Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

There are some years when we see snow in June, but with temperatures rising into the upper 70′s and low 80′s this week, summer has truly arrived at Lake Tahoe. Squaw Valley summer operations open June 14th, and we thought what better way to gear up for the summer season than a little Lake Tahoe eye candy? Since photographs speak a thousand words, we’ll just let the beauty of this region and season speak for itself. 

Alena Grace Photography has kindly shared some of her favorite summer shots, but if you’re itching for more, connect on Facebook, or check out her website! We sat down with landscape photographer, Alena Saporsky, for a local’s take on summer at Lake Tahoe:

1. What is your favorite thing about shooting in the summertime?

I love shooting ALL seasons at Tahoe. Summer provides more daylight for all shooting days, and warmth so you can be out in the early morning or late evening. The beaches’ 99% pure water is magical in summer. I soon plan to purchase an underwater camera and shoot at lake level/underwater images while I am actually in the lake!

2. What locations in the Tahoe region tend to photograph the best, or do your clients like the best?

I have found it funny over the years my favorite images and clients’ favorite images vary greatly. I am not sure why this is–simply preference? My best sellers have been reflection images (where the mountains/trees/etc. reflect in the lake on a glassy lake day), photos of piers, and wildflowers have been great sellers as both prints and greeting cards. Most of my revenue from summertime in Tahoe has been weddings. I photographed a small beach wedding on the South Shore in 2010 and the images turned out lovely–Nevada Beach at sunset did not disappoint!

3. Any tips for visitors who want to capture the beauty of Tahoe, or local spots people must see?

If you are visiting the Tahoe basin this summer and are not familiar with the area, I recommend taking a photo tour with a company such as Tahoe Photographic Tours (tahoephotographictours.com). The locations I recommend would be the top of the fire road above Crystal Bay, Nevada, Sand Harbor or Hidden Beach on the East Shore, Eagle Falls and Emerald Bay, and Shirley Canyon at Olympic Valley. If you’re willing to hike, take the trail at the top of Mount Rose Highway and go half way to the summit. There you will find a gorgeous valley with mountain lupine and a gorgeous waterfall. And if you’re willing to take a drive, Hope Valley, south of South Lake Tahoe, is the rugged side of  the Tahoe basin. Complete with sweeping meadows, the Carson River, and granite peaks; this area does not disappoint!

And as we promised: phenomenal Lake Tahoe region eye candy courtesy of Alena Grace Photography.

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Summer’s just about here: come and get it! If you haven’t booked your lodging yet, we can help, and save you 30% off your stay! 

The snow has fallen; and it’s the perfect time to get our bodies and souls warmed up for another fun season on the slopes. Get a start on your holiday shopping at the Passholder Village Preview Party, and receive 15%  off your entire purchase when you present your Squaw/Alpine pass! And while you’re in the Village…

…Lululemon has just the thing to get you jazzed for the new season! Join Shaelah Morris from Studio Tahoe and DJ Nate Spross for an après ski DJ’d yoga class in the Mountain Stream Room. After stretching out from your day of skiing or riding,  check out the Lululemon trunk show, replete with Bella Bucha and Uncorked Squaw wines.

The Haps

What:

DJ’s Yoga Class: 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Lululemon Trunk Show: 4:30pm to 8:00pm

Where:

Squaw Valley Resort, Mountain Stream Room

Cost:

Nada! Complimentary.

Have you ever practiced yoga to unwind from a fun day of skiing/riding?

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…”

Tuesday, October 16 | 6pm | $85 

The seasons are changing with the cooler weather, and it’s time to enjoy the outdoor chill! The 2nd Annual Fall Fest, in Incline Village, takes it to a whole new level at this Western-inspired boot stompin’, finger lickin’ event. So break out that flannel, pull on your boots with spurs, and get ready to giddy up into fall!

The Lowdown:

• Benefits Tahoe Connection for Families
• Santa Maria-inspired BBQ Dinner, Live Music, Silent Auction
• Western Wear Encouraged!

Purchase your tickets HERE!

November 3, 2012 | 7-10pm | $75/advance or $85/door

It shouldn’t take much convincing to get you to this delectable fall event of chocolate and wine! This fundraiser, hosted by Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Project MANA, is in its 24th year and a vital part of keeping the local community safe and fed. All proceeds benefit community programs such as violence prevention and education, and community food distribution.

Guests will enjoy a night of “Paradise Under the Stars“ inspired by the prohibition days of circa-1920 Havana. In fact, all are encouraged to dress to the nines and relish the Cuban borders opening for one night only!

Be sure to purchase your ticket ($75/advance, $85/door) to experience the following:

• Delectable chocolate creations by ten of Tahoe’s finest chefs
• Wine tasting
• Enticing appetizers by Hyatt chefs
• Live & silent auction
• Live Cuban-inspired music
• Chance to win a wheelbarrow of wine

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It’s a lovely time of year to pack your bags for a quick and quiet getaway at Lake Tahoe! With our fall promotion you can save up to 30%. Rates start at $118 per night through November 21, 2012!

The crowds have ceased, so you won’t fight traffic. Autumn mornings are crisp, yet sunny. The leaves are changing color. You can unwind in our spa and gaze up at the waning harvest moon over Squaw Valley. There’s so much happening around the lake you’ll definitely stay entertained, and there’s even fun for the whole family!

Here’s a way to spend your mini-vacation:

Sip and stroll at the Truckee Wine Walk and Shop on October 6th

Book a reservation at your favorite restaurant for Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week | October 7-14

Enjoy the sights and smell of fall at Resort at Squaw Creek’s Harvest Festival | October 5-14

What’s your favorite way to ring in fall? Does it involve pumpkin spice or comfort foods?

Traci des Jardins, chef of Manzanita at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, is dedicated to sourcing organic, sustainable and locally grown meat and produce to create a signature French inspired California cuisine. Start with the Cheese & Charcuterier, try the classic Tuna Nicoise, or how about the Risotta with fresh summer truffle and wild mushrooms?

Is your mouth watering yet?

Then here’s your chance to try your hand at Manzanita’s finest cuisine! Definitely the premier of all cooking experiences, increase your culinary knowledge as you work alongside the chef de cuisine, Jacob Ramos, in their open kitchen, and learn how to be a savvy chef in your own home. The cost includes a three-course dinner for $70.

Class Dates:

September 8, 2012
October 20, 2012
November 17, 2012
December 14, 2012

Click here to learn more and reserve your (limited) spot!

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August 19 | 1-5pm | Lone Eagle Grill 

Lap up the last few weeks of summer leisure while you sample over 25 Napa and Sonoma Valley wineries, delight in local cuisine, and are serenaded by live music on the shores of sunny Lake Tahoe.

The following wineries are confirmed for the event, and more on the way: Keenan, Four Graces, Educated Guess, Larid, Opolo, Spotlight (Arrieta, Row 7 & 8), Shultz, Kobrand (Domaine Carneros & Cakebread), Kendall Jackson, Trefethen, Crimson Wine Group (Chamisal & Forefront), Orin Swift, Rombauer, Mi Sueno, Cliff Lede, Twisted Oak, Anthem, BNA, and Whispering Vine Wine.

If you would enjoy an afternoon lakefront in Incline Village (who can beat that picture perfect view?) with exquisite bites from notable chefs and top restaraunts in the area, then purchase your ticket today!

$65 advance tickets, $75 at door.  All ticket sales are final.

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September 22-23 | Start Time Varies

A 10-12 mile obstacle course through mud, chilly water and fire? Sure. Sounds easy enough! Well, don’t get ahead of yourself since this event is not for the faint of heart.  Designed by British Special Forces, Tough Mudder, will test your strength, stamina and mental pluck. However, it is designed as a team event, so you won’t go at it alone! With half a million participants thus far, and approximately $3 million raised to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is a life-changing challenge you should consider!

Held at Squaw Valley in 2011, Tough Mudder returns to the Lake Tahoe region this year at Northstar California Resort. This offers participants to tackle new terrain.  Registration is currently open, and the fee includes an event T-shirt, one beer and live music during the post-event party.

Registration is now open for the Tough Mudder event at Northstar. The entry fee includes an event T-shirt, one beer and live music during the post-event party. The post-party events are definitely worth the course pain!

For more information about the Tough Mudder event at Northstar and to register, click here!

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