January is the Perfect Month to Snowshoe at Lake Tahoe

Don a pair of snowshoes this month and no amount of snow will get between you and your favorite Lake Tahoe trail this winter. Though the first person to wear snowshoes trekked the mountains thousands of years ago, snowshoeing is rapidly growing in popularity as a unique and enjoyable way for the outdoor enthusiast to explore the Sierra Nevadas in a whole new way.

The great thing about snowshoeing is that it is a relatively safe and affordable winter sport for all ages, and it provides an amazing workout. Did you know you can burn an average of 600 calories or more per hour? Minimal equipment is needed, just a set of snowshoes and poles, which can be purchased for as little as $80, with a price range of up to about $300, depending upon fitness level and experience. Snowshoes can also be rented for a minimal fee, and most ski resorts and rental shops carry a selection of snowshoes for rent.

Once you’ve purchased or rented your snowshoes, you can pretty much conquer any mountain trail you may have once thought you could only access during the drier months of late spring/ early summer through late fall. Trails.com has a great interactive map that features all of the South Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing trails available, with details that include  location, distance, user reviews and descriptions. Ski resorts usually also offer trails for activities like snowshoeing, a great option for beginners or those wary of venturing into unknown territory with a set of snowshoes.

As with all winter sports, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to ensure a safe yet enjoyable outdoor experience!

• Make sure to wear comfortable, insolated shoes with good support, as well as a good pair of socks, preferably with a wool blend.
• When venturing out into cold weather, dressing in breathable layers is key.
• If possible, try to plan your excursions during clear weather. Not only will you enjoy the experience all the more on a clear sunny day, but you’ll avoid the chance of encountering a winter storm while you’re out! Make sure to check online weather reports up to the point that you leave – weather can change on a dime in the Lake Tahoe area.
• Don’t forget your sunglasses and wear sunscreen! Not only is Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada at a higher elevation than most are used to – we often forget that it is possible and sometimes easier to burn on an overcast day, especially with the reflection of the white snow.
• Use the buddy system  if possible, but at least make sure to inform a friend or two where you’ll be, how long you plan to be out and when you can expect to return. Also make sure to carry a cell phone – most areas in the Tahoe Region can pick up a cell phone signal, so while you may not have that all important signal when you need it, it certainly can’t hurt.
• Carry water with you at all times so you can stay hydrated and bring a couple of high-calorie snacks, such as a Power Bar or a Cliff Bar. The cold weather and exertion required for cold weather activity will make you glad you brought something to nosh on.

Lake Tahoe Guided Winter Hikes

The Lake Tahoe Rim Trail Association is offering free winter snowshoe hikes open to the public every Saturday, beginning January 9 through the end of March, as well as some special members’ only hikes in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service. Advanced reservations are required. To register, call (775) 298-0012 or email programs@tahoerimtrail.org.

Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service and Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol will be offering free guided snowshoe treks each Saturday in the Tahoe Meadows. For more information or to reserve a spot, call (775) 884-8103.

If you are willing to make the scenic drive to Lake Tahoe’s north side, Squaw Valley USA hosts monthly guided full moon snowshoe tours through the month of March. The events are offered at a packaged rate, which includes the guided tour and cable car ride.  A variety of other packages are also available, including a package that offers special pricing for those who have purchased a lift ticket or hold a seasonal pass at Squaw, as well as a dinner package. Prices range from $18.00 to $61.00 per person, with discounted rates for children 12 and under. To reserve a package or for more information, call (530), 583-6985 or visit Squaw.com.

Ring in the New Year Lake Tahoe Style

With the New Year fast approaching many visitors and locals in South Lake Tahoe will be switching out their winter hats for party hats! Every year South Lake Tahoe’s Casino corridor shuts down to motorized traffic to make way for the thousands of party goers who fill the street until the wee hours of the morning.

For those 21 and over looking for a party, check out MontBleu Resorts “Midnight Blu, New Year’s Eve celebration 2009″. Three parties for one price take place at Opal Ultra Lounge, Blu Nightclub and the Convention Center with special guest Party band, “Disco Inferno”. There will be free party favors and champagne all night/morning long as well as Go-Go dancers and body painting. For more information visit:  http://www.montbleuresort.com/. For VIP booth and bottle reservations call 775-586-2000. Tickets are available by calling MontBleu at 800-648-3353

You can also try heading over to Harrah’s nightclub VEX which will be throwing a Moulin Rouge themed New Year’s Eve celebration. The party at VEX includes a champagne toast, midnight balloon drop and female and male Go-Go Dancers performing overhead on bridges that crisscross the dance floor. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $100 and advance ticket purchase is encouraged. For more information visit  www.harrahstahoe.com.

 Don’t forget about the kids though! South Lake Tahoe will also be hosting family friendly New Year’s celebration. Head over to Ski Run Marina to check out South Lake Tahoe ‘s Blue Fire and Ice New Year’s Eve family celebration. The party starts December 31 from 5-7pm at the bottom of Ski Run Blvd. This event is free and will showcase ice sculpting, jugglers, firedancers and live music! Free shuttle rides will be provided by South Lake Tahoe’s public transportation system BlueGo. See www.BlueGo.org for schedule.

Lake Tahoe Gets into the Holiday Spirit

‘Tis the season for family, friends and winter at Lake Tahoe! As Christmas creeps closer and closer, we in Lake Tahoe begin to dream of a white Christmas.  With all of the recent snow this should not be a problem, but don’t doubt there will still be many locals and visitors praying for a fresh dusting of snow during Christmas week.

 Lake Tahoe thrives throughout the holidays. To celebrate, the South Shore has numerous events for children and adults.  This Saturday, the 19th, the kiddies can visit with Santa in Harrah’s Arcade from 11am-7pm.Professional photos, free video game play, popcorn, gifts and candy will be available for all.

 For the adult who may not be feeling the Christmas spirit check out Bar 24 in Bill’s Casino on for the Third Annual Hip-Hop Show titled “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”! Tickets are $18 in advance and $22 at the door.

 Lastly, those looking for a more traditional holiday experience are invited to “A Hometown Nutcracker” at Montbleu Resort Casino and Spa this Friday the 19th and Saturday the 20th. Tickets are $31.95 for adults and$26.95 for seniors and children, or call (800) 648-3353 for more information.

South Lake Tahoe Real Estate Sales: December 7-14

From December 7 to December 14, a total of twelve houses were sold with an average listing price of $345,942 and an average sold price of $330,825. The report below covers current inventory on Residential and Commercial properties  as of 12/14/09.

South Lake Tahoe Real Estate Market Share Report

Area Ski Resorts Report Incredible Recent Snowfall

Lake Tahoe ski resorts are now in full swing after experiencing the best December snowfall to date in several years. The multiple snow storms that have hit Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada are being attributed to El Nino, with area ski resorts receiving a reported average of 30 to 65 inches of new snow, with additional storms on the way.

In celebration of these amazing storms, Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe has announced it is extending its pricing on a season passses for only $369 through Friday, December 18, with prices increasing on Saturday, December 19. John Wagnon, Heavenly’s vice president of marketing sales says of the deal “If there was ever a year you want to own a pass, this is it.” The resort is located directly behind the Stateline Casinos and offers 19 lifts and 53 runs in both California and Nevada.