Sierra at Tahoe Resort Official Blog

For a Good Time Call Sierra

Eddie Smith, one of our local riders, entered a Contour video contest and we're just blushing because Sierra Resort was his muse. Even more, he won the whole dang thing! Daaa-aang! We were stoked to hear about it, then even more stoked to see it. Reminiscent of a nowhere yet everywhere bathroom wall, the flick is titled, "For a good time, call Sierra." Despite the visuals the last sentence may have conjured up, the film far from stinks. The proven talented videographer is a South Lake Tahoe local and entrepreneur. When not filming or throwing down on the hill, Eddie is working at his local business MaxAir . 

Eddie also happens to know his way around the Bashful Park and  720's for that matter. It's our boy Eddie himself dong the stunts in the opening segment of the film.  The other shred stars are some of his riding buddies from around the way and please, if you see this and know their names, be sure to leave comments and give them credit where credit is due. I had a chance chat with Eddie and and here is what he had to say:

Where are you from? Bishop originally but, I  have been living in South Lake for 14 years.

How long did it take to compile all this footage? 20 day of riding

What is your Favorite Mountain? Sierra-at-Tahoe

Sweet, what are some of your favorite spots around the hill?
Jack's Bowl, The Alley, Huckleberry Canyon, and "the pipe"

I have to say he's got some of our sweet spots DIALED. Check it out.
 

For a Good Time, Call Sierra from Max Air!! on Vimeo.

Congrats on winning and we're looking forward
to your next feature film starring Sierra!

Blizzard Mountain - Adventure seekers wanted for high thrill, low skill fun!

 

Our newly launched snow play and tubing area is in full effect and quite a good time for friends, family, and people of all shapes, ages and sizes. I witnessed it first hand last weekend and it was buzzing with energy and smiling faces. Sierra has done a great job of creating a space for everyone to enjoy the snow with no skis or snowboards required.

If you just want a fun outing with your kids or your boo, this is a great place to make some memories. There is a tow that accesses 2 tubing lanes that send you sliding and spinning down the hill to your heart's delight. I have to also mention the price point is quite a bit lower than a typical day of skiing or riding. If you prefer not to use the tubes there are snow play areas for sledding or just romping around throwing snowballs and  there’s plenty of room to make snow angels too.

There are toys there for you to play with or you can bring your own which, I thought was nice. I anticipated seeing mostly kids there however, I was tickled to find parents tubing, sledding and making snowballs (with the snowball makers provided  for you, I guess so your hands don’t get cold).  It seemed like every other person coming down a tubing lane was an adult... without a kid. So yes it’s great for families but from observation, it's great for the 30s and 40's crowd too. Who knew? See video below.

It costs $10 to get into Blizzard Mountain for the whole day and if you want to tube it’s an extra $20 for two hours. The friendly staff help you on the tow at the bottom and send you down your lane of choice when you get to the top.

For adults who did bring along some children to share in the fun (wink, wink), there are plenty of tables and seating to sit and watch your babies frollick in their overly puffy snowsuits. You can also stop for lunch and refuel with snacks that you brought or got form the onsite Snack Bar. Of course hot-coco is on the menu for those old schoolers whose fingers get cold from making snowballs the old fashioned way, with their hands.

Beyond tubing, snow balls, snacks and sledding there is also a bouncy house for kids 12 and under. I know, I was disappointed I couldn't get in too. Sorry thirty somethings this feature is just for the little ones.      

I did some quality control and rode a tube a few times myself. Combined with the people watching, I can 100% confrm the smile making ability of the experience. If you just want a day trip with the family or you already rode so hard your too sore to go again, Blizzard Mountain is a fun, and low impact, way to

thoroughly enjoy our winter wonderland. 

See more photos in the More Than a Ski Resort- Snow Fun for All photo album.

 

More Than a Ski Resort- Snow Fun for All

I'll be your Huckleberry- Sidecountry Tour 2011

    You may have heard  of Doc Holiday welcoming a gun slinging stand-off with the subtle threat "I'll be your Huckleberry". It turns out the rungs on coffins back then were called huckles, and those who carried the recently deceased at their funerals were known as huckle bearers. Add a few shots of whisky and a southern drawl and you have yourself a "huckleberry". Less morose yet, easily as memorable Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort hosts 340 acres of "sidecountry" sharing the name Huckleberry Canyon. The backcountry or sidecountry terrain is also commonly referred to as "the gates" as there are five gates that allow access to this ridgeline full of shoots, pillow drops, and double black diamond descents.

    I wanted to get the inside scoop on this coveted terrain. Coming from an aggressive big mountain style resort, I was looking for something that could scare the bageezus(sp?) out me or at least shoot me full of adrenaline. So, I ventured out on one of Sierra's Free Backcountry Tours offered to advanced skiers and riders.  I took the tour last week when conditions were variable. I  suppose I could have waited till a pow day to take the tour, but when it's deep and ripe for the taking, I don't want to waste any fresh line time with the stop and go pace associated with tours. On the other hand, if that's kind of pace you like then there you go. These guided excursions are offered every Friday by reservation and go out twice a day, once at 10:00am and at 1:30 pm. Again, you'd be missing the boat waiting to take the tour at 1:30pm on a powder day so take my advice and do it before hand.

    The tours meet at the top of Grandview Express next to the oversized trail map. My co-worker and I eagerly approached the meeting site where we found our guide, Jason Albery. This guy is a seasoned instructor who teaches Level 7 and 8 private lessons, as well as freestyle (park) lessons. He's got to be good as he's lived an endless winter for the better part of the decade. When not teaching in the mountains of the Sierra he instructs in the white clad ridges of New Zealand.
A few others met up with us for our adventure, Zach and Jeremy- a skier and snowboarder from South Lake and a couple more snowboarders from Garden Valley. On top our guide supplied us with backpacks equipped with beacons, probes and shovels. The only thing missing was a St. Bernard with a barrel around his neck.

 
Gates 4 and 5 were closed that day so we were able to see all of the terrain from the bottom of where we would ostensibly, be able to access if we entered from the ridgeline. Our guide was well versed on the area and took care to show us the several different entry points accessing topography with varying levels of technical difficulty. A key tip to newcomers to Huckleberry was to enter through Gate 5 and drop in just past Pole 12 (There are pole markers all down the ridge accessible from gates 4 and 5). According to our guide, Pole 12 is the least difficult point of entry into the Canyon and good place to take a look and get acclimated to the landscape. Moreover, when coming down through this area known as "The Golf Course" there is a straight shot out to the groomed CAT tracks that lead back to Sierra's in-bounds.
   That was another thing we were cautioned about, where terrain flattens out and were we could expect to hike if we went too far in one direction. I won't spoil the tour for you though, if you want to know how to avoid these snafus make a reservation.

There was an array of subtle instructions as we navigated the labyrinth-esque contour of Gate 3. There were gorgeous views, pillows, spines, steeps and open bowls and across the ridge we could see chutes, and drops that could definitely get your heart pumping.

As we followed our pack leader to the bottom we funneled down to a frozen lake where all the trials come together. Once there, the well groomed CAT tracks are visible and about a 15 step hike. We stopped for a spell and the bottom and practiced finding each other with the beacons that had been deployed to each of us at the beginning of the tour. Knowing best safety practices is paramount in backcountry conditions even if you are on resort territory.
From there it was a combination of single foot skating and pole pushing through rollers and bends that reminded me of the "over the river and through the woods" tune you may have sung when you were a little kid.

After a hop, skate, and a push we were back out on Castle just moments away from the bottom of Grandview. The whole process took about an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.  I am so glad I went even though now, I am jonesing for a storm more than ever. Thanks to the tour and our very informative guide, I feel confident I can navigate myself as well as friends through Sierra's backcountry gates and land safely in bounds that is, after aggressively elevating my endorphins.

I'm getting excited just thinking about it!!!!

Ahhhhh!

Deep breath, deep breath.... OK I'm back. As the old adage states, nothing in life is free, but if you already have your pass or lift ticket this tour is and it offers a tremendous value. And if you want to learn more about backcountry skiing or riding techniques there are also 2 and 1/2 hour lessons for just $49 or $33 each with a 3-Pak.

Take advantage of Sierra's generosity and its staff's expertise and get out there soon so you'll be ready for the next storm.

See More Photos in the Huck Tour 2011 Photo Album.

 

A personal special thanks to Jason Albery from Ski School- you rock!

 

Smoke on the Mountain

I had the opportunity to get out on the hill yesterday. I had some special guests in town so I thought we'd do something out of the ordinary. I can't count how many times I have been to the top of Grandview Express, sometimes it's twenty times in a day, and I'm so focused on my next run that I'm hardly even aware that there's a lodge right there at 8,852 feet!

You get off the lift and off to the left is the 360 Smokehouse BBQ. There are definitely things out of the ordinary besides the restaurant's location. When you approach you can smell lunch smoking in the outside grill as the cooks cordially welcome you. Once inside you find some hosts offering you slippers and to take your boots and gloves so they can dry them while you enjoy your meal. Have you ever gotten that kind of treatment at a restaurant? At home? Anywhere??

(not taken at time of trip, but you get the idea.)

To get into the dining area you must climb a few stairs but, in slippers instead of ski boots it's no problem. Once inside the atmosphere is quaint with buffalo wall hangings and warm and rustic decor. There is also a full bar in the back. As you approach the menu, you find of variety of delectable BBQ items from smoked pulled pork to prime rib to spicy hot links. I was also pleasantly surprised to find there were vegetarian options on the menu. I had a grilled portabella mushroom sandwich that was served with grilled peppers, Swiss cheese and, of course, BBQ sauce - AMAZING. All of these freshly smoked menu items give the option of a variety of accompaniments including homemade mac n' cheese, sweet potato fries, and fried green beans, just to name a few. FYI there are also salads and some lighter fare, if you're into that sort of thing. 

When you arrive at your gingham covered table you have a choice of 3 BBQ sauces to add to your dish du jour, sweet, spicy, and original. This food is sure to give you enough fuel for an afternoon of careening down mountainsides. And if you have room for dessert they serve a mean apple pie a la mode.

To avoid a food coma we took a walk up just a few more stairs to one of the better views I've ever laid my eyes on, and I've seen international sunsets galore. From the top deck, where you can also eat your lunch if you choose, you can take in 360 views of Desolation Wilderness and breath taking shots of Lake Tahoe. The world class views, brisk air and the bright blue skyscape perked me better than a shot of espresso.  As an added touch there are maps of the surrounding mountians naming and indicating their elevations. While identifying neighboring peaks, I got a visceral sensation, it's just somehow more meaningful to orient yourself to the great outdoors on top of a mountain.

My guests ( and I ) were so pleased with the experience I had to share it. I know for most of us our first order of business on the hill is getting some turns in but we all have to eat sooner or later.  I really recommend, at least once this season, putting away the Cliff Bar and taking the time to sit down, have some great food & hospitality and eat like the Gods on Olympus must have. Hey, and while you’re at it throw in a beer. (Open Daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm)

The life of a CAT

If we build it, they will come

I'm talking about the Superpipe here my snow loving friends. I know with all these powder days there has been a surplus of excitement and it's not going to stop now. Our groomers have been hard at work getting our beast of a magical pipe ready for your air floating enjoyment. I was up on Aspen to catch a glimpse of the PB and Rail Jam on Sunday and spotted the Cats doing their thing.

 

All the snowfall has caused some delays in the build but perseverance is something the groomers are well accustomed to. It’s like making your bed, every night you mess it up and every day you have to make it again. Don't get the wrong idea, we are definitely NOT complaining. We are reveling in all this snow love, we're just thirsty for some pipe love as well.

NOAA predicts sunshine until Saturday, the 8th, and I'm confident our undeterrable park crew will have it ready in all its glory by then.

Push, push, push, push, push.....push. 

Unlike making a bed, Cats and 18 foot pipe walls are bit more difficult to negotiate than down blankets. So, let's enjoy the sunshine and be happy to have even more goodness to look forward to. According to the Terrain Park Supervisor, if all goes according to plan, we'll have a few days to ride it before the snow falls again.

This is what Sierra-at-Tahoe's and South Shore's only Superpipe looks like on sunny day just like today.

This will be one of the earliest pipe opennings on the books. Thank you Mother Nature, my first air will be for you!

 

 

 

There's No Place Like Home?

As a reformed So-Cal rider (don't judge me), I still get butterflies in my stomach every time Todd Offenbacher points his finger to the green screen and says "Powder days are coming!" Those four words slap a smile on my face and send shivers down my spine.

As any powder lover will attest, there is nothing better than floating through a sea of fluffy white goodness.  Considering the POW days have been numerous, I started to take them for granted. Shameful I know...but that was until  my grade school posse decided to visit good ol' SLT for New Year's, and I was reintroduced to why I am one lucky girl!

Stoked out with 3-Paks, season passes, the marketing camera and my boys in tow, we headed down to the West Bowl trees ready for sickness.  And we were not disappointed! Line after line of freshness mixed with powder face shots made it heaven on earth.  Rock jumps, tree grinds and kickers, each boy was one-upping the next while I desperately tried to keep my cam on the shots.  In the midst of stomping tricks, I was almost literally stomped on by my 6' 3 lil' brother...but as all good brothers would, he sacrificed the landing instead of his sister.  We laughed and played like we were back on the playground, except this time they didn't think I had cooties. A sledding sesh closed out the day as our powder legs almost collapsed out from under us.  Most of them are now headed back down 395, back to manmade snow, back to nothing but park riding, back to where I learned and I must say, while there is nobody like my hometown friends, there is no place like Sierra!