| |
Archive for the ‘Squaw Valley’ Category
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 »
Monday, August 24th, 2009
Sounds like summer is in full swing in the City – word is that fog plus cold, blowy temps are a fixture of the Richmond district and all the other usual places these days. It’s one of the things that makes that place so darn romantic sometimes. Well, up here at Tahoe we have Summer in Disguise. Some days are full-blown four-alarm sunshine but we seem to be collecting a few more of those ‘other’ days where we actually see clouds.
Lots of us love it because not only is natural variety the spice of a place with little culture but also because it’s a change from the Big Tahoe Sun days of mid-summer. And the great thing about it is that you can do just about everything that’s so popular in the middle of summer – the difference now is that you have to be a little more self-reliant, oh, and there’s no traffic.
Want to raft the river?
Rafting co.’s are closed – bring your own floatation and you’re off!
Want to swim on top of Squaw?
Hike Shirley Canyon and get in the river!
But come to think of it, most other businesses are still open for one more week. Shakespeare performances at Sand Harbor are still happening. Boat, paddleboard, kayak, and bike rentals (Granlibakken also has rental bikes) are full swing. You can go high up on a parasail or hot air balloon over Tahoe. And most importantly, all the major restaurant decks are still open: Sunnyside, Jake’s, River Grill, River Ranch, The Bridgetender, GarWoods, Blue Onion, Caliente, Jason’s, Steamer’s, and on and on!
***
 Not too busy in the lineup One of the most summery things you can do up here is go surfing off the back of a boat. It sounds weird but with the right boat and the right driver you can do take up this sport easily. If you don’t have access to a boat you can still rent an instructor and boat right in Tahoe City or at the Sunnyside Marina, both within a ten minute spin down the bike path (or five minutes’ drive) from Granlibakken.
My little family got treated to an afternoon of wakesurfing with Surf Tahoe, located at the Grove Street pier in Tahoe City. Our instructor was Chris Lange who we met while he was bilging water into two huge fatsacks used the make one rear corner of the boat super-heavy so our wave would be huge. After some easy instruction we were on our way – just 20 feet of rope from the stern of the boat and chatting with Chris all the while, we could throw the rope back into the boat and surf Tahoe with only the ramp of the wake propelling us. This is Surfing Tahoe and it is very cool.
 Although I don't look cool doing it... If you do have a boat (and you’re still reading this) it probably isn’t built for wakesurfing. So have fun with it. Grab an old surfboard and pile some buddies on a rear corner of whatever old bucket you’re running. I did this the other day with a friend who’s engine stuck out the back of the craft – not the best set-up for having your face right off the rear transam while learning to surf. So we long-lined it at regular wakeboarding speed – it was hilarious. Massive higher-speed splashes, rope-splitting pulls on the line, and sore consequences from new moves tried – these were the name of the game that day. And although it wasn’t real wakesurfing the thrill was there.
So no matter how you end up going about it, give this new rave a try and how it catches you!
© 2009 Alex West
Tags: Tahoe summer wakesurf wake surf "wakesurf tahoe" "wake surf tahoe"
Posted in Lake Tahoe Events, Squaw Valley, Summer, Tahoe City | No Comments »
|
|
