Lake Tahoe, gem of the Sierra, with its endless outdoor activities, magnificent blue waters, and majestic mountains, how could one ever want to leave? South Lake Tahoe is busier than ever this season, big bands, like Rascal Flatts, Elton John, Stevie Nicks, and Bob Dylan are all scheduled to be dropping by the Harvey's Summer Stage within the next couple of weeks. The South Lake Tahoe celebrity golf tournament just ended, and as usual, was a huge success. Celebrities like Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Oscar De la Hoya, John Elway, Jason Kidd, & Bode Miller, all showed up to pledge their support to a great cause and have a little fun on the lake. I'm sure they didn't bring their ski and snowboard rentals this time, but they'll be back for some fresh powder turns on Heavenly Ski Resort soon enough. Lake Tahoe itself is seeing alot of action. I was out on the water a few days ago and there was tons of traffic, all rentals too. It's great to see all the families and revelers cutting loose on Lake Tahoe and enjoying it for its purest nature. South Lake Tahoe's hiking and biking trails have been extraordinarily congested due to the resurgent popularity mountain-biking has incurred in the past couple of years. To say the lease, Lake Tahoe is the place to be. So much to do, and so much to share with family and friends, Lake Tahoe could be the best place on Earth.
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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.
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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
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Each year the great folks of Sierra-At-Tahoe invite local businesses to participate in their "Bowling Nite." It is a great time of year and is always a pleasant welcome to the start of the ski season. We are no "Lebowski's" over here, but we do enjoy pizza and bowling as much as the next guy, (not to mention some free spirits too). It is always nice to mingle with all the ski folks from around town and get pumped on what a fantastic season we have ahead of us. I personally went onto Sierra-At-Tahoe ski resort this week and was amazed with the conditions. The morning pretty much consisted of fresh turns from top to bottom for the first hour of the day then followed by fast groomers for the rest, which was just about all you could ask for so early in the season. I look forward to some serious coverage in the Lake Tahoe Basin so we can carve some nice turns down the Grand View lift line and get that out-of-breath feeling that can only come about from aggressive skiing. Until then, my fat powder ski rentals will have to remain in the closet but not for long. So for now, I'm looking forward to crushing the bowling lanes tonite, gorging on pizza, and reminiscing about deep powder lines from years past. Keep thinking snow because it's working!
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Lake Tahoe mountain ski resorts continue to open this week. After a nice snowfall last week, Heavenly began operations and opening ski runs. Heavenly Ski resort now has 4 of 29 lifts running with 6 of 94 ski runs open. This Friday two more mountains will open for business, and with the predicted snow storm on the horizon, they might just have perfect timing. Sierra-At-Tahoe will start running lift chairs this weekend and are very anxious for guests to arrive. The great folks at "Sierra" are going to be offering free backcountry tours all year long and are pumped to provide the free service. "Sierra" also just got word that they were voted the #9 Best Park / #9 Best Pipe / #6 Overall Resort in Transworld Snowboarding Magazine's, "2010 Resort Guide." Kirkwood Mountain Resort's long anticipated opening gets underway this weekend. Minimal lifts will be running but they are optimistic that much of the terrain will be available very soon to ski. So get your ski and snowboard rentals ready because it's time to hit the slopes.
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