Rumors of NO Snow are a Bit Exaggerated
Granted, the only skis I ever slap on are the long skinny ones for flat land coasting. Therefore I am not an expert on the overall conditions on the surrounding Lake Tahoe ski resorts. I do realize that the fact we are here in January and there is no snow to be seen on the roads, rooftops, tree limbs . . .okay just about anywhere are strong indicators that the current weather conditions are not necessarily typical for this time of year. And yes, everyday I hear folks (the same ones that were complaining about all of the snow last June and recent October) saying that they can’t remember it EVER being this dry. So, I guess it is safe to assume, especially with all of the dooms-day media blasts, that the winter sport of downhill skiing is non-existent in Lake Tahoe.
NOT SO – once again, that’s the trouble with assuming. Instead of relying on rumors, one needs to check out the reality for themselves. And that is exactly what I did. Okay, not exactly. I mean I didn’t slap on a set of those trendy curvy metabolic shaped boards and a cute bunny outfit to try out the slopes myself. BUT, I did talk with folks that were actually on the slopes at Heavenly yesterday and today. And the reports were, much to my surprise, pretty positive. Even those coming from some of the Tahoe locals. Yes, the number of runs are limited – very limited – very, very limited. Yet from what I am told, there are no lines, no crowds, stunning blue skies, pleasant temperatures and pretty darn good snow (helped a bit by the snow machines.) Just ask Aaron & Ainsley from Australia (pictured above.)
Undoubtedly (okay, I am assuming here and we know how that goes) the big snow will come. And when it does, everyone will be singing and dancing and giving praise (for about 2 weeks) and along with the snow, the crowds will return and there will be a party on the mountains. But for now, from what I am told, there are some pretty blissful experiences awaiting on the downhill runs. In fact, our fellow Pinnacle REALTOR® Ike Marr seems to be talking more Lake Tahoe real estate on the slopes than in the office. Now that’s what I call “bringing the good life home.” Someone has to do it. Way to go Ike!
REALTOR® Ike Marr on Top, As Always
Improved Lake Tahoe Trails, Olympic Bid & A One Year Anniversary
While we patiently wait for new snow to fall along the shores of Lake Tahoe, we thought it would be a good time to update everyone on some overall positive news for the Lake Tahoe area. First, we are delighted to announce that new and improved trails will be underway for South Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake! The U.S. Forest Service is working on improving Fallen Leaf Lake Trail Access and Travel Management. The project area includes about 13,000 acres and 41.8 miles of existing trails from Pope to Baldwin beaches. Parking, access and trails would be improved under the project and many trails would receive upgrades. The access road to Glen Alpine Trailhead would be upgraded and an emergency access road would be constructed at the northeast corner of Fallen Leaf Campground. The bridge over Fallen Leaf Lake dam would be removed and replaced with an accessible bridge designed to accommodate bicycle and equestrian use. Project work could begin as early as next spring and is expected to be completed by 2014.
Here’s something that should bring a smile to most faces. There may be Olympic Gold in Tahoe’s future—California and Nevada have agreed to make a run at hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics at Lake Tahoe. The Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition has a memorandum of understanding between California and Nevada leaders to try to convince the U.S. Olympic Committee to back their bid for the Games to be held at Lake Tahoe. If the U.S. Olympic Committee backs the bid, then the bid goes to the International Olympic Committee. Keep those toes and fingers crossed.
And finally, South Lake Tahoe’s Crime Reduction Program Celebrates One Year! A program designed to reduce crime in residential complexes at the South Shore celebrated its one-year anniversary. Since the program’s inception, more than 85 participants have been certified in phase one of the three-step certification process. The three phases consist of an eight-hour training, a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design inspection and holding a “safety social” supported by law enforcement.
Now get back to those snow dances. We need it!
New Environmental Program Announced in South Lake Tahoe Neighborhood
The Montgomery Estates neighborhood is the recipient of the county and state government agencies implementation of a pilot program for an environmental plan on a community-wide basis. Tahoe has many environmental programs aimed at protecting the pristine lake and beautiful scenery, but this pilot program is unique—this program implements soil erosion controls at the community level.
The Montgomery Estates Community Watershed Program is intended to better address the needs of communities and environmental agencies, as well as to reform outreach and education to local communities regarding environmental development strategies. The program focuses on area wide planning, and on community-based conservation strategies, as opposed to parcel-by-parcel planning. The program is intended to increase water quality, increase road operations, and increase environmental compliance.
State and local agencies will be monitoring the Montgomery Estates Community Watershed Program which encompasses El Dorado County road rights-of-way within Montgomery Estates including the Cold Creek, Golden Bear, Lake Christopher, and Meadow Lakes subdivisions. If the pilot program is successful, local and state agencies may continue approaching environmental programs in Lake Tahoe on a community-wide basis. Go community teamwork!
Winter Festival Just Outside Lake Tahoe – December 4th
There’s nothing quite like a touch of local flavor when it comes to gifting art during the upcoming holiday season. Those of you that read our column know that I don’t generally promote “sales” events but this is one I just couldn’t resist.
This December 4 between 11 am and 4 pm, the community of Markleeville will be bursting with all the lights and decorations of Christmas. If you are looking to kick start the holiday spirit, grab your family and head on out for a day of pure fun. There will be handcrafted gift items, jewelry, pottery, wreaths, pillows, coloring books, and much more, available all over town, in businesses, and perhaps on a porch or two. The following information was provided by our friend, Evelyn Yonker (owner of the Markleeville Art Gallery located at 14841 Highway 89 in Markleeville), “there will be carolers gathering around the Christmas Tree at the Court House at 1 pm for a performance then they will stroll around town. Santa and Mrs. Santa will be in the Wolf Creek Restaurant by the fireplace at 11 am waiting to hear all the kids wishes for Christmas. The Wolf Creek Restaurant will have discounted food choices that day. The General Store has tree cutting permits for $10. There will be cobbler prepared by Little Antelope Pack Station in front of Intero Real Estate. The Markleeville Art Gallery will have a new glass ornaments, wool hats, soaps, jewelry as well as a 10% off all the fine art in the gallery for December 4th only. There will be lots of cookies, cocoa and cider available and you might find chestnuts roasting over an open fire. The museum will be open and free for the day. If there is enough snow there will be a snowshoe tour and you can make a snowman in the park. At 2 pm the Library will have story time, cookie decorating and Santa promises to come visit. At the Post Office, Margaret will be stamping your Christmas Cards. The Alpine County Chamber will have free maps of the town and other items for sale and free coffee. The gas station will have bird feeders and yule logs to decorate. You might even see an artist painting our beautiful town.
You can always check the Markleeville Gallery for updated information. This is the first year for this event and they are hoping to make it a yearly happening in Markleeville. It is approximately 50 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. Just follow CA-89 (Luther Pass Rd) and watch for signs to Markleeville/Jackson/CA-88.)
The Kokanee in South Lake Tahoe are Doing Their Dance
image by Theresa Souers
Folks, grab your cameras and get your “booties” over to Taylor Creek during the next couple of weeks. The colors are starting to turn, although it doesn’t appear as dramatic as years past. MORE importantly, the Kokanee Salmon are partaking in their annual spawn in full glory. As if that isn’t enough, one of our local black bear families are likely to make an appearance while dining on the feast displayed before them. Be sure to bring kids of all ages and while you are there, check out the informational hike along the Rainbow Trail. There you will learn about Taylor Creek, the evolution of meadows, walk along the creek to observe the salmon, and visit the stream profile chamber to see the underwater environment of Taylor Creek. This is one of the many reasons, Fall is our favorite time of the year. I truly can’t think of anywhere I would rather be.