Want to combine your passion for skiing and getting a paycheck on the slopes?

Have you been pining to experience the life of a lift-op? To ski and ride for free?

Then check out some of the upcoming job fairs in the area at several North Lake Tahoe resorts! Who knows. You could be on first chair for a powder day this winter — that’s if you’re not working.

In chronological order:

Northstar California Resort: October 13th

Boreal Ski Resort: October 20th

Diamond Peak Ski Resort: October 20th

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort: November 3rd

Squaw Valley Ski Resort: November 3rd

Homewood Ski Resort: November 17th

If you had a season of being a “Tahoe Ski Bum” where did you work? Lots of awesome Tahoe stories start off with, “The winter I moved to Tahoe…”

This image from Google Earth shows the path the race will follow.

The Great Ski Race will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2011, starting at 9 a.m.

Whether participating or just watching from the trail, the 35th anniversary of The Great Ski Race is an event that should not be missed.

The main fundraising event for the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team, a non-profit all-volunteer organization, The Great Ski Race is one of the largest Nordic ski races in the west.   “Race proceeds are used to purchase equipment for the Team, and to support winter survival and avalanche education programs sponsored and conducted by the Team.” – TheGreatSkiRace.com

This incredible 30 kilometer (about 18.43 miles) race brings all types of competitors. According the the The Great Ski Race website, “The fastest time is 1:07, and the slowest is around 7 hours. This race is a test of endurance and skill; be sure you are in good shape so you can enjoy the course.”  The even begins at the Tahoe Cross Country ski area.

The Great Ski Race is considered a ski race, although some people do snowshoe or run the course.  Skis are highly recommended though.  Competitive categories are broken down into gender (male and female) and age (10 year increments).

Registration for the race is $65.  ($75 if registering on race day, and $25 Under 18).  All participants will receive a pre-race package, including a T-shirt, refreshments and hot lunch at the finish, a chance to win one of numerous prizes.

Awesome local band Downbeat will perform at the finish!

For more information or to register online for The Great Ski Race, click to www.TheGreatSkiRace.com.

ALPENGLOW PRESENTS: WINTER WILDLANDS ALLIANCE BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL

Friday, February 4, 2011 – 7 pm

Sawtooth Ridge Café, Tahoe City, CA

The Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival “promotes the work of grassroots filmmakers who tell compelling and entertaining stories of backcountry non-motorized recreation and environmental preservation”.  Films focus on fun and magic in the winter backcountry.  For more information, click to www.backcountryfilmfestival.com.

There will also be an awesome raffle.  Proceeds benefit the Tahoe XC Winter Discovery Program!

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Photo by Adrian Ballinger from AlpenglowSports on Facebook

ALPENGLOW PRESENTS: ADRIAN BALLINGER

Thursday, January 27, 2011 – 7 pm

Sawtooth Ridge Café, Tahoe City, CA

Marmot athlete Adrian Ballinger presents his incredible story of Ama Dablam, the “Mattherhorn” of the Himalayas.  Adrian has climbed and guided the mountain eight times in the past decade.  With popularity of the expedition increasing, overcrowding and waste issue have also been increasing.  In 2010, Adrian led a major clean-up project at the mountain. Adrian shares photos and stories from his decade at Ama Dablam.  This free event is open to all ages.  A raffle will benefit the High Fives Foundation.  For more information, contact Alpenglow Sports at 530-583-6917.

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SQUAW PRESENTS: RICHARD LEVERSEE

Saturday, February 19, 2011 – 8 pm

Plaza Bar – Squaw Valley Olympic House, Olympic Valley, CA

Tahoe legend climber, backcountry skier and photograph Richard Leversee presents his show “Stonequest: A Transformational, Spirit-Centered Path from Climbing to Healing Massage”.  This free event will be at Plaza Bar, located in Squaw Valley’s Olympic House.  All ages welcome.

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SQUAW PRESENTS: JOHN MOYNIER

Saturday, March 19, 2011 – 8 pm

Plaza Bar – Squaw Valley Olympic House, Olympic Valley, CA

John Moynier provides ongoing inspiration with his Eastern Sierra mountain guide history, climbing and ski touring guides.  Enjoy his latest presentation.  This free event will be at Plaza Bar, located in Squaw Valley’s Olympic House.

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SQUAW PRESENTS: DAVE NETTLE

Saturday, April 23, 2011 – 8 pm  (not confirmed)

Plaza Bar – Squaw Valley Olympic House, Olympic Valley, CA

Lake Tahoe’s own world-traveling Alpinist Dave Nettle presents his slide show featuring his first major wall ascent in Greenland and more.  This presentation will feature incredible story-telling and awesome photographs.  This event will be at Plaza Bar, located in Squaw Valley’s Olympic House.

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SQUAW PRESENTS: TODD OFFENBACHER

Saturday, May 21, 2011 – 8 pm

Plaza Bar – Squaw Valley Olympic House, Olympic Valley, CA

Tahoe Local and well-known climber Todd Offenbacher is famous for creating new climbing routes and his incredible first ascents around the world.  His high-on-life attitude is contagious and inspirational.  This event will be held at Plaza Bar, located in Squaw Valley’s Olympic House.