Lake Tahoe’s Shannon Bahrke Wins Bronze

Lake Tahoe’s Shannon Bahrke became the first U.S. women’s mogul skier to win multiple Olympic medals when she grabbed a bronze in the 2010 Winter Games. Shannon is no stranger to the Olympics. She was a member of the 2002 (silver medal winner) and 2006 teams.

“This is the last hurrah,” said Bahrke, who has plans to get married on 10/10/10. “What a way to finish it. I worked my butt off, I’ve been in the gym and I’ve left no stone unturned coming into these Games. I had a rough start to the year, and feel like I had to get ready mentally, and I did that.”

The conditions were less than optimal during the runs. It’s been rainy in Vancouver and causing the snow to melt and get slushy – but that might have played to her advantage. “I’m from Lake Tahoe,” she said, “and sometimes it’s been known to rain there.”

So from all of us at Lake Tahoe Way, we’d like to say Congratulations Shannon!

There are several other Olympians from Lake Tahoe, so we’ll be sure to update you if any of them medal.

Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling

If you have never been on a snowmobile then you don’t know what you’re missing. We all know it looks fun as hell, but words can’t even describe the adrenaline and excitement you get when on the back of a snowmobile cruising at 30-40 mph in packed powder snow. The weather is rough when snowmobiling, but the rush makes that chill an afterthought.

Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best backcountry snowmobiling in America. There are hundreds of miles of trails, some of which take you on a journey through National Forests while others give you amazing views of the lake. It’s really a can’t miss destination for snowmobiling.

There are two Lake Tahoe snowmobile companies I wanted to highlight in today’s post. There are several other operations, just be sure to check reviews on TripAdvisor or something before booking.

Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tour Prices
www.laketahoesnowmobilingtours.com
Located in North lake Tahoe. General rates run at about $120 for a 2 hour ride. Of course they do offer private tours and half-day adventures for a lot more money.

Lake Tahoe Adventures
www.laketahoeadventures.com
Located in South Lake Tahoe. They offer scenic tours and off-trail riding. Riders must be at least 15 years-old, call them for pricing details.

Snowmobiling is definitely expensive, but I guarantee you it’s worth every penny. Would you rather spend $300 for a pair of football tickets and 3 hours of yelling at your team or for a 5 hour action packed adventure on a snowmobile? I thought so…

Lake Tahoe Web Cams

When you’re planning a winter trip to Lake Tahoe there is one thing you want to be sure of before you go. You want the know the conditions! The weather conditions can change in a minute at Lake Tahoe. Still photos of the lake, resort and ski slopes look amazing but what you really need is a live web cam.

Here is a list of some of the best live web cams in Lake Tahoe. They will give you a clear perspective of the lake from all different angles and locations. With these web cams you’ll be able to tell if it’s a white out, just snowing flurries or if there are crystal clear blue skies on the summit.

Sugarbowl Cam
Squaw Uber Cam
Northstar Cam
Mt. Rose Cam
Mammoth Cam
Kirkwood Cam
Heavenly Cam
Boreal Cam
Alpine Meadows Cam
Diamond Peak Cam

Do you have a web cam you want added to the list? Post a comment or contact me and I’ll add it.

Lake Tahoe Will Bid on 2022 Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics were last held in Lake Tahoe in 1960 – almost 50 years ago. That’s too long of a time to wait between hosting the Winter Olympics in the best snow city in the world. Nancy Cushing, head of the Squaw Valley Ski Corp. is rounding up a crew to put together a bid on the 2022 Winter Olympics – the bid has to be in by 2012 for consideration. I know, it’s crazy how you have to plan over a decade out to host the international games.

“We’re putting together a bid, which has to be in by 2012,” says Cushing, a board member of the Lake Tahoe Regional Sports Commission, which is just now taking shape. Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for the Olympics. They have the best slopes and plenty of five-star accommodations to support the thousands of guests.

Part of the plan includes building a new Olympic Museum – something that would win over the hearts of the IOC. “Five sites in the valley are under consideration for the new structure, which will be between 5,000 and 20,000 square feet and cost $20 million to build, Cushing estimates. The display will span the history of skiing in the Sierra, starting with snowshoe mail delivery and going through to snowboarders and freestylers.”

You can read more about the Lake Tahoe 2022 Winter Olympic Bid at the San Francisco Chronicle.

Snow Storm Slams Lake Tahoe

Just when we were starting to think 2009 might end with a disappointment, as massive El Nino storm slammed Lake Tahoe with over 3 feet of snow in some areas. Skiers and snowboarders across the lake rejoiced!

Expect a lot of new lifts and trails to be open this week at all the resorts. There’s no need for snowmakers anymore. Heavenly’s blog has an amazing photo gallery of all the snow they had just two days ago. It’s up to the rescue worker’s waist. Here are a few shots I grabbed off Flickr.

If you’re headed to Tahoe for a winter vacation you better bring warm clothing! And those of you living on the Lake, please be careful out there. The roads are slick and visibility is low.

October Snow

It is early October and Lake Tahoe has received it’s first major snow deposit. Mountains on all corners of the lake are blanketed in snow. As of writing this post the temp at Mammoth Mountain is 40 degrees and the have a 6-8″ base. That is wonderful news for skiers and snowboards looking for a big winter season.

Check the live webcams at Mammoth if you don’t believe me:
http://www.mammothmountain.com/WebCams/

Mammoth and other ski resorts around the lake are scheduled to open in early November. Most have activities, discounted rates, free food & drinks, etc. to celebrate the opening of the lifts. If this early snow keeps up I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some October openings!

Check out this picture from October snow in 2008.