral Artists of the Tahoe Area.

Jul 27, 2009 (Mon)
Urban Village Music Series- Babbo, Sand Harbor
7:00 pm Jazz Ensemble: Babbo a newly formed Los Angeles Jazz ensemble.

So many events..come up and be surprised. North Lake Tahoe is rapidly becoming a cultural center as well as fun playground for those seeking a nice cool down from hot cities. We are so much prettier and less crowded than the other side of the lake! Of course our restaurants are great and include a wide range of prices and specialties. A picnic on the lake can be like stepping back in time for those who fondly remember summers in Lake Tahoe.
Come join us!

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