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Another exciting Late Fall, Early Winter Outlook

It's been hot as we've moved from September into October! While not unusual, this last week was well above normal for this time of the year. The big difference from mid-Summer is the angle of the sun and the length of the days. With the sun at a lower angle and the days shorter it wasn't as hot as it could have been. Some Sacramento Valley temperatures still made it above 100 but it stayed mostly comfortable here in Olympic Valley and around Lake Tahoe. October is a transition month that can bring anything from hot weather to a taste of Fall, but it's usually in that comfort spot right in the middle. Fall also brings more ups and downs in the temperatures, one week it's unusually hot and the next week it's just the opposite. Looks like that will be happening later this weekend and early next week.

I wrote about some early season weather outlooks in a previous blog, Pre-season Football and August snow, has me wondering what this Winter will be like? There were some very favorable predictions from Accuweather.com and the Climate Prediction Center for colder than normal temperatures and above normal precipitation for late Fall and early Winter. Now that we're into the regular NFL season and the real Refs are back (yay!) there is another outlook for Late Fall, Early Winter temperatures from the Weather Channel that also looks very exciting for us. In their early look at the Winter forecast, the late fall and early winter temperature forecast (October-December) shows that the US will see a fairly even mix of below-average and above-average temperatures depending on where you live. Guess where the below average temperatures are? Yep, the West, especially the West Coast. The Weather Channel predicts it to be cooler than the 1981-2010 historical average for us for all 3 months and much below for the North West down to the California border. While they don't show precipitation in this report, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows improved snow making equipment needs nothing more than cold air to produce fluffy white powder in case Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.

The article went on to quote Chief Meteorologist Dr. Todd Crawford of Weather Services International (WSI), a part of The Weather Channel Companies, "The strongest, current climate signal is the cold North Pacific Ocean, otherwise known as the negative phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). This signal typically helps drive cooler weather in the western U.S. and warmer temperatures in the eastern U.S. during late fall and early winter,". While we're in an El Nino year, it's weakening and Dr. Crawford feels the PDO will be the major influence in our early Winter weather. The other wild card that has played a role in recent past Winters is the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). This can only be predicted a few weeks before it's effect so it's a little too early to tell how this may influence the weather. As Dr. Crawford says, "It is still too early to predict the behavior of the NAO for the upcoming winter, but it is clearly the key to a successful winter forecast. For now, we are relying on the Pacific Decadal Oscillation signal, which generally suggests a cool period for the western U.S. and a mild period in much of the East." Read the full article in Late Fall, Early Winter temperatures from the Weather Channel and think snow!

Looking for something to do to celebrate Fall? There's no shortage!

Celebrate fall with Harvest Festival 
The eighth annual Harvest Festival in Tahoe City includes Scarecrows on Parade from Oct. 1 to 31, exhibits at North Tahoe Arts Center throughout the month and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations, along with a German Wine Tasting, on Oct. 6. The Scarecrow 5K and 10K Sprint & Stroll will be held on Oct. 13, followed by the Zombie Pub Craw that evening. The Gatekeeper’s Ghost Walk will be on Oct. 18, with the Felt-A-Pumpkin workshop for arts and crafts lovers on Oct. 20 at North Tahoe Arts Center. See events for details or go to visittahoecity.com.

Cobblestone Oktoberfest - Tahoe City
Oct 6, 2012 (Sat) 1 pm - 4 pm

Cobblestone Oktoberfest Beer, Brats, Live Music, Stein Hoisting, Wiener Toss, Pumpkin Painting & More Cobblestone Center, Tahoe City 1-4 pm German Wine Tasting UnCorked Wine & Cheese Shop Cobblestone Center 1-4 pm

Big Blue Adventure Truckee River Trail Run
Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 12:00
Get your juices flowing by running to Squaw from Tahoe City. This 7.9 mile course travels alongside the Truckee River, starting at Commons Beach. It then heads on to finish in the heart of the Village At Squaw Valley. Enjoy spectacular views along this stunning scenic corridor. This run is perfect for all abilities.
Register at bigblueadventure.com
8:30am-9:30am: Check-in/Registration at the Salomon Store at The Village at Squaw Valley
9:30-9:45am: Shuttle runs to Commons Beach in Tahoe City
10am: Race Start at Commons Beach

Fall on the Flume Trail Hike
Oct 6, 2012 (Sat) 8:00am 

Fall is the best time to hike the Flume Trail and enjoy fall colors above Lake Tahoe. This hike will climb up steep Tunnel Creek Road, but the views will be worth it as we follow the rolling terrain on the Flume Trail. We will turn around when the group has had its fill of the beauty.

Second Annual Harvest Festival at Resort at Squaw Creek
Oct 5, (Fri) - Oct 14, 2012 (Sun)
Oct 6, (Sat) - Oct 16, 2012 (Tue)
Oct 7, (Sun) - Oct 17, 2012 (Wed)
Oct 8, 2012 (Mon)
Oct 9, 2012 (Tue)
Oct 10, 2012 (Wed)
Oct 11, 2012 (Thu)
Oct 12, 2012 (Fri)
Oct 13, 2012 (Sat)
Oct 14, 2012 (Sun)

Featuring bluegrass music, hayrides, pumpkin painting, pie-eating contests, pumpkin bowling, glow ball golf and other games, autumn-themed spa treatments, a beer garden with live music, fall-flavored dining specials in Sandy’s Pub and in Six Peaks Grille, the festival offers something for the entire family. Special lodging/packages available.
Live Music with Steve & Chuck - Gar Woods Oktoberfest Trail Run ~ Big Blue Adventure, Tahoe City to Squaw Valley USA

Snowfest! Scarecrow Sprint & Stroll
Oct 13, 2012 (Sat) 9:00 am 

5k, 10k and 2 smaller Kids' Fun Runs Costumes encouraged for event Starts and ends at Commons Beach Pre-Registration on-line @ www.tahoesnowfest.com Prizes for Costumes and Run Results at Bridgetender, 12:30 Starts at Commons Beach 11 am

No one can predict what this Winter will be like but there are some hopeful early signs. In the mean time, enjoy Fall!  Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have great week!

Lake Tahoe is the 'Best Lake in America' according to USA Today. Now find out who's the best of the best.

Lake Tahoe was voted 'Best Lake in America' by USA Today readers, beating out Michigan's Lake Charlevoix. I'd have to agree even though I've never been to Michigan, but I may be a little prejudiced. Last June more than 5,000 people voted on Facebook and Twitter giving Lake Tahoe top honors. It's a combination of year round outdoor sports and recreation, entertainment, nightlife, dining and gaming that make it a unique international destination. There's nowhere else I can think of that gives you the combination of skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, casinos, upright paddle boarding, sailing, paddle wheel cruise boats, big name entertainment, clear deep blue water, spawning salmon, historic homes, and a history which includes famous figures such as JFK, The Rat Pack and Mark Twain, You can read more in Lake Tahoe designated 'Best Lake in America' by USA Today.

"The Best" is a term that's thrown around a lot. "We're the best restaurant in Truckee" or "we have the best music in South Shore" are statements that are made off the cuff without much validation. Why not, they're rarely questioned? They're also rarely taken seriously because they're used so much. It's kind of like the "best sale of the year" at the big auto dealership that happens every month. If you've lived in an area for a long period of time you develop your own "best of" list through trial and error or you get recommendations from friends from their experiences. Even then there can be disagreement. I've had one friend say they had a delicious meal at a restaurant with great service only to have another say they were disappointed at the very same place. If you're from out of town it's even worse. This may be the vacation you've planned all year or your week long stress relieving getaway and you don't know people in the area.or have time for trial and error. Don't worry, help is here! The Sierra Sun recently released the results of it's annual Best of North Tahoe and Truckee contest in They're here! They're here! Click here to find out the 2012 Best Of contest winners. Rather than drawing from your own or your friends limited experiences, this online voting contest included input from 899 people with a total of 16,712 submissions. There were 68 winners in the categories of Best People, Best Food and Drink, Best Business and Best Places/Events. You can see the entire list in the article but I'll highlight a few here.

Ont thing that stands out in the category of Best Food and Drink is the Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar. They took first place in many of the divisions:

Best Happy Hour
Total submissions: 391

1. Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar (Truckee): 87
2. The River Grill (Tahoe City): 53
3. Hacienda del Lago (Tahoe City): 15

Best Fine Dining
Total submissions: 509

1. Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar (Truckee): 106
2. Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique Restaurant (Tahoe City): 44
3. Pianeta Ristorante (Truckee): 43

Best Bar
Total submissions: 426

1. Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar (Truckee): 100
t-2. Bar of America (Truckee): 33
t-2. Moody's Bistro, Bar & Beats (Truckee): 32
3. Tourist Club (Truckee): 23

Best Outdoor Dining
Total: 452

1. Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar (Truckee): 139
2. Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge (Sunnyside): 70
3. Gar Woods Grill & Pier (Carnelian Bay): 25

Best Restaurant View
Total submissions: 488

1. Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar (Truckee): 169
2. Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge (Sunnyside): 79
3. West Shore Café (Homewood): 37

There are a lot of other winners in different divisions so be sure to check the list for your favorite like best BBQ , best Sushi. or best Ice Cream!

The Best Business category had many different types of businesses listed including Best Bike Shop, Best Garden Supply/Nursery, and Best Tattoo? This should be a good reference for just about anything you need.

Be sure to check the list of Best People, which includes Best Bartender, Best Bank Teller, and Best Teacher to see if there's someone you know. Our close neighbor Squaw Valley did very well in Best Ski Patroller:

Best Ski Patroller
Total submissions: 103

1. Lel Tone, Squaw Valley: 7
t-2. Robin McElroy, Squaw Valley 6
t-2. Jimmy Roberts, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort 6
t-3. Will Paden, Squaw Valley 4
t-3. Vince Arthur- Northstar 4

Best Places/Events has winners in divisions such as Best Summer Event, Best Beach, and Best Place to Golf. And where's the Best Place to Ski/Ride? Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows of course!

Best Place to Ski/Ride
Total submissions: 340

1. Squaw Valley: 122
2. Alpine Meadows: 82
3. Northstar California: 49

There are lots of other fun and interesting results in the article so be sure to go through all the results. You may find a favorite new hangout or a great new car mechanic. Even get a tattoo? Or not. One thing that's clear is that Olympic Village Inn is not only by the best lake in America, Lake Tahoe, but it's also right next to the best ski area in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. It's good to be the best and now we have the votes to prove it.

It's almost October so why not celebrate Oktoberfest and the best of list at Squaw Valley this weekend:

Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 29, 2012 - 11:00
Traditional Bavarian Music and Folk Dancers, Benefit Beer Garten, Brats & Kraut & games from 2 to 6 pm. All entertainment at the event is free. Fundraiser for the Tahoe Truckee Lacrosse Association

Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have a great week!

Awesome events this weekend at Squaw and nearby for your active Autumn calendar

As I was looking through the calendar of events for this weekend and I was impressed with the number of summer activities that were still on the schedule. While the weather can change at any time in the Sierra Nevada's, October can be a transitional month from Summer to Fall, and October is almost here! Sports like water skiing and biking can get pretty uncomfortable when it suddenly turns cold and rainy. These really are the last days of Summer in the upcoming few weeks. It's a good time to get in those last Autumn bike rides or hikes that you've put off, or run, ride or hike to get in shape for the upcoming 2012-13 Ski Season (crossing my skis for lots of snow!).

Last week I wrote about the Donner Party and the history of Donner Summit, the most historically important few square miles in the Sierra's. Donner Summit is also important today, but for other reasons. It's a mecca for sightseeing and recreation. As you wind down Old Hwy 40 from Soda Springs you're treated to breathtaking views of cobalt blue Donner Lake. Luckily here are many pullouts because Old Hwy 40 snakes it's way down the mountain with spectacular vistas around every corner and it's hard to keep your eyes on the road. Be sure to stop at the Donner Lake overlook at Rainbow Bridge where famous artists and photographers have been preserving the view for more than 100 years. 

Donner Summit and Old Hwy 40 is also a mecca for sports. Drive down the mountain on almost any day of the week in the Summer and you can watch rock climbers ascending the sheer granite faces. I'm not a rock climber so I'm content to watch from below in fascination. How do they do that? Another sport that I do enjoy that this road is perfect for is biking. Writing the article last week reminded me of one of my favorite rides. Peddle from Truckee over the freeway towards Donner Lake, then enjoy a flat 5-mile cruise along the Donner Lake shoreline almost at water level. The road then turns abruptly up and keeps going up as you climb Old Highway 40 over Donner Summit. When you finnaly reach the top and catch your breath, Hwy 40 takes you past Donner Ski Ranch, Sugar Bowl Ski Area, what was the Royal Gourge X-country ski area, the Soda Springs museum, and there are even 35 20 Mile Museum signs telling of the history of Donner Summit, listing activities to do, and telling stories. One sign was done by the children at Sierra Expeditionary School in Truckee. Once through Soada Springs, you cross the freeway overpass and gradually descend to Cisco Grove along frontage roads next to Hwy 80. This is the turn around point because you can't continue any further without getting on the freeway. I've never tried that and I'm not even sure if it's legal but it would be nice if there were an alternative way to get fron Cisco Grove to Baxter where the frontage road continues. The ride back seems much easier although it is a steady uphill run to Soda Springs. Once you get to the summit and start descending it's a thrilling and somewhat technical descent to Donner Lake, so be careful and don't over-cook any of those hairpin corners. This is also not the time for sightseeing unless you stop.

A great way to do this ride is to do the Tahoe Sierra Century Ride, which celebrates it's 10th anniversary this Saturday, Sept 22. There are 30, 60 and 100 mile rides, something for every skill level. All of the routes start and finish in the Village at Squaw Valley, and all benefit the music students at North Tahoe Middle and High schools. The 60 mile and 100 mile routes incorporate my Truckee to Cisco Grove out and back ride. Here are the details of the rides:

100 Mile Route: 6,800' vertical gain. After leaving Squaw Valley, ride along the Truckee River to Tahoe City, then enjoy 13 beautiful miles along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe before climbing up to Brockway Summit. Next, it's a long descent into Martis Valley, then a strenuous 8-mile climb into Tahoe Donner. Stop and take in the vistas from the top before descending back into Truckee for a 5-mile cruise along Donner Lake. Climb Old Highway 40 over Donner Summit, then descend to our lunch stop at Cisco Grove. Head back up to the Summit and enjoy an exhilarating and beautiful descent back to Donner Lake. The last 15 are flat miles alongside the Truckee River back to Squaw Valley.

A dinner will be served at the end of the event from 1:30 - 6:00 p.m. with live music provided by NTHS and NTMS Bands.

60 Mile Route: 2,500' vertical gain. Starts in Squaw Valley, follows the Truckee River to Truckee, then 5 miles alongside Donner Lake. A strenuous climb up Old Hwy 40 to Donner Summit provides incredible views along the way. Descend to our lunch stop at Cisco Grove. Turn around and return the way you came, this time enjoying an exhilarating descent to Donner Lake and a 15-mile flat finish back to Squaw Valley.

30 Mile Route: Starts from Squaw Valley to Truckee, then alongside Donner Lake to west end. Lunch is provided at the turn around at Donner Lake rest stop, then head back to Squaw Valley. This is a relatively easy novice ride.

You can get more information including start times and registration on the Tahoe Sierra Century Ride website.

There are two more events close to home you can do this weekend, one if you're more into fat tires rather than skinny tires and another if you're not into tires at all:

Tahoe Fat Tire Festival

Biking, Racing, Demos, Movies and Bands at Squaw Valley, CA
Date: Sep 20, (Thu) - Sep 23, 2012 (Sun)
Sep 21, 2012 (Fri)
Sep 22, 2012 (Sat)
Sep 23, 2012 (Sun)

The inaugural Tahoe Fat Tire Festival will be Sept. 20-23 for a weekend of all things mountain bike at Squaw Valley. It will feature cross country, short track and gravity racing, rides, trail work, demos and vendor expo, and nightly antics with a beer garden, movie screenings and local bands. Interesting bikes to ride at the 2009 Fat Tire Festival in San Francisco. Photo/Susan Wood TAMBA and the Truckee Trails Foundation are teaming up on this event. The goal is it will be a primary fundraiser for both organizations.

Tough Mudder at Northstar California
Sep 21 (Fri)
Sep 22 (Sat)
Sep 23 (Sun)

Northstar California Resort will host the Tough Mudder event series in North Lake Tahoe on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, 2012. Tough Mudder events are 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses, half a million inspiring participants, and more than $2.5 million dollars raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world. 

Autumn is coming up fast with it's changing leaves and chilly morning temperatures. It's one of my favorite times of year. There are fewer crowds and there's the anticipation of the winter to come. Get outdoors and enjoy it!  Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have a great week!

Everything you always wanted to know about the Donner Party, and more......

I can't drive over Donner Summit without thinking about the Donner Party. It was a horrible episode in the history of the Sierra Nevada's. I feel sorry for the people that endured it but also have a curious fascination about it. As unpleasant and unfortunate as it was, it's also a story about just how strong the human drive to survive is.

There have been countless books and articles written about it, but one of the best accounts is in Wikipedia. In 1846, a group of 87 pioneers headed west out of Missouri in a wagon train headed for California. They had planned to be in California by September, but instead were trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada by early November. The subsequent casualties resulting from starvation, exposure, disease, and trauma were extremely high, and many of the survivors resorted to cannibalism.

They were encouraged by Lansford Hastings to try a new, faster route across Utah and Nevada, the Hastings Cutoff. The Cutoff made it necessary for the wagons to cross Utah's Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake Desert, and it slowed the party significantly, leading to the loss of wagons, horses, and cattle. Most took shelter in three cabins that had been built two years earlier at Truckee Lake (now known as Donner Lake), while several made a smaller camp several miles away. As food ran out, 15 men and women attempted to reach California on snowshoes in December, but only seven members of the snowshoe party survived. The first rescue group from California reached these remaining members, who were starving and feeble, in February 1847. Weather conditions were so bad that three rescue groups were required to help the rest reach safety in California, the last arriving in March. Historians have described the episode as one of the most spectacular tragedies in California history and in the record of western migration.

Donner Summit is not only interesting because of the tragic events that took place there, but it's an area of spectacular beauty with a rich history of emigrant travel, including the building  of the transcontinental railroad. A great way to experience the early emigrant's journey across the Sierra Nevada is to take one of the hikes in the upcoming 20th Annual Donner Party Hike. It takes place Oct. 13 and 14 with seven different hikes on Saturday, and a walking tour on Sunday. All the events offer insights into emigrant history from area guides, along with exercise, fresh air and beautiful scenery. You can read more about it in the article, Donner Party Hike | Trace early pioneer footsteps.

Here are my weekly picks for some fun things to do in the upcoming weekend and week:

Guitar Strings VS. Chicken Wings
Friday, September 14, 2012 - 5-10pm
A night of epic monstrous chicken wing proportions. Bands and restaurants will square off against each other in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the Tahoe Institute for Natural Sciences. Wing vs. Wing, Band vs. Band, it is a night you will not want to miss in The Village at Squaw Valley.
The battle will begin at 6pm and go until 10pm. Be there, or be square.

High Camp Run & Pool Party at Squaw Valley
Sep 15, 2012 (Sat) 9:30am

Run on the High Camp trails at elevation 8,200 feet with incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. After the race, participants can enjoy access to Squaw's High Camp Pool and Hot Tub and poolside Umbrella Bar, both located on the top of the mountain. Registration: 9:30am - 10:30am in the base area, race begins at 11:30am at High Camp. $30 pre-registration, $35 day-of registration. Distance: 5K or 10K.

Squaw & Alpine at Movie Premiere's

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
While we wait for the snow to fly, we'll be traveling this fall to TGR's Further and Dream Factory movie premiere's and Matchstick's Superheroes of Stoke all over Sacramento, Reno/Tahoe area and Bay Area. Check us out on the road!
Say hello, grab a sticker and even purchase your Tahoe Super Pass at every movie premiere.

Fallen Leaf Lake History Hike
Sep 17, 2012 (Mon) 9am

Meet at Gatekeeper's Museum at 9am; we'll carpool to trail head & take 3 mile hike along east & north shores & visit remains of Cathedral Park, then picnic at Anita Baldwin estate ruins on north shore. Call for reservations 530.583.1762

Lots to do while we're waiting for the change of seasons. The Donner Party hike will give you a much more complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding one of the mose famous incidents in early American Sierra Nevada history, as well as introduce you to the unbelievable beauty of the area. You'll have a lot more to think about the next time you drive by. Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have a great week!

Big news for Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows looking towards the 2012-13 Winter ski season!

I look forward to the change of seasons. Maybe it's because I grew up in the San Fransisco Bay Area where it was hard to notice the difference between seasons. Summer meant fog in the morning, sun in the afternoon. Winter meant sun with occasional rain. Spring and Fall were perfect with sun all day long. Other than that all the seasons seemed about the same. Not so in the Sierra Nevada's. You know when it's Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall without looking at a calendar. Labor Day is a dividing line for me between seasons. That's when I start looking at the long range weather charts for a change. It's a little early but September can bring the first signs of Fall. There's nothing on the horizon yet but I'll let you know when I see the first hint of a change. In the mean time, enjoy the cooler, crisper mornings and evenings. The leaves will be in full color mode before long.

While we're waitng for Fall and the first snows leading up to the 2012-13 Winter ski season, there's big news about Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. A recent article in the Sierra Sun, Squaw/Alpine ready to roll out $24 million in improvements, detailed a host of new projects for the upcoming Winter season that includes major snowmaking improvements at both resorts, a new high-speed, six-passenger chairlift, a better High Camp beginner environment at Squaw; and a mile-long terrain park at Alpine Meadows. Last year, $15 million was invested in the base area and on-mountain improvements including a revitalized and refreshed base village with new restaurants, bars and fire pits, overhauled terrain parks with the new SnoVentures activity zone with tubing and mini-snowmobiles, and the world's first ski-in/ski-out Starbucks.

This year promises even more impressive enhancements. The snow making improvements in particular promise to make a better, more consistent and more enjoyable carpet of snow, especially early in the season. We hope we have feet of natural snow falling from the sky by Halloween but this will ensure a great early season regardless of the whims of Mother Nature. Here's a quick overview of the changes. More details can be read in the article, Squaw/Alpine ready to roll out $24 million in improvements.

Squaw Valley

Big Blue Express, a high-speed six-pack chairlift, to replace the High Camp chairlift.

The Links double chairlift will be removed and replaced with a triple chairlift named Mountain Meadow, which will be realigned to bring skiers and riders up to the ridgeline near the top terminals of the Solitude and Silverado lifts.

Terrain park improvements in collaboration with Snow Park Technologies, a company with with 15 years of experience designing parks for major resorts and events nationwide including the Dew Tour and Winter X Games.

Snowmaking improvements include new high-technology air/water guns, manual fan guns will be replaced with fully automated versions, pumps and compressors will be rebuilt, and state-of-the-art monitoring and control equipment will be installed. All this will vastly improve the snow conditions from the top of the mountain to the bottom.

Alpine Meadows

Snowmaking improvements similar to Squaw Valley that will improve conditions top to bottom which include computer-driven automation to controls that monitor various conditions such as temperature, humidity and water flow making the system more efficient at delivering the water to the areas where it's most needed. 

Terrain park improvements similar to those at Squaw Valley, including an enlargement of the medium and large park which will make, from Terry's Return to Dancefloor, a mile-long park run. The result will be the longest terrain park run in the Tahoe region.

The begginers area on Subway, where lessons are conducted, will also be improved and enlarged.

More information can be found at the project website, www.squawrenaissance.com.

We have some time before the weather really starts to change so take advantage of the warm weather and sun while you can. Here are some ideas!

27th Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival at Northstar
Sep 7 (Fri) - Sep 9 (Sun)

The Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival is recognized as the premier gourmet festival in Northern California and the Sierra Nevada. New events include a mixology competition, handcrafted cocktail class and master chef's dinner, along with the participation in the highlight of the weekend — The Culinary Competition and Grand Tasting by the team from Manzanita.

World Premiere of Jeremy Jones' "Further"
Friday, September 7, 2012 - 20:00

Award winning producers Teton Gravity Research are pleased to announce Further, the second installment in the Jeremy Jones snowboard movie trilogy, Deeper, Further, Higher, presented by O’Neill.
Catch the world premiere right here at Squaw Valley! Show starts at 8pm, or whenever Jeremy gives us the thumbs up.

Bike Uphill Time Trial
Sep 8 (Sat)

Challenge yourself and your friends to riding your bike up old Highway 40 in Truckee. We will time you so you will have a personal best to try to beat next time!. All bike types & riding abilities encouraged. Fundraiser for ASC's Junior nordic programs.

Squaw Valley Trail Running 

Saturday, September 15, 2012 - 09:30
Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 08:00

Join us for the first annual Squaw Valley Trail Running Series! Home to the start of the Western States 100, miles of alpine trails and breathtaking vistas, Squaw Valley is the ultimate trail running destination.
September 15th - High Camp Run and Pool 

Run on the High Camp trails at elevation 8,200 feet with incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. After the race, participants can enjoy access to Squaw's High Camp Pool and Hot Tub and poolside Umbrella Bar, both located on the top of the mountain. Registration: 9:30am - 10:30am in the base area, race begins at 11:30am at High Camp. $30 pre-registration, $35 day-of registration. Distance: 5K or 10K.

We have beautiful Autumn weather ahead and the anticipation of a fantastic Winter to come. Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have a great week!

Labor Day weekend and a tale of survival

Wow, Labor Day weekend is almost here. Traditionally the end of the Summer vacation season, the upcoming months are some of my favorite of the year with great weather and fewer crowds. There's also the changing leaves, the chill in the morning air, and the anticipation of winter to come, all good stuff ahead. There's a lot going on this weekend, with activities at Squaw Valley, Northstar and all over the entire North Lake Tahoe and Truckee area. What are you doing to celebrate? I have some ideas, which I'll get to in a minute, but first I wanted to tell you of my plans for a very unusual Labor Day.

Normally I'd be going to one of the many events in the area or just hanging out at one of the great Tahoe beaches, BBQing and swimming, two of my favorite things. This year's different, I'm going to a reunion. Not a High School reunion but a reunion of players in a life and death drama that happened almost 40 years ago. You see, two of my best high school friends and I used to go on adventures. We traveled around Northern California and as far away as Colorado looking for ways to have fun in the mountains and rivers. We kayaked back when it was mostly an unknown sport with no helmets, no life jackets and no ability to do a roll. If we tipped over we just fell out. I'm amazed any of us survived. We also traveled to some beautiful places to hike and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking magnificence of nature.

One of those trips found us in spectacular Yosemite Valley in mid winter. To save money, the three of us slept in the back of our trusty vehicle, an old salmon pink Rambler station wagon. One morning we fueled up with coffee and Bear Claws and took off on a hike on one of the snow covered trails high above the valley floor. We came to an open area on the trail where the snow sloped downhill above a cliff with just the tops of the pine trees showing from below. One of us took a step and instantly slipped on a sheet of ice under the snow. We decided it was too dangerous to cross so we turned around and were heading back when we heard a faint cry for help coming from over the edge of the 30' cliff. We yelled back and forth with someone who was injured below. We made our way back down the trail and over to the area under the cliff. We found a man in bad shape dressed only in jeans, a light wind breaker and cowboy boots. He told us he had tried to cross the slope above and had slid over the cliff, breaking his ankle in the fall. He'd been there for four days through snow storms and several feet of snow. He had some obvious frost bite and told us he survived by eating snow and 4 dates he had packed for his day hike. Two of us stayed with him while another went for help. Soon a group of rangers and para-medics arrived with a stretcher. They carried him back to safety and we didn't see him again until later that day in the Yosemite hospital. His feet were badly frostbitten and he eventually lost a foot and several toes but was alive! 

I'll never forget this experience even though it was almost 40 years ago. I hadn't thought about it for several years until I got an email about 4 months ago. It started out simply "Hi, this is Robin. Remember me? You and your friends saved my life many years ago in Yosemite." Of course I remembered! Through the wonder of Facebook he had found one of my friends and gotten my email address from him. He's going to be visiting a friend in the area over the Labor Day weekend and wanted to know if we all wanted to get together. That's the reunion. I'm sure it will be a Labor Day I'll never forget.

It's also a lesson I'll never forget. Always be prepared to be out longer than you expect, whether you're hiking, biking or travelling on mountain roads. Bring extra clothing, food and water just in case. Nature is magnificent but neither compassionate nor forgiving, that's just it's nature (pun intended).

What are your plans for Labor Day? Here are some ideas close to home at Olympic Village Inn to make your's memorable.

23rd Annual Foam Fest
Saturday, September 1, 2012 - 2:00pm to 6:00pm
A craft brew festival complete with rockin' blues music from Johnny "Guitar" Knox and Ro Harpo and the Blues Busters. This event is one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the Tahoe area. Beer enthusiasts can sample from more than 40 craft beers while supporting a great cause. The famous "hit the slopes" raffle will feature great prizes including season passes, lift tickets, skis, snowboards and winter gear.
Tickets: Sampling tickets are $25. No sampling allowed without a wristband. Additional sampling tokens may be purchased after initial sampling purchase. 2 tickets for $5.
Designated drivers, those under 21 years of age and concert goers admitted free ($10 donation requested, no ticket needed).

Everybody loves a Labor Day sale!

Labor Day Sale
Friday, August 31, 2012 - 10:00am to Monday, September 3, 2012 - 6:00pm
Get excited for the 2012-13 season at the Labor Day Sale. Ski & snowboard gear for the entire family will be up to 80% off! Head to First Street in the Village next to uncorked. Grab gear from your favorite brands like Volkl, Marker, Dakine, Burton, K2, Line and more.

24th Annual Alpen Wine Fest
Sunday, September 2, 2012 - 02:00
Wine Tasting, Live music, Silent Auction & Raffle – Join us from 2 to 5pm for a benefit wine tasting, $40 includes a Spiegelau crystal souvenir wine glass and tastings from over 40 Vineyards. Also peruse the huge silent auction & raffle, and enjoy free live music all to benefit Can Do MS, a foundation providing wellness & education for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series
Sep 2, 2012 (Sun)
 www.NorthstarCalifornia.com

10:00am Northstar California's downhill terrain offers the perfect venue for our exciting and challenging downhill race series. There are over 20 divisions for men, women and juniors to compete in and the top three in each division receive awards. Race after-parties and awards will be held on the Day Lodge Deck with food and drink specials! Awards following the final competitor. All racers must check-in by 10:30 a.m.

I'm really looking forward to this Labor Day weekend, how about you? I hope yours is as enjoyable as mine. Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have great week and, as the Sarg in one of my favorite shows used to say, "Be careful out there!"

Pre-season Football and August snow has me wondering what this Winter will be like?

It's not time to get out the skis just yet but there are some subtle and some not so subtle signs that winter isn't far off. One sign that happens every year at this time is pre-season Football. I prefer watching football next to a fire in the wood stove as I stare at the snow flakes drifting past the window but since football starts in early August, it's usually hot and I'm watching pine pollen drift by instead. Aything can happen at any time of the year with Sierra weather as we saw last week when we experienced several good thunderstorms with hail and some good old summer snow (I know, it sounds odd). It gets you thinking about the good times ahead on the fluffy white slopes and forest trails. I wonder what this winter will be like?

The last couple of years have been a tale of two winters. Squaw Valley averages 450 inches of pristine snowfall every winter but the winter of 2010-11 delivered a wopping cumlative total of 810" (that's 67.5 feet), ending on June 6th with 8-10" that day. Yikes! Last winter (2011-12) "only" had a total of 355" (that's still 30 1/2 feet!) ending on April 27th. You can see all the data on the Squaw Valley Snowfall Tracker going back to the winter of 2007-08 (the last 5 years). This is also a great place to check out the current coditions when the snow does begin to fall again. After two extemely different winters, what will this winter be like?

I normally don't start thiking about it this early but we posted this on our Olympic Village Inn Facebook page, Winter outlook for 2012/13 from AccuWeather.com. It looks good!! Take a look if you havent seen it yet. El Nino is active and that can mean we're on the edge of wet or dry depending on how other weather features interact with it like the Arctic Oscillation. AccuWeather.com is putting us well into the wet and above normal snowfall area which sounds great. They're one good source but what about the CPC (Climate Prediction Center), a division of NOAA? Here are their maps covering the main sking months for precipitation, and they look good too! (Click on the image for the full size version or go to CPC Color Monthly & Seasonal Outlooks for all the maps)

We're in the above normal or well above normal area from Dec-May. The only wildcard with this would be the Pineapple Express which can bring us many feet of snow but sometimes raise snow levels above 8000' making a soggy mess.

Another article, La Niña Draws To Close, El Niño For Winter 2012/13?, shows the effects of a typical El Nino winter in the adjacent image and says "A repeat of the abnormally dry winter across California, Nevada, and Arizona would be much less likely in El Niño conditions – in fact just the opposite could be favored, with the potential for flooding rains." That usually translates to dumping snow in the Sierra's. We'll have more predictions and a better handle on this Winter's weather as we get closer but all the early indications look good. In the mean time, there's still plenty of Summer to enjoy. Here are my picks for the week ahead-

 Barbecue weekend to heat up Resort at Squaw Creek

OLYMPIC VALLEY — Tahoe's Resort at Squaw Creek popular “BBQ Weekend” returns Aug. 24-26 with cooking demonstrations, culinary and beverage tastings, and an elaborate gourmet barbecue that includes a spit-roasted pig. Fresh, innovative cuisine and beverages await attendees, including menu items and cooking demonstrations geared toward children. A BBQ Weekend package is available for two adults starting at $279 per deluxe guestroom, per night, based on a two-night minimum. Children 12-and-under can be added to the barbecue for $20 per night. Additional adults can be added for $50 per night. Read the rest of the article in the Sierra Sun.

Pacific Fine Arts Festival
There's still time to take in the second weekend of the Pacific Fine Arts Festival August 24-26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at the Boatworks Marina Green in Tahoe City. Take the opportunity to experience the finest in paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, graphics, and jewelry. Meet more than 45 award-winning artists and crafts people at these free events. Among this year’s premier artists are ceramicist Brand Henry of Truckee, CA; printmaker Laura Morton of Grass Valley, CA; award-winning jeweler Meg Black-Smith of Nevada City, CA; landscape photographer Kathleen Burks of Fernley, NV; nixed-media painter Karen Hale of Jackson, CA; and glass blower Tim Lazer of Sacramento, CA.

Fly Fishing Fest
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 13:00
North Lake Tahoe is a premier fly fishing destination with the Truckee River just a stones throw away from Squaw Valley. To celebrate the area's unique beauty and deep fly fishing culture Trout Unlimited is throwing a fly fishing festival right here at Squaw Valley from 1pm-9pm at the Squaw Valley Conference Center.
Partake in casting instruction, test your cast against the pros in our casting contest and check out the latest fly fishing films during the evening.
The North Lake Tahoe region is home to some of the finest fly fishing in the world. To celebrate the area's amazing fishing community we've put together a festival to bring everyone together in a single spot. The days events include free casting lessons, a one-of-a-kind casting competition that will mimic a golf course and a 2 hour flurry of Fly Fishing short films from the Fly Fishing Film Tour to cap it all off.

Squaw Valley Trail Running Series
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 10:00
Saturday, September 15, 2012 - 09:30
Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 08:00
Join us for the first annual Squaw Valley Trail Running Series! Home to the start of the Western States 100, miles of alpine trails and breathtaking vistas, Squaw Valley is the ultimate trail running destination.
August 25th - Mutt Strutt Fun Run

Peaks & Paws
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 02:00 to Sunday, August 26, 2012 - 20:00
If every dog has its day, then Peaks & Paws at Squaw Valley is it! This year’s event will feature two days packed full of pet friendly elements and activities on Saturday, August 25th and Sunday, August 26th, 2012.

Lots to do before the snow begins to fall for good so don't waste any time, winter will be here before we know it! Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have great week!

 

A friend's reminder to KISS.......

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Every week I scour the news and local event calendars looking for fun and interesting things to do. If this was a small town in, lets say Kansas, it wouldn't take long. The customer appreciation day at the local hardware store with hot dogs and Coke, the Grange BBQ and picnic at the local park, and maybe a football game at the local High School. That's on a big weekend. It wouldn't be hard to decide what to do. But this is Olympic Valley in the Truckee-Lake Tahoe area and "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more." At least that's how I feel when I look at the plethora (I love that word) of things to do here. Maybe plethora, which means overabundance or excess, isn't exactly the right word. I LOVE the abundance and diversity of things to do here, something for everyone, it's just that I'd like to do everything and that's pretty much impossible. There's also that ever present realization that Summer will end before I'm done with this season's Bucket List and I'll have to put many things off until next year. What to do?

As I was fretting, I got an email from some very close friends of mine, Bill and Linda. These two know how to have fun, bike rides in Squaw Valley and along the Truckee River, and weekends in Mendocino rding bikes along the ocean bluffs. Their email brought me back to reality. It reminded me of something I know but seem to keep forgetting, the value of KISS. No, not the thing you do with your lips or the rock group but KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid. The email had a couple of pictures of a day they spent on a Tahoe beach with the deep blue water and magnificent mountain peaks in the background. Just a simple day at the beach. My antsy feelings turned to calm. Figuring out how to relax shouldn't be stressful, it's the quality not the quantity that counts. I get it, again. I say again because I learned this simple truth as a kid on vacation. In the 2 weeks my family and I spent every Summer at Fallen Leaf Lake, most days were simply spent on the dock sunbathing, reading comic books (boy do I wish I still had some of those), and swimming in the icy cold water. Some of my best memories are of simple pleasures like these. What did Bill say in the email? "Secret to 48 years of marriage: Keep it simple.... with love!" Words of wisdom that deserve a big KISS!

Here are some ideas for some simple things to do at and around Olympic Village Inn, but not too many! Just pick 1 or 2.

You can start right here! Spend some time in one of Olympic Village Inn's five outdoor spas, sauna or large seasonally heated swimming pool. You could also just relax in a hammock surrounded by the soothing ambiance of our water gardens or take a hike on one of the many scenic hiking trails located right outside our backdoor.

What could be simpler and more fulfilling than spending a day listening to bluegrass and sipping great wine, all to benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe?

Peaks & Paws
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 02:00 to Sunday, August 26, 2012 - 20:00
If every dog has its day, then Peaks & Paws at Squaw Valley is it! This year’s event will feature two days packed full of pet friendly elements and activities on Saturday, August 25th and Sunday, August 26th, 2012.

Guests will find an incredible variety of animal themed artists & vendors from 11am to 6pm, wine tasting from 3 to 6pm with some of California’s best boutique wineries, amazing microbrews available from 2 to 8pm and live bluegrass music on two stages from 2 to 8pm! This year we are proud to announce a greatly expanded music lineup, with some of the best national and regional bluegrass/Americana bands around. Everyone will be howling along as the sun sets on the peaks of Squaw Valley. $5 entry donation. $25 wine tasting ticket, per day, includes a commemorative glass. Beer will be available from 2 to 8pm, $4 per beer. All proceeds benefit Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

You can hike, bike, and golf at nearby Squaw Valley or take an Aerial Tram Ride.

A ride in the scenic Aerial Tram is a spectacular and leisurely ride 2,000 vertical feet to the High Camp, el. 8200'. The Aerial Tram is one of Squaw Valley's most popular year-round attractions and is open to all guests, skiers, snowboarders and walkers. Once you reach the top, enjoy panoramic views as well as access to numerous activities, including roller skating and poolside dining.

These are a few ideas to get you started, just remember to KISS! Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have great week!

The Olympics end Sunday, time to get outdoors again and discover your own Olympic events

I've really enjoyed watching the 2012 Olympics but I feel like I've spent too much time in front of the TV. I need to get outside and breath some fresh mountain air! They're coming to an end Sunday and I'm ready to go back to doing my own "athletic events" rather than watching someone else. Not that it hasn't been fun. The Summer Olympics only come around every 4 years so I don't mind adjusting my schedule to catch some of my favorite events.There are so many! The Track Cycling events were some of the most popular of the games and probably started a whole new group of enthusiasts. Track and Field is always big, with Super Stars the general public only hears about during the Olympic Trials and the Olympic games. It's amazing what the human body can do when it's trained to run fast, cover long distances, stride over hurtles or leap over bars high off the ground. Then there's the Pole Vault. That's always fascinated me, seeing that pole bend to what looks like it's breaking point only to rebound and fling the vaulter high into the air, hopefully just arching their back enough to clear the bar. Wow. I wish I could do that. I guess I could if I really wanted to. We all can do pretty much anything we set our minds to. Did you know that the poles, which are up to 16 feet long, can only be one piece? They're not exactly going to fit in the overhead bin as carry on on an airplane but in the early days of flying, athletes were allowed to take the poles into the plane and they were laid in the isles! In today's world of lawsuits, though, that would never fly (sorry).

I've come up with my own "athletic events" to challenge myself that may hopefully someday make it into the Olympics. I'm a recreational cyclist and even commute to work on my bike 4-5 days a week. Using my bike as transportation is a very efficient way of multitasking. I'm saving money on gas, helping the environment, getting my daily exercise during the time I'd normally spend sitting in a car, and I arrive at work in a great mood and lose all my tension and stress on the ride home. I love it. I've also taken up grocery shopping on it. One day I had 2 gallons of milk and about 50 lbs of assorted fruits, vegetables and other grocery items in saddle bags and a backpack. I rode up the long hill on my route home and felt like I had an anchor dragging behind me! I made it, though, and it seemed as though I had just won a stage of the Tour de France or the Olympic Time Trial, even if it was in slow motion. My bike felt as light as a feather the next time I got on it without all that weight. Another day I rode home with one of those great smelling rotisserie chickens and had an impromptu, full on, out of the saddle sprint outrunning the local dog pack on the way home! That's one way to self motivate. I can see it now, the Men's Individual Fruits and Vegetable Time Trial or the Frozen Turkey Team Pursuit. I'm sure you can come up with some of your own with whatever you enjoy doing. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete to feel like a winner.

All this talk about exercise has made me tired so it's time to have some fun! Luckily, there's plenty of fun happening this week. Here are just a few of the upcoming events happening right next to Olympic Village Inn at Squaw Valley USA or nearby.

Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest

Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 14:00 to Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 20:00
With a great selection of beer for festival goers to sample and an incredible line-up of music both days the Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest is your chance to make great summer memories - all benefiting the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

Coco Montoya ~ Bluesdays at Squaw Valley (He's one of the best! Go see him!)

Date: Aug 14, 2012 (Tue) 6-8pm Free concert
Coco Montoya an American blues guitarist and singer and former member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. GuitarOne magazine calls guitarist/vocalist Coco Montoya “the hottest southpaw in the blues” and raves about his “master touch and killer tone.” The Boston Globe succinctly states that Montoya’s music is “hot, blistering soul." Bluesdays, held every Tuesday in July and August at Squaw Valley, feature free blues concerts, food specials and great summer deals.

Perseid Meteor Shower Campout at Squaw Valley (This should be incredible!)

Date: Aug 13, 2012 (Mon) 5pm 
The Perseids come every year beginning in late July and stretch into August. Among the many nights of the shower, there is always the one night that the viewing of the shower is at its best. This year, that evening falls on Monday, August 13. On this night, sky watchers can witness colorful fireballs, occasional outbursts and long hours of gracefully streaking meteors. To reserve, call 800-4030206

Concourse d’Elegance Wooden Boat Show (One of the premier wooden boat shows in the country)

Date: Aug 10, (Fri) - Aug 11, 2012 (Sat)
Day Event Applications are available online at www.LakeTahoeConcours.com and may be submitted electronically or printed and mail in hard copy format. Space is limited so to be part of the 40th anniversary show, featuring the Riva Aquarama as this year's Marque Class, get your application in early. Tickets are now available online as well as all social events in honor of Wooden Boat Week.

Northstar Mountain Run - Starting at the Village @ Northstar (In case you are feeling frisky)
Date: Aug 12, 2012 (Sun) 9:00 am 

Join us for this classic 10.2K run starting at the Village At Northstar and finishing at the top of Mt. Pluto. The course ascends single track and double track, offering scenic views of Lake Tahoe, wildflowers and the Sierra. While Taking in the views, racers will be challenged with gradual climbs until they reach the top of Mt. Pluto. The run starts at 6,330' and ends at 8610'.

There's an "Olympic event" for everyone this week, whether it's running to the top of Mt. Pluto, counting shooting stars, or seeing how many different beers you can try.  Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have great week!

You won't believe some of these crazy Olympic events!

I've really been enjoying watching the Olympics. Whether it's the Summer Olympics or the Winter Olympics, I look forward to them every 2 years. The Olympic heritage that surrounds Squaw Valley, Olympic Valley, and Olympic Village Inn only adds to the fun. They've been going for about a week now and I've already seen some of my favorite events. It opened up with the Men's Cycling Road Race, 155 miles around London and the surrounding countryside. This was a much anticipated race, especially for Brittan, since Bradly Wiggins had just become the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France a week earlier. As a matter of fact, another Brit came in second from the same team so this was a great prelude to the Olympic games in London. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out the way they had hoped.

Some of my favorite Olympic events besides cycling are swimming, diving, track and field (including the pole vault!), beach volleyball, canoeing and kayaking, and triathlon. Whew! I'm sure there's more I haven't thought of. There are lots of lesser known sports that have more limited interest like badminton (I did play as a child), table tennis (that, too, as a child), and fencing (as a child, not so much). I came across an article the other day in National Geographic that made me laugh. It was about past Olympic events that have come and gone called Pictures: 6 Lost Olympic Sports—Tug-of-War to Pigeon Shooting. 

It started with the lost sport of Solo Synchronized Swimming. This does seem like a contradiction. I mean, how can you be synchronized with yourself? It did go on to point out that the sport is also about being synchronized with the music but it's still a stretch.

Next up is Tug-of-War. That I'd like to see! It was a croud favorite in the early 1900's and even had controversy according to the article,

"At the 1908 Olympic Games in London, for example, the U.S. team protested an upset by the home team, crying foul over the Brits' heavy, spiked, and apparently illegal boots. The U.K. team (pictured against Ireland), though—most of them police officers—explained that they simply hadn't changed out of their work boots."

Then there was Jeu de Paume. Say what? Apparently this was the original form of tennis dating back to the Middle Ages but was more like rachetball. Now you know.

Of course who can forget Rope Climbing? Why are most of these the same sports we played as kids at school? This took place back in the late 1800's on a 42 foot rope and compeditors where judged on speed and style. I wonder what good style looks like on a rope climb?

Hot-Air Ballooning an Olympic sport? Humm. That's a little hard to grasp. Apparently the 1900 Olympics in Paris were combined with the World's Fair and a lot of demonstration sports, like Hot-Air Ballooning, were included. "Balloon pilots at the Paris Olympics were judged on distance traveled, time in the air, and ability to land at predetermined coordinates. France swept the event." That was the first and last Olympics to see the event.

Last we have Live Pigeon Shooting. Yes, that's correct. Thankfully, this "sport" was short lived as it was the only Olympic event that has included killing animals on purpose. The rules were simple. Shoot as many birds as possible in the allowed time with two misses causing elimination. Apparently, even back in 1900 at the Paris games the "messiness" of the event was too much and it thankfully never returned. 

If you can tear yourself away from the TV here are a few ideas for your own Olympic events this week.

Squaw Mountain Run and Flower Walk

Aug 4, 2012 (Sat) 9:00am

Starting at the base of Squaw Valley USA (6200’) the course climbs the 3.6 mile mountain run to High Camp (8200’) where awards, raffle, music, light refreshments & beer are provided. Participants can choose to RUN or HIKE. For the less energetic – let the cable car do the climb & join our knowledgeable guides for the beautiful FLOWER WALK on easy rolling terrain. A fundraiser for young skiers and local cancer foundation.

Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series

Northstar California's downhill terrain offers the perfect venue for our exciting and challenging downhill race series. There are over 20 divisions for men, women and juniors to compete in and the top three in each division receive awards at the conclusion of each race and at the conclusion of the series, based on cumulative points.

#4 Sunday, August 19: Gypsy/Wire, all classes, top of gypsy to zone 5 or 6 of Livewire
#5 Sunday, August 26: Sinuous-Karpiel-Speed Control-Pho Dogg- all classes
#6 Sunday, September 2 (6th Annual Live Wire Classic)
#7 Sunday, September 16: Boondocks- all classes
#8 Sunday, September 28 - 30 (Tara Llanes Classic): Course TBD

Northstar Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race Series

Aug 9, 2012 6:00pm

Thursday evenings at Northstar California are your chance to compete in our fun and recreational Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race Series, open to all ages and abilities. Courses are suitable for all skill levels, and the top three in each division receive awards at the conclusion of each race and at the conclusion of the series, based on cumulative points. Race after-party, raffle and awards following the race.

I'm looking forward to many more exciting Olympic events before the games end but I'm not planning on spending ALL my time in front of the TV, just most of it. Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have great week!