North Lake Tahoe, California Things to Do

Shane McConkey's quirky alter ego, Pain McShlonkey.

As an on and off mountain event, the Pain McShlonkey Classic is a wacky part of Tahoe culture in which all proceeds from the weekend benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation, along with environmental education programs. The event was dubbed after one of Shane’s funny alter egos, Pain McShlonkey. Hosted on March 23-24th at Squaw Valley, the McShlonkey offers the world’s top winter atheletes a chance to compete for the podium on none other than snowblades! Saturday’s on-mountain antics promise true slope-side entertainment for all ages.

“One thing about Shane is that what you saw is what he was: a man full of stoke, passion, ingenuity, humor and a zest for making your moments on this earth count,” says longtime friend Scott Gaffney. “Shane loved to laugh, play, compete against and make fun of friends and make fun of himself. The Pain McShlonkey Classic is a perfect amalgam of all of these elements that were so important to a guy who inspired us to no end.”

The Red Bull Air Force will kick off the festivities on the afternoon of Friday, March 23 as athletes like Charles Bryan, JT Holmes and Tim Dutton skydive into The Village at Squaw Valley.  Now that’s just the beginning. From there, the party rages on at Rocker@Squaw with a DJ, food and drink specials and poster signings with pro competitors.

The real throw down begins Saturday, March 24 at 9 a.m. as the athletes line up atop the legendary KT-22 chairlift for an all-out snowblade banzai. The pros will take on 30 of McConkey’s biggest fans in an anything-goes battle to the finish on Squaw’s GS Bowl. It’s a sight to see, especially the costume choices you’ll see whiz by.

To top off the weekend, don’t miss the 80’s after party at Squaw’s Olympic Village Lodge. Guests must be 21 or older to attend with valid ID required. To find out more, purchase tickets to the after party on March 24th ($25/each), or make a donation to the Shane McConkey Foundation, click here!

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With the 56 degree weather, and bluebird days at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, spring is definitely in the air. But don’t think we’re out of the snow woods just yet. (We know, we know. We haven’t been deep in them, but it’s only March!) We have another set of big storms on the horizon, which means more powder for your play!

So don’t pack away your gear just yet.  Especially if you want to come ski/ride Squaw and Alpine on us! We’re giving away a 2-night package at Squaw Valley Lodge, a Sweet Skiing Sweepstakes that’s sure to treat you right, both your powder legs and sweet tooth.

There’s no trick or gimmick to winning. Simply ‘like’ our Facebook page, fill out a short entry form (60 seconds short!) and check back on March 19th to see if you’re the lucky winner.

Be sure to share with all your family and friends!  Because if you don’t win, hey – maybe your spouse or best friend will. And that could amount to a nice little spring sweep at Squaw for you! You have until March 16th at 11:59pm to enter!

Bluebird days at Squaw Valley are unbeatable.

It is practically impossible to utter the words ‘Lake Tahoe’ without mention of its world renowned alpine skiing/snowboarding, and epic winter snowfalls averaging 300-500 inches per year. The location and amenities of Lake Tahoe as a winter destination is truly unique and astounding. There’s an age old local saying at Tahoe, “You come for the winter, stay for the summer, and never leave.” And here’s (generally) why: The largest alpine lake in the US, a deep color of blue and emerald green, stretches 22 miles long, and is surrounded by 12 world class ski resorts and 12 premier golf courses.

You don’t have to be a skier/snowboarder to fall in love with Tahoe winters. You can still make the most of winter/spring with all kinds of activities the whole family will love: ice-skating at High Camp, followed by a dip in the hot tubs; sledding or tubing at Tahoe Donner’s Sledding Hill; cross-country skiing at Royal Gorge; or snowshoeing through picturesque Squaw Valley. Or how about sitting back and allowing a furry friend to tug you along at your very first dog sled ride? The possibilities are endless when it comes to winter fun at Tahoe.

Choose groomed trails, or blaze your own through powder. Powder's a major work out!

Don't own snowshoes? You can rent them at Squaw Valley!

This winter season has actually been unseasonably warm, in stark comparison to last winter’s epic snowfall of over 643 inches! 2010-2011 was the 4th snowiest winter ever on record for this region. There were high hopes the Truckee-Tahoe area would enjoy another tremendous winter season, but November through February felt more like autumn than anything! It gave many residents and vacationers the rare opportunity to enjoy summer-like hobbies, such as kayaking on Donner Lake in January, or taking the dogs out for a run on dry trails in February. Even so, many locals and vacationers alike still ached for the blustering winter days we knew and loved so well.

Then, in Tahoe fashion the powder arrived in a flash! Last week, from Sunday night to Thursday evening Squaw Valley got dumped with a total of 57 inches of fresh snow. It was a blizzard of a week, but come Friday morning there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. A perfect bluebird day, with temperatures at a balmy 45 degrees. It’s perfectly blissful out there.

It’s tough to pass up skiing/riding in powder, but if you’re looking for a different kind of day at Squaw Valley, then grab your snowshoes and head out with the whole family for a hearty work out! If you don’t own snowshoes, you can rent them at the Nordic Center located at the Resort at Squaw Creek.

What do you think of snowshoeing?

[Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography]

Powder Day at Squaw Valley; February 13, 2012

It’s a great Tahoe start to the week with fresh snow at Squaw Valley! The storm we’ve been eyeing for the past week finally rolled in last night, and left us with 6 inches of fresh powder. And there was even a break in the weather for bluebird skies – a nice powder morning here. What a way to kick off a jam-packed week! There are plenty of lift ticket specials to take advantage of, so here goes.

Squaw Valley just rolled out the new Tahoe Super 2 lift ticket deal: two unrestricted days of skiing and riding at either resort for just $49 per day.  Tahoe Super 2 has absolutely no date restrictions and is valid for any two days! As a bonus, you will also get two free unrestricted Friday afternoons of skiing or riding!  Be sure to get your tickets now.

And since we hope you haven’t been living under a rock, yes; tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Did you know on every Valentine’s Day, the Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet? You can be a stellar romantic like Romeo too! Today is your last chance to pre-purchase $14 lift tickets to “share the love” on Valentine’s Day. Yep, that’s right. Ski or ride with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day for half the cost of a child’s lift ticket!  If you’re jetting last minute to Squaw for powder, and need to book your stay, get all the details here!

There’s snow on the horizon as we head into the end of the work week, and President’s Day Weekend is here! Always one of the biggest and best weekends skiing or riding at Squaw, we’ve got just the answer to your lodging needs. Starting Monday, February 20th, our standard room rates start at only $199! Pack up the kiddos for a fun-filled weekend, with Kid-O-Rama kicking off on February 18th and running through the week. Skiing, s’mores, tubing, face-painting, family movie night and crafts – is there a better way to entertain the whole family?

Want to learn more? Become one of our fans on Facebook!  You could win the next vacation package sweepstakes to Squaw Valley on us.

We hope we never hear you say that Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows rarely show the love! Check out this incredible lift ticket steal.  A limited number of lift tickets on Valentine’s Day are going for $14/each!  That’s less half the cost of one child’s day ticket.

Lift tickets must be purchased in advance and are only available while supplies last.  Share the love with others, and enjoy a day of sweet skiing at Squaw Valley or Alpine!

Click here for more details and to purchase now!

And don’t forget the Valentine’s Package we have available to surprise your sweetie with a romantic day on the slopes, dinner for two, and Swedish massage to top off your day, and ease those tired muscles. Click here to book your Valentine’s getaway!

It’s the fifth anniversary of Uncorked at Squaw Valley and they are celebrating big time! Join others on Friday, February 10^th from 5pm – 8pm for an outdoor event of winter warming proportions. Purchase your ticket ($40) and delight in wine tasting from Uncorked’s ten favorite wineries, a commemorative wine glass , lamb stew from Soupa, live music from Jazz Mafia, a massage tent, and fire pits!

Bundle up in a beanie and puffy, and mingle on First Street in the Village at Squaw with other wine connoisseurs.  Your ticket also goes to a great cause, benefiting High Fives Foundation: a local non-profit dedicated to raising money and awareness for athletes that suffer a life altering injury while pursuing their dream in the winter action sports community.

Buy your ticket now before sell out!

(Fun fact! Uncorked at Squaw will serve mimosas at noon on Saturday, February 11th as their “recovery party” from Friday night’s festivities!)  

Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it. – Benjamin Franklin

Indeed Benjamin Franklin was onto something, and there’s nothing like a romantic getaway to rekindle the joy of relationship with the one you love.  Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with something more than the typical roses and chocolate: whisk away to legendary Squaw Valley and indulge in a two night stay!

Replete with your package is dinner for two at Grahams at Squaw Valley, complimentary bottle of red wine from award winning McDowell Valley Vineyards, and couples’ Swedish massage on-site at Squaw Valley Lodge [Tweet This!].  It’s the perfect way to wind down from a day on the slopes.   And remember, with your Tahoe Super Pass you can ski/ride at both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.  A free shuttle runs daily between the two mountains, for your convenience.

Don’t lift a finger this Valentine’s holiday.  Surprise your sweetie with a snowy getaway in the Lake Tahoe winter sunshine. See below for details and book now!

• Two Nights Lodging in a spacious Deluxe Studio Suite Condominium for two.
• Dinner for two at renowned Graham’s at Squaw Valley: Graham’s three course dinner for two.  (Includes tax and gratuity. Beverages not included.  Reservations required.)
• Complimentary bottle of red wine from award winning McDowell Valley Vineyards.
• Swedish massage for two in Squaw Valley Lodge Massage Rooms.  (One hour Swedish Massage.)
• Use of the Squaw Valley Lodge Indoor or Outdoor Whirlpools, Sauna, Steam Room and Health Club.
• $625 total package cost midweek; Sunday-Thursday ($156.25 per person/per night, double occupancy.  Taxes not included.)
• $699 total package cost weekends; Friday and Saturday ($175 per person/per day, double occupancy.  Taxes not included.)
• Valentine’s Day dining, February 14th, with the current 15% off lodging, the package price is $181 per person, per night. $724 for two midweek nights with Valentine’s dining and massage.

Lodging discounts not valid everyday and are subject to change.  Based on availability.

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