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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