Lake Tahoe: more snow & "Kids are Free"

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com

Monday night broung 10-12" of new snow to Lake Tahoe. With more snow in the forecast for this week, ski conditions should be ideal this coming weekend. To entice visitors to Lake Tahoe, discounts and deals abound. Here are some of "secret" deals and discounts currently offered at the lake:

South Lake Tahoe Deals and Discounts:
South Lake Tahoe is running a "Kids are Free" program. Through March 31, kids are invited to:

* Ski free at Heavenly Mountain Resort
* Snowmobile for free at Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center
* Ride for free on the M.S. Dixie II* Bowl for free Tahoe Bowl
* Fly free at Soaring NV SkyRide
* Skate for free at South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation Ice Arena

The "Kids are Free" promotion, at South Lake Tahoe, also features lodging and dining discounts. In some cases, you will need to print a coupon (click here) and present it to the specific vendor, in order to receive the discount.

For a complete list of participating hotels, motels and vacation rental properties, as well as dining and activities, visit BlueLakeTahoe.com. Offers vary, check individual links for details.

North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City Deals and Discounts
For discount coupons on off-the-slope activities, visit TahoKidsGuide.com. Snowfest Winter Carnival is underway, offering many fun (and free) activities through March 8th.

In addition to the special deals offered on the Squaw Valley website, Squaw is offering a "3rd night free" promotion. Packages starting at $86.00 per person, per night. Includes 3 nights over a weekend in a King room and 2 day lift tickets for 2 adults at America's Best Value Inn in Tahoe City, a short drive from Squaw.

Beginning March 28 through the end of the ski season, you can ski for $159 (plus $10 for the required Alpine Club membership) Purchase the Unrestricted Ticket at SkiAlpine.com for $159 starting March 1.

For more info about Discounts at Lake Tahoe: Tahoe Discounts; slidingonthecheap.com; snowbomb.com

If you're driving to Tahoe: Road Conditions (including live videos)

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Copyright ©2009 by TahoeKidsGuide.com, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Ten wacky things to do at Lake Tahoe this weekend

The 28th Annual Snowfest Winter Carnival hits Lake Tahoe this weekend, and it's nothin' but fun. Between February 27 and March 8th, visitors can enjoy 50 fun-filled events. Here are some wacky things you can do as a family this weekend:

#1 Polar Bear Swim (Directions) - Saturday @ 2 p.m.

Can anything be wackier than intentionally jumping into 40 degree water? This weekend scads of folks are doin' it. Polar Bear Swim participants compete in a swimming race in Lake Tahoe, beyond the end of Gar Woods’s pier and back (approx. 225 yards). Hundreds gather to watch these [fool] hardy souls as they brave the cold water.

#2 Snowfest Parade (Directions) - Saturday @ 11:30 a.m

See Tahoe's wackiest and wildest strut down North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. "Tahoe City Through Time" is this year's parade theme so come early and get the best spot to see Tahoe at its wackiest.

#3 Ice Cream Eating Contest (Directions) - Saturday @ 1 p.m.

See if you can beat the reigning champion, who travels many miles to defend his crown. There will be different age categories to this cold and messy, yet surprisingly yummy, competition. Held at the Tahoe City Fire Station.

#4 Wacky Winter Bowling (Directions) - Sunday @ 10 a.m.

Here's your chance to be, or at least watch, a human bowling ball. Participants will fly down the “bowling lane” on a snow saucer and take out as many giant bowling pins as possible. Helmets required for all sledders and participants 18 and under. Helmets available at event. Saucers provided. Age groups for participating are: 5-11, 12-17, 18 & Up. Held on the Tahoe City Golf course, behind the Bank of America.

#5 Sick & Twisted Freestyle Competition (Directions) - Sunday @ 11 a.m.

As if this inviting title isn't wacky enough, visitors will see who's got the best moves in this Slopestyle competition. This tour showcases local talent in over 12 events per season and awards more than $25,000 in cash and prizes.

#6 Snowball Softball Tournament (Directions) - Sunday @ 12 noon

Spectators can enjoy this six team single elimination tournament, from noon to 6 p.m.

#7 Dog Pull (Directions) - Sunday @ 11 a.m. (Register) and @ 12 noon (to watch)

Folks of all ages can watch, and participate with their pooches in this proud display of canine athleticism. A variety of sizes and shapes of dogs participate in this Big Pull. Fun prizes for dogs, along with dog tag “prizes” to proudly wear around town. Located on the Tahoe City Golf Course, behind the Bank of America.

#8 Fat Cat drawing contest (Directions) - Saturday @ 11 a.m.

Kids, ages 4 to 12 years old, are invited to draw their best "Fat Cat". Draw the best fat cat in your age category, and win great prizes!


#9 Decorate a bear (Directions) - Saturday between 12 noon and 2 p.m.

A free event for children! North Tahoe Arts and the BEAR League invites children of all ages to stop by the North Tahoe Arts Center after the parade and decorate a wooden bear! Children will receive a bear that they can color however they want and can bring them home with afterwards! Juice and cookies will be provided.

Cruising on Lake Tahoe in the Winter

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com

Visiting Lake Tahoe in Winter brings to mind skiing, sledding and generally playing in the snow. Last week, we discovered how amazingly fun, beautiful and educational it can be to take a cruise on the M.S. Dixie II in the Winter.

M.S. Dixie II Captain, Ozzie Gonzalez, greeted us at the gangway with a delightful smile and an eagerness to share his knowledge. Captain Gonzalez began his career on this boat, in 1994, when the it was new.

Our kids did the interviewing. Here's what we learned during our voyage: The boat travels an average of 7.5 miles per hour during its 2 hour journey.

There are 3 levels to the boat. Guest enter the boat on the first level, where you'll find plenty of indoor tables and chairs. The indoor tempature on this level is set at a cozy 72 degrees ferenheit. There is a small outdoor deck on the first level bow (front of the boat). There is no seating outside on level one.

By taking 12 steps up, either indoors or out, you can access the second level bow of the boat. Indoors, on the second level, is where the food is. (and it's good family-food too) In addtion to the snack bar and grill, the second floor also has restrooms and abundant indoor table/chair seating. You can place your order at the counter and your meal is brought to your table by friendly staff.

The third level is entirely outdoors, and provides an awe-inspiring view of the lake and surrounding mountains. We were dressed for snowplay, and were always warm and comfortable while seated on the outside decks.

Our kids agreed, without hesitation, that their favorite part of our adventure on the lake was the paddlewheel, located at the stern. They were intrigued to learn that the paddlewheel rotates towards the boat when going forward, and away from the boat when backing up.

For me and my husband, the highlight of the two hour cruise on the the M.S. Dixie II came as we approached the mouth of Emerald Bay. We had seen Emerald Bay in the Summer and Fall, but this was our first view of this magnificent area in the Winter. It was a completely different experience.

The first thing my husband noticed was how much more majestic Emerald Bay is when you are aboard the only vessel in the bay. In the Summer, the bay is filled with many boats. On this day in February, however, the bay was void of other boats. It was quiet, except for the sounds of our slow-moving boat and excited children.

As the history of Emerald Bay, from how it formed to the construction of the Vikingsholm, played on the speakers on the boat, we we treated to the rare beauty of Emerald Bay in the Winter.

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Add a comment here or email me with "Examiner" in the subject line at: elizabeth@TahoeKidsGuide.com

Copyright ©2009 by TahoeKidsGuide.com, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Today Was a Day at the Beach!

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com

What an incredible day it is today at Lake Tahoe. Fresh powder, virtually no wind (where we were) and bright sunshine all around. While many families are, no doubt, having a wonderful time on the slopes today, we headed to the beach.

Yes, that's right, to the beach. Many beaches at Lake Tahoe and parks and playgrounds make wonderful snowplay areas. The pictures shown below were taken at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. A few words of caution: make sure the kids are dressed warmly, and be cautious about slipping on any ice that might be on the play equipment.

We were joined by two other families that came to play and enjoy a picnic at the beach. They did need their shovels to clear the snow from the picnic tables and benches. Once they were all set up, it was delightful.

Beautiful Snowy Day

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com
As of February 16, 2009, Squaw Valley reports receiving 273 inches of snow at 8200 feet elevation this ski season. So far, 76 of these 273 inches accumulated in the month of February 2009.
Weather reports project Lake Tahoe will receive snow on 6 out of the next 10 days.

Winterizing Your Car for Snow Driving

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com
As Lake Tahoe gets more and more fresh powder, you and your family might be thinking of a trip to Lake Tahoe. Here are some suggestions for winterizing your car:

1. Perform routine servicing on your car before your trip.
   Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant.


2. Replace the windshield wiper blades (wipers that work well are more important, in the snow, than some realize.)


3. Put windshield washer fluid, not water, in the windshield washer reservoir (plain water will freeze, so don't use that).


4. Have the battery serviced (clean the battery terminal ends and add water) and load-tested to check its ability to hold a charge. If the battery is old, replace it.


5. Use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure. Air contracts in cold weather; your tires will loose pressure in freezing temperatures.
   Make sure there is air in the spare tire and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the trunk.


6. Make sure the tires are in good condition.


7. You are likely to need snow tires and all wheel drive or snow chains. If you'll be using chains, it's a good idea to buy them before you leave home. They're likely to cost less than what you would buy on the road, and you'll have a chance to familiarize yourself with how to put them on.


8. Check the lights, heater and defroster. Each are vital to safe driving in the snow.


9. Keep the gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines. In addition, there's really nothing more frustrating than looking for a gas station in a snow storm, with a low tank of gas.


10. Get your brakes checked.


11. Put together an emergency winter kit for the trunk of your car: flares, blanket, extra boots, energy bars, waterproof gloves, water-proof pants, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight and kitty litter (for traction when stuck in the snow).


12. Keep your cell phone charged.


13. Make sure your AAA card is in your wallet. (My dad would be disappointed if I hadn't included this one! Thanks Dad.)

That reminds me...here are a few more helpful hints:

• Live Video of Lake Tahoe Roads
• Dressing for the Snow
• Some of Our Favorite Stops Along I-80 Between the Bay Area and Tahoe

Tahoe Discounts (February 2009)

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com
New snow fell on February 5th and 6th, and February Ski Week Vacation is approaching for many California and Nevada schools. With family budgets in mind, here are our family's favorite Tahoe Discounts (as of today-February 6, 2009):

Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable Lift Ticket: At only $62 per day, with no blackout dates and 2-for-1 purchasing power at Diamond Peak, this is likely to be the best deal around during the February Ski Break. Ski at any or all of the following resorts: Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak (2 for 1 value), Homewood Resort, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl. Call 1-877-949-3296 and press 1 for more information.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort has an entire page of discounts. Buying tickets at participating Costco stores is a great savings: $72.99 for two tickets. (Compared to $99, if you wait until you get here.) If it's your birthday...you ski free! Remember the Interchangeable Parents' Pass. With this ticket, mom and dad can share one ticket ($49), by trading off during the day. If you're taking an airplane to get here, Diamond Peak is offering 50% off a ski or snowboard rental when you show your airline boarding pass. Take out the hassle of flying with your ski equipment! Military discounts: Active, Retirees ski free midweek and non-holidays. Active, Retirees and Dependents can purchase a $39 ticket on weekends and holidays. Show a season pass from another resort, and ski for $35.

Homewood Mountain Resort offers a list of deals too. By skiing on selected days, you can ski 29 days for $29; even if you're only skiing a few of these days, this is a bargain. You must buy this ticket on-line. Show a season pass from another resort and ski for $25. Active military personnel ski free any day, including holidays. Get $5 off when you show you skied the day before, or when you ride the Tahoe Area Rapid Transit (T.A.R.T.).

Northstar-at-Tahoe offers quite a few discounts. Many of them, however, are not offered during the Februay Ski Break (Feb 14-20). The new Quad Pack Tickets are valid during this time period. Purchase your lift tickets at participating REI stores for a discount. If you start out early in the morning, and decide to quit early, turn in your single-day lift ticket by 12:30 p.m. to the ticket and pass office at the Village Center and receive a partial credit coupon for your next all-day visit. With the "Parent's Predicament Ticket", mom and dad can share one ticket ($83-two days required with a one day grace period.) by trading off during the day.

Squaw Valley: Kids ages 12 and younger ski and snowboard for only $10 every day all season. Kids don't need a lift ticket if they're enrolled in an all-day ski school program. Squaw also offers multi day packages.

Alpine Meadows: The Alpine Club offers the bulk of the savings at Alpine.

Heavely Mountain Resort: Visit a participating Save Mart or Lucky store, and walk out with an Adult Heavenly direct-to-lift ticket for just $70 - a savings of up to $16*. Teen and Youth Lift Tickets are also available .

Attention Tahoe Businesses: Contact Us with your discount offers; we'll add them to our Tahoe Discounts page, at no charge to you!

Our Visit to Homewood Mountain Resort

Yesterday, our family went exploring again. This time we scouted-out Homewood Mountain Resort. Homewood is a great mountain to learn and improve on with the majority of the terrain designated as beginner or intermediate. Equipment rentals are available and there are a number of lesson options for children and adults. Possibly one of the best features, especially for families, is that it is not difficult to get to the mountain.

In fact, you don't even need to drive yourself there. Homewood will pick you up! Brooke drives the Homewood "Dial-a-Ride" shuttle van. Simply call her, and she will pick you up where you're staying and take you back when you're ready to go home.

The shuttle vans appear new, clean and safe, including studded snow tires. Call Brooke, between 8a and 5p, for a ride: (530) 525.2922, she's looking forward to hearing from you.

We drove our own car, and had no trouble parking. It was lunchtime when we arrived, and families were enjoying grilled burgers, hot dogs and more on the North Patio. You'll find the grill open Saturdays and Sundays, during the Winter, from 11 a to 4p. The North Base also offers adult ski lessons, equipment rental, lift access, and lift ticket sales.

Our next stop was about a 1/2 mile down the road, at the Homewood's South Base Lodge. Before Homewood added this area to their resort, it was a separate ski resort called, Tahoe Ski Bowl. Homewood runs shuttle buses between the North Base and South Base lodges, and there is parking and lift access at both base lodges.

At South Base Lodge you can find Homewood's brand new Children’s Center. The "Snow Rangers" program teaches skiing to kids from 4 to 6 years old. There is a special area reserved just for the Snow Ranger lessons.

Homewood's "Mountain Rangers" program offers instruction, to kids from 7 to 12 years old, in skiing and boarding. Reservations, for both programs, can be made by calling: (530)525-1265 from 8:30am to 4pm. Kids' ski lessons at Homewood are also among the more affordable at the Lake, ranging from $70 for an afternoon lesson to $105 for a full day lesson.

Parents that don't want to ski, can watch Snow Ranger lessons or relax on the South Base Lodge patio, where you can enjoy oak fired half chickens and top sirloin steak with all the fixins.

Next year, Homewood is slated to begin construction on their 5-star boutique hotel with up to 75 rooms, approximately 40 two-bedroom, two-bath, individually-owned condo hotel suites, approximately 30 individually-owned penthouse units (top floor) and a lodge with a full service restaurant, spa and fitness facility.

In addition to underground parking, Homewood also plans 25,000 square feet of retail space designed to include: a grocery store, hardware store and an ice cream parlor.

At the current South Base Lodge, Homewood envisions a residential area complimentary to the existing neighborhood. This area is planned to included 99 multi-family condominium residences, up to three stories, replacing the current lodge and ski school site. Eleven single family lots are also contemplated,on the north end of Tahoe Ski Bowl, overlooking Lake Tahoe and the North Base Lodge.

Lake Tahoe Family Fun All Around the Lake

Lake Tahoe is a very family-friendly destination. The natural wonder of Lake Tahoe is great for exploring outside. Where your family chooses to stay at Lake Tahoe depends upon what your family likes to do and in what setting.

Generally speaking, South Lake Tahoe is more "developed" with large chain hotels and brand name stores. Most of the activities are centered around Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Further to the south, however, families will find Camp Richardson, an "old Tahoe" family resort, open all year. Nearby, is Taylor Creek, and of course the incredibly beautiful Emerald Bay.

Activities families can enjoy in the Winter at South Lake Tahoe include: ski or snow board lessons, a sleigh ride, sledding and tubing, snowmobile tour, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bowling, and so much more. Summer, Spring and Fall each offer distinct and wonderful family activities at South Lake Tahoe.
Heading north along the east shore of the lake is the Zephyr Cove Resort. Year-round families can enjoy a cruise on the lake aboard the M.S. Dixie. In the Winter, the snowmobile tours offered at resort are truly amazing. In the summer, the beach at Zephyr Cove is stunning. Lodging is available in small individual cabins, or at the campground and RV park across the street.
The North Shore of Lake Tahoe is much quieter than South Lake Tahoe. Incline Village features the Hyatt Regency Spa and Resort. Just up the road from the Hyatt is Diamond Peak Ski Resort. It is much smaller than Heavenly, but ideally suited for beginning skiers and families. Diamond Peak has a great Childrens Ski Center, and even offers an opportunity for the entire family to take lessons together.

Parents with children 0 to 3.5 years old can find fun activities at the Tahoe Childrens Foundation. Families can also go out for an evening of bowling, visit the Incline Skate Park in the Summer and Fall. In the Winter, head up Mount Rose Highway to the Tahoe Meadows to enjoy sledding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The hiking is great from Tahoe Meadows in the Summer and Fall.

Heading around the lake from Incline Village on the North Shore towards Tahoe City, don't miss a couple of locals' favorites. North Tahoe Regional Park offers the best machined groomed sledding hill for your money. Tahoe Cross Country is also a good deal for the money and one of the best groomed cross-country venues at the lake.
Tahoe City, along the west shore, offers plenty of activities, but not on the scale of South Lake Tahoe. Tahoe City is more along the lines of a mountain village with charming storefronts and local restaurants. Tahoe City, and really the entire lake, feature beautiful beaches. Among the favorite activities for families offered in Tahoe City, in the summer, is rafting down the Truckee River. (remember the sunscreen!)

Heading over the Truckee River in Tahoe City is traditionally done on "Fanny Bridge." The bridge earned this nick-name because visitors can be seen leaning over the bridge railing gazing at the beautiful water and fish in the river.

Continuing around the lake, families will soon arrive at the Homewood/Tahoma area of the lake. Homewood Mountain Resort is among the family-friendly venues in this area. Just next to Homewood Mountain Resort is the Tahoe Maritime Museum, a beautiful collection of wooden boats and other exhibits which highlight the lakes maritime history. This museum offers special activities for children (see an example in the picture to the right.)
Continuing still further south around the lake brings your family back to Emerald Bay. A magical adventure throunh nature, if not back into Lake Tahoe's history, is the one mile (each way) hike down to Vikingshom. Here's a fun fact to share with friends: Did you know the island in the middle of Emerald Bay is called Fanette Island?

Enjoy Your Visit to Lake Tahoe!