Once again, it's that time of year.  The sun is shining and the slopes are covered.  Skiers and riders in South Lake Tahoe are gearing up for another beautiful day at Heavenly Ski Resort.  After some fresh snow earlier this week, we are looking at another perfect day in Tahoe.  March is the time to buy some sunscreen, strip off the layers, and enjoy the amazing weather and scenary we have to offer here in Northern California.  Tourists and locals alike are blessed with unmatchable conditions and terrain in the Tahoe Basin.  Earlier this week, I had the chance to check out the slopes at Alpine Meadows with two good friends.  After a nice 4 to 6 inch dusting, the mountains were prime for magnificent sugar turns.  Unfortunately, underneath the fresh snow were some pretty crusty conditions, but at those moments, if you use your brain, you can really find great snow.  We managed to search for all of the North facing slopes and tree wells, which generally keep the best conditions, and low and behold the snow there was amazing.  So for the rest of the day we lapped the resort, hitting as many North slopes as we could find. Lesson learened, if you come across a day where the snow isn't perfect, look for the northern slopes and you will be satisfied.  Tahoe has officially entered Spring skiing time, which is one of the best times of the year.  Our "freeze/thaw" cycle elicits unbelievable afternoon spring conditions, where a t-shirt is really all you need.  There is nothing like having a day off of work, visiting a fresh resort, and skiing with your buddies in the Spring time.  Personally, it helps to keep me centered and remember why I live here and why I do what I do.  I always think about something my Dad once told me, "Find something you love and figure out how to make a living doing it," and that's exactly what I did = Thanks Dad.   

By Bryn Carey, President of Ski Butlers

On Friday night after Bode Miller won the Silver Medal in the Olympic Super G, he told me that he is going out and skiing like he did when he was younger and just pushing the limits and going for it. He also sounded inspired, confident and enjoying these games. These were very good words to come out of Bode Miller’s mouth; a sign of confidence that would later lead to a Gold Medal in the Men’s Super Combined.

Bode Miller and I go back to high school when we raced together in Maine. Bode was always older but none the less a role model. As Bode’s career progressed, my brother Forest Carey became his coach on the US Ski Team. He was then his personal coach for two years on Team America when Bode skied independent from the US Ski Team.

To see Bode win Gold, Silver and Bronze on the biggest ski racing stage in the world, in an Olympics where the media did not see him as a favorite (ask his coaches, they knew he could do this) was something that is special for everyone involved with Ski Butlers, the US Ski Team and of course Bode Miller.

After Bode won gold, he walked out of the finish area and came up to his dad (who I was standing next to and the picture to the left) and gave him a big hug and said “Dad, that was awesome, truly awesome!” He gave the rest of his family hugs and was basically speechless but he had a grin from ear to ear and a look on his face that showed a sense of relief.

In interviews later that day, Bode said, "The way I executed, the way I skied, is something I'll be proud of for the rest of my life. It feels amazing."

Congrats, Bode! From everyone at Ski Butlers!

Go to Facebook.com/SkiButlers to see more photos of Bode and the rest of the Olympic Games.

Go to Twitter.com/SkiButlers to see inside info and tweets from the Olympic events.

Park City, Utah…Delta, Continental and United have increased their baggage fees again, now charging $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second. It costs $120 round trip for two bags.  What options does this leave the skier or snowboarder?

Rent Gear: Many travelers are leaving their gear at home and renting with services like Ski Butlers. Depending on the ski/board package that you choose this may be the cheapest and easiest way to avoid more baggage charges. In addition you can rent the same skis you may own or skis that are better suited for the conditions and it saves the hassle of schlepping them. 

Know your airline: Many airlines offer slight discounts if you check your bags online or travel on Southwest which does not charge for the first two bags.

Get Fee Waived: Baggage fees are generally waived for travelers who are either frequent fliers or have reached elite status.

Ship Luggage: No hassles at the airport. No delayed or lost luggage. Downside: Packing, organizing, shipping and you still need to pay.

Bryn, Park City, UT