As we left Tiburon early in the morning, we couldn’t help but feel excited about what lay ahead. Our destination was Lake Tahoe, and we knew we had to make it there before the major winter storm hit. With adrenaline pumping, we raced against time and successfully crossed Echo Summit pass. As we entered South Lake Tahoe, we saw traffic going east being stopped due to the impending storm. Our relief at having made it to our hotel just in time was a great relief.
We settled into our room at the Forest Suites Resort, and watched the storm rage outside. Our relief, however, was tempered by the fact that our friends from the Chagrin Valley Ski Club (CVSC) were due to arrive that day. We kept our fingers crossed, hoping that their flights wouldn’t be delayed. After much drama including being rerouted and missing baggage, they finally arrived around midnight, exhausted but happy to have finally made it.
The next day, we woke up early only to find that the ski areas were closed due to the storm. Disappointed, we decided to explore South Tahoe instead. The quaint town had a lot to offer, with its charming cafes and shops. We strolled along the snow-covered streets, taking in the picturesque scenery and enjoying the winter atmosphere.
That night, we had a meet and greet with everyone. It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and make new ones, as we shared travel horror stories and laughs over drinks and appetizers.
The following morning, we woke up early and headed to the Nevada side of the Heavenly Ski Resort. As we rode the chairlift up to the mountain, the sun started to break through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the glittering snow. The scenery was breathtaking, with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
As we hit the slopes, we were thrilled to find that the snow was incredible. The fresh powder made for excellent skiing conditions, and we couldn’t help but feel exhilarated as we raced up and down the mountain.
The next day our scheduled trip to the Kirkwood ski area was cancelled due to road conditions but to our surprise the Heavenly Gondola was finally running. We wasted no time in making our way up to the California side of Heavenly, eager to explore its many ski runs. As we soared up the mountain, the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe below left us in awe. We reached the top and made our way down the ski runs to Tamarack Lodge. The skiing was nothing short of incredible, with the fresh powder and immaculately groomed runs making for a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
After a day on the slopes, we stopped for a few well-earned beers on our way back to the condo. The lively atmosphere of the pub and the friendly chatter of fellow club members only added to our enjoyment of the day.
As the sun began to set, we got ready to celebrate Karen Moyers’ birthday at the renowned Hell’s Kitchen restaurant in the Harvey Casino. The atmosphere was electric, with the sounds of laughter and conversation filling the air. The menu was eclectic, with a wide range of delicious dishes to choose from. The drinks were expertly crafted, and the service was top-notch. Great end to another great day! Click on thumbnail to view image
The next morning, we woke up to bad weather, resulting in a late start. But as the weather improved, a group headed back to the Nevada side again and got in a few good runs. After a short day on the mountain, we all met at Ale Works for a club-sponsored beer and pizza dinner, a perfect way to end the day.
The next morning we woke up early for our bus ride to Palisades Ski Resort at the north end of the lake. The drive along the lake was beautiful, with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the shimmering lake. The ski area (Squaw Valley) has a rich history, as the host mountain for 1960 Winter Olympics and is known for its challenging terrain and incredible scenery.
As we made our way up the mountain, the wind was starting to blow, forcing us to retreat back to the lodge after only a few runs. A few hours later, the mountain was closed due to the storm. It was a long drive back, but to cheer us up, we decided to go to the Edgewood Tahoe Resort for a farewell dinner. The resort has a rich history and is known for its luxurious accommodations and top-rated dining experiences.
The dinner was fabulous, with a cozy ambiance and delicious food. It was a great end to another great CVSC ski trip, despite the unexpected weather conditions. We had an unforgettable time taking in the stunning scenery, experiencing thrilling runs, and indulging in delicious cuisine. Click on thumbnail to view image
