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.

The recent fresh powder should have you thinking of doing only one thing – hitting the slopes, of course! On Sunday, April 11, head to Alpine Meadows with the entire family for the Lil’ Air Mountain Festival and watch your little skier or snowboarder show off his or her skills.  Lil’ Air gives all boys and girls 10 and under a chance to compete in the Alpine’s Kids Tiegel Terrain Park, located near the base lodge.

“This is a great way for kids to have lots of fun while being part of a fun festival atmosphere too.  Everyone has fun, makes new friends, and everyone wins,” said Jim McAlpine of Snowbomb.com and Lil’ Air Mountain Festival sponsor.

The Lil’ Air Mountain Festival event venue will provide two roller jumps in the Kids’ Tiegel Park, with jumps that best fit each competitor’s ability level.

Competitors can register the day-of the event, upstairs in the main lodge from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  The registration fee is only $10 and includes an Alpine Meadows t-shirt, Huck doll, and raffle ticket for a chance to win more prizes.  Lift tickets must be purchased separately at the ticket window.

Practice will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the competition is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Awards will given out at 2:00 p.m. on the Alpine Meadows sun deck.  Each participant will receive a certificate of achievement. Commemorative photos will also be available for purchase, to show off at school, of course.

Don’t miss this opportunity to cheer on your little one at one of SKI Magazine’s top winter resorts.

For more information about the Alpine Meadows Lil’ Air Mountain Festival, email info@snowbomb.com.

Is that whimper you hear? Many skiers and snowboarders are starting to shed tears as they say goodbye to the epic 2009-2010 ski season in Reno Tahoe USA.  The good news is you can turn that frown upside down when you see all of the screaming deals on 2010-2011 ski season passes; many of which will allow you to take advantage of great spring skiing conditions at for free or at a discounted rate.

As sad as it is to learn that many resorts will begin closing, Reno Tahoe USA is still picking up some serious snow from a massive spring snow storm. With that said, there is still time to shred some sun warmed Sierra corn snow, work on your goggle tan and perfect your turns. What are you waiting for?

Boreal Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak, Homewood Mountain Resort and Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area will close for the season on April 11.

Mt. Rose Ski Resort, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort and Alpine Meadows will close for the season April 18. Alpine Meadows will remain open Friday through Sunday until May 16. If that doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will.

Heavenly Resort, Kirkwood Ski Resort and Sugar Bowl Ski Resort will close for the season on April 25.

Squaw Valley USA will close for the season May 9.

For details on spring passes and 2010-2011 season passes check out the deals from Reno Tahoe USA’s best resorts.

Boreal
Ride the rest of this season and all of 2010/2011.  Bag five ski/board days this spring and it’s like next season is FREE. The Season Pass Blow-Out Sale only lasts 10-days, March 26th – April 4, 2010, so mark it on your calendar and don’t miss out.
Season pass information

Diamond Peak
Season pass information

Homewood Mountain Resort
Season passes go on sale July 1.

Alpine Meadows
Two Amazing Resorts. One Amazing Price. Ski from Lake Tahoe to Estelle Bowl all in the same day! Alpine’s Unfiltered and Slightly Filtered season passes are valid at Homewood Mountain Resort and Alpine Meadows at Lake Tahoe*. Enjoy 3600 acres of terrain, 20 lifts, and the relaxing vibe of Lake Tahoe’s North and West shores for one amazing price.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Unrestricted Spring Pass
Buy your 2010-2011 season pass now, ski the rest of this season for free

Northstar-at-Tahoe
The Double Whammy® season pass is the only dual mountain pass that gives you all season access to two of the finest resorts in Lake Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort and our sister resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe® Resort.  Access 5,000 acres of terrain, 136 trails, 31 lifts and 14 parks with 1 season pass!

Heavenly Lake Tahoe
Buy now and ski April free.
When you’re a season passholder at Heavenly, you get the best of everything: Tahoe’s biggest mountain, most high-speed lifts, longest runs, most vertical, highest elevation, coolest tree skiing, most extensive grooming, sweetest sweet spots, rockinest nightlife and the hottest deal.

Kirkwood Ski Resort
20 years after pioneering the affordable Tahoe pass, Kirkwood again sets industry standards with the NO BLACKOUT line of season passes. Starting in 2010/11, for the first time ever, your 6Wood, 7Wood, and Premium passes are completely free of holiday restrictions. Ironically, this comes during a season when our old generators (yes, we make our own power) are being replaced with a brand new, multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art power plant. Thus, eliminating still more pesky blackouts.

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
Your 2010/11 Season Pass is valid from April 5 through the closing day of the 2009/2010 season!

Squaw Valley USA
Purchase your 2010 Spring Pass and ski the sun at Squaw Valley USA.

Spring Passes are valid for skiing and riding from April 1st through the end of this winter season. Plus, get access to the High Camp Lagoon & Spa starting in Mid-April.

Don’t miss Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe’s Dummy Downhill Sat. March 20 in front of the Mt. Rose Main Lodge. These high-flying, hand-made speed demons are larger-than-life and will be careening out-of-control down the slopes at top speeds on either skis or a snowboard. Don’t worry, it’s totally painless for all dummies involved, after all none of them have a pulse. Each dummy dare devil will compete for the title of best run. If skiing or boarding isn’t your thing you can easily live vicariously through these giant daredevils as they catch some major air while taking in the beautiful scenery from the Lodge’s outdoor deck.

This annual event is open to the public and is sure to be a guaranteed good time.

For more information Visit Mount Rose Ski Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Venues Set to Take Center Stage in Upcoming Winter Sports Competitions

Reno Tahoe continues to outpace the rest of the nation in terms of snowfall with more than two feet of fresh snow falling on the slopes of the region’s seven world-class resorts making for mid-thigh turns and incredible mid-winter conditions. This season’s perfectly timed storms are a byproduct of an El Niño weather pattern that has already resulted in more than 300 inches of snowfall to date along with the deepest base depths in the entire country. Forecasters are calling for continued accumulations to wrap up the month of February followed by sunny skies, meaning the chance for a legendary Lake Tahoe bluebird powder day is quite literally on the horizon.

The month of December was the snowiest on record in the last decade with January recording a number of 24-hour snowfall totals measured in feet rather than inches.

“Lake Tahoe’s superior snow conditions should make it an easy choice for destination travelers deciding where to spend their March and April ski vacations,” said John Wagnon, president of Ski Lake Tahoe. “And with Lake Tahoe also offering the most affordable stay-and-ski packages in the country, there truly isn’t a better option for families looking to stay within a budget while still enjoying a world-class winter destination.”

With the Winter Games slated to wrap up this weekend, the focus for US Olympic activity will shift to Lake Tahoe as Squaw Valley USA hosts the Olympic Homecoming Celebration taking place March 26th-28th, welcoming all members of the 2010 US Olympic Ski & Snowboard Teams to celebrate their success and provide an opportunity for the athletes to mingle with the general public. Additionally, a number of the resorts have planned public events to welcome home the close to a dozen Lake Tahoe athletes that competed in the Winter Games and celebrate their impressive performances, including four medals to date putting Lake Tahoe ahead of more than 13 countries in terms of medal counts.

The Ski Lake Tahoe resorts are also set to host a number of world-class competitions beginning this weekend. On the south side of the lake, Kirkwood Mountain Resort will be opening the permanently closed slopes of the Cirque as it welcomes athletes competing in the North Face Masters, February 25th-28th. This is the second season Kirkwood will play host to this event, which is the snowboarding version of the long-running North American Freeskiing Championships also slated to take place at the resort March 3rd-7th.

Squaw Valley USA will be opening the permanently closed runs of the Tram Face as the resort hosts the only North American stop on the Freeride World Tour this Saturday, February 27th with a field of top international athletes on hand to compete along with the unique opportunity for spectators to take in all the action from the main base area.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort will be the site of a USASA sanctioned Superpipe competition this weekend on Saturday, February 27th followed by a USASA Slopestyle event the weekend of March 6th.

In recognition of the Olympics being back on the West Coast, Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe is holding slalom races open to the public February 26th-28th followed by the Chutes Challenge taking place Saturday, March 6th with judges awarding the inaugural crown to the best line laid down on the 50 degree slopes of El Cap.

Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort will welcome professional and amateur competitors in the Ultimate Boarder Championship, March 18th-19th. The triathlon of board sports, this event will require participants to compete in snowboard, skate and surf elements.

Alpine Meadows will be hosting 25 active-duty U.S. soldiers and marines on its slopes March 17th-20th for the Wounded Warrior Ability Camp led by Disabled Sports USA Far West. On March 19th, the Phil Bocks Memorial Ability Challenge ski race will team donors, sponsors and disabled skiers for a fun day of racing and on-hill activities followed by an après ski party and awards presentation at the resort’s base lodge.

Heavenly Mountain Resort will once again attract expert skiers hoping to tackle the dauntingly steep slopes of its signature run during the Gunbarrel 25 marathon mogul event scheduled for April 3rd. This annual event is hosted by Glen Plake and challenges participants to complete 25 consecutive laps down the face of the mountain.

Mt. Rose – 8th Annual Slide Back 80’s Retro Ski Party

If you still think that “New School” equates to stretch pants that leave nothing to the imagination, rear-entry boots, feathered hairstyles and old skinny skis, then you’ll fit right in on Saturday, Feb. 20, Mt. Rose invites skiers and boarders to leave the new millennium behind and travel back in time to the decade that gave us everything from Pac Man to Prozac.

Breaking all of the ski fashion laws may even earn skiers and boarders new gear in the “Most Fashionable” contest at the Winters Creek Lodge, located at the base of the Slide Bowl, starting at 10 AM, free drink coupons will be handed out at the Zephyr for those in the best costumes, music will start at 10:30 and the BBQ and bars will open at 11.  All the real action takes place at high noon with the Fashion or Fad contest, as the brave will attempt to win up to $500 in modern gear from Village Ski Loft. Special to this years’ event is the fact that 2010 will mark the first season at the new Winters Creek facility and a celebration of the revitalization of the entire Slide Bowl.