outdoor

Construction bids now being accepted for Spooner Lake State Park improvements

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Nevada State Parks is seeking construction bids for Phase 1 of the Spooner Frontcountry Improvement Project. Phase 1 will involve a complete redesign and update of the over 35-year-old facilities, and construction of a new visitor center and amphitheater at Spooner Lake. Proposals will be accepted at the Nevada Division of State Parks office until March 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. PST.

Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series features Ingrid Backstrom and Tahoe Fund auction

Event Date: 
February 4, 2021 - 7:00pm

It’s not too late to register for the fourth event of the 2020-21 Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series and support the Tahoe Fund. Scheduled to take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, the free live streamed event will feature a presentation by professional skier Ingrid Backstrom followed by a live raffle that includes coveted outdoor gear. Tickets for the live raffle are available for purchase upon registration for the free event, with proceeds benefiting the Tahoe Fund.

South Lake Tahoe joins other communities in National Moment of Unity and Remembrance

Event Date: 
January 19, 2021 - 2:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe and other communities around the lake will join the nation on Tuesday, January 19 as they honor those who have died during the pandemic.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Lake Valley Fire Honor Guard will take part in the nationwide bell-ringing ceremony at 2:30 p.m. There will not be a public ceremony but all are encouraged to ring bells or turn their outdoor lights on to participate in the memorial as well.

The green light to reopen caught many South Lake Tahoe businesses by surprise

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the news hit that the Sacramento Region was moving out of the stay-at-home order Tuesday evening, the announcement caught many by surprise, especially those businesses that had been closed since it went into effect December 10, 2020.

Recreate responsibly if heading to Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With nice weather, a relaxing of some travel restrictions, and some snow on the ground, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is expected to be a busy one in the Sierra.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and California State Parks have joined together in an outreach campaign to provide simple actions to increase the enjoyment of the outdoors experience. Staying local, planning ahead, social distancing guidelines, not leaving trash and following the posted rules are just some of the ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

It's official: NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ coming to Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - It's been a plan in the works for months and today the National Hockey League (NHL) made it official - they are bringing NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ to Edgewood Tahoe February 20-21, 2021.

Bridgestone NHL Outdoors Saturday will showcase the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 20. Honda NHL Outdoors Sunday will feature the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21. Both games will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC in the United States and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

Small New Year's Eve crowds at Stateline keep US50 open

STATELINE, Nev. - It was a much quieter holiday at Stateline this year with a decrease in calls for service, five arrests, and the lowest number of New Year's celebrants in a few decades.

US 50, the highway that runs from South Lake Tahoe into Stateline was not closed due the low number of people in the area. Law enforcement was able to keep those wanting to bring in the new year outside to the sidewalk or they stayed inside the casinos.

"The celebrants were well behaved and embraced the New Year’s Eve celebration," said Douglas County Undersheriff Ron Elges.

Two NHL outdoor games planned for Edgewood Tahoe in February

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There will be two National Hockey League (NHL) games held outdoors at a new rink at Edgewood Tahoe in February, according to a report today on Sports Net Canada.

The outdoor games will be between the Las Vegas Knights and Colorado Avalanche on February 20 and the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers on February 21.

'Tis the season to be fire safe

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. Many of the Christmas Trees in homes have now been there for a week or two, and precautions can be taken to prevent a fire that would ruin the holidays.

Tahoe athletes to offer backcountry safety tips during free live panel session

Featuring some of the biggest names in skiing and snowboarding, the inaugural Tahoe Backcountry Awareness Week will culminate with the Athlete Summit on Thursday, December 17. The free virtual event, designed to encourage those planning to venture into the backcountry to educate themselves before doing so, will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a live Q&A period with Michelle Parker, Jeremy Jones, Elyse Saugstad, Cody Townsend and Amie Engerbretson.

Douglas County DA gets dismissal of OSHA violations surrounding Trump visit

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Two citations issued by the state after President Trump's September 12, 2020 visit have been dismissed. They were both issued following his visit at the Minden-Tahoe Airport since the visit was during Governor Sisolak's emergency order that prohibited public gatherings of more than 50 people.

The State of Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Nevada OSHA) has agreed to dismiss the two citations after they were formerly contested by the Douglas County District Attorney who represented both parties charge, the County and ABS Aviation, Inc.

Column: Cultivating cheer everywhere

Tahoe is a wonderland. Every season creates not only beautiful landscapes, but also new opportunities to get outside and play. For those of us that enjoy playing in the outdoors there are some simple practices we can all engage in to spread cheer all year and everywhere.

Tread Lightly
In the show “The Crown” the queen educates Margaret Thatcher on proper behavior while stalking a stag. She mentions the importance of dressing properly, speaking quietly, and avoiding wearing perfumes. The same is true for spending time outside while visiting Tahoe.

City of South Lake Tahoe allocates funds to help with propane, food, and to go containers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During the city council meeting on Tuesday, funds were approved to further assist the community during the pandemic.

Column: Healthier, happier holiday celebrations

As we prepare to say goodbye (and maybe even good riddance) to 2020, the end of the year brings several holidays. Whether celebrating Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanza, and of course, New Year’s Eve, remember that indoor holiday gatherings with others not in your immediate household can put you, your community, and those you care about at risk. As challenging as it is, staying home for the holidays is your best way to protect yourself and loved ones, and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in a time when healthcare and essential workers critically need that support.

Flatstick Pub with indoor mini-golf coming to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Flatstick Pub Norcal will be adding a second California location in South Lake Tahoe at 4101 Lake Tahoe Boulevard between Ace High Saloon & Smokehouse and the Big Vista Clothing Store in the Zalanta, across from Heavenly Village.

Flatstick Pub is a community focused craft brew pub with challenging mini-golf and other mini-golf inspired games. The company's flagship location is in Downtown Sacramento.

Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood respond to California's Stay-at-Home order

California has permitted ski resorts to continue to operate under our state-approved winter operating plans as outdoor recreation has been identified as an important outlet for personal health and wellness. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort will remain open for skiing and riding during California’s Regional Stay at Home Order.

Stay-at-Home orders for El Dorado, Alpine counties and rest in Sacramento Region

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe and the rest of El Dorado County and Alpine County will go under a Stay-at-Home order effective Thursday, December 10 at 11:59 p.m. This order will last for at least three weeks and then the state will reevaluate. The order has gone into effect because the Sacramento Region, of which South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado and Alpine counties are part, now has staffed ICU bed availability under 15 percent.

Mono County and Southern California, San Joaquin regions prepare for stay-at-home orders

Mono County, home to Mammoth Mountain, Bridgeport, and Topaz Lake, is set to go on Stay-at-Home orders with the rest of the Southern California counties on Sunday. They will join the San Joaquin region as areas set to move to the stricter health orders due to a rapidly dwindling supply of ICU beds.

South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County not under shut down orders, yet

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, California Governor Newsom today issued a new regional stay-at-home order as an "emergency brake" to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

This order goes into effect in regions with less than 15 percent ICU availability. At this time, the El Dorado County does not fall into that group but it could be a matter of days until it does. The county is part of the Greater Sacramento Region which is at 22 percent capacity as of Thursday.

Alpine County moves into the Red Tier

As of noon Saturday, Alpine County has been assigned by the California Department of Public Health to the Red Tier in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This move is based on statistical data which includes:
- Test Positivity (7-day average with a 4-day lag) – 5.8 percent
- Total new cases (7-day total with a 4-day lag) – 6

Being the smallest county in the state with about 1,200 residents, their increasing case load has concerned Public Health Officer, Dr. Richard Johnson.

Tahoe Film Fest returns with modified schedule on North Shore

INLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The 6th Annual Tahoe Film Fest presents environmental and independent feature length and award winning films to North Lake Tahoe from December 3-6, 2020. Special guests and filmmakers will be present at many of the films.

The festival takes on a new look during the pandemic. The films originally scheduled for Northstar had to be moved as movie theaters must only operate outdoors due to Placer County's Purple Tier. The theaters on the Nevada side can still show films but only at 50 percent capacity.

Nevada under new safety measures after surge of COVID-19 deaths and positivity rate

Governor Steve Sisolak announced a "at least a three-week statewide pause" to protect Nevadans from the pandemic due to a surge in positive cases and deaths. Starting Tuesday, November 24 at 12:01 a.m. there will be tighter business restrictions and a stricter mask mandate in the state of Nevada.

Many thought he would be calling for a shutdown in the state, but instead he chose the "pause" at this time. Sisolak said ten percent of all COVID-19 cases in Nevada since beginning of pandemic have been recorded in the last seven days.

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country open November 27

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country will open for the 2020/21 winter season on Friday, November 27, 2020 with new safety procedures.

“We are eager to welcome our guests back to the mountain and are thrilled that opening day is just a week away,” said Greg Dallas, President and CEO of Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge. “Our team has worked tirelessly on a reopening plan that keeps the safety of our guests and staff as the top priority.”

Barton Health updates community on their surge preparedness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The safety of patients and healthcare workers is Barton Health’s top priority. The health care system has operations in place to continue to meet the demand for medical services as COVID-19 cases surge across the nation and Lake Tahoe. After preparation for the anticipated increase of patient volume this fall and winter, aspects of Barton’s plan are being implemented to meet the needs for patient care.

Tahoe Fund calls for projects to fund that help preserve the Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fund has kicked off its annual Request for Projects process, a time they seek applications seeking funds of $5,000 to 1,000,000 to complete their goals to help preserve Lake Tahoe.

The funding for projects are designed to restore Lake Tahoe’s famed clarity, create healthier forests, improve transportation, create more sustainable recreation, and inspire greater stewardship in the region.

South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County join much of the state in the purple tier of COVID-19 restrictions

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The State of California today announced new COVID-19 tier assignments, moving El Dorado County into Tier 1 Purple starting at noon on Tuesday, November 17. This date has been changed from the county's previously announced noon on Thursday.

Under the Purple Tier, the following sectors are permitted for OUTDOOR ONLY operations These sectors must still maintain mitigation measures (social distancing, face covering, and sanitization):

-Cardrooms, satellite wagering

Barton Health brings back services to Robert Maloff Orthopedics & Wellness Center

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With services stopped during the first months of the pandemic due to safety concerns, Barton Health is bringing back health and wellness programs to its Robert Maloff Center for Orthopedics & Wellness.

Fire restrictions lifted in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A burn ban in the Lake Tahoe Basin was put in place this summer in response to the unprecedented and extreme fire conditions in California. While there were no major fires in the Basin there were record setting acres burned across the state.

A ban of charcoal barbeques, wood fire pits and open burning was but in place along with extra bans during Red Flag Warning conditions.

Barton Health welcomes two new primary care doctors to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has welcomed two new primary care providers, Krista Ault, MD and Tyler Peterson, DO, at its network of family care medical offices in South Lake Tahoe.

These physicians will expand community access to care, a priority of Barton’s in response to its Community Health Needs indicating access to health services being a top concern of surveyed residents in the local area.

USFS facilities around Lake Tahoe start seasonal closures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has begun closing recreational facilities for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many National Forest recreation sites in the Tahoe Basin including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads.

USFS reminds all that fire restrictions remain in place around Lake Tahoe

Due to continued dangerous wildfire conditions, emergency fire restrictions remain in effect across all National Forest lands in California, including both the California and Nevada sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Smoking outdoors and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited.

View the Forest Order at https://go.usa.gov/x7W7M.

Column: A safer, healthier haunting this season

Seasonal holidays like Halloween will be different this fall to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Finding safe ways to celebrate can create magical memories, and lower the risk of exposure to yourself, your family, and your community. The decisions we make on this one day can have a ripple effect beyond our own families. Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic is a chance for you and your children to get creative, and maybe even invent some new traditions for your family. It's also a great opportunity to model flexibility and a positive spirit.

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe Sunday-Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has upgraded their previous fire weather watch to a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin Sunday at 5:00 p.m. to Monday at 5:00 p.m.

The forecast is for gusty winds and low humidity. Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph. Higher gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible along mid-
slopes and wind-prone areas with gusts of 70+ mph along the Sierra Crest.

Fire Weather Watch for Lake Tahoe - Gusty winds as temperatures drop

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Fire Weather Watch in effect from 5:00 p.m. Sunday through Monday at 5:00 p.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno is calling for gusty winds and low humidity for the Lake Tahoe Basin through western Lassen County.

* Affected Area...Fire Zone 271 Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierra, and Eastern Nevada Counties and Fire Zone 272 Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

SnowGlobe cancels its South Lake Tahoe music festival for 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Organizers of SnowGlobe, the annual music festival held in South Lake Tahoe, have canceled their 10th annual event due to safety concerns.

"2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges and we wanted more than anything to be a bright spot in this otherwise bleak year - but after close consultation with local and state health officials regarding the impact of COVID-19, we've made the difficult decision to cancel this year's festival," said SnowGlobe on their Twitter announcement Wednesday.

City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.

Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.

Besides being prepared for fall wildfires, yard cleanup now helps save time next spring

As fall approaches, and we think about spending more time inside, devote just a little more time outside to get your yard cleaned up and prepared for winter.

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) is reminding residents to make preparations now to be ready for fall wildfires and to save time and energy next spring.

Forest Service extends emergency fire restrictions in California including all of Lake Tahoe Basin

The US Forest Service has extended its emergency fire restrictions across all National Forest lands in California. This involves all USFS land in the Lake Tahoe Basin on both sides of the state line.

Smoking and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited.

With the ongoing threat of wildfire and a very dry season, the danger of fire remains too high to allow recreational fires.

South Lake Tahoe City Council expands business reimbursement program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During their meeting Tuesday, the City Council approved the Winter Operations COVID Compliance Business Protection Grant Reimbursement Program which will reimburse local businesses for PPE and the equipment they need to operate safely during the winter months.

There were funds left over from the first business reimbursement program which gave up to $2,500 back to those who had to purchase items needed to operate safely.

City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

Lake Tahoe Basin fire and camping restrictions extended

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has extended both its emergency camping and fire restrictions.

Camping/overnighting is prohibited in all wilderness/backcountry areas including Desolation, Meiss Country, Tahoe Rim Trail, Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds through November. View forest order here.

Family Resource Center BookWorks is holding large outdoor sale

Event Date: 
October 10, 2020 - 10:00am

BookWorks is having an outdoor book sale on Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They have been closed to the public since March but have a large number of books to sell.

SLT Council Candidate Keith Roberts

South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.

Today's candidate is Keith Roberts.

Profession: Executive Chef

How many years in SLT: 5 years

El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe move into less restrictive Orange Tier

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams, today announced the County has moved within the State’s new COVID-19 framework for reopening from the Red tier into the less restrictive Orange tier, effective immediately.

Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety: Five practical tips

Event Date: 
September 17, 2020 - 5:00pm

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and a good time check in with yourself and loved ones. So many of us are struggling to keep our mental health in check right now. It’s normal to feel anxious about the impacts of COVID-19. Preventing our worries from consuming us can reduce stress and uncertainty—and even more severe behavioral health issues like suicide.

Sierra-at-Tahoe releases their operational procedures for 20/21 winter season

Sierra-at-Tahoe has spent the summer developing new operational procedures regarding COVID-19 for the 2020/21 ski and ride season. They have released their new guidelines for this winter that allow everyone to enjoy the resort while staying safe and socially distant.

:These decisions have been made in compliance with local, state and federal regulations, as well as Sierra’s commitment to the National Ski Area Association’s “Ski Well, Be Well” initiative," said Sierra-at-Tahoe representatives in a press release.

Washoe County issues very first Stage 2 air pollution warning

WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. - The Washoe County Health District – Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued a Stage 2 Air Pollution Warning for Washoe County based on current air pollution levels. This warning means that all residents should stay indoors and reduce activity levels due to the susceptibility of increased health risks.

This is the first Stage 2 warning ever issued by the Health District and is in place until further notice.

Alpine County News: No outdoor fires on private land, COVID testing change

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Effective immediately, Alpine County health officer Dr. Johnson has ordered all outdoor fires, including campfires, bonfires, pit fires, charcoal fires, or any other open flame fires prohibited on all private lands throughout Alpine County. This prohibition shall be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors at their next meeting and each meeting thereafter and will continue until terminated by action of the Board.

This goes with the closure announced Thursday of the 400,000-acre Carson Ranger District which includes Alpine County.

Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has changed their previous Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday, September 8 from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

They have also issued a Special Weather Statement and a Lake Wind Advisory for Tuesday from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Red Flag Warning

This warning is in place due to gusty winds and low humidity for the Lake Tahoe Basin, Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierrs, and Eastern Nevada Counites. Fire Zone 271 and Fire Zone 272.

Forests, campgrounds and day-use areas to close in California and Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin must close at 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 7 due to the unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts:

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