It’s that time of year when we tuck away our skis and boards, and pull out our sticks! Due to the unseasonably lower precipitation this year golf courses are open a bit earlier, not to mention the winter golfing that went on well in January.

Make your tee times, and get out there! And remember, there are tons of twilight deals, so be sure to check first with each course to save!

Old Brockway: Open

Ponderosa: Open

Tahoe City: Open (As of April 25, 2012)

Old Greenwood: May 9, 2012

Incline Mountain Golf Course: May 11, 2012

Incline Championship Golf Course: May 15, 2012

Northstar: May 18, 2012

Coyote Moon: May 25, 2012

Tahoe Donner: May 25, 2012

Resort at Squaw Creek: Memorial Day Weekend

*Openings are subject to change, and weather permitting.

We know why you flock to Lake Tahoe in the summer. But for the families looking to switch things up, with the age-old tradition of ballpark fun, the Reno Aces won’t disappoint.

Check the Reno Aces schedule for game times! Or purchase single-game tickets for any of the 72 home games from April to Labor Day!

“Discover Wines with a View” while you stroll along the lakefront boardwalk through Tahoe City, entertained by live music, sampling local and regional wines and delectable food from local Tahoe restaurants and caterers. Check out what the Tahoe City Downtown Association has put together for The Solstice Festival:

“The Solstice Festival celebrates the start of summer by showcasing Tahoe City through a variety of events designed to encourage visitation in our beautiful downtown. The Tahoe City Wine Walk features wines of the Sierra and food tastings at local merchants and restaurants throughout downtown. Other festival events include a Solstice Stroll Classic Car Show, PaddleFest on the shores of Lake Tahoe, and the opening of the summer series Concerts at Commons Beach. During the Wine Walk, outdoor live music will be at both ends of the lakefront boardwalk.”

The Lowdown on Tickets! 

Tickets $35 before June 23rd, $45 day of the event. Cash only.

Day-of-event tickets will be available at one of the 3 registration tables:

• Boatworks Mall (East end of town)
• Heritage Plaza (center of town);
• North Tahoe Arts Center (West end of town).

There will be a band, tables, balloons and lots of people at each registration location so they will be easy to spot. Remember, cash only! Click here for more information!

Lake Tahoe Water Trail hosts their Annual Spring Paddle on Saturday, May 19th. Participants will launch from Commons Beach in Tahoe City, Ca and paddle their way to Blackwood Creek, followed by lunch at Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge, to enjoy the lakeside view and tasty cuisine. If you haven’t tried kayaking — or perhaps it’s become your favorite summer workout — either way, this is the event for you! Interpretive guides will also provide educational insight into the Lake Tahoe natural environment.

The lowdown!

When: Saturday, May 19th at 9:00am. Check-in is 8:00am! Lunch at Sunnyside Restaurant at 12:00pm.

Where: North Lake Tahoe. Commons Beach, Tahoe City, Ca.

Cost: $30/single or $55/couple

For more information and to register now, visit Lake Tahoe Water Trail!

There are few words to encapsulate the wacky and beloved tradition of the Annual Cushing Crossing!  Squaw would not be Squaw without the Cushing Crossing. This pond skimming spectacle embodies late spring in Lake Tahoe, and although it signifies the end to a ski season, it’s an event you don’t want to miss!

With judges, emcees, and usually Tahoe bluebird weather, you will definitely have some good laughs at the 22nd Annual Cushing Crossing on April 29th at 12pm.  Check out video from last year’s event, and come out to cheer on others as they skim, flip and tumble their way across Cushing Pond.

Also, if you want to participate, arrive early. Registration is limited to the first 50 entrants. Registration begins at 9am at the KT Base Bar.

You may love the great outdoors of Lake Tahoe, the virtually untouched back-country of the Sierra Nevada, but that doesn’t mean you’re always prepared. If you’re wondering what the latest is on gear, and how you should prepare for hiking this summer, then look no further!

REI-Reno is pleased to partner with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for the return of the April Speakers Series; every Wednesday this April. The presentations this year will give special attention to hikers and mountain bikers. The TRTA will also give insightful local tips on the best places to go, what the bring, and what to expect from the trails and conditions.

“The Properly Equipped Hiker,” Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 to 8pm.

This presentation is essential for both segment and thru-hikers. REI hiking experts will discuss gear, clothing and back country skills that will help you enjoy your time on the trail. They will also help you to distinguish between essential gear versus what gear is nice to have. Gear and clothing selections will also be reviewed for weight, cost, durability and ease of use considerations. This session will also serve as an unveiling of the newest in 2012 gear. Backcountry skills will focus on hydration techniques, navigational skills and Leave No Trace principles. Combine this class with the first class and you will be ready to hit the Tahoe Rim Trail this summer, dressed and outfitted for success.

Admission to each presentation in the series is FREE!

Location:

REI Reno

2225 Harvard Way

Reno, NV 89502

Click here for more information and to learn about the Tahoe Rim Trail Association!

Only a few weeks left to get some turns in at Squaw Valley! Get some.

It’s a bittersweet time of year.  The time when we sit down, teary eyed, to inform you the last day to get in some good turns at your home mountain.  Sure, the winter of 2010/11 was an epic one.  Mother Nature came up a bit short this year, but Tahoe skiing/riding is all about making the most of what we’ve got.  And we did! We’re not happy to pack away our pow skis, but we know winter will come again.

*And remember, some mountains are reopening for weekend operations through May, even though daily operations will shut down. So be sure to check first before you head up for some deep spring skiing/riding.

Closing Dates (In Reverse Chronological)

*Alpine Meadows: April 29th. Reopening May 4-6th & May 11-13th

Squaw Valley: April 29th

Sugar Bowl: April 29th

*Kirkwood: April 22nd. Reopening every Fri, Sat and Sun as weather permits.

Sierra-at-Tahoe: April 22nd

Mt. Rose: April 15th

Diamond Peak: April 15th

*Heavenly: April 15th. Reopening April 20-22nd & April 27-29th

Northstar California: April 15th

*Homewood: Closed. Reopening April 13-15th

Ready for sun, snow and spring skiing at Squaw? Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

Winter and Spring Collide! Come help us celebrate the spring season at your home away from home, Squaw Valley Lodge. Save up to 30% on your April Getaway!

• Starting Sunday, April 8th, reserve three nights and save 30%, or reserve one or two nights and receive 15% off. Starting rate is $129.*
• Call Squaw Valley Lodge at (855) 335-8998 or visit our website to reserve your spring vacation!

*Spring Promotion blackout dates include: April 15-18, June 20-22. Subject to availability and subject to change. *$129 rate is a Standard Room, per night, midweek for 3 or more nights.

April Events

April 7, 2012

Squaw Valley US Ski Team Day Join your favorite Olympic skiing legends on the California slopes this April for the inaugural Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows U.S. Ski Team Day!

April 8, 2012

Easter and Egg Hunt at Squaw Valley Hunt for colored eggs all over the mountain. The lucky winner who finds the GOLDEN EGG will score a Bronze Season Pass to Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows.

April 10, 2012

Squaw Valley Institute Presents a Lecture by Kenny Broad National Geographic’s Explorer of the Year, Kenny Broad, shares his insights. Tickets are on sale now for $15. Board Member and Student Tickets available at a discounted price, $10.

April 15, 2012

Billy Dutton Uphill The Billy Dutton Uphill is Squaw Valley’s “use any gear” uphill race. The course climbs over 2000′ and 3.2 miles from the base of KT-22 to High Camp!

April 20-21, 2012

Tahoe Truckee Earth Day at Squaw Valley Celebrate and promote the region’s unique beauty at this Earth Day Festival. Attendees will learn how to preserve the earth’s natural resources. Live music, raffle prizes, and even a “Trashion” show!

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Spring has sprung, and it’s about that time to celebrate the beauty of this region on Earth Day, Saturday April 21st! The North Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Celebration is an all-volunteer educational event from the Tahoe Earth Day Foundation, where all ages can learn how to preserve the earth through various ways, such as recycling/composting, alternative energy, watershed and forest health, and sustainability.

The celebration on Saturday kicks off at 9am with a Collection Event: guests can recycle waste, tires and household batteries for free! Click here for a list of accepted items so you don’t haul your refrigerator to Squaw Valley, only to be turned away. Also taking place at the Village at Squaw is a performance by ASHA World Dancers, a Trashion Show and live music by Ten Mile Tide. Want details about the event schedule?  Find out more about all the entertainment and raffle here!

Help preserve the beauty of Lake Tahoe on Earth Day! Photo Credit Alena Grace Photography

In addition to the Earth Day celebration is one of the largest film festivals of its kind, running from Thursday, April 19th to Friday, April 20th at the Olympic Village Lodge. Tickets for the screening are $10 and each screening will have a total run time of 90 minutes. Don’t miss these spectacular pieces of art with stunning footage of Earth’s natural beauty. Click here to learn more and purchase your ticket today!

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Bunnies, and eggs, and chocolate, oh my! It’s tough to believe spring is already here, and Easter’s just around the corner. Even with all the Miracle March spring snow, enjoy the warming temperatures and celebrate  the holiday in a colorful and sweet way!

On-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt

Where/Where: Squaw Valley Resort at 10am

The annual on-mountain Easter egg hunt begins the moment the lifts open on Sunday. Get your Easter basket ready and hunt for colored eggs all over the mountain. This year, one lucky winner will find a GOLDEN EGG. Within the golden egg lies a 2012-13 Bronze season pass. Clues will be provided throughout the day via Twitter, the Squaw Smartphone App and Facebook.

All Mountain Easter Egg Hunt & Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt

Where/When: Alpine Meadows at 9am

Make room in that Easter basket to fit a season pass to Alpine Meadows Ski Resort! Guests will have the chance to comb the mountain for a golden egg containing a Bronze Season Pass in the free Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Hundreds of eggs will be hidden across all of Alpine’s 2400 acres, but only one will be gold. Arrive early, as this all-day hunt will commence when the lifts start moving at 9 a.m., and last until 4 p.m.

• Alpine Meadows Children’s Easter Egg Hunts:
• Children 7 and under are invited to join the Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 10:15am at the Kids Camp Magic Carpet.
• 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.

If you don’t want to meet the Easter Bunny or hunt for eggs, how about celebrating with family and friends at Easter Brunch? The following locations offer an Easter Brunch that is sure to leave you satisfied:

• Jake’s on the Lake, 10am-2pm. Reservations recommended. 530.583.0188
• Lone Eagle Grille, 10am-3pm. Click here for menu and pricing details!
• Resort at Squaw Creek, 10am-2pm. Make your reservation today, and visit their blog for a full menu! 530.581.6615
• River Ranch Lodge, 10am-2pm. Enjoy a table overlooking the Truckee River. For reservations, 530.583.4264.