When you find a big mountain chain in close proximity to the largest ocean on the planet, it is inevitable that you will experience variable conditions. What amazes me is how often the Lake Tahoe area produces fantastic conditions despite its physical location.

Saturday started off windy and overcast in Tahoe, so I elected to spend the day in Reno dealing with all of things that have built up over the weeks of skiing. One of the things I love about Reno is that the sun can be shining in the valley while it is absolutely nuking up in Tahoe. Finished my chores, went for a mountain bike ride, and then headed up to the Crystal Bay Club to catch some free bluegrass. Crashed at my buddies place in Kings Beach and awoke bright and early Sunday morning with 7-10 inches of fresh on the mountain.

My friend and I b-lined it to Alpine Meadows, put our boots on in the parking lot to the sound of many bombs being detonated by ski patrol, scored first chair at Scotts, and barely stopped to rest the entire day. The wind loaded much of the snow in various gullies and trees, so it just took just a little bit of poking around to find some really good places. One of the things I really like about Alpine is that if you have the motivation to do some traversing and hiking you are bound to score fresh turns throughout the day.

The light was a bit flat with the sun coming in and out from behind the clouds, so it made it a little difficult to catch good pics. Nonetheless, I came out with a couple of good ones. Hope you enjoy.

While I enjoy the convenience and comfort of a high-speed ski lift just as much as the next skier, there is something unique and special about scoring fresh turns under the power of my own devices. Backcountry skiing, or snowboarding, leads those adventurous enough to pursue it off of the beaten path to areas less skied by. The Lake Tahoe region possesses countless miles of exceptional terrain with breathtaking views only further enhanced with the back drop of that big, blue, beautiful lake that so many people travel whole continents to see.

The past couple of weeks have delivered stellar conditions with light fluffy powder falling upon the Sierras foot by fantastic foot. The resorts have been excellent and the backcountry exceptional. I still marvel at the ease at which I can wake up at my house in Reno and so quickly am in the midst of such awe-inspiring mountains filled with so many options; and deep turns.

This past weekend I chose to spend one day on the West Shore hiking Mount Tallac, and the next day hiking and skiing in the area adjacent to the Mount Rose Ski Resort. Both days were phenomenal. The climb up Tallac took approximately three hours, but it was definitely worth it. The views into Desolation Wilderness and out across Lake Tahoe would have been rewarding enough for the effort it took, but then the big payoff came when I actually got to ski the roughly 3,000 ft of vertical back down to the car.

Despite being quite exhausted from the day before, the next day proved to be equally impressive. The area around Mt Rose is filled with varying lines that offer many different levels of pitch and position. My friends and I skied a few different lines, and each run brought giant grins to our faces. What is especially cool about this area are the mixed views that you see. On one side you can look out over Reno, Washoe Valley, and beyond, and on the other you can see Lake Tahoe and the Sierra chain as it stretches south towards Yosemite.

If you choose to venture out into the backcountry, please remember to carry the essentials: water, extra clothing, a beacon, probe and shovel. While backcountry conditions in Lake Tahoe are generally safer than places such as Colorado and Utah, avalanche dangers are always still a factor. Be prepared! All of these items are available from such stores as Reno Mountain Sports and The Backcountry up in Lake Tahoe. Avalanche classes are often conducted at REI, Patagonia, Squaw Valley and Kirkwood. Additionally, places such as The Backcountry even offer guided tours.

Until the next hike, I am eagerly keeping an eye on the weather – looks like more snow is on the way!

We received a pretty good dumping of snow this week and decided to do a bit of snow sledding. Our 11-year-old daughter, Julia, didn’t want to drive too far from home–she wanted to get as much play time in the powder as possible–so we opted for Galena Creek Park, which is close to Reno.

Located about 10 miles southwest of Reno via U.S. 395 and the Mount Rose Highway (Route 341), Galena Creek Park is also a popular spot for backcountry cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing.

After parking, we bundled up warmly and looked around for a good hill. Julia was so excited about the snow that she didn’t wait for the hill. She found a nice mound beside the parking lot and was soon sliding down it and across the ice-covered pavement.

The rest of us scanned the hills for a nice open spot. About a quarter-mile from the parking lot we spotted a fairly steep incline without too many obstacles, like trees and boulders, which had already been pretty packed down by cross-country skiers.

Both of our kids climbed the hill with the sled, trying to decide which one was going to go first. Apparently, Julia won because before we knew it she had climbed onto the sled and was gliding downward on the slick, smooth snow. She raced past us and gained a little air on a small mound of snow near the end of her run. She spilled at the end but was unhurt and laughing as she lay sprawled in the powder.

Next up was our son, Hank, who climbed the hill even higher than this sister. Soon, he was skimming down the snow, hanging tightly onto the plastic sled to keep from losing it on the ride to the bottom.

Soon, we were joined by a couple of other families with young children, who had also been looking for somewhere to sled. Within minutes, the air was filled with the shrieks of sledding kids, all having a great time enjoying the hill and the snow.

Hank found a spot a little away from the others and used the sled to plow a new run in the dry, loose snow. After pressing a fairly lengthy, smooth channel in the snow that resembled a luge run, he claimed first ride.

Lying on his stomach, he pushed off from the top of the small hill, gained a little speed and plummeted down the incline. In seconds, he reached the end of the run he’d made in the snow and hit a mound of loose powder, which caused him to spill. He jumped up, dusted himself off, and took off for another ride.

After an hour or so, everyone had had their fill of sledding and wanted to head back home for a little R & R.

But we’ll be back soon.—–Richard Moreno

I just wanted to let all of you know that Reno-Tahoe now provides snow alerts and road condition updates via text message to your mobile phone. Be the first to know when there is a good snow dump so that you can get fresh tracks!

Sign up for Snow Alerts here.

Let us know what you think of text alerts by leaving a comment below. Also let us know if there are any other text alerts you’d like for Reno-Tahoe to offer!