Coyote Moon Golf - $50 Discount Weekend Special

Coyote Moon is offering a $50 discount on green fees from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for June 26th and 27th.  For more information and reservations call 530.587.0886

Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe Opens Today

The brand-new Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe hotel opened this morning.  Situated mid-mountain in the Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort. The resort features ski-in, ski-out access in winter with ski concierge services, a restaurant by Traci des Jardins a renowned San Francisco celebrity chef, a 17,000-square-foot spa and fitness center and preferred access to the Old Greenwood and Coyote Moon golf courses. This hotel in Lake Tahoe is the first new-build resort development in the area in decades.

This North Lake Tahoe hotel is perched slope-side and within a 15 minute drive of both Lake Tahoe and the historic town of Truckee. It is a year-round destination resort that includes 170 guest rooms, 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences and 25 Ritz-Carlton Club fractional ownership units.

 For the local newspaper opening story click here.

For photos of the hotel click here.

For the Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe website click here.

Truckee Community Center opens Saturday, December 6th

by Greyson Howard, Sierra Sun

TRUCKEE - Climbing walls, an elevated running track, basketball courts and exercise equipment - sounds like a modern gym.

Add classrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, dance studios and a picnic area, and you’ve got Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District’s new community center, opening Saturday.

“Everybody is invited to the grand opening - it will be a town party,” said Steve Randall, the district’s general manager. “We’ve been working on this a long time.

The district’s Board Chairman, Kevin Murphy, said the opening is just in time for the holidays.

“This is going to be the first gift of Christmas,” he said. “It’s going to be fantastic.”

The 40,000-square-foot center just north of Interstate 80 on Donner Pass Road will be a good place for a town party too, with the capacity to hold 1,000 people - about 700 more than anywhere else in town, Randall said.

“The feedback we’ve been getting from the community on a scale of one to 10 has been a 10 plus,” Murphy said. “I’ve never seen such overwhelming public response, and a lot of them haven’t even seen the building yet.”

The new building, which came in at about $18 million, or about $6 million under budget, will allow the district to expand its programs with the new classroom space and larger gym area, Randall said.

District residents can pay $20 a month to use the gym equipment and running track, or pay $3 per visit on a drop-in fee, he said, with the intent to cover staff and maintenance for those items.

And those activities and classes start right away, Randall said - the ribbon cutting is at 11 a.m. Saturday, and classes start at 11:30.

“People will be able to use the climbing wall, exercise equipment, there will be dance classes, and free food from the Lyon’s Club,” Randall said.

Murphy said the new center and expanded programs means great opportunities for children after school.

“Imagine your kids getting on the bus after school and having all these programs - climbing, soccer, volleyball basketball - in the past they just scattered - where did they have to go?” Murphy said.

Festivities will continue until 4 p.m.

Future plans
With the new community center, Randall said the district plans to turn the current building on Church Street into a performing arts center, with a 250-300 seat theater.

Of the $6 million that the community center came in under budget, the board has allocated $3 million to start in on planning and building for the performing arts center, Randall said.

“It will probably cost $6 to $8 million,” Randall said.

Then comes a potential aquatics center at the new community center, with swimming pools, a zero-entry beach-like pool, and maybe even water slides, he said, costing potentially $10 to $12 million.

“We didn’t have to go to the taxpayers for the community center, but we may have to put a bond measure to the voters for the aquatics center,” Randall said. “I’d like to see a retractable cover so it could be open in the summer but used year-round, but it comes down to cost.”

CHECK IT OUT
To learn more about the community center, go to www.tdrpd.com.

Winter Driving Tips - from the CHP

Winter Driving Tips for the Lake Tahoe Area

• Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.

• Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures.

• Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.

• Always carry chains.

• Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it’s “snowed in,’ sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow; and an old towel to clean your hands.

• It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.

• Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains and at ski areas.

• Allow enough time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter than other times of year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads.

• Keep your gas tank full.

• Keep windshield and windows clear.

• Slow down. A highway speed of 55 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather - but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not.

• Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow equipment.

• When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.

- From the California Highway Patrol

Prominent Silicon Valley couple aims to save 100,000 acres in Sierra Nevada

Jim and Becky Morgan of Los Altos Hills — he, the retired CEO of Applied Materials and she, a former Santa Clara County supervisor and Republican state senator — have started a project to raise $100 million over the next five years to acquire and preserve land in the Sierra Nevada.  For the complete story click here.

North Tahoe Ski Swap to Support Schools

Celebrating its 47th consecutive year, the North Tahoe Ski Swap, slated for Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at North Tahoe High School gymnasium, is a beloved annual local event that heralds the beginning of the much-anticipated winter snow and snowboard season.Offering a vast variety of snow sports equipment and clothing, this year’s event will not disappoint the masses who enjoy getting a great deal, while also supporting worthwhile programs at North Tahoe High School and North Tahoe School.

“We feel that we are still the best place to get your winter shopping done,” explains Dee Driller, event director. “However this year we are also offering a venue for folks to get the best deals on all sorts of recreational items like water sports, in-line skates, bikes and more.

The event began almost five decades ago as a glorified garage sale to benefit a Tahoe Community Nursery School. As interest grew, the sale later moved to more spacious digs including the high school gymnasium, as well as Alpine Meadows. Now the swap is under the auspices of North Tahoe’s public high school and middle school and will again be held in the North Tahoe High School gymnasium.

“A percentage of each sale goes to the student fund accounts,” Driller says, adding that proceeds from a fantastic raffle will also benefit the schools. “Many of the classes use the money for field trips like Catalina or school events and equipment.”

Mega bargain shoppers who want to beat the crowds should consider signing up as a volunteer for the event. Positions are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Best of all, volunteers get to pre-shop at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 before the swap opens.

Admission to the Saturday, Oct. 24 North Tahoe Ski Swap is $1. Additionally, students will be selling raffling tickets for awesome prizes including ski passes, dining gift certificates and much more.

Interested in selling some equipment at the swap? On Friday, Oct. 23, both public and merchant sellers are asked to register equipment at the middle school gymnasium entrance from 3 to 10 p.m. Public payout and unsold item pickup is on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items left after 1 p.m. are considered donations.

For more information, call 581-7050 ext. 4344.

Ski Swap Primer
For those who have never been to a North Tahoe Ski Swap, here are some veteran swap shoppers’ tips for novices:

Volunteer for the event and you’ll get to pre-shop at 7 a.m. on Saturday.

Get there early for the best selection and while waiting in line buy some raffle tickets from the enthusiastic students working the line.

The night before figure out your equipment/clothing wish list. With more than 17,000 different items (imagine racks upon racks of skis and bleachers stacked with ski boots) you’ll want to focus on your top priorities and then move on to the I-didn’t-know-I-needed-it-but-now-I-can’t-live-without-it items.

Shop for great deals on items such as poles, helmets bindings and ski clothing for the entire family.

Do your research ahead of time. Check out ski web sites that rated last year’s best equipment or ask knowledgeable ski/rider geeks who can offer tips. Once at the swap you can zero in on your dream equipment.

Think stocking stuffers! Everyone needs more ski socks and there are hundreds of wonderful hats and gloves to score as well.

For ease of shopping, leave your heavy coat in the car and tuck your wallet in your pocket.

Take time to say hi to old friends and ski buddies, conjecture about the winter forecast and get psyched for the season ahead!

2009-2010 Ski Resort Information

By Ryan Slabaugh and Kevin MacMillan
www.SierraSun.com

HOMEWOOD
Website: www.skihomewood.com 
Opening day: To be deter­mined, although the resort histori­cally opens mid-December.
What’s new: The resort offers a new freeride ski team and as well as a new alpine race team for 2009-2010. Both teams are for ages 7 to 15. A new GPS tracking system will be put in place for all kids enrolled in ski and snowboard day camps, according to Homewood press releases.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
The $29 Day - This ticket is avail­able Monday through Thursday from January through April, except for holidays. These tickets are sold online only, 24 hours in advance, and are valid only for the date of purchase.

DIAMOND PEAK
Website: www.diamondpeak.com.
Opening day: Dec. 10, 2009, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Diamond Peak has been finishing up major work on its new snowmaking system, which will allow the resort to make snow faster and more efficient, thus giv­ing it the potential to stay open longer, weather permitting, said spokeswoman Milena Regos.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
The Holiday Season Pass - this pass is only valid during the resort’s blackout dates. Purchase this pass for $249, and save during the holi­day season. 

TAHOE DONNER
Website: www.skitahoedonner.com.
Opening day: Dec. 18, conditions permitting.
What’s new: The resort has upgrad­ed its Rental Shop, which includes more equipment, a computer sign-in system, new boot dryers and more. Also, the resort has added a ticket and lesson location where staff can help patrons get into the right lesson. Also new is the improved Snowflakes Ski School, which will allows the resort to enroll several more 3- to 6-year-olds, and the resort also in the process of launching its new website, which should be running by next weekend, according to information provided by ski manager Robert McClendon.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
McClendon encourages patrons to fol­low the resort on Twitter and Facebook this season for exclusive deals.

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE
Website: www.sierraattahoe.com.
Opening day: When conditions per­mit
What’s new: Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort will offer a $35 Learn to Ski/Ride pack­age that includes a 2.5 hour lesson, rentals and limited access lift ticket.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal: Get the two-pass Whammy Pass for just $399 this winter.

DONNER SKI RANCH
Web site: www.donnerskiranch.com.

ALPINE MEADOWS
Website: www.skiapline.com.
Opening day: Dec. 5, 2009, condi­tions
permitting.
What’s new: The resort offers new chairlift access technology that pro­vides hands-free lift access and lets patrons purchase lift tickets online. A new GPS tracking system will be put in place for kids enrolled in ski and snowboard day camps. The resort also features a revamped terrain park for 2009-2010, according to Alpine press releases.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal: The College Pass - This pass is $299 and valid at both Alpine and Homewood every day at except holidays during winter 2009/2010.

KIRKWOOD
Website: www.kirkwood.com.
Opening day: To be determined, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Fantastic events schedule with a pretty full calendar every weekend from January until the end of the season in April.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
Kirkwood is selling passes at fall rates. The Adult 6 Wood (Sunday-Friday, non-holiday) is just $259.

BOREAL
Website: www.rideboreal.com.
Opening day: Halloween 2009, conditions permitting.
What’s new: The mountain is upgrading its snowmaking, expanding terrain in the Lost Dutchman area, adding a snow cat and hip cutter to the grooming fleet, and improving night lighting on the upper mountain, said spokesman Jon Slaughter. Boreal also is adding a new daily TART shut­tle bus from Truckee and installing six speakers to provide music for riders in the CORE terrain park.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal: The iRide Card - This pass lets someone ride two days this season, and get a third day for free.

HEAVENLY
Website: www.skiheavenly.com.
Opening day: Nov. 20, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Trail enhancements and a new, state-of-the-art tubing lift headline the changes, which also include upgrades to overall food qual­ity and variety, well-groomed snow surfaces, ski and snowboard school programs, and ease of planning/book­ing a vacation.
One can’t-miss pass deal: Refer A Friend pass deals for $369. If you refer a friend, you get $20 in on­mountain money. Friends you refer get $20 off the pass price.

MT. ROSE
Website: www.skirose.com.
Opening day: Halloween, condi­tions permitting.
What’s new: Mt. Rose will open the new Slide Lodge, a modern facili­ty with a contemporary style that will be the first of its kind in Lake Tahoe.
Located on the southeastern-most edge of the Slide Bowl, the new building will include a restaurant, cozy bar and spacious outdoor deck.
One can’t-miss pass deal: For visi­tors, Mount Rose want to offer great deals during the week.

NORTHSTAR
Website: www.northstar@tahoe.com.
Opening day: To be determined, conditions permitting.
What’s new: The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, opens Dec. 9, 2009. The new fixed-grip quad chair­lift greatly improves access to Northstar Resort’s beginner teaching terrain One can’t-miss ski pass deal: Get the two-pass Whammy Pass for $399.

SODA SPRINGS
Website: www.skisodasprings.com.
Opening day: To be determined, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Planet Kids is expanding at Soda Springs, featuring a new location, an expanded learning area, new features, new equipment and the best part - a sleigh ride to get there. Also, check out the expanded Tube Town, which extended its moving carpet by 80 feet.
One can’t miss ski pass deal:
Season passes are just $99 for kids ages 5 through 12.

SUGAR BOWL
Website: www.sugarbowl.com.
Opening day: To be determined, conditions permitting.
What’s new: Sugar Bowl opens the Summit Chair accessing the Judah Bowl area of the mountain, for steep yet wide-open bowl skiing. Also new is the ski-cross/boarder-X course the US Ski Team will be training on pre­Olympics, opening up for public use once the races begin in Vancouver.
One can’t-miss ski pass deal:
Sugar Bowl offers its best rates of the season through Oct. 31.

SQUAW VALLEY
Website: www.squaw.com.
Opening day: Nov. 21, conditions permitting.
What’s new: It’s Squaw’s 60th anniversary, so look for celebrations all year, including opening day.
Movies at the base, and J.T. Holmes’ jump out of the cable car, are just two of the many festivities planned.
One can’t miss ski pass deal: Oct. 15 is the deadline for season pass sales at the current discounted rate.

Interstate 80 Road Projects

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is conducting several construction projects on Interstate 80 between Colfax, California and the Nevada State line. Actual project timelines may vary, but weather permitting construction will take place between March and November each year from 2009-2013. Improvements to I-80 include removal and replacement of worn roadway, rehabilitation of ramps, improving drainage, widening of shoulders and replacement of metal guardrails.

Caltrans will make every effort to limit impacts to the public caused by the construction. However, in order to preserve the safety of motorists and road crews, drivers may experience delays due to construction and/or rerouting of traffic may be necessary.

Their website is designed to offer construction schedules and timelines, detour information and project updates. Please enter your email address to receive periodic email alerts with the latest construction and traffic information.

2009-2010 Squaw Valley Anniversary - Discounted Ski Passes

Clients and Friends:

 

For your information Squaw Valley is celebrating its 60th anniversary with deeply-discounted season ski passes for next year – limited supply and I believe they will sell-out quickly:http://www.squaw.com/5060-season-pass

Truckee Fact Sheet

Location
Truckee is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Northern Calif., 200 miles northeast of San Francisco; 100 miles east of Sacramento, Calif.; 35 miles west of Reno, Nev.; and 12 miles north of Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Elevation
Downtown Truckee: 5,980 ft.; Donner Summit: 7,239 ft.; Donner Peak: 8,019 ft.; Mt. Judah: 8,243 ft.

Population
Town of Truckee: 15,781. Truckee was first established in 1863; incorporated in 1993.

Terrain
The Truckee Donner area has expansive granite mountain, vista, meadow, and lake terrain. Just east of Donner Pass, Truckee sits along the Truckee River, the only outlet from Lake Tahoe.

Climate
Average winter temperatures: 17-42º F; Average summer temperatures: 40-79º F;
Average snowfall: 206 inches; Average precipitation: 32 inches; Sunshine: 300 days a year.

Coldest Spot in the Nation?
Truckee has often been recognized as the coldest spot in the nation, but not during the winter ski season as one might expect. These nippy temperatures are noteworthy because they occur from June through early October. While it may be true, it really doesn’t give a true picture of Truckee’s pristine California weather pattern. Official temperatures are taken at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport, located in Martis Valley. On clear nights, cool air from the high mountains sink downslope into the valley, a high-elevation basin. The dense air mass settles into the basin, creating a chilled microclimate contributing to the chilly readings. As the sun begins to rise, so does the temperature, creating enviable summer and fall temperatures.

Highway Access
East/West: Truckee is easily accessible directly off Interstate 80;
North/South: Truckee is accessed by Hwy. 89 and Hwy. 267.
Drive time from: San Francisco/Bay Area: 3.5 hours; Sacramento: 1.5 hours; South Lake Tahoe: 1 hour; Reno: 45 minutes

Air Access
Reno/Tahoe International Airport (Reno, Nev): 40 miles; Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento, Calif): 106 miles; Truckee Tahoe Airport (Hwy. 267, Truckee): small aircraft and cargo.

The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Information Center, located in the train depot in historic downtown Truckee, is the Transportation Hub for Truckee:

Rail Access/Bus Access
AMTRAK stops in Truckee, once a day eastbound and westbound. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call
1-800-USA-RAIL.

AMTRAK buses stop in Truckee four times a day. For more information call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Greyhound stops in Truckee eight times a day. For more information call 1-800-231-2222.

Local Transportation
TART (Tahoe Area Regional Transit): connects Truckee with the North and West Shores of Lake Tahoe (800-736-6365; 530-550-1212; www.laketahoetransit.com).

Truckee Trolley (winter): runs from Truckee to Northstar-at-Tahoe and Truckee to Sugar Bowl (530-587-7451).

Ski Resort Shuttles: Scheduled shuttles in the winter.

Automobile Rental: Enterprise (530-550-1550); Hertz (530-550-9191).

Taxis/Limousines/Shuttles: Ace High Taxi (530-412-3583); Mountain Cab (530-582-5828); North Tahoe Checker Taxi (866-420-8294); Truckee Tahoe Limo/Tours (530-587-2160); Bell Limo/Airport Mini-Bus (800-235-5466); Lake Tahoe Limousine & Shuttle Service (800-660-4546).

Lodging
Truckee has a variety of lodging accommodations including hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, lodges, inns, condominiums and vacation rental houses.

Winter Activities
Truckee offers simple access to eight world-class ski resorts with outstanding terrain for skiing and snowboarding. There are three cross-country ski resorts with miles of trail and terrains and huts for backcountry ski treks. Other Truckee winter recreation includes snowmobiling, snow shoeing, sledding, sleigh rides and dog sled tours.

Summer Activities
Truckee is truly a recreational paradise. The many nearby lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams
are perfect for boating, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. There are endless trails for biking, mountain biking and horseback riding, with easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Donner Summit and surrounding areas are a mecca for rock climbers. Truckee has spectacular golf courses with dramatic mountain scenery.

For Truckee Real Estate, Truckee forclosures, to search the Truckee MLS, view Tahoe Donner real estate, Northstar real estate, or to search the Tahoe MLS, contact Sierra-Tahoe Realty at 530.582.9980

Winter Adventures in Truckee

Truckee, Calif. (Winter 2008–09) — Nestled in the Sierra Nevada with elevations that begin at nearly 6,000 feet, Truckee has become a favorite winter destination for visitors seeking a little adventure. Truckee’s mountain, meadow and lake terrain sets the stage for a truly diverse mix of recreation that scales from the serene to the heart pounding. And for those who find escape with a rich cup of coffee, artisan jewelry and one-of-a-kind design, Downtown Truckee’s shops, galleries, and restaurants provide ample diversion.

Surrounded by world-class ski resorts, skiers’ and snowboarders’ toughest decision is where to go first. Each resort offers the opportunity to experience some of the country’s best terrain with a total of 10,000 acres. Resorts include Squaw Valley USA, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Boreal, Homewood, Royal Gorge, Donner Ski Ranch and Soda Springs.

Every winter many families enjoy the simple pleasure of sledding down the many hills in and around Truckee. Saucers and sleds can be purchased at one of the hardware stores in town including Mountain Hardware and Sports and Porter’s – Truckee. A popular sledding hill in town is Tahoe Donner’s Trout Creek, where visitors can sled on a golf driving range that doubles as a play area in the winter.

Visitors can blaze through the snow while taking in spectacular Sierra Nevada views with Eagle Ridge Snowmobile tours. Offered for all levels, Eagle Ridge takes visitors on tours that range from two hours to a full day. Eagle Ridge is easy to access from its location 14 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89 at the turnoff to Jackson Meadows reservoir. For more information, visit www.tahoesnowmobiling.com or call (530) 546-8667.

Those who enjoy hiking during the summer will undoubtedly enjoy snowshoeing in the winter. Resorts including Northstar-at-Tahoe, Resort at Squaw Creek and Royal Gorge all offer snowshoe rentals and groomed trails perfect for beginners. For those looking for more adventure, trails abound in the Truckee area. Each winter visitors have a blast exploring landscapes such as the Martis Valley, Castle Peak, Donner Memorial State Park and the Emigrant Trail. For more information and rental equipment contact The Sports Exchange, www.truckeesportsexchange.com or (530) 582-4150.

Glide through the crisp mountain air at Truckee’s outdoor ice rink located just a half-mile south of downtown in the Truckee River Regional Park on Brockway Road. With skate rentals, a snack bar, group and private lessons for all ages as well as a rink-side fire pit, the Truckee Ice Rink allows visitors to skate under a canopy of tall conifers and twinkling lights that festively drape the rink. Visit www.tdrpd.com or call (530) 582-7720 for more information. Located south of Truckee on Highway 89, Squaw Valley USA is home to an Olympic-sized ice pavilion overlooking scenic Lake Tahoe. Guests will experience an exhilarating ride in a cable car up to High Camp with the purchase of an ice skating ticket. Families, couples and individuals can also enjoy Northstar-at-Tahoe resort’s ice rink located in the Northstar Village and featuring lessons, rentals and fire pits where skaters can warm up and make s’ mores.

Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours takes visitors on a ride they’ll never forget, skimming across fields of snow with amazing views of the Sierra Nevada peaks and valleys. The company welcomes visitors to take part in its daytime and sunset tours. Dog sled tours are also available at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and the Resort at Squaw Creek. For more information, visit www.tahoedogsledtours.com or call (530) 550-8133.

Cross country skiing offers the opportunity to get out and enjoy some of Truckee’s beautiful, world-renowned trails. Royal Gorge, located on Donner Summit only 13 miles from downtown Truckee, is North America’s largest cross-country ski resort. Rent equipment at the resort or visit Paco’s Bike and Ski where the friendly staff will outfit skiers in the proper clothing and gear for cross country or skate skiing. Visit www.pacosbikeandski.com or www.royalgorge.com. With 48 different trails, Truckee’s local Tahoe Donner Cross-Country Ski Area offers terrain for skiers of any level, including two trails for snowshoeing. Cross country skiers should be sure to not miss the trek down into beautiful Euer Valley.  Northstar-at-Tahoe offers nearly 40 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with lessons and rentals available through the resort. Picnic tables and warming huts are available for breaks along the way.

Ice fishing is a magnificent way to enjoy the winter and commune with nature. Not only does Truckee offer the necessary climate for this sport, but it also has an array of locations where rainbow and brown trout can be found. For more information call Mountain Hardware & Sports at (530) 587-4888.

Escape the crowds and truly get away from it all in Truckee’s backcountry. Skiers and snowboarders can create their own adventure skiing to a variety of backcountry huts. For a more comfortable backcountry experience there is also Lost Trail Lodge. Hidden four miles into the Coldstream Canyon, the lodge is an ideal spot to access some of the Sierra Nevada’s best skiing and ice-climbing terrain. With its proximity to Interstate-80, the lodge is in the perfect location for a week-long adventure or a weekend getaway. Visit www.losttraillodge.com for more information or call (530) 320-9268.

Those in need of equipment rentals for a backcountry excursion should check out The Backcountry. From split boards to Randonnee and Telemark set-ups as well as ice climbing gear, The Backcountry can outfit visitors for nearly any outdoor adventure. For more information, visit www.thebackcountry.net or call 1-888-625-8244.

Truckee offers first-class shopping and dining in historic downtown where visitors will find a variety of merchandise and a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Cottonwood Restaurant, Dragonfly Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Pacific Crest Grill, Bar of America, The Squeeze In, Pianeta Ristorante, Burger Me and Moody’s Bistro and Lounge are just a sample of Truckee’s main dining attractions offering satisfaction for every taste. From children to adults, anyone can find a special souvenir while visiting Downtown Truckee’s noteworthy stores including Different People, Jackass Ridge Ranch, Down by the River, Truckee Variety, High Camp Home and The Pharmacy.

For great shopping beyond the downtown Commercial Row, check out Sassafras boutique in the Safeway shopping center or the KidZone Treasure Chest by Smokey’s Kitchen on the West end of town.  For crafting experiences, stop in at Paper Paradise by Wild Cherries, Gioielli, a specialty bead shop in Brickelltown or Lake Tahoe Yarn, located in Riverstone Home and Garden.

For Truckee Real Estate, Truckee forclosures, to search the Truckee MLS, view Tahoe Donner real estate, Northstar real estate, or to search the Tahoe MLS, contact Sierra-Tahoe Realty at 530.582.9980

Finally, the Legacy Trail offers a tranquil view of the Truckee River for those looking to unwind after a long day of shopping, accessible through Riverview Park or the Truckee River Regional Park.

Truckee is just 40 miles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento, and three hours from San Francisco with easy access off of Interstate-80.

Truckee named Top 10 “Dream Town” by Sunset Magazine

It’s no longer a secret.

Truckee has become a popular travel destination, but now that Sunset Magazine has named Truckee one of the top 10 dream towns in its August 2008 issue, the mountain community may see some an increase in activity.

“This validates everything we who live here already know - that it is a dream town,” said Mayor Barbara Green.

Ranked among other U.S. towns like San Luis Obispo, Calif., Crested Butte, Colo., and Prescott, Ariz., Truckee was commended for “it’s tight-knit, outdoorsy community, with good restaurants and year-round recreational fun,” according to the Sunset Magazine article.

This isn’t the first time Truckee has gained national attention from the media as an ideal place to settle in the Sierra Nevada. In 2006, Outside Magazine named Truckee the “Best Outside Town” thanks to the surrounding vertical terrain and low-key atmosphere.

“It’s always good when we get listed in these different magazines - it lets people know we exist,” said Vice Mayor Mark Brown. “We depend so much on tourism and this helps with our image and visibility.”

Sunset Magazine also paid tribute to Truckee due to its close proximity to San Francisco, but “worlds away in real estate prices.”

That exposure could influence readers to value Truckee as more than just a place to visit, but a place to live as well, said Stefanie Olivieri, president of the Truckee Downtown Merchants Association.

“In my eyes, Truckee has been a dream town all my life,” Olivieri said. “The recognition is nice … people who read the magazine and are thinking about moving will certainly take Truckee into consideration.”

TripAdvisor Ranks Lake Tahoe No. 1 U.S. Destination for 2008

(NORTH LAKE TAHOE, California/Nevada) - Lake Tahoe is tops among travelers, so say the users of TripAdvisor, who ranked Lake Tahoe as the number one U.S. destination for the 2008 TripAdvisor Inaugural Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards. Lake Tahoe was also ranked tenth in the world for travelers’ favorites in the TripAdvisor list, which was released yesterday.

“TripAdvisor is considered the world’s largest travel community,” Andy Chapman, director of tourism with the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, said. “To be ranked as the preferred destination in the country and number 10 in the world is thrilling and an absolute honor, especially since this distinction comes from those that know Lake Tahoe the best, having experienced our product firsthand - the travelers.”

According to TripAdvisor, the Destinations Awards represent the opinion of millions of travelers. The winners were determined by a combination of TripAdvisor travelers’ favorite places and overall popularity on TripAdvisor.

“Whether it’s the unique beauty or abundance of attractions, the 2008 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards honor the most beloved destinations from around the world,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “Determined by millions of travelers, the Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards are unique because they single out not just popular places but truly exceptional places that enthrall travelers and keep them coming back.”

Lake Tahoe faced stiff competition, as the top five favorites in the U.S. also included Big Sur, California; San Francisco, California; Poipu, Hawaii; and Sedona, Arizona. Top in the world were Milford Sound, New Zealand; Queenstown, New Zealand; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Cayo Largo, Cuba.

Lake Tahoe is also popular with those frequenting Orbitz.com, when last winter it was ranked the number one destination for hotel and vacation packages booked by travelers at Orbitz.com for travel between November 20 and May 1, 2008.

With North America’s largest alpine lake as the centerpiece and massive granite peaks as the backdrop, Lake Tahoe’s scenery is unparalleled. Also making it a popular travel destination is its luxurious lodging accommodations, as well as easy access via the Reno- Tahoe International Airport and VIP airport shuttles for groups of any size.

North Lake Tahoe is also home to a bevy of special events, including the Lake Tahoe Music Festival (July 17 through August 9), comprised of numerous and varied outdoor concerts, and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (July and August) with bard performances on the sandy shores of Incline Village. The 23rd Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival (September 5-7) serves as the pinnacle of all food events in North Lake Tahoe and features cooking and outdoor grilling classes with celebrity chefs, Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-Off (Iron Chef style), reserve wine and spirits tastings, boutique winery tastings, a grape stomp, winery dinners and special restaurant presentations and tasting events, live wine auction, as well as the Farmer’s Market and Gourmet Marketplace.