| |
May 13th, 2013
Fusing Western practices and Eastern philosophy into a weekend of seminars, exercises and demonstrations designed exclusively for women is the focus of this year’s Women’s Wellness Weekend, Nov. 9-10 at Granlibakken Conference and Lodge.
This long-loved program is alive with a complete schedule of speakers, exercise classes, vendor booths, a health fair, and food and wine.
 Don’t miss the interactive health fair during Women’s Wellness Weekend. Finding balance in our active lives means taking the necessary time to accomplish it. And there’s no better place than Lake Tahoe, with the the backdrop of pines and a constant reminder that nature also replenishes itself.
For more than two decades, the Women’s Wellness Weekend has brought together women of differing ages, body types and physical abilities in comfortable and non-threatening surroundings for a weekend of learning and growing.
Informative seminars on health, nutrition and aging mix easily with interactive clinics on skin screenings, body/muscle testing and acupuncture. The cost for the 2-day event is $109. Add a room for $65, per person double occupancy, which includes tax and service (some restrictions apply).
Inspirational and recreational activities along with food and wine receptions help unite body and soul. Plans for this year’s Wellness Weekend include:
- Classes offered by medical doctors and health professionals on addiction/dependency, plastic surgery, neuropsychology, weight management and more
- Interactive health fair; screenings, analysis, demos, consultations, information
- 1 breakfast and 2 lunches
- Activity classes, yoga, zumba, meditation, Ki Gong
- Wine and cheese social with shopping
- 9 continuing education BRN units for an additional $75. Provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 1198 for nine contact hours.
Lined up for the 2013 seminar are motivational speaker, cancer and airplane crash survivor Donna Hartley who returns after speaking last year, Tahoe City naturopaths and house favorites Christina Campbell, ND and Stephenie Riley, ND, and Jill Whisler, RD featuring a must-hear talk on diet do’s, myths, and trends. Also in the mix are a slew of new speakers who will discuss fresh topics such as: plastic surgery, addiction/dependency and neuropsychology.
For more information email ShawnaLee@Granlibakken.com or call (877) 552-0185.
Tags: Donna Hartley, new speakers, Tahoe City naturopaths, Women's Wellness Weekend
Posted in Women's Wellness Weekend | No Comments »
May 6th, 2013
In more ways than one, Mom is always first. She was there for you when you scraped your knees, lost your baby teeth, and got your first report card. She cushioned your fall on your first attempt at riding a bike, was there with a video recorder to capture your first piano solo, hit at home plate, and your first prom date. She was even there for you during your very first break-up.
She’s always had your back, even though you sometimes thought she didn’t — even if you were defiant as you began charting your own path. Mom always knows, remembers and therefore never forgets.
Neither should you.
With Sunday being Mother’s Day you can return some of those favors by treating her with a weekend stay at Granlibakken and a trip to the Lighthouse Spa. Now through May 23 Lighthouse Spa offers a Mid-Day Spring special which provides for $25 off treatments of an hour or more daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can book online for the special or purchase a gift certificate so Mom can take advantage of the special anytime she wants.
Weekend or midweek escapes for Mom are ideal for battery re-charging and rejuvenation. Lighthouse Spa offers deep tissue massage, reflexology treatments and body wraps at its two treatment rooms. A full body massage by a licensed therapist makes for an ideal Mother’s Day gift.
Wellness packages include:
- Blissful Retreat: A sinus and head clarifying treatment with 60 minutes worth of hot stone massage
- Sweetheart Treat: A 60 minute massage and a 60 minute facial
- Tahoe Sampler: A 30 minute massage, a 30 minute refresher facial and a 30 minute detox body wrap treatment.
Lodging can feature rooms with kitchens, fireplace, dining area, loft and a deck or patio. Curious? Take our virtual tour.
If you’re planning to stay through the Mother’s Day weekend, there’s a full-range of outdoor recreation options — from swimming, tennis, mountain biking, hiking and the Treetop Adventure Park where Mom can put to rest any notion she’s slowed down since you’ve left home.
How will you treat your Mom this Mother’s Day?
Tags: gift certificate, Lighthouse Spa, lodging, online, outdoor recreation, Treetop Adventure Park, virtual tour
Posted in Holidays, Lighthouse Spa, Treetop Adventure Park | No Comments »
May 1st, 2013
The first week of May at Lake Tahoe brings sunny skies, warm temperatures and a festive atmosphere – oh and Cinco de Mayo. Granlibakken provides an ideal weekend with lodging options, a daily delicious breakfast buffets and recreation opportunities at the 74-acre resort, including tennis, hiking, biking, swimming and the Treetop Adventure Park.
 Shake those maracas and enjoy some margaritas in Tahoe City this Cinco de Mayo. In nearby Tahoe City there are plenty of zesty weekend venues and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Here’s a few of them:
Grab a bike from Granlibakken and peddle to nearby Blue Agave at the Tahoe Inn in Tahoe City for the best Mexican dining with a lake view. The menu offers dozens of Latin selections and you won’t want to miss the famous Blue Agave Margarita. Blue Agave will also be offering some Cinco de Mayo specials such as $3 Pacificos, Tecate cans, Cabo Wabo Silver shots, Herradura Reposado shots, two for $5 cans of beer, and half price quesadillas.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festive party at River Ranch from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Mexican beers and margarita specials with complimentary mini appetizers.
Not into tequila? Try local wines and sample sumptuous appetizers on Sunday at Sunnyside with an Auction & Wine Tasting by the Kiwanis Club of North Lake Tahoe starting at 3 p.m. Sign-in at the silent auction for an opportunity to get discounts on vacations, dining packages, home maintenance services, clothing, jewelry and accessories.
The party gets loco with Cinco de Madness featuring Afrolicious Soundsystem at Hacienda Del Lago in Tahoe City. The party begins at 9 p.m. with funky Latin-infused beats by San Fran’s own Afrolicious Soundsystem joined by DJ’s Pleasuremaker and Se with Diamond Vibes on percussion.
Where do you plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Tags: Auction & Wine Tasting, Blue Agave, breakfast buffets, Hacienda del Lago, lodging, River Ranch, Treetop Adventure Park
Posted in Holidays | No Comments »
April 24th, 2013
Trading in your skis or snowboard for a mountain or road bike comes with the seasons. Throughout the Tahoe City region there are dozens of on and off-road trails, fit for novices to experts. Granlibakken teams up with West Shore Sports in the summer to provide mountain bike rentals for guests.
The Tahoe City Public Utility District and Caltrans fund bicycle trails in and around Tahoe City. Paved trails run from Tahoe City to Dollar Point, Tahoe City to Sugar Pine Point State Park and from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley.
 The bike trail from Tahoe City to Squaw offers scenic views and intermediate terrain. Here are three of our favorite West Shore bike trails.
- Tahoe City to Dollar Point: This is a paved, mostly flat multi-use trail that runs 2.5 miles with an easy 1/2 mile climb up Dollar Point. The Trail gives bikers access to Burton Creek State Park, Skylandia Park, Lake Forest Beach, Lake Forest Boat Ramps and Campgrounds, Pomin Park and Tahoe State Park. This novice trail is easy and well suited for family rides.
- Tahoe City to Sugar Pine Point State Park: This 9 mile section of paved multi-use bike trail runs along West Shore Boulevard and includes several highway crossings, 2 miles of highway shoulder and residential streets. Some moderate grades are included, as well as scenic lake views. The trail provides access to Kilner Park, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis, fishing, boating and campgrounds. Access to Ward and Blackwood Canyons await you at the end. This is a good choice for riders looking for variety and some good climbs.
- Blackwood Canyon: This 5-mile round trip into Blackwood Canyon is a good beginner/intermediate 2.5 mile trail mixed with gentle terrain brings you to open meadows and sweeping valley of aspen groves. Further into Blackwood Canyon, beyond the road, the trail becomes more challenging as experienced bikers can ascend the seven mile trail to Barker Pass. The trailhead is Located at the intersection of Highway 89 and Blackwood Canyon Road, 4 miles south of Tahoe City.
Tags: Paved trails, West Shore Sports
Posted in Summer, Tahoe outdoors | No Comments »
April 19th, 2013
Lake Tahoe, locals refer to the transition between spring and summer as the “shoulder season.” But that does not mean there is a shortage of outdoor fun.
It’s a time when mountains are winding down their operations, while at the same time preparing for the sun-soaked days and the refreshing cool nights that Tahoe summers are known for.
With plenty of biking, hiking and other recreation opportunities, the shoulder season lends itself to outdoor activities, without the large crowds often found in the peak periods of winter and summer.
 Explore the grounds of Granlibakken and Tahoe city on a bike or your feet. Whether you’re looking for a midweek escape or a romantic weekend getaway, choose from several lodging options and book a first-class room, studio or suite that’s loaded with amenities, including free high-speed internet service in case you need to do business in between activities.
After you’ve checked in you, you’re on your way to enjoying the peace and serenity that comes with the season with onsite tennis courts, wide open nature trails along the Truckee River and the nearby Tahoe’s Rim Trail, which borders the resort. If you’re ready to trade your skis for mountain bikes, Granlibakken has them available, too.
Before you start your day, you’ll need the added fuel if your plans demand quick energy and high-endurance. Granlibakken is well known for its hearty, hot breakfast buffet served daily for guests. Featuring fresh fruit, homemade muffins, quiches, blintzes, eggs, and the daily chef’s special, plus all the accompaniments – the buffet is always a crowd pleaser.
You can take your spring step further with the added physical challenge of California’s first Treetop Adventure Park, “where ropes course meets zip line on steroids.” The high-tree intertia-bending course consists of platforms installed along tree tops that are connected by various configurations of cable, wood, rope and zip lines to form bridges. Fully harnessed guests can zip, climb, walk, and maneuver their way through various obstacle courses, each with varying degrees of skills and challenges that promotes teamwork at 30-feet above the ground.
After spending the day taking command of those nearby hills by mountain bike, hiking shoes or at the Adventure Park, you can return to a luxurious pool, sauna and hot tub area to relax and rejuvenate. If you need your tired muscles worked, try a massage at the Lighthouse Spa.
What’s your favorite “shoulder season” activity?
Tags: amenities, breakfast buffet, Lighthouse Spa, lodging, Tahoe's Rim Trail, Treetop Adventure Park
Posted in Tahoe outdoors | 2 Comments »
April 9th, 2013
With spring’s transformation and renewal at Lake Tahoe underway, Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge is gearing up for the season with plenty of hiking, biking and outdoor recreation opportunities at its 74-acre playground.
 The Granlibakken Treetop will soon be open seven days a week. As the weather warms and the snow melts, choices abound. Here are a few facts to consider for your visit.
- Choose from a variety of lodging options like a first-class room, studio or suite that’s loaded with amenities, including free high-speed Internet service.
- Meet up with long-lost friends, classmates and family members at Granlibakken for a reunion.
- Walk to Tahoe City or the Truckee River along the resort’s 1.4-mile forest path and take in the surrounding beauty of the nature trail.
- Play a game of tennis on one of the resort’s five courts or sign-in for a refresher course at the Lake Tahoe Nike Tennis Camp held annually in summer.
- Enjoy the sun beside a luxurious pool and hot tub area.
- Relax and rejuvenate in the resort’s sauna.
- Build up a sweat at the Lodge’s outdoor par course.
- Hike Tahoe’s Rim Trail, which borders the resort.
- Zip, launch and ascend 15 to 50 feet above the trees along more than 50 platforms at the Treetop Adventure Park ropes course.
- Grab a mountain bike, available onsite, and go for a ride.
- Relax and unwind inside the Lighthouse Spa.
- Attend the annual Women’s Wellness Weekend in the fall. The summit offers workshops, speakers, health screenings, socials and continuing education certification.
- Build a better business through teamwork. Granlibakken is nationally recognized as a destination for corporate retreats and conferences. Company leaders can outline goal-setting and mission statements for half of the day, and send their fearless crews out into the woods for mountain biking and hiking adventures or in the spirit of friendly competition, settle scores on either the tennis courts or at the Treetop Adventure Park.
- Dine in and feast. Granlibakken is well known for its hearty, hot breakfast buffet served daily for guests and its exquisite dining opportunities during conferences, reunions and weddings.
- Tie the knot or watch couples who do. Granlibakken offers several year-round indoor and outdoor venues for that special day, including luxurious lodging and receptions with Lake Tahoe serving as the backdrop.
- During the winter you can stay at Granlibakken and ski at your choice of eight different Lake Tahoe Mountains – Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose, Northstar California, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley, Sugar Bowl and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Ski and stay packages start at $145.
What activities do you enjoy during your stay at Granlibakken?
Tags: amenities, Dining, Lake Tahoe Nike Tennis Camp, Lighthouse Spa, lodging, retreats and conferences, reunion, Rim Trail, ski, Tie the knot, Treetop Adventure Park, Women's Wellness Weekend
Posted in Tahoe hikes, Tahoe outdoors, Treetop Adventure Park, Women's Wellness Weekend | No Comments »
April 4th, 2013
With the ski season winding down, spring is warming up along the west shore of Lake Tahoe and Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge.
 Pond skimming is a popular event with guaranteed laughs.
Photo Courtesy of Northstar California Resort. There are plenty of spring activities within a short distance from Granlibakken. Here are a few top choices:
Held annually, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association SuperTour finals will run April 4-11. The SuperTour is a season-long series of races that take place across America. The SuperTour finals are a mini-tour of four races that cap off the 2012-2013 SuperTour series.
Soak up the California sun and spring skiing scene at Northstar as the winter season comes to a close during Spring It On April 6-7. Live music, competitions, face painting and pond skimming will highlight the weekend.
Sleds will catch air April 6 during the Red Bull Schlittentag at Alpine Meadows. Schlittentag is the German word for “sledding day.” Put simply, it translates as “daredevils willing to propel themselves down a snow-covered hill and over a jump on a sled they built themselves.” Three person teams will stretch their imagination to build the wildest, fastest sled this side of the Alps. One team member will be the pilot and the two others will help give their sled the push it needs to win the race. Registration is at 10 a.m. and the first sled downhill is at 1:03 p.m. Awards and DJ party will ensue at 3:30 p.m. on the Sundeck.
Retro Ski Day returns to Squaw Valley April 6. Time to break out the rear-entry ski boots, neon one-piece and the ballet skis; Squaw plays a hilarious tribute to its Hot Dog and freeskiing roots with Retro Ski Day.
Ready, set, go! Northstar California and GoPro have teamed up for the GoPro Hunt Saturday April 13. Use tweets and clues to locate and win one of three hidden GoPro cameras! The competition begins at 11 a.m., the first clues will be tweeted out by @skinorthstar using the hashtag #goprohunt.
Top to bottom snow golf is planned April 13 for the 30th Anniversary Snow Golf Tournament at Alpine Meadows. This annual spring event is a unique way to spend a day on the slopes. The nine-hole course starts at the top of Summit Express chair and meanders its way down the mountain with the last holes bringing competitors back to the bottom of Alpine Bowl Chair. Winners receive prizes including gift certificates, Alpine Meadows swag, and more. Golf tournament registration is free at the top of Summit Express.
The annual SnowBash at Squaw Valley is set for April 13-14. SnowBash is two days packed with live music and on mountain fun.
Alpine Meadows and Snow Park Technologies roll out all the stops April 20 with an amazing slopestyle course during the Trains Freestyle Ski & Snowboard Competition. The unique format allows competitors to showcase their talents and fight for top honors and the chance to donate over $5,000 to selected charities.
Bluegrass and string music fans take note. The Mountain of Strings at Squaw Valley will be April 28. Presented by Crystal Bay Club & Pet Projekt, Mountain of Strings brings Yonder Mountain String Band, the Del McCoury Band and Tony Furtado to Squaw Valley for a live performance from 4- 9 p.m. in an outdoor tent in front of the Squaw Valley Conference Center.
How will you enjoy spring in Lake Tahoe?
Tags: 30th Anniversary Snow Golf Tournament, GoPro Hunt, Red Bull Schlittentag, Retro Ski Day, SnowBash, spring activities, Spring It On, SupreTour Finals, The Mountain of Strings, Trains Freestyle Ski & Snowboard Competition
Posted in Lake Tahoe Events | No Comments »
April 2nd, 2013
- Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge at Lake Tahoe’s west shore was once called Olympic Hill and is known as Lake Tahoe’s oldest ski resort.
- Granlibakken is a Norwegian name meaning a “hill sheltered by fir trees.” The beginnings of the resort, initially called Tahoe Tavern, had 223 rooms and opened around the 1890s during a time when the Tahoe Steamer ship — and later the Lake Tahoe Railway — would transport mail, goods and passengers to the sparsely populated area.
- While commercially operated skiing and snowplay sprouted around Truckee, it wasn’t until 1928 when the Tahoe Tavern stayed open all winter. The hotel had become a center of Tahoe’s social life, and offered winter fun to its guests who arrived by the “Snow Ball Special” train from Truckee.
- Also in 1928, the Tahoe Tavern hotel built a double toboggan slide. Horse-drawn sleighs shuttled guests to and from what became known as “Olympic Hill.” The Tavern even turned their garage into an ice rink.
- At about the same time, a group of Norwegian skiers, including seven-time national champion Lars Haugen, were touring the west and giving ski jumping exhibitions. The Tahoe Tavern directors hired Haugen to design a 60-meter ski jump at Olympic Hill, which took two years and $10,000 to complete.
- The Lake Tahoe Ski Club, founded in 1929, helped organize events and exhibitions at Olympic Hill throughout the 1930s, including winter tryouts for California and Nevada skiers competing for the 1932 Winter Olympic Team, the United States Ski Championships in February 1932, the 1936 California State Championships and the 1939 National Ski Association meet.
- It wasn’t until after World War II, however, that a recreational ski resort was developed there. Kjell “Rusty” Rustad, a retired sea captain and former ski jumper, had moved from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe because it reminded him of his home in Norway. With the goal of providing local skiing for Tahoe City residents, he secured a land use permit from the U.S. Forest Service and purchased 74 acres in the Olympic Hill valley. Rustad renamed his property Granlibakken, cleared an area for the ski slope, installed a 450-foot rope to the top of it, and constructed three buildings for overnight guests as well as a day lodge.
- In 1947, Rustad began bringing skiers from the road to his resort aboard a surplus World War II landing craft (rented from Squaw Valley’s Wayne Poulsen) that could navigate the snow. Granlibakken continued to attract ski jumpers, as well as downhill skiers, thanks to construction of a small jump, next to the wider slope, in 1952.
- In 1953, Rustad sold acreage across the road to University of California (UC) Berkeley’s International House. The organization’s volunteers built a lodge there. Bought by the UC Alumni association in 1958, the lodge became a year-round education and recreation center with dining room, swimming pool and beds for 150.
- In 1968, a New York publisher, Hugh Miller, bought the property. Changing the name to the Four Seasons at Lake Tahoe, he built the first condos in the valley.
- In 1978 Bill and Norma Parson purchased the resort, reviving it and the original name. Known worldwide for its history and winter plenty of winter activities, the Parson family continues to operate Granlibakken today, expanding it into an all-seasons resort and modern conference center and lodge. With more than 200 rooms and conference space for an estimated 500 people, Granlibakken hosts groups year round, ranging from ski clubs to international academic organizations seeking a secluded getaway in an inspiring area.
Tags: Tahoe Tavern, winter activities
Posted in Sled Hill | No Comments »
March 21st, 2013
Spring has arrived at Granlibakken and with it comes fresh weather systems, sunshine and a mountain of ski, board and relaxation opportunities.
Tucked away nicely on the west shore, Homewood and Granlibakken have teamed up to offer a ski package that promises great views of Tahoe, easy access to the mountain, un-crowded runs, lodging at Granlibakken, and a full hot buffet breakfast. The cost starts at $99 which is quite the deal!
 Ski in a t-shirt this spring at Homewood. You won’t be cold.
Photo Courtesy of Homewood Mountain Resort Looking to explore other mountains? Granlibakken offers its timely spring ski and board packages that include the Treetop Adventure Park option. Lake Tahoe’s premier ski resorts are just a short drive from Granlibakken. The $145 ski/board package is one of the best ways to experience Tahoe. The package provides lodging, a hot breakfast buffet and lift ticket access to the nearby world class ski mountains including Squaw Valley USA, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Mt. Rose, Heavenly Mountain Resort or Sierra-at-Tahoe.
With this deal, you can also choose the option of spending the day at the Tahoe Cross Country Center, get a $60 credit at the Granlibakken’s Lighthouse Spa, or if you’re up for another kind of physical challenge besides those found on the slopes, you can take your spring step to California’s first Treetop Adventure Park, “where ropes course meets zip line on steroids.” The high-tree intertia-bending course consists of platforms installed along tree tops that are connected by various configurations of cable, wood, rope and zip lines to form bridges. Fully harnessed guests can zip, climb, walk, and maneuver their way through various obstacle courses, each with varying degrees of skills and challenges that promotes teamwork at 30-feet above the ground.
How do you plan to spend your spring in Lake Tahoe?
Tags: Alpine Meadows, granlibakken, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Homewood, Lighthouse Spa, Mt. Rose, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl, Treetop Adventure Park
Posted in Lighthouse Spa, Treetop Adventure Park, Winter | No Comments »
March 18th, 2013
With spring officially arriving this week, two things come to mind, spring skiing and Easter weekend.
Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge offers great lodging opportunities for a holiday weekend filled with dining, music and Easter egg hunts.
 Where will you search for Easter eggs during your holiday stay at Granlibakken? Here’s what’s going on for the weekend:
On Friday, March 29, the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will perform selections from Part II of Bach’s masterpiece sung in English. Soloists include Daniel Paulson as the Evangelist and Stuart Duke as Jesus. This performance is at St. Patrick’s Church.
Get a head start on the Easter egg hunts with the Spring Eggstravaganza & Egg Hunt at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. The Egg hunt is free and features games, balloons animals and face painting.
Start your Easter off by enjoying Granlibakken’s infamous hearty, hot breakfast buffet featuring fresh fruit, homemade muffins, quiches, blintzes, eggs, the daily chef’s special, and all the accompaniments.
Sunday, March 31, is the All-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt & Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt at Alpine Meadows from 9 to 11 a.m. Adults can comb the mountain for a golden egg containing a Bronze Season Pass in the free Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Hundreds of eggs will be hidden, but only one will be gold. For Kids seven and under there will be an Easter egg hunt beginning at 10:15 a.m. at the Kids Camp Magic Carpet. For children 8-13 there is an Easter egg hunt at the Magic Carpet located off of Subway Chair also at 10:15 a.m.
The On-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt at Squaw Valley is also set for Sunday. The search begins the moment the lifts open. Get your Easter basket ready and hunt for colored eggs all over the mountain.
The Kids Ghirardelli Easter Chocolate Hunt at Homewood begins at 11 a.m. Kids 12 and under are invited to search for Ghirardelli Easter chocolate hidden throughout the Snow Rangers Kids’ slopes at Homewood’s South Lodge. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand.
There will be an Easter Egg Hunt and PEEPS Diorama Contest at Northstar. Other Easter activities will be available throughout the day in the Village and on the mountain for everyone to enjoy.
Tahoe Donner will hold its annual Easter egg hunt beginning at 1:30 p.m. Meet at the top of Eagle Rock and look for eggs, including special golden one.
Diamond Peak will hold its annual Easter egg hunt beginning at 9 a.m. at School House.
How are you spending your Easter weekend?
Tags: Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Homewood, lodging, Northstar, Spring Eggstravaganza & Egg Hunt, Squaw Valley, St. Patrick's Church, Tahoe Donner, Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Posted in Holidays | No Comments »
|
|
