mountain resort

Gardnerville man sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor

Stephan L. DeGraffenreid will be spending the next 15 years in prison after being sentenced Wednesday by United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben.

DeGraffenreid plead guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor in September. He was sentenced to the minimum number of years for those charges.

Heavenly looks to widen some runs and move snowmaking lines

Heavenly Mountain Resort has taken steps to improve their skiing and snowboarding terrain while also adding energy and water efficiency changes.

Improvements would include selective widening of ski trails, removing trail obstacles and relocation and/or realignment of some portions of existing snowmaking air and water pipelines, increase energy and water efficiency as they seek to improve safety and maintain native species.

Kirkwood opens for season

Kirkwood Mountain Resort kicked off their 2017-2018 ski season Friday. They have opened four of their 15 lifts (1,5,6,11), giving access to 250 acres of skiing on 15 percent of their terrain.

Operating hours at this time are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Heavenly is open in South Lake Tahoe, with Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Mt. Rose open on the North Shore. Northstar was originally planning on opening Friday but instead will announce their opening day on November 27.

New at "The Wood" this year:

Red Cliffs Family Lodge

Snow overnight in South Lake Tahoe, sunny weekend ahead

The skies are clearing over Lake Tahoe Friday morning with cool temperatures and some snow still lingering. As this storm moves to the east, South Lake Tahoe should see a high near 42 and wind gusts up to 25 mph. This weekend forecast includes a high of 50 and sunny skies.

Heavenly Mountain Resort received 23" of snow over the last 48 hours, just in time for opening day November 17. On the North Shore, Squaw Valley had 7" in last 24 hours and Mt. Rose reports 33-40" during this storm.

On Friday morning, chain controls remain on South Shore roads (as of 7:30 a.m.):

Wind, rain and snow in South Lake Tahoe, snow at upper elevations

The South Shore has been getting just rain, and lots of it since the recent storm reached the Sierra Wednesday. Heavenly Mountain Resort received 11" of snow overnight, just ahead of their Friday opening day. Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows each received 14" from this storm, and 7" at Kirkwood.

Snow is expected at both lake level and at the resorts tonight before the system passes through.

Heavenly opens for the season on Friday

Heavenly Mountain Resort will open for the 2017-2018 season on Friday, Nov. 17, just as a winter storm passes by Lake Tahoe.

“We’re thrilled to begin the ski season at Heavenly this Friday,” said Mike Goar, senior vice president of mountain division and chief operating officer of Heavenly Mountain Resort. “We’ve been hard at work making snow at every opportunity, and current forecasts are calling for snow. We’re excited to begin another terrific ski season.”

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks Kirkwood Mountain Resort

To volunteer to help others is a selfless act that is both humbling and uplifting. Thanks to Vail’s generous EpicPromise grant, Kirkwood Mountain Resort employees had the opportunity to volunteer at Bread & Broth’s November 6 Monday Meal through B&B’s ‘Adopt A Day of Nourishment' program. Kirkwood Security Officers Mark DeSacia, Rick Hofheins and Charlie Noury and David McCullers, Security Manager, all volunteered their time and effort to make a difference in the lives of those attending the meal served at Grace Hall.

Lake Tahoe ski areas planned opening dates

After a winter of historic snowfall and atmospheric rivers, what will 2017-18 have in store?

That has yet to be seen, but many resorts around the Lake Tahoe Basin are making plans for opening even without that "one good dump."

Planned opening days:

Heavenly Mountain Resort - Nov. 17
Kirkwood Mountain Resort - Nov. 22
Sierra-at-Tahoe,- mid-November
Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows - November 17
Northstar - Nov. 17
Mt. Rose - Nov. 4
Boreal - Nov. 8
Homewood - Dec. 8
Diamond Peak - Dec. 14

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks Heavenly Mountain Resort

“It is a great feeling to know I work for a company that enjoys giving back to the community,” commented Chris Barbar. Barbar is the assistant manager for Ticket Sales at Heavenly Mountain Resort and on October 23, through Heavenly’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment sponsorship, Chris spent another Monday helping Bread & Broth volunteers feed a tasty and filling spaghetti dinner to the evening’s 95 dinner guests.

Plates for Powder campaign returns

LAKE TAHOE – Ski season is almost here, and with it returns the popular “Plates for Powder” program. Individuals who purchase a new Lake Tahoe license plate in either California or Nevada can receive free lift tickets to one of eight Lake Tahoe resorts participating in the program. With snow heading to the mountains soon, now is the time to buy a Tahoe license plate so you can ski for free in Tahoe.

Amgen Tour of California men's and women's stages return to South Lake Tahoe

Good news for South Lake Tahoe as the Amgen Tour of California has announced their 2018 race schedule. A favored site for the women’s race, South Lake Tahoe will once again host the men for the Stage 6 finish and welcome back the women for the fourth year in a row on May 18. 2018.

AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, made the announcement Thursday.

Free bus passes for LTCC students, Ridge Tahoe and Heavenly employees

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) Board of Directors approved several funding agreements with local entities Friday which will provide free rides for several groups including Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) students, employees and guests of the Ridge Tahoe and associated properties, as well as Heavenly Mountain Resort employees.

The agreement between TTD and Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) to allow current students with a valid Lake Tahoe Community College identification card to ride all local transit services at no charge during the academic year ending June 30, 2018.

Vail Resorts CEO to donate $58 million to charitable fund

Vail Resorts Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz has established a charitable fund with assets that are expected to total approximately $58 million. From this, grants will be issued over a long-term period to communities where they operate, based on the recommendations of Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam according to Vail Resorts, Inc.

Katz will be funding this charitable giving vehicle from the shares and proceeds he will receive from exercising Vail Resorts share appreciation rights (SARs) that are approaching their 10-year expiration date.

Vail Resorts posts gain in 2017; CalPERS increases their investment

Vail Resorts Inc., the parent company of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood and Northstar California, posted income of $210.6 million for fiscal 2017, and increase of 40.6 percent over 2016.

Highlights of their year:

Total skier visits for fiscal 2017 increased to approximately 12.0 million, up 20.1 percent

Total lift revenue increased $160.3 million, or 24.4%

Ski school revenue increased $34.5 million, or 24.1%

Dining revenue increased $29.6 million, or 24.4%

Retail/rental revenue increased $52.3 million, or 21.7%

TRPA announces top 15 Best in the Basin awards

he Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Wednesday recognized 15 exceptional projects completed in 2016 with Best in Basin awards.

Now in its 27th year, TRPA’s Best in Basin awards program each year showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

Trail, trees and peak named after Martin Hollay at Heavenly Mountain Resort

Not many can boast of skiing the mountains around Lake Tahoe for six decades, but Martin Hollay of South Lake Tahoe can do just that and he's not done yet.

At a very young 96-years-old (he turns 97 this fall), Hollay's contributions to Heavenly Mountain Resort were recognized Monday as the ski resort dedicated Martin's Hiking Trail, Martin's Trees and a granite peak near Maggie's Run in the name of their former employee and ski patrolman.

Kudos: Bread and Broth thanks Kirkwood

On Monday, September 11, Kirkwood Mountain Resort Base Operations team members joined Bread & Broth volunteers serving the dinner guests who came to Grace Hall for a delicious meal and the companionship of fellow diners. The diners were in for a real treat when the B&B cooks whipped up fried catfish and french fries which received rave reviews from the meal’s guests.

Leadership Lake Tahoe class of 2017-18 announced

The 26 members of the 2017-2018 Leadership Lake Tahoe class have been announced. They will start their ten-month long journey on September 13.

Anjie Goulding - Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Athena Adler - Harrah's & Harveys Lake Tahoe
Brittani Curtis - Tahoe Chamber
Carissa Bisnar - CB Umbrella Group
Carl Franz - Genentech
Eanad Lott - Live Violence Free
Hannah Greenstreet- Live Violence Free/LTUSD
Jason Burke - City of South Lake Tahoe
Jeremy Brown - Lake Tahoe Community College
Julie Lucksinger - Lake Valley Properties
Katharine Miller - El Dorado County Library

Squaw Valley resurrects plans to add year-round coaster

Squaw Valley has applied for a permit to install Lake Tahoe's second gravity-powered coaster, the Timberline Twister.

In March, 2013, Squaw Valley scrapped plans for the coaster "due to business considerations and capital priorities," a.ccording to a letter sent to Placer County at the time

Now plans are back on for the ride that will expand on-mountain experiences for families. It will be located at the bottom of the mountain between the Far East and Red Dog chairlifts, an area already zoned for this type of recreational use.

Vail Resorts to add workforce housing in Colorado

A subsidiary of Vail Resorts announced Wednesday that it has received approvaly to convert a portion of a commercial property they own in Silverthorne, Colorado to workforce housing.

Colorado Mountain Express got a conditional use permit for their $440,000 project is the latest in Vail Resorts’ $30 million commitment to creating workforce housing opportunities in the communities in which the Company operates, including the Wintergreen development in Keystone and the recently announced plans to rezone a parcel of land in East Vail for workforce housing and open space, pending approvals.

Former Heavenly employee pleads guilty to child porn charges

Former Heavenly Mountain Resort employee Stephan DeGraffenreid pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.

He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison on each of the three counts.

Kudos: Bread and Broth thanks Heavenly Mountain Resort

Another Bread & Broth Monday Meal and another Adopt A Day of Nourishment sponsored by Heavenly Mountain Resort. Thanks to funding provided by Vail’s EpicPromise grant, Heavenly Mountain Resort hosted B&B’s Monday Meal on August 28. Signing up to support the B&B volunteers were Heavenly’s Hospitality Market team members Michelle Beall, Chris Eckert, Katie Ficeto and Carley Piper.

Driver arrested after hitting 18-year-old cyclist, then running him over

UPDATE 8/29/17 8:00AM - A 63-year-old man has been arrested on charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon after he allegedly ran over the 18-year-old cyclist he thought stole his son's bicycle.

Esteban Hernandez Cuenca was arrested and is currently in the El Dorado County Jail on $25,000 bail.

The unidentified victim was air lifted to Renown Medical Center with serious injuries. His current condition is unknown.

Both men are from South Lake Tahoe.

* * *

Bread & Broth 4 Kids wraps up successful summer food program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Bread and Broth 4 Kids (BB4K) just wrapped up their first summer food program for the children of South Lake Tahoe, and it was a very successful one.

Summer Bread & Broth 4 Kids partnership with Vail Resorts a success

Over 700 bags of food have been distributed to the youth of South Lake Tahoe so far this summer thanks to a partnership between Bread & Broth 4 Kids (B&B4K) and Vail Resorts/Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Vail CEO Rob Katz and his wife Elana Amsterdam donated $125,000 to get a summer food program for youth up to the age of 18 started on the South Shore, and Bread & Broth and Family Resource Center worked together with Heavenly to make it happen.

Work begins at Bijou Marketplace; Whole Foods 365 plans first Lake Tahoe store

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - "We've been waiting to be in South Lake Tahoe for a long time," said R. Adam Smith, Executive Director of Store Development for Whole Foods in Northern California. "Couldn't be more thrilled than to be here today."

Smith took part in Monday's groundbreaking at the new Bijou Marketplace along with the Jim Halferty and Chris Peto of Halferty Development Ground, the owners of the property along Highway 50 and the corner of Ski Run Boulevard, and local officials.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Mammoth now part of new company

Twelve four-season resorts with 20,000 skiable acres are all now part of a new company that was formed to acquire Intrawest Resort Holdings, Inc. and Mammoth Resorts.

Affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC and Henry Crown and Company now own Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and June Mountain in California; Steamboat Ski & Resort and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Ontario; Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec; Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont; and Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia.

Kudos: Bread and Broth thanks Kirkwood Resort

“It was great to see a community come together to help those down on their luck,” said Jacob Klade while taking a break from serving Shepherd's pie, roasted zucchini and Swiss chard salad to the guests at Bread & Broth’s Monday Meal on July 17. Jacob and his fellow sponsor team members Christopher Hostnik, Jarrett Morgan and Christian Neville, all from Kirkwood Mountain Resort, were on hand to help the B&B volunteers at Kirkwood’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment.

Hike with a ranger this summer at top of Heavenly Gondola

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The sun is out and the snow is melting - now is the time to get out and enjoy summer on your National Forest lands! The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and Heavenly Mountain Resort invite you to Hike with a Ranger this summer. Hikes will take place every Friday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the top of the Heavenly Gondola. The duration of the guided hike is approximately one hour and will continue every weekend through September 2, 2017, weather permitting.

Ski Patroller from Heavenly still missing on Mt. Rainier

Dmitri Pajitnov (Dima), a member of the Heavenly Mountain Resort Ski Patrol team, has been missing since July 3, 2017 when he fell through a snow bridge on Washington's Mt. Rainier near Pebble Creek as he skied down the mountain.

His body has not been found and friends are heading back to the area this weekend for what they are calling a recovery mission.

Dmitri's ski partner observed the fall and searched for two hours using an avalanche probe and transceiver before descending to Paradise and reporting the incident according to a report from the National Park Service.

USFS to start chemical treatment of invasive species in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting later this month, the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start using chemical treatment to try and eradicate, control and contain known infestations of invasive plants. Their focus will be on 90 sites covering 18.25 acres of sites inside the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Mike Goar to take helm at Vail Resort's Lake Tahoe properties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Mike Goar has been named the new Heavenly Mountain Resort chief operating officer, with additional oversight of the company’s Kirkwood Mountain and Northstar California resorts.

Goar is coming from Vail Resort's Keystone resort in Colorado where his is the current vice president and chief operating officer.

Pete Sonntag leaving Lake Tahoe to head up Whistler Blackcomb

Pete Sonntag, the current senior vice president of Vail Resort's Lake Tahoe region, is leaving the lake to be the new chief operating officer of Vail's Whistler Blackcomb.

He will start this summer once his Canadian work visa is approved.

The appointment follows the announcement last month that longtime Whistler Blackcomb chief operating officer, Dave Brownlie, was stepping down to pursue other endeavors after a nearly 30-year career at the resort.

Vail Resorts CEO gives $125,000 to fund South Lake Tahoe summer kids food program

Children from the South Shore of Lake Tahoe no longer need to go hungry during the summer months. Thanks to a generous donation of $125,000 by Rob Katz, Vail Resorts CEO, and his wife Elana Amsterdam, “Summer B&B 4 Kids” will launch on Wednesday, June 21, with a focus on helping the over 50 percent of local children who are receiving free or subsidized school meals during the school year.

Kudos: Bread and Broth thanks Kirkwood Mountain Resort

On Monday, May 8, Emily Davis, Kirkwood Mountain Resort Human Resources supervisor, experienced her first Adopt A Day volunteer stint at a Bread & Broth Monday Meal. “It was such a wonderful and fulfilling experience giving back to the community like this,” was Emily’s description of setting up and serving a healthy and hearty dinner to grateful guests. “This was our first time here and we are all sincerely impressed by the quality of service and immense dedication the team here has. Thank you all for all you do.”

TAMBA kicks off the cycling season with party

Event Date: 
May 19, 2017 - 6:00pm

Celebrate the upcoming mountain bike season in Lake Tahoe at the TAMBA (Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association) Spring Party this Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Heavenly Mountain Resort California Base Lodge starting at 6:00 p.m.

All ages are invited to this free, family-friendly event that will include the showing of an UnREAL bike film, raffles, pasta dinner and information about all their 2017 projects. A membership drive is also being held and those interested can sign up at the event.

New zip line to go through treetops in South Lake Tahoe this summer

The Silver Rush, a new 4,159-foot long zip line opening this summer at Heavenly's Epic Discovery, will take users from tree-to-tree at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Overlooking the Carson Valley, Silver Rush is comprised of five segmented zip lines; the final of which flies guests over the waters of East Peak Lake.

Once the ride is completed, guests enjoy a scenic ATV ride back to the top of the Gondola. It is a three-hour long experience.

American Katie Hall wins Stage 2 of Amgen women's race in Lake Tahoe

The winner of Stage 2 of the 2017 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disesase Women's Race Empowered with SRAM race in South Lake Tahoe was decided on the last uphill climb of the day on Ski Run Blvd, the last kilometer of a long and hilly, 67.1 mile long race.

Katie Hall of the United States crossed the finish line first, edging Dutch cyclist Anna van der Breggen by 21 seconds.

Megan Guarnier wins Stage 1 of Amgen's women's race in South Lake Tahoe

One doesn't have to be a fan of professional cycling to enjoy the first two stages of the Amgen Breakwaway From Heart Disesase Women's Race Empowered with SRAM in South Lake Tahoe. People lined the streets Thursday as racers went on a trip around the lake with both the start and finish lines at Heavenly Mountain Resort, and the same is expected on Friday.

American Megan Guarnier won stage 1 with a time of 3 hours, 3 minutes and 48 seconds to make the 117 km (72.7 mile) trip. The former Bay Area resident is on the Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team out of Holland.

Family Resource Center's 14th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival Friday

Event Date: 
May 5, 2017 - 5:00pm

The South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center (FRC) is holding their 14th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival on Friday, May 5 starting at 5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Mountain Resort. The community is invited to join them for an "all you can eat" Mexican food buffet, dancing with live music and a fabulous raffle.

Tickets can be purchased at the center for $20 or at the door for $25. Children ages 6-12 are $10 and 5 and under are free. Raffle tickets for chances at prizes donated by local businesses are available for $5 each of 5/$20.

Viewing guide for Amgen women's races around Lake Tahoe

On Thursday and Friday, May 11 and 12, over 120 of the world's elite cyclists will descend upon Lake Tahoe for Amgen Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTM Women’s Race empowered with SRAM. The race presenter AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, created routes that will challenge these top female cyclists. They will vie for the coveted jersey during the four-day race. After Lake Tahoe they head to Elk Grove on May 13, and the finale in Sacramento on MMay 14.

Ready for a week of sun? Warming trend in store for Lake Tahoe

As Heavenly Mountain Resort celebrates a final weekend of skiing, those looking for warmer weather for biking, walking or yard work should have a week of nice and mild temps in Lake Tahoe. While not quite sunbathing weather, the highs will be creeping towards 70 before another system hits the area at the end of next week.

Because of the warmer temperatures, there is a flood advisory in effect for area rivers due to snow melt.

Here is the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today - Sunny, with a high near 53. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Volunteers sought for Amgen Women's Race in Lake Tahoe

The committee organizing Amgen Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTM Women's Race empowered with SRAM at Lake Tahoe, May 11-12 is looking for volunteers to help out in several areas.

Positions include course marshals, security and check-in. Marshals assist race staff and local law enforcement authorities along the route monitoring pedestrian traffic, road closures, and updating spectators as the race progresses. No experience is necessary.

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Thank you Curtis for bringing us this daily ski report for the epic winter of 2016-17!

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you’re visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Sunday, April 23.

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you’re visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Saturday, April 22.

Shaping up to be a Beautiful Day & Final Weekend for some Resorts. Get Out and Get Your Turns In… Surface Conditions are Machine Groomed & Spring Conditions. Final Weekend of operations for Diamond Peak, Northstar, Bear Valley, Soda Springs all Closing Sunday, April 23 & Sierra at Tahoe Closing on April 24. Have Fun & Be Safe!

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you’re visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Friday, April 21.

A Beautiful Fantastic Finally Friday and Final Weekend for some Resorts. Get Out and Get Your Turns In… Surface Conditions are Machine Groomed & Spring Conditions. Final Weekend of operations for Diamond Peak, Northstar, Bear Valley, Soda Springs all Closing Sunday, April 23 & Sierra at Tahoe Closing on April 24. Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Sunny Skies. Highs: 52F to 62F. Light winds.
TONIGHT: Clear. Lows: 29F to 39F. Light winds.

South Lake Tahoe 5th-Graders take part in Winter Adventure Program

Wildlife survival, avalanche safety, snowmaking, and environmental restoration are all part of the curriculum at a unique outdoor classroom at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Nearly 300 fifth-grade students from Lake Tahoe Unified School District (TLUSD) took part in the EpicPromise Winter Adventure Program over five days in January and March. The program includes a ride up the ski resort’s Aerial Tram, snowshoeing, and getting hands-on learning experiences at a trio of educational stations.

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you’re visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Thursday, April 20.

Mostly Cloudy but Clearing this afternoon, leading to a Beautiful Final Weekend for some Resorts. Get Out and Get Your Turns In… Surface Conditions are Machine Groomed & Spring Conditions. Final Week of operations for Diamond Peak, Northstar, Bear Valley, Soda Springs Closing Sunday, April 23 & Sierra at Tahoe Closing on April 24. Have Fun & Be Safe!

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you’re visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Wednesday, April 19.

Beautiful Hump Day for Skiing & Riding as the Season Winds Down… Get Out and Get Your Turns In… Surface Conditions are Machine Groomed & Skier Rider Packed Snow and Softening. Final Week of operations for Diamond Peak, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Bear Valley, Soda Springs & Sierra at Tahoe Closing on April 24. Have Fun & Be Safe!

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you’re visiting, Welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Tuesday, April 18.

Rain & Snow falling at Resorts with Fresh Powder on top and Wet Packed Snow in the lower elevations. Dress in your Gore-Tex Jacket and take your orange or rose tinted goggles… Surface Conditions are Powder, Machine Groomed & Skier Rider Wet Pkd Snow. Get Out and Get Some before it’s over… Final Week for Diamond Peak, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Bear Valley, Soda Springs & Sierra at Tahoe Closing on April 24. Have Fun & Be Safe!

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