california

State of the Backcountry 2013: XIII | Sponsored by Alpenglow Sports

June 11th, 2013 by

Tahoe is almost snow-free and we’re a few days out from the middle of June. Still feel like sliding on snow? Head a few hours north to Mt. Shasta and/or … Read More

Swimming & Cliff Jumping at God’s Bath | Best Swimming Hole in CA

May 3rd, 2013 by

G These photos truly don’t do it justice.  This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.  There are hundreds of places like this in California that are all … Read More

State of the Tahoe Backcountry 2013: X | Sponsored by Alpenglow Sports

April 25th, 2013 by

The reports from home were grim. After four snowy weeks skiing in Alaska’s Chugach Range it sounded like more people were psyched to mountain bike than ski in the Sierra. … Read More

The Smallest Mountain Range in the WORLD

April 11th, 2013 by

Seated in the center of the Central Valley lies a little gem (though not a snow harboring gem), the good ol’ Sutter Buttes. The only cluster of geographical mounds that … Read More

State of the Tahoe Backcountry 2013: VII | Sponsored by Alpenglow Sports

March 11th, 2013 by

Whoo Hoo! The spotlight for this edition is the return of winter and powder skiing to the greater Tahoe area. The stoke meter has been high and no matter where … Read More

State of the Tahoe Backcountry 2013: VI | Sponsored by Alpenglow Sports

February 28th, 2013 by

It’s undeniable that 2013 has been pretty dry thus far in the greater Tahoe area. We even had confirmation from the National Weather Service that it’s been one for the … Read More

State of the Tahoe Backcountry 2013: V | Sponsored by Alpenglow Sports

February 11th, 2013 by

We’re still looking for the first big dump of 2013 in the greater Tahoe area, but with a short corn cycle and a little refresh on the hills, skiers and … Read More

State of the Tahoe Backcountry 2013: IV | Sponsored by Alpenglow Sports

January 29th, 2013 by

At this point in the 2012-2013 season it’s fair to say the period from the winter solstice up until a week or so ago will be remembered fondly. The backcountry … Read More

State of the Tahoe Backcountry 2013: III | Sponsored by Alpenglow Sports

January 15th, 2013 by

Cold. Dry. Light. Fast. Perfect. These are a few words that most accurately describe what Tahoe area backcountry skiers and riders have been experiencing for the past few weeks. It … Read More

Beautiful Blower Wind Buff | Squaw Conditions Video Update

December 19th, 2012 by

Squaw Valley USA was ripping good today.  With light snow, super cold temps, and a conspicuous lack of crowds the entire mountain was smooth and glorious.  The wind was working to our favor, smoothing out North Bowl to Headwall Face lap after lap.  The video above does not even begin to give justice to the amount of fun had today.

The Conditions:

Headwall

  • Good, great, grand!
  • Buffed and smooth slot
  • North Bowl, Hogs Back, and the Face were to die for

Siberia

  • Palisades opened!
  • Main was ripping, chalky goodness
  • Looked like Extra opened (but Christmas Shopping made me late)

Granite Chief

  • Similar wind buff
  • Devoid of any people

The Mountain Run

  • High road opened, but heinous creek beds
  • Ice rink near Headwall loading zone
  • Carnage in every direction

The only word to describe today…fun.  And the forecasted storm is holding strong, with multiple feet of snow en route for Squaw this weekend!  We have a White Christmas, coming in cold and strong folks!!!