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Posts Tagged ‘Homewood Mountain Resort’
Wednesday, March 6th, 2013
Granlibakken may have its Norwegian roots, but once a year even the Vikings become green with envy and turn to the Irish for some “top of the morning” good cheer.
With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Sunday, a weekend of adventure awaits at Granlibakken. There will be plenty of onsite skiing, sledding and high-flying zipline action at the Treetop Adventure Park. Weekend lodging options and family getaway packages are both available. Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at Granlibakken’s famous breakfast buffet that will fill the belly before venturing out for fun filled celebrations.
 Will you see a leprechaun skiing? Nearby Tahoe City and ski mountains have plenty of festive weekend plans to add to the mix.
Even the Irish will indulge now and then with chili. Tahoe City Parks and Recreation will host its annual Soup and Chili Showdown at Rideout Community Center on Friday, March 15, 6-8 p.m. This event is where amateurs and professionals show off their culinary talent with delicious soups and chili. The event is open to the public and the costs $5 to sample all the entries. Beer and wine are also available.
Ever seen a Leprechaun on a pair of skis? You will at the St. Patrick’s Day Bash at Homewood Mountain Resort from noon to 3:30 p.m. Chase the Leprechaun around the mountain for a chance to win a pot ‘o gold (Homewood Season Pass 2013-14)! Get a picture with him and post it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to automatically be entered to win. Don’t forget to tag Homewood in your post! Additional festivities will include a DJ at the Big Blue View Bar, Jameson drink specials, and a raffle.
Alpine Meadows will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music, Irish food and drink specials and plenty of green costumes on and off the slopes.
Squaw Valley has two days of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations planned on Saturday and Sunday. Squaw’s St. Patty’s Spring Party weekend features plenty of cold beverages, hot tubbing, food and drink specials, and a live DJ.
Enjoy green food and drink specials at Northstar. TC’s Pub will be celebrating with house cured corn beef with a potato cabbage hash and Guinness stout mustard, $3 green beer and $5 shamrock milk shakes. Summit Deck and Grille will feature corned beef with cabbage, carrots, onions and red potatoes and $5 Guinness pint cans.
Looking for some more fun after hitting the slopes? River Ranch Lodge will be offering corned beef and cabbage, $4 Jameson, beer and Irish Coffees, and $10 Car Bomb specials. Don’t forget to wear your green!
How do you plan to spend your St. Patrick’s Day weekend at Granlibakken?
Tags: Alpine Meadows, breakfast, family getaway, Homewood Mountain Resort, lodging, Northstar, River Ranch Lodge, Skiing, Squaw Valley, Tahoe City Parks and Recreation, Treetop Adventure Park
Posted in Holidays | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
With the holidays around the corner, Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge welcomes guests to celebrate the holidays indoors and out. Granlibakken’s new Treetop Adventure Park will be open throughout winter season on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
California’s first-of-its-kind Treetop Adventure Park has been described as “ropes course meets zipline on steroids.” It’s set along the tree tops, 30 feet off the ground where fully harnessed guests can zip, climb, walk and maneuver their way through a number of obstacles, each with varying degrees of skills and challenges.
For more adrenaline-packed action, Granlibakken has partnered with Squaw Valley USA, Northstar California, Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, Sugar Bowl, Mt. Rose, Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe to offer ski and lodging packages starting at $145 mid-week. Lift tickets to ski or snowboard Granlibakken’s Ski and Sledding Hill are $24 for adults, $14 for kids or a saucer and all-day access is $12. Skis, snowboards, cross-country skis and snowshoes are available to rent.
Don’t want to ski? Exchange your lift ticket for a $65 credit for on-site amenities at the Lighthouse Spa or the Tahoe Cross Country Center to explore miles of historic cross-country ski trails. Lighthouse Spa has a menu of wellness packages including therapeutic massages, skin care, spa manicures, pedicures, holistic body treatments, body waxing and health consultations from a staff of professionals.
There are a plethora of holiday activities lined up now through Christmas around Tahoe City and nearby resorts. Here are a few worth noting:
 Santa will be traveling around Tahoe City the month of December. Breakfast with Santa is Saturday, Dec. 1 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Rideout Community Center. Who doesn’t like a big plate of flap jacks with Santa on a Saturday morning? Activities and games for the kids, arts, crafts and local merchants will make this an ideal place for parents to get some of their holiday shopping done. Meanwhile, Santa will take his travels at various locations through Tahoe City Dec. 12-14.
Northstar California presents Noel Nights a holiday celebration the first three Thursdays of December from 5-8 p.m. The festive Village at Northstar holds a decorated 35-foot tree, ice skating until 9 p.m., fire pits to warm you, chocolatey s’mores, holiday carolers and shopping deals.
Learn to Ski and Board Weekend at various resorts Dec. 8-9. First timers can get a taste of the thrill of skiing or riding at Granlibakken or other participating resorts. This special program offers gear rental (skiing or boarding), a group lesson and beginner’s lift ticket all for $30 per day.
Like adventure films? Alpenglow Sports Winter Film Series continues, Thursday, Dec. 13 with speaker Greg Hill, who attempted to climb and ski more than two million vertical feet in 2010. The free event, titled “Greg Hill’s 2 Million Reasons & The Manaslu Disaster” takes place at Olympic Village Lodge in Squaw Valley at 7 p.m.
Northstar California’s 40th Anniversary with Shaun White is Dec. 22. Celebrate the resort’s 40th year with a party hosted by famed snowboarder and Northstar athlete Shaun White.
How will you celebrate the holidays during your stay at Granlibakken?
Tags: Alpine Meadows, Breakfast with Santa, Heavenly, Homewood Mountain Resort, Lighthouse Spa, Mt. Rose, Noel Nights, Northstar California, Northstar California's 40th Anniversary, Sierra-at-Tahoe, ski and sledding hill, Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl, Tahoe City, Treetop Adventure Park
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Tuesday, November 6th, 2012
Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge will add additional ways challenge yourself this 2012-2013 winter season by including access to eight world class ski mountains and their Treetop Adventure Park.
The resort’s popular and affordable stay and ski packages includes lodging and lift tickets at Squaw Valley USA, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, Sugar Bowl, Mt. Rose, Heavenly Mountain Resort or Sierra-at-Tahoe with rates starting at $145 mid-week. Or guests can choose the ultimate physical challenge at California’s first-of-its-kind Treetop Adventure Park, where ropes course meets zip line on steroids. This action-packed playground is an obstacle course set in the trees, 30 feet off the ground. Fully harnessed guests can zip, climb, walk and maneuver their way through a number of obstacles, each with varying degrees of skills and challenges.
 With lodging packages including lift tickets to eight different mountains why would you go anywhere else? As part of the midweek package, which offers Sunday to Thursday night lodgings and Monday through Friday, all-day skiing and Adventure Park access through April 1, there’s also the resort’s famous hot buffet breakfast – heavy carbs optional and comfortable amenities such as a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna.
Accommodations range from cozy lodge rooms to studios with fireplaces and kitchens to one to eight bedroom townhomes. The lift ticket is exchangeable for a $65 credit for on-site amenities at the Lighthouse Spa or the Granlibakken Ski and Snowboard Hill.
Lighthouse Spa offers a menu of wellness packages including therapeutic massage, skin care, spa manicure-pedicures, holistic body treatments, body waxing and health consultations from a staff of professional therapists. Granlibakken, home to the 1932 Olympic ski jumping trials maintains its rustic charm while delivering a high-tech vacation headquarters for families, groups and travelers including free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and transportation from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Tags: Alpine Meadows, Granlibakken Ski and Snowboard Hill, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, Lighthouse Spa, Mt. Rose, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl, Treetop Adventure Park
Posted in Tahoe outdoors | No Comments »
Thursday, April 12th, 2012
 Photo courtesy Homewood Mountain Ski Resort.
Think Tahoe in winter and what comes to mind? Skiing at Heavenly? Casinos? Headliner shows?
Ah, but there is another Tahoe … less intense, gentler, slower and yes, more family friendly.
The thing about Tahoe is it’s never been 100 percent about skiing in winter (or hiking, kayaking, whatever in summer). In a way, Tahoe is a bit like Europe, where skiing is only a fraction of the experience with inns on the ski hills and long, leisurely lunches and so much more to do besides keep track of your vertical on your wrist GPS.
So … enter North Tahoe, which is oddly what folks call stuff along the west side of the lake. And Bleu Wave’s yacht ferry. And Homewood. And Granlibakken. And, well, yes, a very special kid-wow run at Alpine Meadows.
Ski Via Yacht
The start of all this was via a slick yacht-ski package started last season by Bleu Wave. We arrived at the dock in South Lake Tahoe to board the ferry, which is actually a rather upscale yacht, at 8 a.m. We were dressed for skiing. As we pulled away, we munched on breakfast, which was a decent continental affair … muffins, fruit, yogurt, hot chocolate, coffee. But the star of the morning was Lake Tahoe’s scenery. Jagged, snow capped mountains rose around us, reflected in the still dawn water of the deep blue lake.
An hour later, we pulled up at the foot … and I do mean very foot … of Homewood Mountain Ski Resort. The runs seem to spill down onto the beachfront. And actually, they do end just a hundred or so yards away from where you dock.
 What's better than a cruise across Lake Tahoe to terrific ski venues? Though we were transferring to stay on this side of the lake, others were there for the day package, which for $99, gets you a shuttle from your hotel, round trip ferry, lift ticket, and discount on lunch. And though Homewood might seem smallish compared to say, Heavenly, its 1,260 skiable acres and 1,650 vertical, with everything from beginner runs to expert trees, provides more than enough fun for a day.
 Nearly every run offers a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. Photo courtesy Homewood Mountain Resort.
The stunning lake views are what sets this place apart. You’re so busy gawking, it’s almost dangerous. The dropoff along Rainbow Ridge just after Mid Mountain Pavilion (it’s the white tube tent with the picnic chairs) will blow your mind. A friend once said the drop on some of Tahoe’s lake view runs make you think you need to wear a life jacket. This is one of those places.
There are hefty plans for expansion. Some half a billion dollars of condos, base lodges, restaurants and lifts are expected to stretch to 2020. But meanwhile, Homewood is nice and laid back for a day of something different.
Our lodging was at Granlibakken, a resort that meanders up a thickly wooded hill with 200 hotel and condo rooms and a main lodge that reminds you of those family-owned resorts of the Northeast where generations would spend their holidays. The name, by the way, is Norwegian for “a hillside sheltered by fir trees,” and ski history in this area goes back nearly 100 years.
This is about as family friendly as it comes. There’s a small ski hill (300 vertical with two poma lifts), swimming pool, trails through the woods and a treetop adventure with rope bridges and platforms.
From Granlibakken, we day skied at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. Squaw has the reputation, the Olympic history, and the crowds. Alpine Meadows has Hot Wheels Gully.
 Don't get carried away by the incredible views while skiing the runs at Homewood Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy Homewood Mountain Resort.
If you are on the west side of the lake you, of course, have to ski Squaw. This is where the big guys go, along with enough waist high future racers to make your head swim. While the Lake Tahoe area has dreams of a new Olympic bid for 2022, it’s interesting to remember a bit about the original one in 1960.
The Olympic venue back then wasn’t supposed to be in Squaw Valley, but while the Olympic committee argued over which European ski hill should be the spot, Alex Cushing, owner of what there was of Squaw, pointed out that maybe, since the Olympics were supposed to be a ‘world’ activity, it was time to hold them in North America.
Those Olympics included an amazing list of firsts … first use of instant replay (courtesy of grainy videotape), first use of skis that weren’t all wood, first athlete’s village, first really blow-out opening ceremony. (Walt Disney, himself, designed it with Disneyland-style statues and fireworks much to the whining from Europeans). Oh yes, and first sale of exclusive broadcast rights … to CBS for $50,000m which led to a young, new hire Walter Cronkite at CBS hosting it.
For those with inquiring minds, London’s 2012 Olympic broadcast rights went to NBC for $1.1 billion … that’s with a B.
Alpine Meadows: Hot Wheels Gully
Okay, now on to Alpine Meadows. It’s smaller than Squaw, a bit more intimate, but definitely one of Lake Tahoe’s ‘big seven’ ski resorts, which include Heavenly, Northstar, Squaw, Alpine Meadows, Mt. Rose, Sierra at Tahoe, and Kirkwood Meadows.
You can get hairy chutes and mellow groomers just about anywhere in the Tahoe area. But only Alpine Meadows has Hot Wheels Gully.
 No matter how old (or young) you are, you can learn to ski at Tahoe's GranlibakkenLodge. Photo courtesy Granlibakken Lodge.
I was leaving the base area at the end of the day when a 10-year-old bounced by me, calling to his father.
“We skied the funnest thing of my whole, entire life. The FUNNEST!” he yelled while literally jumping up and down (in skis).
It was called … Hot Wheels Gully!”
The run traces a narrow riverbed that twists and drops through the forest … not for anyone on long skis and, honestly, best enjoyed by someone about 4 1/2 feet tall. You slingshot from side to side like in a mini halfpipe and, at one point, actually hit a short drop. It is, honestly, a pre-teen’s dream run.
 Dinner is a pleasure in the main lodge at Granlibakken. Photo by Granlibakken Lodge.
The week we were in Tahoe, it was hot and sunny. Perfect spring skiing. But snow was on the way and within a couple of days, four feet of fresh had fallen. Sigh. We figured we’ll just have to go back.
ALPINE/SQUAW APP
If you want a true giggle on the mountain at Alpine Meadows or Squaw Valley and you have either an iPhone or Android phone, go to your online market and download the free interactive apps for those two resorts. It’s more than just a map, it even shows you where you are on the mountain along with a real time list of what trails are open, where the restaurants are, weather, real-time webcams, some amazing thing that lets you find your friends on the hill and, best of all, a real time record of your own personal stats (speed, vertical, lifts and more). You need to activate your GPS and, as I found out the hard way, if you turn your GPS off at the end of the day to save battery, your personal stats will reset to zero. Just don’t try looking at it WHILE skiing.
– by Yvette Cardozo, RFT Ski Editor
 Check out Yvette’s favorite Tahoe after-ski snack, West Shore Café and Inn’s Mushrooms with Dipping Sauce.
Tags: Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, North Shore, Squaw Valley
Posted in Tahoe City, Tahoe outdoors, Winter | No Comments »
Friday, April 6th, 2012
What is Easter without an egg hunt and brunch? Folks staying at Granlibakken this Easter weekend will definitely not have a shortage of Easter events to choose from. North Lake Tahoe celebrates the holiday with family-friendly events all weekend as well as scrumptious Easter Sunday brunches at our favorite lakefront restaurants.
Easter egg hunts start in Tahoe City with its annual Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt on the Commons Beach at 10 AM on Saturday, April 7. Truckee will also host their Great Easter Egg hunt at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 7, at Truckee Regional Park.
Northstar will be celebrating Easter in every way this Sunday, April 8. Start Easter off with a tasty Easter brunch from Petra in the Northstar Village 9 AM-1 PM. After brunch be on the lookout for those hidden eggs in the Northstar Village at 10:30 AM when the hunt begins. And don’t miss your chance for a photo with the Easter Bunny from 12:30-2:30 PM. If you’re skiing or riding on Easter you’ll have your chance to celebrate Easter on the mountain as well. The Easter Bunny will be taking ride breaks from 9 AM-4 PM so make sure you find him on the mountain for a fun photo. The Lodge at Big Springs will have Easter specials at the café and bar and you’ll want to search for the hidden Easter eggs that may contain drink coupons and $5 off coupons.
 Try to find the Easter Bunny skiing at Northstar on Sunday for an unforgettable picture. You won’t want to miss the annual On-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt at Squaw on Sunday, April 8. As soon as the lifts open you can start searching for the hidden eggs. One lucky winner will find the Golden Egg containing a 2012-13 Bronze season pass! Make sure to pay attention to Squaw’s Twitter feed, Facebook timeline and smartphone app throughout the day for clues as to where the Golden Egg lies. The Easter bunny will also be hopping around The Village Events Plaza from 10 AM-4 PM.
Alpine is joining in on the Easter fun with an all mountain Easter egg hunt starting as soon as the lifts open on Sunday, April 8. Hundreds of eggs will be hidden across all of Alpine’s 2400 acres, but only one will be gold. The gold Easter egg will contain a 2012-13 Bronze season pass. There will also be two separate Easter egg hunts for the kids. Kids 7 and under can participate in an Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 10:15am at the Kids Camp Magic Carpet. And children 8 – 13 are invited to join the Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 10:15am at the Magic Carpet located off of Subway Chair.
Homewood is tying in an Easter favorite Ghiradelli with their Easter hunt. Kids 12 and younger can participate in the Little Bunny Ghiradelli Easter chocolate hunt next to the Snow Rangers Academy at the South Lodge starting at noon. Chocolate eggs, chocolate squares and Homewood gifts will be hidden for the kids to discover. But the fun doesn’t stop with the kids. Ghiradelli chocolate eggs and squares will be hidden all over the entire mountain for everyone to find as soon as the lifts start turning. Be on the lookout for the Golden Egg which will contain a 2012-13 season pass.
 There will be no shortage of Easter eggs in North Lake Tahoe this weekend. Easter egg hunts aren’t the only way to enjoy Easter on Sunday. For those not skiing Jake’s on the Lake will be serving an Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $24 per adult and $12 per child age 12 and under. Kids may even find a few Easter eggs. Reservations recommended.
Or relax at a table overlooking the river with brunch at the River Ranch on Sunday from 10 AM-2 PM including traditional brunch items and some lunch favorites from $12.95-$18.95. Reservations recommended.
What are your Easter plans?
Tags: Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, jakes on the lake, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, River Ranch, Squaw Valley, Tahoe City
Posted in Holidays, Tahoe City | 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 »
Friday, March 16th, 2012
St. Patrick’s Day is a widely celebrated and recognized day although it is not a legal holiday in the United States. None-the-less Granlibakken guests will not miss out on the fun, festive activities.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Alpine Meadows. Come dressed in your best St. Patrick’s Day costume for a chance to win a CamelBak full of swag! All costumes will be judged at the St. Patrick’s Day Après Ski Party taking place in the Alpine Bar from 2pm to 5pm. Enjoy Irish food and drink specials and live music by the Nibblers! Drink specials include $5 Guinness, Smithwick’s Cream Ale and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey. Food specials available at the Last Chair Bar include $5 Irish Nachos and Shepherd’s Pie.
Homewood Mountain Resort celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a Pot O’ Gold scavenger hunt, green beer and green bull cocktails, corned beef and cabbage in Homewood’s South Lodge starting at noon, selling limited-edition “I Shamrock Homewood” t-shirts ($10 to Homewood season pass holders and $15 to the general public) and a St. Patty’s Twilight Ski, during which guests are invited to hit the slopes from 4-7 p.m. (after the resort typically closes) via the Quail triple chair in addition to daytime skiing and riding. One lucky guest will find Homewood’s “Pot O’ Gold” hidden on the slopes of Homewood. The Homewood Pot O’ Gold will contain treasures such as a lift ticket 3-pack, a 2012/2013 season pass, and a West Shore Café & Inn gift card. Guests will receive hints as to the whereabouts on the Homewood Facebook page on or before St. Patrick’s Day.
 You won't want to miss your chance at these limited-edition t-shirts. Northstar is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with fun and specials for the whole family. The whole mountain is joining in on the fun. Chilly Pepper’s Dos is offering breakfast and lunch specials including corned beef hash and fried eggs and corned beef tacos with a spicy sauerkraut. Join Northstar and EpicMix for the first ever St. Patrick’s Day EpicMix Scavenger Hunt. Join fellow EpicMixers in an on-mountain scavenger hunt, compete in challenges, earn EpicMix pins such as Pot O’ Gold pin (earned for riding any lift or gondola on St. Patrick’s Day), Patroller Pin, Kiss Me I’m Irish Pin, Ripperoo Pin, Puzzle Me Pin, Mystery Lift Pin, Luck of the Irish Pin, Shamrockin’ Pin, Go Team! Pin, Safety first Pin and Chondolier Pin. Solve riddles to unlock special EpicMix virtual pins in various locations throughout Northstar. Register in person from 11:30 am – 1 pm, $10 per person, $15 for a couple and $25 for three to five people. After the big “hunt” head to the Lodge at Big Springs at mid-mountain for an après party where each scavenger hunt participant will receive a free slice of pizza and 14 oz. beer or soda. There will be a raffle and prizes will be given to most visible green outfit and best Irish-themed outfit. While participating in the scavenger hunt try to “catch the leprechaun” from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on the mountain. The Northstar Ski & Snowboard School will have one of their members skiing or snowboarding around the mountain in a Leprechaun costume. If you “catch” them (stop them), the “catcher” will receive a free hot chocolate coupon! After skiing all day check out Baxter’s Bistro featuring live classic Irish folk music starting at 6 pm from The Roundabouts and traditional Irish food and drink specials.
 Will you find the Pot O' Gold at one of the resorts this weekend? Sugar Bowl will be hosting their annual Pot O’ Gold hunt on St. Patrick’s Day. Find clues scattered around the mountain which will lead you to the famous gold pot containing a Midweek pass for 2012/2013.
Don’t stop your partying after a day on the slopes. You won’t want to miss the BARmuda Triangle Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration 2012 which includes drink specials all night and no cover at three different locations. The fun starts at Jake’s on the Lake with traditional Irish food all day, Happy Hour discounts 4:30-6:30pm, live music from Mark Wilson at 6pm. The party continues at Hacienda del Lago with live funk “Terraplane” 9:30pm-2am, and L.A. DJ Dre Tuna at Lakeside 10pm-2am. Bounce around from bar to bar and enjoy music and drink specials all night at all three venues! The Bushmills Shot Girls will be on hand at all three locations all night.
Where will you be wearing green this weekend?
Tags: Alpine Meadows, Baxter's Bistro, Chilly Pepper's Dos, EpicMix, granlibakken, Hacienda del Lago, Homewood Mountain Resort, jakes on the lake, Lakeside, Nibblers, Northstar, Sugar Bowl
Posted in Holidays, Lake Tahoe Events, Lake Tahoe Specials, Tahoe City, 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 »
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 »
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