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Archive for the ‘Squaw Valley’ Category
Thursday, September 6th, 2012
Whether you’re looking to stay in or venture out, there’s plenty to do and see within minutes of Granlibakken Conference Center & Lodge. Summer is winding down, but there’s no shortage of activities now through fall in and around Tahoe City. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
Who doesn’t like fine food and wine? Take a stroll and sample Lake Tahoe’s finest gourmet dishes during the 27th Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival, Sept. 1-9 at multiple venues around Lake Tahoe’s west and north shores. The annual Tahoe City Grape Stomp, a favorite during this festival, at the Cobblestone Center in the middle of Tahoe City is Friday, Sept. 7 from 5-7 p.m. Teams of four will stomp their feet for a chance to win great prizes. Come and watch or participate.
Bring a picnic, chairs and blankets and enjoy the music of North Tahoe Jazz Band a Commons Beach Sunday, Sept. 9 at 3:00 p.m. If you don’t pack a picnic, enjoy community barbecue and beer garden.
Ever look up at the night sky and wonder which constellation is what? Bring the family and join with fellow star gazers from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 15 for a guided star tour and hike adventure. Tahoe Adventure Company and professional astronomer Tony Berendsen feature the telescopic tours, beginning with a 2-hour guided sunset hike, followed by a brilliant 1.5 hour tour of the sky where Berendsen shows you what to look for through high-powered Celestron telescopes.
Mountain bikers unite at the Tahoe Fat Tire Festival, Sept 20-23, at Squaw Valley. This inaugural event celebrates all things mountain biking and features cross country, short track and gravity racing, rides, trail work, demos and vendor expos. Let the kids ride with you during the day and then at night enjoy the beer garden which features movie screenings and local bands.
The Gatekeeper’s Museum will feature Native American intricate basket making Sept. 22-23, during the 9th Annual Basketweavers’ Gathering. Weavers throughout California and Nevada will provide demonstrations. Also featured will be “Soup to Nuts” where participants will process acorns from the raw nut to the finished soup. Ancient traditions of the Washoe will be shared and explained throughout the events.
Celebrate OktoberFest at Squaw Valley Saturday, Sept. 29. The event will feature traditional Bavarian music, folk dancers, bratwursts and sauerkraut, beer and games for adults and kids. The event runs from 2-6 p.m.
Even more fine food will be dished up with the 3rd annual Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week, Oct. 7-14. The week gives food aficionados an opportunity to enjoy a 3-course, prix-fixe menu at over 25 participating restaurants, both new and established favorites, throughout the Lake Tahoe region for $20-40 per person.
Looking for a good run? Check out two events: The Truckee River OktoberFest Trail Run, Oct. 6 and the Snowfest Scarecrow Sprint & Stroll, Oct. 13. The OktoberFest run is a 7.9 mile trek from scenic Tahoe City along the Truckee River with a finish at Squaw Valley. The Oct. 13 Scarecrow Run starts at Commons Beach and goes along the new Tahoe City Trail. It offers 5K and 10K races or races designed for kids. Scarecrow costumes are encouraged!
Tags: 27th annual lake tahoe autumn food and wine festival, 3rd annual lake tahoe restaurant week, 9th annual basketweavers' gathering, commons beach, gatekeepers museum tahoe, north tahoe jazz band, oktoberfest, snowfest scarecrow sprint & stroll, Squaw Valley, tahoe adventure company, tahoe city grape stomp, Tahoe City Trail, tahoe fat tire festival, truckee river oktoberfest train run
Posted in Lake Tahoe Events, Squaw Valley, Tahoe City, Tahoe outdoors, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
With several winter storms having pushed through the Sierra in March leaving up to 9 feet of new snow atop many resorts, Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore continues its tradition of offering the best spring ski and boarding lodging packages around.
There is still plenty of sunshine and a few more weeks left of prime skiing and Granlibakken is offering ski and board packages that start at $139/person weekdays and $156/person weekends. Deals include lodging at Granlibakken, hot breakfast buffets, plenty of resort amenities and lift tickets to your choice of Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl or Heavenly. As an option, tickets can be used at the Tahoe Cross Country Center (equipment, and use of the trails) or the Lighthouse Spa on site at Granlibakken with a $65 credit toward any the spa services offered.
 Spring skiing is full of sunshine and fun in Lake Tahoe. There is also an on-site ski and sledding hill, plus downhill and cross-country skis, snowboards and showshoe rentals available. Rates are per person, per night double occupancy, plus 10 percent room tax. There is a two night minimun stay on weekends. The lodging on the midweek ski package is valid Sunday through Thursday nights and skiing is Monday through Friday. Midweek rate valid weekends from April 1, 2012 through the end of the ski season at the eight resorts. Weekend rates are valid until the end of the ski season. The ski hill at Granlibakken closes April 1, 2012 and the sledding hill closes April 8, 2012.
Are you looking for a place away from your business to hold a retreat? Granlibakken has spring conference packages now through May 31, 2012 that are designed with business and corporate managers in mind. Bring your group of four to 400 to our productive, flexible, comfortable setting on 74 wooded acres of peace, quiet and comfort. Rate includes: Lodging with 3 full meals each day; cocktail reception and coffee service; meeting facilities with audio/visual; resort-wide wireless and scalable Internet; on-site pool, hot tub, spa, gym, sauna, tennis, trails. Call (877) 552-0185 for information or click here.
Planning that special day in advance to make it official and tie the knot? Weddings in Lake Tahoe happen daily and Granlibakken offers the most splendid backdrop in all of Lake Tahoe. The resort’s Executive Lodge is an ideal spot for wedding parties with such amenities as: an outdoor ceremony and reception area; two nights lodging in the 7-bedroom townhouse with breakfast each morning for 14 guests; special bridal dressing area; a living room and kitchen for your rehearsal dinner for up to 40 people. For more wedding information and options click here.
Don’t miss out on these great spring deals at Granlibakken!
Tags: Alpine Meadows, granlibakken conference center and lodge, Heavenly, Homewood Mountain Resort, Lighthouse Spa, Mt. Rose, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, sierrra-at-tahoe, Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl, tahoe cross country center
Posted in Lake Tahoe Specials, Sled Hill, Squaw Valley, Winter | No Comments »
Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge will host 16 snowsports journalists and guests this weekend to showcase the region and provide attendees an authentic flavor for the area, its residents and the activities that make Lake Tahoe a leading
winter destination.
Following a five-day conference at Tahoe South, which includes skiing, concerts, dinners and a cruise on Lake Tahoe, the travel and ski journalists representing national magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs and social media outlets will tour the West Shore of Lake Tahoe and three ski resorts as part of a post trip of the North American Snowsports Journalist Association National Conference. The event designed to generate significant editorial coverage for the area as a leading winter destination.
 Jessica Kunzer of Ski Utah poses with the Travelocity gnome on an après cruise on Lake Tahoe. Members attending this conference represent the Associated Press, SKI Magazine, Snow.com, San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee, Examiner.com, 7×7 Magazine, San Jose Mercury News, LA Daily Breeze, Contra Costa Times, Trenton (New Jersey) Times and NJ.com.
“The West Shore of Lake Tahoe and our world class ski resorts provide for the perfect cap on the NASJA conference,” said Kay Williams, general manager of Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge. “Journalists will learn about the significant changes underway here to share with readers throughout the country.”
In addition to overall destination stories, conference attendees will be provided updates on major plans at Homewood Mountain Resort and capital improvement at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.
The West Shore post-trip of the NASJA National Conference includes land, lake and air. Attendees will take the Tahoe Bleu Wave yacht from South Shore, arriving at Homewood Mountain Resort for a tour and skiing. An opening night reception will include an overview presentation of the area and a welcome from the evening’s sponsors. The journalists will ski at Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics on Saturday with a visit to Alpine Meadows on Sunday.
Established in 1963, first as the United States Ski Writers Association, the North American Snowsports Journalists Association is a professional group of more than 250 writers, authors, photographers, filmmakers and broadcasters who report ski- and snowboard-related news, information and features throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, via the various media. Corporate members include media contacts or employees of ski/snowboard-related businesses, such as resorts, convention and visitor associations, equipment and clothing manufacturers, or any others who have a commercial interest in the journalistic coverage of those sports.
Tags: 7x7 Magazine, Alpine Meadows, AP, Contra Costa Times, Examiner.com, Granlibakken Conference Center & Lodge, Homewood Mountain Resort, LA Daily Breeze, NASJA Conference, nj.com, North American Snowsports Journalist Association, Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Ski Magazine, snow.com, Squaw Valley, Tahoe Bleu Wave, Trenton Times
Posted in Squaw Valley, Tahoe outdoors, Winter | 1 Comment »
Friday, February 17th, 2012
President’s Day Weekend is popular weekend in Lake Tahoe, but in addition to patriotism there is another reason to celebrate in Tahoe this weekend. Extend your stay at Granlibakken for Mardi Gras and laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! There are fun events going on all weekend all around the lake, but check out some of our north shore favorites and don’t forget your beads. Kick off your weekend at Lakeside Tahoe City tonight with DJs Micah J and Tre Tuna in a President’s Weekend Throw-down. The battle starts at 9 pm so stop by for some drinks, dancing and fun electronic music.
Looking for specials on ski school this weekend? Mt. Rose Rosebuds Half Day Ski Program is offering a President’s Day weekend price. For $135 your child can receive 4 hours of instruction, a boxed lunch, rental equipment, helmet, all day lift ticket and preferred parking in the main lot front row. The half day ski program runs from 9 am-2pm and space is limited, reservations recommended.
Ski at Squaw Valley in the morning on Fat Tuesday and join in on the Mardi Crawl starting at KT Base Bar at 2 PM. The Mardi Crawl will continue on to Cantina, Mamasake, Auld Dubliner, 22 Bistro and finish at Rocker. Each location will be featuring drink and food specials in honor of Fat Tuesday.
Squaw isn’t the only place offering Mardi Gras festivities. Northstar is celebrating on and off the mountain with food & drink specials and live music. Check out TC’s Pub‘s specials — fried shrimp po-boys, jambalaya and hurricanes Saturday, February 18-Fat Tuesday, February 21. The Lodge at Big Springs will have a different food special Sunday-Wednesday including Cajun burgers, a blackened salmon sandwich and continual drink specials of rum punch, hurricanes and razzmatazz drinks. Summit Deck & Grill is offering food and drink specials Saturday-Tuesday including crawfish gumbo, Cajun stuffed peppers, melon balls and Blue Tahoe’s. Chili Peppers Dos is offering specials on Cajun seasoned shrimp tacos on Fat Tuesday.
Want to do some ice skating after a day on the mountain? Wear your green, gold and purple turtlenecks for Turtleneck “Fat” Tuesday and enjoy ice skating at the Northstar Village from 6pm-9pm.
And you won’t want to miss out on the live music at Northstar from 2pm-5pm. The Saint Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band will ring in Fat Tuesday with authentic New Orleans-style music on the Northstar Village Stage around the ice skating rink. What better way to finish a day of skiing or snowboarding?
What festivities will you be taking part in this holiday weekend?
Tags: chili peppers dos, granlibakken, lakeside tahoe city, lodge at big springs, mardi gras, Mt. Rose, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, president's day weekend, saint gabriel's celestial brass band, Squaw Valley, summit deck & grill, tc's pub
Posted in Holidays, Lake Tahoe Events, Lake Tahoe Specials, Squaw Valley, Tahoe City | No Comments »
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Flowers. Candy. Jewelry. These are typical Valentine’s Day gifts and often suffice for any stage of a relationship. But if you’re looking to do something different for Valentine’s Day this year try an adventurous yet romantic getaway to Granlibakken and take advantage of some local deals.
Start your day off in the snow with a full day of skiing or snowboarding at Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows. Both of these first class ski resorts are offering a very sweet Valentine’s Day deal of $14 lift tickets. There are a limited of tickets available and they have to be purchased in advance. Squaw Valley – 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic, CA. (530)583-6985. Alpine Meadows – 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, Tahoe City, CA. (800)403-0206.
 Snowmen Love After playing in the snow with your Valentine head back to Granlibakken to enjoy a casual night snuggled up next to the fireplace or by relaxing in the heated pool, hot tub and sauna. Maybe you want to wind down and relaw after your active day with a couples massage or any of the other services offered like a manicure and/or pedicure, a muscle soothing body wrap, or an invigorating facial at Lighthouse Spa.
With the money saved on lift tickets you’ll have some left over to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a delicious dinner right on the Truckee River at River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant. Chef Julia has put together a special Valentine’s Day menu including lobster bisque, ahi tuna, filet mignon and of course chocolate strawberries. Complimentary champagne will be served with your dinner entrée from the holiday menu. The full dinner menu will also be available. Reservations start at 5:30 p.m. 2285 River Road, Tahoe City, CA. (530)583-4264.
Another Valentine’s Day dinner option is Jake’s on the Lake. Sip wine by a romantic lakefront setting and savor a candlelight dinner with your special someone. Chef Scott Yorkey has created a sensational prix fix Valentine’s Dinner Menu of three delicious courses for $79 per couple (Jake’s entire dinner menu will also be served). Reservations strongly recommended. 780 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA. (530)583-0188.
How will you spend your Valentine’s Day?
Tags: Alpine Meadows, Jake’s on the Lake, Lighthouse Spa, River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant, Squaw Valley, Valentine’s Day deal
Posted in Holidays, Lake Tahoe Specials, Squaw Valley, Tahoe City | 1 Comment »
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Welcome back winter! There is new snow and great skiing all around Lake Tahoe. Granlibakken is Tahoe’s original ski resort near Tahoe City, with central lodging and ski and stay packages for 8 area resorts.
For $139 a person you get one adult all-day lift ticket to your choice of one of Tahoe’s 8 ski resorts, one night’s lodging, a hot breakfast buffet and use of sauna, heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
Located on 74 secluded acres on the northwest corner of the lake, Granlibakken offers accommodations ranging from cozy lodge rooms to studios with fireplaces and kitchens to one to eight bedroom townhomes. Not really interested in skiing or snowboarding? No problem! The lift ticket is exchangeable for a $50 credit for on-site amenities at the Lighthouse Spa or the Tahoe Cross Country Center to explore miles of historic cross country ski trails. But if the mountains are calling you, choose one of the close resorts that best fits your interest.
 There's plenty of snow to make a few turns. For a smaller mountain with spectacular views of the lake you’ll definitely want to make the short trip to Homewood Mountain Resort. Only 6.1 miles away from Granlibakken, Homewood offers 1,260 skiable acres, 8 lifts and 60 trails. Make the most of your day at the smaller resort of Homewood then head back to Granlibakken to snuggle up next to the fire.
Alpine Meadows is a known local favorite. Ski or snowboard across 2,400 acres with 14 lifts, 100 trails and 7 bowls. You don’t have to go far for dining and shopping as Alpine Meadows has both on location. A short drive of 8.3 miles will put you at Alpine in no time for a day filled with skiing or snowboarding.
Squaw Valley USA, home of the 1960 winter Olympics, offers visitors skiing/snowboarding, shopping, and dining. With 4,000 skiable acres across 6 peaks, 30 lifts and 170+ trails Squaw is consistently one of the top destinations for skiers and snowboarders around the world to visit in Lake Tahoe. The Village at Squaw offers shopping, first class restaurants, live music as well as other events throughout the year. Don’t miss Squaw’s High Camp which offers ice skating, an Olympic museum and a pool and hot tub. Just 8.5 miles from Granlibakken, Squaw is guaranteed to keep you busy and entertained all day.
Vail Resorts newest addition, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, also has a lot to offer and was recently named two-time Olympic gold medalist Shawn White’s home mountain. Northstar has 3,170 skiable acres, 20 lifts, 97 trails and 7 terrain parks for your skiing pleasure. If you tire quickly from skiing the Village at Northstar offers ice skating, premium dining and shopping. Located 10.4 miles from Granlibakken, Northstar is another excellent resort with an abundance of activities.
Another local favorite is Sugar Bowl. With 1,500 skiable acres across 4 peaks, 13 lifts and 95 trails Sugar Bowl, like Homewood, is a smaller option, but one that is not void of great runs and a fun day of skiing or snowboarding. A little further of a drive at 24.8 miles, Sugar Bowl will show Granlibakken guests a different side of the north shore of Lake Tahoe.
For panoramic views of both Lake Tahoe and Nevada Mt. Rose is the place for you. Mt. Rose has 1,200+ skiable acres, 8 lifts and 60+ trails available. Located 25.5 miles away from Granlibakken, it is a bit further of a drive but definitely worth it for the unbeatable views.
 Wool socks and a cozy fire are perfect on cold winter nights. The largest resort Heavenly, offers 4,800 skiable acres, 30 lifts and 97 trails. 31.8 miles away from Granlibakken, Heavenly has more than enough to keep a family entertained for a day. Other than skiing and snowboarding with incomparable views of the lake, the Heavenly Village offers ice skating, a variety of dining options, shopping, a movie theater and Après happy hour deals both on and off the mountain.
A South shore favorite is Sierra-at-Tahoe, with 2,000 skiable acres, 14 lifts, 46 trails and 5 terrain parks to keep skiers and snowboarders wanting more. One of the best places to have lunch in Tahoe is the 360º Smokehouse BBQ at the Grandview lodge at Sierra. The delicious menu and panoramic views of the Lake Tahoe basin make the 40.1 mile drive from Granlibakken worth it.
Any of these 8 resorts are an easy drive for a day filled with skiing and/or snowboarding, shopping and dining. And the best part is at the end of the day you get to return to your cozy and personal lodging at Granlibakken.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Have you booked your winter retreat to Granlibakken yet?
Tags: Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Homewood Mountain Resort, Lighthouse Spa, Mt. Rose, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl
Posted in Lake Tahoe Specials, Squaw Valley, Winter | No Comments »
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Squaw Valley’s High Camp is one of those crazy attractions where the periphery activities seem to change every 5-10 years but the core ones, and especially the setting alone, keep it high on the list of Favorite Activities up here in the Big Blue Basin. The bungee tower is a relic of itself and a time when ‘rad’ was king; the golf range petered out once the county told owner Alex Cushing he’d have to use biodegradable balls (at a buck a pop); and the Michael Jackson video that was filmed up here never made it off the cutting room floor.
 Squaw Mountain Bike Park (photo courtesy SVUSA) BUT, High Camp is still among the best-skiing peaks in the nation; the meadow up top is still an amazing place to hike; the swimming lagoon is still massive; and the Olympic-size ice rink is still the world’s best outdoor building for hockey. This year, though, additional activities have been added to the mix spicing up an already delicious treat. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Mountain Biking is back! This hasn’t been available at Squaw since the late ’90′s. Fifteen miles of trails from intermediate to expert take you near some of the best skiing on the hill – pretty cool to see your favorite ski spots from a bike in August…
Tennis – also back! It hasn’t been open in eons either but these two incredibly-sighted courts are back on the list and if you like smacking yellow-y in different locales then book ‘em now and get ready for your fastest serve and slowest feet ever (elevation 8200′ tends to speed some things up and slow others down…).
 Paintball at Squaw (photo courtesy SVUSA) Paintball, buckaroos: Have yourself an old fashioned, Western shootout along Silverado Ridge. That’s no newly fandangled name for some throw-away spot at Squaw. Silverado is a favorite of the mountain’s most notorious skiers because of it’s unwieldy terrain and danger factor. Paintball takes place on a safe zone above the scariness but you’re still perched on top of…an abysssss.
Disc Golf – Yes, hippies can rejoice. They can fork out good dough to chuck a frisbee around Squaw’s 18-hole course on top of the mountain. There are 3 beginner hole up at High Camp and the other 15 wind down into the Shirley Lake area.
So there we have it: Swimming, hiking, ice skating, mountain biking, tennis, paintball, disc golf, an Olympic Museum, lots of eating options, and a Cable Ride, too. This place rules and it’s only a few short minutes from Granlibakken…
Tags: high camp, high camp paintball, squaw bungee, squaw disc golf, squaw hiking, squaw ice skating rink, squaw mountain bike, squaw mountain biking, squaw paintball, squaw swimming, squaw tennis, tahoe tennis
Posted in Squaw Valley, Tahoe outdoors | No Comments »
Monday, July 26th, 2010
What do you get when you combine a Rave with Yoga? Yes, I call it RoGa.
If you are into yoga and music but never thought of experiencing them in a combined way then maybe you should head up to Tahoe this weekend and catch Wanderlust at Squaw Valley. Or if you just like music by Moby, Bassnectar, Brazilian Girls, etc. you’d find yourself having a blast during summertime at the greatest ski area in the US. Then again, if you simply need an excuse to come up to elevation 6,200′ just hop in the car and come freak-gaze at one of the more bizarre happenings at the Lake all year.
Wanderlust came to Squaw last year and was a hit, even for those lacking the West Coast skills of slow-motion body contortion. I saw a group of guys from Massachusetts who had a ball just wandering (no pun, please) around the Village and boogying at the shows. Of course, I met some vegan body-stretchers who said it was “even better than Burning Man” (if you don’t know that means just disregard it entirely!). Either way, Wanderlust is one of those events that you can talk about at the office water machine or around the ole wheat grass shot table.
Of course if you need a place to rest your head, give Granlibakken a shout and stay in Tahoe’s coziest valley…
Tags: festival, musical yoga, rave yoga, roga, squaw, wanderlust, wanderlust festival, yoga and music
Posted in Lake Tahoe Events, Squaw Valley, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
 The Wanderlust Festival, in its second year, comes to Squaw Valley from July 29th to August 1st. This four-day festival marries the art of yoga with the art of song with headlining yoga instructors Seane Corn and Shiva Rea and music performers Moby and Pretty Lights.
Granlibakken Conference Center & Lodge has long attracted visitors and groups who share its values of wellness. Our wooded serene setting offers a contemplative environment, and accommodations provide privacy and flexibility for visitors with special dietary needs.
Granlibakken welcomes participants of the Wanderlust Festival with a special lodging rate starting at $115/night.
Tags: dietary needs, moby, pretty lights, seane corn, shiva rea, Squaw Valley, wanderlust festival, wellness, yoga
Posted in Lake Tahoe Events, Lake Tahoe Specials, Squaw Valley, Summer | No Comments »
Sunday, August 30th, 2009
So you’re one of those people who don’t have any plans for the last big weekend of the Summer? Don’t worry there are plenty of others just like you and with things the way they are, these days you get rewarded for making last minute travel decisions.
 View from High Camp looking dooooooown Let me start with the deals then move on to a little something about one of my favorite places up here…
First and foremost, Granlibakken is offering a Stay Two Night and Get the Third FREE special for Labor Day, Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving.
Thursday – Saturday: Jake’s Restaurant in Tahoe City is having an awesome Full Moon Date Night: $79 per couple including tax and tip for a four course meal.
Friday is the first ski flick premier: ‘Black Winter’ by Standard Films is showing at Squaw’s Olympic Village Lodge at 8pm ($8 advance, $10 at the door)
Also on Friday the Tahoe Rim Trail Association is hosting a free guided hike from Kingsbury to Spooner Summit, a 12 mile trek with some of the best views you’ll ever see. (info@tahoerimtrail.org)
Sunday is the Alpen Wine Fest benefiting the Jimmy Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis. This is a classic Tahoe late summer-early fall event now on it’s 21st year.
Four-time Grammy nominee Marcia Ball plays a FREE Commons Beach Concert in Tahoe City on Sunday. Granlibakken guests who want to go will get a free picnic lunch 0 be sure to ask at the front desk in advance.
Also Sunday is the Truckee Reggae Festival at the Regional Park – one of the best mini-amphitheaters in the country featuring some solid reggae acts including Israel Vibration and Giant Panda ($20).
Northstar’s Mountain Bike Park is open til October.
***
 Pulling into the 8th Wonder And now a quickie on one of the coolest things around (and it’s only open til Sept 13):
High Camp at Squaw Valley
Squaw’s founder and one of Tahoe’s leading visionaries believed in the mantra ‘Build it and They will Come.” He built this crazy structure on top of the mountain then billed it the 8th Wonder of the World. Remember this is the same guy who brought Siberian Tigers in for the opening of the new Siberia quad chair (later he wanted to prove the size of Squaw’s new aerial tram by shoving an elephant inside!).
High Camp has seen some changes so although a couple really cool things aren’t there any more (bungee jumping, golf range) it is still an incredible place to spend a day. If you can, pick one with calm weather and get up there when it opens. You can go for little day hikes, swim laps, float, ice skate, drink beers in a hot tub and eat some lunch – all out in the open and with a spectacular view of the infamous Palisades. Also the Olympic Heritage Museum has been re-upped and is a pleasant place to spend an hour. It’s just one of those wild places and if you make friends with a local or employee you might find yourself marveling at the counter-weight room that keeps the trams from plummeting to the ground….
I brought my grandma up there once and by the time she was ‘over’ her fear of heights from the tram ride, she was just about ready to give ole Alex Cushing a high five. Everyone loves High Camp so go see why!
© 2009 Alex West (incl. photos)
Posted in Holidays, Lake Tahoe Events, Squaw Valley | No Comments »
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