A Major February Storm Delivers Deep Powder and a Midwinter Reset If it felt like winter needed a reminder of who’s in charge, the latest storm cycle at Palisades Tahoe delivered in a big way. In the past 24 hours alone, the upper mountain recorded 44 inches (3.6 feet) of new snow, with totals reaching … Read more
Setting out under heavy packs, we knew the day ahead would test our strength. Sixteen miles separated us from the ski hut in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. Starting at dawn, we hiked an hour to reach the snowline around 8,500 feet. From here, we expected difficult trailbreaking to last the rest of the day. But to … Read more
January is officially Learn to Ski Month, and this year the timing couldn’t be better. After a much-needed Christmas cycle of Sierra snow, many resorts are close to fully open, conditions are forgiving for beginners, and ski schools are in full stride. Across the Sierra Nevada, resorts offer dedicated learn-to-ski programs designed specifically for first-timers—structured … Read more
From my perspective, this winter feels pretty standard for the Sierra. Every few years, the range holds back its seasonal reward just long enough to make the ski world sweat. Storms get teased. Forecasts overpromise. Opening dates get circled, erased, and quietly re-circled again. Locals watch patiently while travelers refresh snow reports and hope for … Read more
I’ve never chased winter camping. I don’t sleep well cold. I never have. And no amount of romantic language about “embracing the elements” changes the reality of a long night when the temperature drops and sleep comes in short, restless stretches. But winter still holds something I keep returning to. Some of my earliest outdoor … Read more
By Charlie Pankey After 18 years of exploring the Sierra Nevada, I’ve come to see winter not as a limitation—but as the season that teaches the clearest lessons. Snow strips away shortcuts. Weather dictates decisions. Familiar landscapes demand new respect. As an active snowshoer, I don’t let winter shorten my adventure calendar—but I’ve learned to … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast — Episode Feature By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine A New Mountain Home — But the Same Spirit of Adventure After 18 years beneath the peaks of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra, my family has officially begun a new chapter in Washington State. We now call Mount Vernon home … Read more
When snow blankets the Sierra Nevada, adventure need not hibernate. Those seeking winter wonder without the crowds and traffic of Lake Tahoe can find an attractive alternative at Kings Canyon National Park. The park’s Grant Grove area provides striking scenery, moderate terrain and rewarding day trips for beginning and advanced cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Grant … Read more
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to Provide 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in 2025 The holiday season across America will be getting a Nevada twist in 2025, as the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has been chosen to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. For the first time in history, a tree from Nevada will illuminate the West Lawn … Read more
Welcome to the breathtaking beauty of the High Sierra in California, where winter wonderlands await to captivate your senses. From towering snow-capped peaks to pristine alpine lakes, this majestic region offers many unforgettable experiences. In this article, we will uncover 10 must-visit destinations that will immerse you in the magic of the High Sierra during … Read more
75 Years of Shaping Ski Culture from the Sierra to the Slopes of the World The Legacy of a Dream Palisades Tahoe has stood tall as a playground and a proving ground for skiers and riders in the West for generations. For 75 years, it has been more than just a resort—it’s a sacred space … Read more
Planned Opening: November 22, 2024 At Northstar California, skiing and snowboarding are just part of the adventure. This family-friendly resort, nestled on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, offers more than just a mountain escape—it’s a place where memories are made with loved ones, where every turn on the trail or shared laugh around a … Read more
Episode 37: Seasonal Closures in the Sierra & Lake Tahoe Winter Updates The Sierra Rec Now Podcast is back with its 37th episode, packed with all the details you need to get ready for an adventurous winter season! Host Charlie Pankey leads us through the upcoming ski resort openings, starting with Mt. Rose and Mammoth … Read more
100% Merino Wool Hoodie The Perfect Winter Companion for Sierra Nevada Adventures Gear Review:- Sierra Rec Magazine- October 2024 – Winter in the Sierra Nevada demands performance clothing that can handle the cold, fluctuating weather, and the demands of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. The new Rockcraft Wool Hoodie from Royal Robbins, made … Read more
Featuring Episode 34 of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast with Anthony Cupaiuolo from Tahoe Backcountry Alliance As winter approaches, the excitement for backcountry skiing and snow recreation in Tahoe builds among outdoor enthusiasts. On Episode 34 of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sat down with Anthony Cupaiuolo from the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance to discuss … Read more
WinterWonderGrass, a beloved tradition in North Lake Tahoe, has announced that it will not return in 2025. After nearly a decade of unforgettable experiences in Olympic Valley at Palisades Tahoe, the festival is taking a year off for “review and reorganization” with the goal of returning in 2026. The news has been met with a … Read more
A Lake Tahoe Visitors Guide to Maximizing your Ski Vacation Welcome to the most comprehensive guide for skiing aficionados seeking the pinnacle of alpine adventures in the stunning Lake Tahoe region. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time snow seeker, Lake Tahoe has an array of ski resorts that promise unparalleled experiences for every … Read more
8550′ Groomed and Free Winter trail experience near Mt. Rose in Lake Tahoe Free Groomed Snow Trails in Lake Tahoe? Can this be real? You have got to love Local Passion. In our foray into the Sierra monthly, we do a lot of online scouting of social channels to see what type of secrets people share … Read more
Would you consider embarking on a voyage into the heart of Sierra Nevada’s winter wilderness, where the echoes of intrepid pioneers resonate through the snow-laden pines. Picture John Muir, the indomitable naturalist, with his eyes alight with the wonder of untouched landscapes. Feel the crunch of snow beneath the snowshoes of Snowshoe Thompson, the legendary … Read more
onX is the first digital navigation app in the United States to include the ATES classification system, expanding its offering of avalanche safety tools MISSOULA, Mont., (December 7, 2023) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – onX Backcountry, a navigation and discovery app for outdoor enthusiasts, today launched a new mapping tool called the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES). ATES classifies … Read more
December 9, 2023 – Well if the motivation and theme is just go and do, our crew is batting a 100 since Thanksgiving, as we head out seeking snow each weekend for our winter recreation delights. However 2023 is not starting like 2022, and the opportunities to find snow worthy of a great afternoon snowshoe, … Read more
Take Care Tahoe has curated a week-long series of in-person and virtual events focused on safety in the backcountry TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2023) – From athlete panel sessions about backcountry safety to guided on-snow events and a film fest, the third annual Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week is chock full of events and online content curated … Read more
As the air grows crisp and the winter white starts to drape the Sierra, many creatures, like bears, are preparing to hibernate for the winter. While it might be tempting to follow suit and hibernate with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, humans are designed to be active—even in the winter. The … Read more
A Third of Campers Now Camp in Winter, Says New Data from The Dyrt PORTLAND, Ore., Dec., 2023 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping availability, photos, and reviews, recently completed a survey of campers showing that near one-third (31.2%) camped during the winter in 2023. Winter camping sharply increased by 40% between 2019 … Read more
Welcome to the world of winter wonder, where the icy carpet of Sierra Nevada invites you to tread its snowy paths. Snowshoeing, a delightful way to explore these mesmerizing landscapes, offers an unparalleled adventure that combines the thrill of hiking with the serenity of a winter wonderland. In this article, explore the top snowshoeing trails … Read more
Get ready to embark on an adrenaline-packed winter adventure in the stunning winter wonderland of Lake Tahoe. From picturesque snow-covered landscapes to heart-pumping snowmobiling trails, this destination is a dream come true for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Lake Tahoe offers unparalleled opportunities for snowmobiling enthusiasts to explore its vast and diverse terrain. Whether … Read more
Welcome to the winter wonderland of Sequoia National Park, where serenity and snow blend in perfect harmony. As the temperature drops and the crowds disperse, this natural oasis transforms into a tranquil retreat for those seeking adventure and solitude in the snowy embrace of nature. With its majestic, towering sequoia trees and pristine wilderness, Sequoia … Read more
The Carson Pass Region: Your Gateway to Backcountry Bliss Eldorado National Forest is a hidden gem for backcountry skiing, and the area around Carson Pass, located on Highway 88, serves as a perfect gateway to explore the magnificent terrain of Reds Peak and Stephens Peak. This region is not only accessible but also offers an … Read more
Local Freeskier Michelle Parker Kicks Series Off on November 30th. Humility and Impact Chances are, if you have been around Tahoe for any length of time over the past 18 years, you have at least heard of the Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker series in North Lake Tahoe. In this, its 18th year of outdoor sports … Read more
Breakdown of macronutrients and how each plays a role in energy, fuel reserve and caloric burn when being active (hiking, snowboarding or skiing, etc.) As we turn into the winter season, you’re likely already piecing together your next adventure! Whether that be snowboarding or skiing at some of the best mountains in the west coast, … Read more
Our Family Prepares for another Winter Adventure in Mammoth Lakes As autumn gracefully exits the stage, my heart quickens with excitement because I know what’s just around the corner – winter in Mammoth Lakes. November is the time of year when the Eastern Sierra transforms into a snow-covered playground, with Mammoth traditionally starting is 400-inch … Read more
New models include a revamped base edition, a brand new lightweight model, and a premium ski bike featuring components from FOX and Deity. September 25, 2023, Salt Lake City, UT/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – SNO-GO, the global leader in ski bikes, today announced the release of three new ski bikes for the 2023/2024 snow season: an enhanced Shift model, … Read more
Are you ready for an epic winter in the Sierra? Us west coasters unite around the winter and the summer; it’s the in-between seasons that aren’t the same everywhere- but as soon as it hits summer or winter: we are READY! Ready to take on all that season offers this winter. You’ll want to make … Read more
Dec. 12, 2022 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” took on a whole new meaning this past weekend as more than four feet of snow fell on Tahoe ski resorts, guaranteeing prime conditions for the holidays. With roads plowed, a forecast of sunshine throughout the week, and expanded ski terrain … Read more
Experienced snowmobilers, backcountry skiers and snowboarders should enjoy the excellent snow conditions Bridgeport CA, November 30, 2022 – The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area, which bridges the West and East side of Sonora Pass region together, will open Saturday. With the promising looks of the approaching storms, snow conditions might be epic. however the current storm … Read more
Discover why cross country skiing is so popular in Yosemite National Park! Can you go skiing in Yosemite? Winter activities for Yosemite most definitely involve skiing. Not only does Yosemite host one of California’s most family-friendly ski resorts in Badger Pass. Many seek the solitude of the Yosemite wilderness for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures. … Read more
[Olympic Valley, Calif.] Nov. 18, 2022 – After more than three feet of snow on the upper mountain in the past week, Palisades Tahoe opened early today, marking the official start of the 2022-2023 season. For the second winter under its new name, Palisades Tahoe will debut a number of upgrades and improvements for skiers, … Read more
A snowy romp never felt better. Skiing along the rolling hills from Badger Pass to Dewey Points separates the adventurous from the tourists and delivers a breathtaking view of a snowy El Capitan. I arrived just in time for sunset and, after a comfortable night in my bivvy sack, caught a glorious sunrise on the … Read more
The Sierra Nevada Range and the Pacific Crest Trail have a symbiotic relationship regarding recreation and public access. Both draw visitors worldwide and invite hikers/backpackers to a stunning landscape to traverse year-round. However, for most, this opportunity to enjoy the Pacific Crest Trail is seasonal at best. Once the snow flies, the PCT is regarded … Read more
Award-winning Mountain Safety Guide Goes Digital, Reflects Changes to Your Responsibility Code PETALUMA, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2022)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Five years after the original launch, Ski California and its member resorts have released a new, digital version of the award-winning Mountain Safety Guide. A tool used to educate skiers and riders about staying safe and making good … Read more
