With the 2011-2012 winter season on the horizon, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort is making steady progress on the $30 million in capital improvement projects currently underway at the resort – one of the largest capital investments at any resort in the U.S. this year. On-mountain projects will be completed for this year’s ski season, currently scheduled to begin November 18, 2011.

New projects to be completed for this season include the installation of a new high-speed chairlift and two new intermediate ski trails on The Backside of the mountain, construction of a new 500-seat on-mountain restaurant, and the construction of a new 22’ halfpipe that will be designed by Shaun White, who now calls Northstar® Resort his home mountain and primary training resort.

Promised Land Express

With a vertical rise of 1,440’, the new detachable express quad chairlift, dubbed “Promised Land Express,” will be installed this summer on “The Backside” of the mountain, providing access to expanded gladed terrain and new ski trails. The new lift will double the resort’s lift capacity on The Backside, a very popular area of the mountain known for its long, uninterrupted advanced trails and gladed tree skiing.

Two new intermediate trails will be served by the lift, and new snowmaking is being installed on both Drifter, an existing ski trail that also provides access to The Backside, and one of the new trails, allowing the resort to continue to offer some of the best early season skiing and riding conditions around the lake.

Zephyr Lodge

In addition to the lift, a new on-mountain restaurant is under construction that will offer 500 indoor seats as well as 200 outdoor deck seats. Centrally located on the mountain near the top of the Tahoe Zephyr Express lift, the new restaurant, the “Zephyr Lodge,” is being built in Tahoe great lodge style with an open floor plan, large timbers and a huge window wall offering spectacular views of the Pacific Crest. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of menu options including a Napa salad bar, gourmet pizza and specialty soups and sandwiches. The restaurant can be accessed by skiing or riding off of the Tahoe Zephyr Express, Backside Express, Promised Land Express or Comstock Express lifts.

New 22 Foot Halfpipe to be Designed by Shaun White

As a result of the recent partnership with two time Olympic gold medalist, Shaun White, Northstar Resort will work closely with White to design a new 22 foot halfpipe that will be open during the 2011-2012 winter season for skiers and riders to enjoy. Northstar Resort will also serve as White’s primary training resort.

Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort’s 2011-2012 winter season is scheduled to run from November 18, 2011 to April 15, 2012, weather and conditions permitting. Season passes are now on sale, starting at just $379 for the Tahoe Value Pass, which provides seven day per week access to Heavenly Mountain Resort and six day per week access to Northstar Resort. Some restrictions apply. Other pass options are available, including the Epic Pass, priced at just $649. The Epic Pass offers unrestricted access all season long to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, and both Heavenly and Northstar Resort in Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. For more information, visit www.epicpass.com.

For the most up-to-date photos of the capital projects underway at Northstar Resort, visit www.northstarattahoe.com

If you trust anyone’s opinion on the best resorts in the world to “grab some air” and “shred some powder,” it should be two-time Olympic gold medalist, professional snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White.

Shaun will represent all six of Vail Resorts’ world-class mountain resorts (Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado, and Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar-at-Tahoe in Tahoe) but he can only call one resort his home mountain and primary training resort, and that he chose to be Northstar-at-Tahoe.

As in any home, when you move in you add a special touch to truly call it yours. What is Shaun adding to his new home? He’s designing his own 22-foot half-pipe to share with aspiring snowboarders.

“With Northstar as my home mountain, I now have the ideal place to train and continue to grow as an athlete and I am looking forward to all the possibilities this partnership brings,” said White.

As part of the launch of the new relationship, Vail Resorts will donate $5 for each Epic Season Pass sold to White’s chosen charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In addition, White will be designing a limited edition Epic Season Pass, which will be available to Epic Season Pass holders this fall through a Facebook promotion.

SHAUN WHITE
White has dominated the sport of snowboarding for the past decade. He won his first Olympic gold medal in the Half-pipe event at the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy, with a record 46.8 points and then went on to win it again in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, improving his own record with 48.4 points in his final run. White is the first and only snowboarder to win four consecutive gold medals in the Winter X Games Half-pipe competition. Combining his success in skateboarding, White is the first athlete to compete and medal in two different sports in both the Summer and Winter X Games in 2003 and again in 2011. He also is the first and only athlete to win gold medals in both the Summer (2006 and 2008) and Winter Dew Cup events (2009). White was recently honored with the 2011 ESPY for “Male Action Sports Athlete” for the fourth consecutive year.
For more information, visit www.northstarattahoe.com/shaunwhite.

This Independence Day, Reno Tahoe is giving you the chance to love the good ol’ U. S. of A. in a whole new way. Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl Resort are re-opening their slopes for the 4^th of July weekend and hosting Independence Day parties you’ll never forget. C’mon, how often do you have the chance to ski/board in July? With near-record breaking snowfall this past winter, we can’t pass up the opportunity to utilize what Mother Nature has given us.

Just because you’re snow skiing doesn’t mean you won’t be able to show off your summertime bikini bod, it will be 70 degrees on the slopes! Between runs take a plunge in Squaw Valley’s High Camp Swimming Pool and Hot Tub or enjoy a cold beer and live music on the slope-side decks of Alpine Meadows.

Locals know what happens, eh around noon, on most ski hills in summer time – slush. But don’t worry; the resorts will be well prepared back at the lodge with t-shirts, food, games and tunes to keep the party going all day long.

No matter what hill you choose, you’ll be riding out your 4^th of July weekend with an experience only a handful of people can say they’ve done.

Check the list below for brief event details each mountain has to offer.

Alpine Meadows

Ski, snowboard and party from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with après-ski* festivities happening from noon to 4pm daily. *Drinking, mostly.

Lift Tickets: $37 in advance, $50 day of.

Squaw Valley USA

Friday, July 1:

• KT Concert Series – Stung 6-8:30pm
• 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival 10am-6pm

Saturday, July 2:

• DJ at High Camp, 1-3pm
• Live Music at Gold Coast, 12-2pm
• 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival 10am-6pm

Sunday, July 3:

• DJ at High Camp, 1-4pm
• Cushing Crossing 2-4pm
• Big Head Todd and the Monsters KT Sundeck 7:30-9:15pm
• Fireworks show 9:15pm
• 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival 10am-6pm

Monday, July 4:

• DJ at High Camp, 1-3pm

Dogs are welcome in the base Village but for their safety, dogs will not be permitted on the Cable Car July 2-4

Lift Tickets: $49 for adults, $12 for kids 12 and under. All tickets include a commemorative T-shirt on July 4, while supplies last.

Sugar Bowl Resort

Season Pass holders for 10/11 or 11/12 seasons only. Disney Express Chairlift from 8:30am to 12pm on Monday, July 4, with skiing and boarding on all trails off Mount Disney. Festive holiday BBQ and bar on the Lodge at Sugar Bowl deck from 10:30am to 2pm.

The Black Diamond Demo van is making its annual stop at Tahoe Mountain Sports, unloading Black Diamond skis, boots and ski skins for you to try out for FREE January 10-14, 2011.   

This is your chance to experience the popular Megawatt and Justice powder skis and the just-released, ultralight backcountry skis from Black Diamond’s new Efficient series. Complete the package by slipping on a pair of Black Diamond’s new line of telemark and AT ski boots like the Quadrant! Come by the evening before to pick-up your gear so you’re ready for that first chair in the morning, or call ahead to reserve your demos. Tahoe Mountain Sports is open from 10am to 6pm daily in downtown Kings Beach across from Jason’s.  

To make the deal even sweeter, our free Black Diamond demos coincide with a huge sale on all Black Diamond ski gear. Black Diamond skis, boots, bindings and backcountry gear are all up to 20% off. So whether you want to try or just go ahead and buy, Tahoe Mountain Sports is the place to be for Black Diamond, January 10-14!

-Lis Korb

The Central Sierra Snow Lab on Donner Summit is reporting snow depths of 20-plus feet. That’s 235% of average for this time of year, making North Lake Tahoe one of the snowiest destinations in the country.

And to go along with all that snow, plenty of sunshine and blue skies predicted for the week, as well as clear roads.

Resorts and Towns’ Update: West Shore Café in Homewood, and right on the lake, has reopened under new ownership, and is now open for lodging and dining. Locals are raving about the new menu. The restaurant is open weekends for lunch and dinner, and Thursdays and Fridays for dinner only.

Wax your skis. All North Lake Tahoe ski resorts are open:
Alpine Meadows – open, base of 97 to 170 inches
Diamond Peak – open, base of 70 to 120 inches
Boreal Mountain Resort – open, base of 84 to 160 inches
Donner Ski Ranch – open weekends
Granlibakken – sledding and beginner ski hill are open
Homewood Mountain Resort – open, base of 71 to 121 inches
Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe – open, base of 83 to 127 inches
Northstar-at-Tahoe – open, base of 73 and 116 inches
Royal Gorge Cross Country – open, but closed on Wednesdays
Soda Springs – open, base of 82 to 120 inches
Spooner Lake Cross Country – open
Squaw Valley USA – open, base of 50 to 130 inches
Sugar Bowl – open, base of 86 to 162 inches
Tahoe Cross Country – open, base of 40 to 66 inches
Tahoe Donner Cross Country – 82 kilometers of trail groomed
Tahoe Donner Downhill – open, base of 56 to 72 inches

Events on the Slopes –

• Ed Z’berg-Sugar Pine Point State Park on the West Shore offers cross country and snowshoe trails on five color-coded trails, ranging from one to three miles in length. Trailheads are located on the campground side of the park and on the day-use side of the park.

• Squaw Valley USA is hosting Advanced Ski Clinics Friday, January 7 through Sunday, January 9 for ambitious intermediate and advanced skiers. Taught by Squaw’s top instructors, the daily program is tailored to meet each participant’s needs, utilizing innovative ski techniques and video feedback. Cost is $520/person and does not include lift ticket.

• Celebrate the New Year with National Winter Trails Day Saturday, January 8when the Tahoe Rim Trail Association offers free guided snowshoe treks, for all ages and abilities, and other winter activities at the Tahoe Meadows trailhead off Highway 431, the Mt. Rose Highway, in North Lake Tahoe.

• Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort offers a guided Stargazing Snowshoe Tour Saturday, January 8,5 p.m., with star guide and poet Tony Berendsen, President of the Nevada Science Coalition, complete with telescopic viewing. Cost is $50/person and $30/person for kids under 12 years.

• Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe, just outside of Incline Village, is hosting an Avalanche Awareness Training as part of their Slide Snow School Saturday, January 8,2 p.m. This free course offers basic information for the aspiring backcountry enthusiast, including avalanche terrain recognition, as well as terrain selection and travel techniques.

• The Olympic Heritage Festival is returning to North Lake Tahoe with Citizens Against the Clock Saturday, January 15 at Sugar Pine Point State Park on the West Shore. The event puts skiers, of all ages and abilities, on a short cross-country ski course followed by an electronic rifle shooting range. An interpretive tour of the trails, used in the 1960 Winter Olympics, is set for Sunday, January 16 followed by a special showing of “Flame in the Snow.” All events are free.

• Full Moon Yurt Dinners are Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 16 at Tahoe City’s Tahoe Cross Country Center. Participants cross country ski and then enjoy an exquisite meal prepared by Douglas Dale of Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique. Tickets are limited and cost $65/person, which includes dining, ski rentals, as well as a trail pass. Proceeds benefit the Winter Discovery Program.

• Alpenglow Sports has partnered with Alpine Meadows Ski Resort to offer the 4^thAnnual Telemark and Alpine Touring Demo Event Saturday, January 15. This event is free and will showcase the latest gear.

Mark your calendar for May 15-16 when the prestigious Amgen Tour of California kicks off for the first-time ever in Lake Tahoe, with Stage One disembarking from South Lake Tahoe and finishing at Northstar-at-Tahoe in Truckee and Stage Two starting from Squaw Valley in Olympic Valley. For full event information, activities and special discounts, check www.TahoeTourofCalifornia.com.

The North Lake Tahoe Express daily airport shuttle service is available to and from North Lake Tahoe and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The shuttle runs from 3:30 a.m. until midnight. Fees are $40 per person, one-way, and $75 round trip. Discounts are available for groups of two or more. Reservations are required and can be made four hours in advance.

For a snapshot of upcoming special events, as well as recreational activities of recent scenes, go to www.GoTahoeNorth.com and click on the web video for the North Tahoe Minute.

 - Pettit Gilwee

North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, two hours from the Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from the San Francisco International Airport. For lodging reservations and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3286 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village.

Where is Tahoe taking you this winter? Show the world in full high-definition video quality without the high cost thanks to the new hands-free camera rental program at Tahoe Mountain Sports. 

Take one of two models for a spin: the world’s first full HD wearable camcorder, the ContourHD, or the new ContourGPS, which pair HD video with GPS capabilities so you can track your location, speed, altitude and more.

Show your family and friends those powder turns, that snowmobile ride, your kid’s first sledding adventure or Tahoe’s iconic vistas, all with the amazing, first-person perspective only a helmet camera can provide. Extremely lightweight, easy to use and attaches to your helmet, goggles, vehicle and more!

Cost for 24-hour helmet camera rental is $40 for ContourHD, $45 for ContourGPS. It comes with a 4 GB memory stick and a USB reader that you take home with you to view, edit and save your footage. Choose between a flat surface mount, goggle mount or vented helmet mount. Other mounts available for an additional cost. Repeat renters (who don’t need another memory stick/USB reader) get $15 off.

Here’s a sample of what you can do with the camera!

The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation has opened registration for the 2010 – 2011 Alpine, Freestyle and Snowboard Programs. With a variety of options from the One-Day Program to the Full-Time Competitive Program, the Foundation has something for all ages and levels of skiers and riders. Registration packets are available online, at the HSSF building, or by calling the HSSF administration office. Those who register and pay in full now will receive the early registration pricing; prices increase $100 on November 1, 2010.

“The foundation continues to strengthen its relationship with Heavenly and work with the community to provide skiing and snowboarding options to the local youth,” said HSSF president Jim Plake. “With the Blue Angel program we’re reaching out to children who want to ski recreationally.  But then with our Full-Time Competitive Program we’re also catering to those who are striving to reach the Olympics.”

The HSSF programs are divided by age and ability; prices may vary. The One-Day Program offers all ages and abilities up to 18 training days, primarily Sundays, December through March. A Heavenly restricted pass, equipment and gear are required. Alpine and Snowboard registrants can choose to participate in the Tahoe League and U.S.A.S.A. South Shore Series respectively for an additional fee.

In addition to the One-Day Program, the HSSF also offers Part-Time, Part-Time Plus (Alpine only) and Full-Time programs. These programs require additional commitments from both parents and athletes. With a longer season, December through as late as mid-May, these programs offer a lot more time on the mountain with professional coaches and more participation in competitions. Dryland and gymnastics training, Sunday Fundays, night training, video analysis, pro clinics and more advanced competition training are some of the bonuses of these programs depending upon what is right for your young athlete. With all programs the emphasis is placed on skiing and boarding preparation and equipment care, as well as focusing on physical and mental competition techniques. The programs also teach physical fitness through healthy activity and good eating habits while promoting the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Program costs range from $700 to $3,000 and scholarships are available; Snowboard Program pricing includes the cost of single or three-mountain pass options. Alpine and Freestyle Programs registration pricing increases November 1, 2010; Snowboard Program registration pricing increases January 1, 2011. For more information visit www.heavenlyssf.com or call the administrative office at 530.431.7354.

The HSSF prides itself on selecting the best coaching staff available to nurture young athletes. The dedication seen from the coaching staff makes the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation one of the best in Tahoe. This year the Foundation will welcome back Alpine head coaches Noel Dufty, Raquel Norton and Oliver Russell. Noel begins his 19^thyear as a coach at the Foundation. He has over 30 years of professional ski coaching and is a former professional ski racer; has coached in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Italy and the USA; and has an International Level 4 certification. He coached Heavenly’s National Team and Olympic Team member Jonna Mendes; US Team Member Alicia Howard; and World Championship Team and National Team member Wisi Betschart. Raquel begins her eleventh year as a coach for the Foundation. She skied competitively for 15 years; was a Collegiate Athletic 1^st Team All American-NCSA; is a Level 200 USSA Coach; holds a B.S. in Physiology and M.S. in Health Science; and is a California credentialed teacher and ski coach. Oliver begins his ninth year with the Foundation. He raced competitively for the HSSF for 12 years, finishing his racing career as one of the top competitive FIS racers for the Western Division. He now trains and travels with the HSSF FIS athletes.

The Freestyle Team will welcome back head coach Jere Crawford for his seventh season. He was an amateur and pro mogul skier; is the original Top Gun on Gunbarrel; designed and built courses for Nationals, Junior Nationals, pro events, and countless regional events; and is a Level 2 aerial coach. Assistant coach Travis Woodcock is a former member of the HSSF Freestyle Team. He has competed in many skiing disciplines including moguls, racing, aerials, slopestyle, halfpipe, big mountain and even acro; he was a National Combined Freestyle Champion; and was the first person to do eight twisters.

The Snowboard Team will welcome back for his twelfth season Travis Chatwin, to his new position as head coach. He competed professionally for seven years; continues to compete at the local/national level alongside his athletes; is a National Halfpipe and Slopestyle Champion; has received the Triple Overall Champion title six of the past ten years; and has worked with some of the top professionals in snowboarding today. He is joined by assistant coaches Garrett Gibb and Joe Piccinonno. Garrett begins his third year coaching for the Foundation; he’s competed competitively for seven years; was a member of HSSF for six years; has a resume of impressive results including a 1^stplace at the 2010 Mt. High Gatorade Free Flow Tour in slopestyle; and currently coaches ski/snowboard based gymnastics at Tumbleweeds. Joe begins his second season as a coach and has been riding with children for seven years. He is certified by USSA and USASA; in rescue medicine as a Wilderness First Responder; has assisted at the past three USASA National Championships; and has a background in education and early childhood and adolescent development.

Scholarships are available to those who qualify and applications are due by November 1, 2010. Please visit www.heavenlyssf.comfor applications and qualification information. The Heavenly Foundation’s Scholarship Committee is an independent group of community leaders who evaluate each application and award financial assistance based on family income, the athletes’ written essay, and scholastic standing. The funding for the program comes solely from community contributions and our various fundraising events such as our Annual Ski Swap, the Winter Welcome, The Grapes & Gates Wine Tasting and our Kinder Kup Race Series. The committee was able to award over $15,000 in scholarships to 16 athletes for the 2010/11 season.

About the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation: The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation is committed to facilitating and leading the local community in the development of programs to encourage youth to participate in winter sports, alpine skiing and snowboarding. The HSSF operates independently on donations and fundraisers. In addition to providing a safe skiing and riding experience to those within the foundation, outreach and community involvement also play a big part of the base of the Foundation. Throughout the winter season the HSSF provides scholarships to families whose children would not be able to participate in the race program; hosts a non-race Blue Angels program through the middle school; works with the SOS (Snowboard Outreach Society); works with the Boys and Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe; and organizes multiple events, like the Kinder Kup series, and fundraisers including the annual spring wine gala, Grapes and Gates, at Edgewood. For more information on the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation visit www.heavenlyssf.com, email heavenlyssf@yahoo.com or call the administrative offices at 530.541.7354.

 -Aimi Xistra-Rich

Pacific Crest Heli-Guides in partnership with HeliTahoe has announced plans to offer helicopter skiing and snowboarding in Lake Tahoe for the upcoming 2010-11 winter season. The operation will be based out of the Truckee Airport and access more than 100,000 acres of privately owned lands located along the spine of the Pacific Crest, all within a half hours drive of Reno.

Besides a few small heliskiing enterprises in the early 1970’s, this will be the first full-fledged helicopter skiing operation launched in the Lake Tahoe region or in the entirety of the Sierra Nevada for that matter. The ambitious undertaking will include a number of year-round recreational options accessed by helicopter such as sight-seeing, mountain biking, fishing and hiking.

“To say this is a dream come true is an understatement. More accurately it is a culmination of my lifelong passion for skiing powder, my extensive experience within the ski industry and good timing,” said Dave Rintala, owner/operator of Pacific Crest Heli-Guides. “I can’t wait for the season to start given the prospect of skiing first descents on a daily basis, naming new runs and exploring fresh terrain with clients.”

The operation will be limited to a maximum of 16 guests per day with a ratio of one guide per four guests. The cost structure will be based upon flight time rather than vertical feet allowing like-minded guests to customize their experience based on their budget, their desire to ski/ride as much vertical as possible and/or their desire to explore a variety of different zones. Full day trips will start at $899 per person.

The biggest variable typically affecting the success of a helicopter skiing operation is weather. Pacific Crest Heli-Guides, however, plans to dovetail its daily operations with its existing snowcat operation to ensure clients who book in advance are guaranteed a day of backcountry skiing or snowboarding even during storm cycles. Pacific Crest Snowcats has been in business for nine seasons and operates on 3,000 acres of reserved terrain located between Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl Resort. California’s only backcountry-based snowcat operation, Pacific Crest Snowcats boasts some of the best expert terrain accessible via snowcat in North America.

The terrain accessed via helicopter will be no different with an endless variety of open bowls, perfectly spaced trees, steep chutes and technical couloirs geared towards the advanced to expert skier or snowboarder. The north-facing aspects will hold their snow days after a storm while the south-facing aspects will provide for ideal corn conditions in the spring. The maritime snowpack found in the Sierra Nevada typically provides for stable conditions, not to mention the side benefit that the typical Sierra snowstorm is measured in feet rather than inches.

In fact, last season Lake Tahoe reported more than 600 inches of total snowfall which resulted in the region reporting its second busiest season on record. Additionally, backcountry skiing and snowboarding continues to be one of the fastest growing segments of the ski industry which has resulted in a return to the roots of the sport with skiers and snowboarders now placing a premium on untracked powder and the solace of being in the mountains.

“The timing couldn’t be better to open a business rooted in outdoor adventure with its main goal focused on sharing the beauty of the Sierra Nevada one powder turn at a time,” said Rintala. “Our approach is simple: we found incredible terrain, added a crew consisting of the most qualified guides in the industry and created an affordable, flexible price structure.”

In addition to founding Pacific Crest Heli-Guides, Dave “Happy” Rintala has been operating Pacific Crest Snowcats for close to a decade and is also one of the owner/operators of Alaska Backcountry Adventures, the original heliskiing operation located atop Thompson Pass near Valdez, AK. Rintala serves as the lead guide and primary avalanche forecaster for both of these operations. The guide staff for Pacific Crest Heli-Guides will draw heavily upon current guides at both Pacific Crest Snowcats and Alaska Backcountry Adventures bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and local field experience to ensure seamless operations. Guests can relax and enjoy their powder turns knowing that the individual guiding their group is an experienced avalanche forecaster with EMT certifications that has helped to set the industry standards for both client safety and customer satisfaction.

Rather than position the operation as a competitor to the existing Lake Tahoe ski resorts, both Pacific Crest Snowcats and Pacific Crest Heli-Guides view their unique offerings as products that complement the variety of world-class skiing and snowboarding options already available in Lake Tahoe.

“The addition of a helicopter skiing operation to the region allows Lake Tahoe to position itself as a complete winter destination on par with locations such as Whistler, Jackson Hole, Utah and Colorado,” said Rintala. “Pacific Crest Heli-Guides looks forward to being part of the ultimate Lake Tahoe skiing or snowboarding experience.”

Pacific Crest Heli-Guides
930 Tahoe Blvd #802-305  Incline Village NV 89451
Email: info@pacificcrestheliguides.com
Phone: 1-888-792-9222 or 530-581-1767
http://www.pacificcrestheliguides.com/

HeliTahoe
1901 Airport Rd Ste 106  South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Email: claudio@helitahoe.com
Phone: (530) 544-2211
http://www.helitahoe.com/

Housed in the shadow of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino invites winter enthusiasts to take advantage of room and ski packages starting at $79. 

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino is offering ski and snowboarding packages to welcome the chill of winter. Visitors booking standard rooms online Sunday through Thursday will receive one adult lift ticket to Mt. Rose Ski Resort, a $20 food credit, valid at any Grand Sierra Resort-owned restaurant, and the choice of a $20 bowling, FunQuest or a spa and health club credit or $10 in free casino play, with a free second night’s stay. Pre-arranged packages start at $79, or guests can create their own customized package and select lift tickets from 11 surrounding ski resorts.

The effective dates for Grand Sierra Resort and Casino’s room and ski packages are from Oct. 31, 2010 through April 30, 2011. Reservations can be made by calling 1.800.648.5080 or by visiting www.grandsierraresort.com. 

Restrictions may apply. Package is based on double occupancy with a minimum one-night hotel stay available Sunday through Thursday nights. Special is based on availability and may exclude holidays or special event dates and on the ski resorts being open. Casino free play is redeemable at the hotel’s players club. Food, FunQuest, bowling and spa and health club credits are redeemable directly at each venue. Participants must be 21 years or older and present valid identification upon redemption.

-Content courtesy of  Melanie Shafer

Tahoe Ski resorts say they have exceeded their annual season snowfall total – with only one month left to enjoy the incredible conditions!

A powerful, cold storm is to thank for all the fresh snow. It dumped 7’ of light, dry powder in seven days. It is not only giving our skis and boards another chance to get out, it added to the area’s snowpack, in turn helping Lake Tahoe ski resorts stay open well into the month of May! As if that wasn’t enough, mix in the breathtaking views, affordable ski packages, great après ski drinks and food and voila! You’ve just planned an entire day with the fam. (Or alone – maybe you need the escape)

The recreational options are limitless! You can learn how to ski or snowboard, or just spend the day sledding and making snow angels.

Lift tickets are as low as $29 per day and ski/ride packages start as low as $59 per person, with affordable airfare into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Invite your friends and help the ski resorts celebrate with on-mountain festivals, unique competitions and live music… under a sky that sees over 300 days of sunshine a year.

The clock is ticking.