Web Cams at the Ski Resorts
Have you ever been getting ready to hit the slopes, trying to figure the best plan of attack on the mountain, then wondered….”I wonder if the mountain is really crowded today?” Well, thanks to the internet and web cams strategically placed on many of Lake Tahoe’s best ski resorts you can check out the lift lines before you even leave your house.
Some of you may be asking yourself “What does it matter how crowded the line is? I’m going up anyway!” Well, good for you for having a “can do” attitude. However, checking the lift cams can be extremely beneficial when trying to decide which way to begin your day on the mountain. Many resorts such as Heavenly and Kirkwood have more than one ski lift that will give you access to the mountains. By using the resort’s webcam, it is easy to see which lift is more crowded, which can help you can plan accordingly.
The webcams can also be handy for checking weather in real time. No more listening to the often long, drawn out weather report by phone or checking the sometimes outdated website. Click on the webcams ahead of time and check the lift lines and weather for yourself.
Heavenly Ski Resort Seirra at Tahoe
Kirkwood Ski Resort Northstar at Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Cheers on Local Olympians in Vancouver
Lake Tahoe Locals are making their presence known at the Olympics this year being held in Vancouver. Many of the Olympians competing this year grew up here and call Lake Tahoe home. With world renowned ski resorts such as Squaw Valley, Kirkwood, Heavenly it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why Lake Tahoe is a breeding spot when it comes to fierce Olympic competitors.
One of the bigger names that calls Lake Tahoe home would have to be Hannah Teter. Hannah resides locally here in South Lake Tahoe and can often be seen riding the pipe at Sierra at Tahoe, her home mountain. In 2006, Teter made her Olympic debut as a 19-year-old and snatched the Gold medal in the half pipe competition in Tornio, Italy. Hannah is no stranger to competition having been the World Half Pipe Junior champion at age 15. Hannah realizes how lucky she is to be a professional snowboarder and gives back by focusing on humanitarian causes. Hannah donates much of her prize to help support an under privileged village in Kenya. She is hoping to bring home another win and has already pledged prize money to earthquake victims of Haiti.
Another popular name in the Olympics is Marco Sullivan. Sullivan was born and raised here in Tahoe City on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. At the age of three, Marco put on his first pair of skis and began to tear up what would become his home mountain, Squaw Valley. Sullivan can keep up with anyone on the slopes, but he’s ready to give it his all and finally bring home some prestigious Olympic medals. He has hinted that this might be his last Olympic competition, so the pressure is on. Sullivan has had many accomplishments throughout his career, including a 2001 win at the NorAm over all, a World cup win in 2008 and a third place finish at the legendary Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen Switzerland.
Giving Hannah Teter a run for her money would be Elena Hight. Elena is yet another South Lake Tahoe native and began as a member of the U.S Junior National Snowboard team at age 15. She continued from there and won her first pro competition in 2005, where she swept the Australian Open by winning both half pipe and slopestyle competitions. In 2006 she made the Olympic team and was named the sports rookie of the year. Elena is only twenty and still at the beginning of her highly anticipated career.
These are just a few of the approximately nine Olympians set to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics this year. Lake Tahoe wishes all Olympians the best of luck….but bring the Gold to Tahoe!
For more information on Lake Tahoe Olympians competing in the Winter Olympics, check out the official website at Vancouver2010.com
Lake Tahoe in the Movies
Lake Tahoe is most recognizable for being one of the most beautifully blue lakes in all of North America. It is easy to see why so many movies and television shows have been filmed here over the years.
By far, the most recognizable Lake Tahoe movie moment is found in in The Godfather Part II . The compound that the Corleone Family lived in is still a favorite to find. The house and grounds portrayed in the film are located on the California side of Lake Tahoe. The Fleur du Lac is the summer estate of Henry J. Kaiser. The only structures used in the movie that still remain are the complex of old native stone boathouses with their wrought iron gates. Although Fleur du Lac is private property and no one is allowed ashore there, the boathouses and multi-million dollar condominiums are easily viewed from the lake.
Another favorite filmed here is the TV series Bonanza. The Ponderosa Ranch was actually located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and the opening sequence for the series was filmed at the McFaul Creek Meadow with Mount Tallac in the background. This was a nostalgic hotspot for those who grew up watching the Cartwright family deal with life on their ranch. Unfortunately, in September of 2004, the Ponderosa Ranch closed its doors after being sold to a developer for an undisclosed price.
City of Angles starring Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage also filmed some of the movies most memorable scenes here as well. Who could forget Meg Ryan riding her bike, eyes closed, with Lake Tahoe as her back drop. City of Angles also filmed at Fallen Leaf Lake which is mere minutes from Lake Tahoe.
The picturesque and unscathed natural beauty of Lake Tahoe make it easy to see why so many movies have been filmed in the area. There is little doubt that Lake Tahoe will continue to be a favorite with film makers, because Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains are truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Three Day Weekend!!!
That is right! Load up the car for that road trip or book your tickets because next week is Presidents Day which means a three day weekend for many people across the nation. You can bet that Lake Tahoe will be the place to be this up coming weekend. Lake Tahoe offers many of the big city conveniences with the small town simplicity. There are so many activities here in Lake Tahoe it can be difficult to find the time and energy to see and do everything in one trip.
You can spend a weekend pampering yourself at luxurious spas and salons or rough it with only the bare essentials out in the backcountry.
Risk it all on Black or Red at one of the Casinos.
Maybe take your money and go shopping at Heavenly Village or Outlet Shops.
Or, fly down one of the many ski resorts at mock speed. It really is just a matter of choice here in Lake Tahoe. So bring your honey, bring your friends and bring your family to Lake Tahoe to take advantage of the extended weekend and take your pick of activities.
Here are some quick ideas on actives in Lake Tahoe
Downhill skiing/snowboarding Rent a snowmobile
Sledding and tubing Take a boat cruise on Lake Tahoe
Horse drawn sleigh ride Ice skating at Heavenly Village
Get a massage Snow shoe to a scenic view point
Cross country ski along the beach Test your luck at the Casinos
Watch a movie at a theater Play video games in the arcades
Consider a Romantic Weekend in a Luxury Tahoe Vacation Rental
As commercialized as holidays are these days, it’s difficult to devise a unique and memorable way to spend Valentine’s Day with that special person in your life. Why not forego the usual flowers and box of candy for a romantic weekend interlude in a goreous Luxury Lake Tahoe vacation home, condo or cabin?
Before you plan your trip, consider the type of weekend you would like to plan. Do you and your honey prefer a day on the slopes shredding, cross-country skiing or braving the moguls? Are the two of you more interested in the pampered experience with amenities that cater to your desires for comfort and well-being? Or maybe a combination of both?
If you haven’t started planning your weekend, now is the time to start, since Valentine’s weekend is less than two weeks away! The first step is selecting the perfect retreat for you and that special someone. Buckingham Properties in South Lake Tahoe has a fantastic variety of vacation homes, chalets, cabins and condos to choose from, all conveniently located not far from the Stateline casinos and Heavenly ski resort. Many of the properties offer luxury furnishings, gorgeous lakefront views and amenities like a relaxing private jacuzzi only steps away.
Next, start planning daytime activities. Consider buying a pair of lift tickets at Heavenly ski resort for a day on the slopes, or planning an outdoor snow excursion, such as a privately guided snowmobile tour or a romantic snowshoe hike. Not the outdoorsy type? Lake Tahoe has several indulgent spas in the area featuring massage, facials, manicures, pedicures and more.
Finally, you’ll want to plan a romantic candlelight dinner where you can slow down and enjoy your partner. South Lake Tahoe has several dining options, from dining options at the stateline casino to more intimate restaurants on the lake. For the ultimate experience, consider hiring a private chef for the evening.
To sum up this article, we’d like to leave you with some words of thought about how exciting romance can be. Have a happy Valentine’s Day!
“Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze.”
- Amanda Cross
