If your garage is full of ski gear that no longer fits anyone, this is your weekend. Truckee’s annual ski swap is tomorrow, Ski For The Love has another premier tonight at Alibi, and plenty more for the art, shopping, and move lovers!

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All weekend, November 6–8

Placer Artists Tour: North Tahoe
10am–5pm daily · Participating galleries in Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Olympic Valley · Free

North Tahoe galleries are joining the Placer Artists Tour for the first time. Meet local artists, see what they’re working on and explore stops including Gallery Keoki, The Eadington Gallery, Kiwi Kamera and North Tahoe Arts. Pick a few galleries and make an afternoon of it. Tour guide and participating locations.

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Tonight, Friday November 6

Ladies Night in Downtown Truckee
5–8pm · Historic Downtown Truckee · Free to attend; shopping extra

An evening of shopping and catching up with friends, with participating boutiques staying open late. Make a loop through downtown, including West River and Jibboom streets. No RSVP needed.

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Family Movie Night at Tahoe Donner
6pm · Northwoods Clubhouse, 11509 Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee · Free

An easy Friday plan with the kids: bring a pillow and blanket, grab some free popcorn and settle in for a PG-rated movie. Seating is first come, first served, and adults need to stay on the premises. Food and drinks from Pizza on the Hill are extra. Tahoe Donner can tell you the film title at 530-587-9400, extension 0.

Way She Goes: Ski For The Love’s new film
7:30pm · Alibi Truckee, 10069 Bridge Street · $10 at the door

Ski For The Love’s latest film follows the crew through Tahoe’s ups and downs and trips to Japan, Canada, Alaska, Argentina and New Zealand.

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Tomorrow, Saturday November 7

Clothing & Soft Goods Exchange
8am–3pm · Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church, 10069 Church Street · Free

If your family could use a helping hand, stop by the church’s clothing and soft-goods exchange. Everything is free, and the aim is to get useful items to neighbors who need them.

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Truckee Ski & Snowboard Swap
11am–4pm · Steve Randall Community Recreation Center, 10981 Truckee Way · Free admission

The annual chance to replace the boots your kids somehow outgrew over summer, find some winter gear or move along equipment that’s taking up garage space. Local shops will be there to answer questions, and sales and the silent auction support TDRPD recreation scholarships.

Selling gear? Check-in is tonight, 5–7pm, or Saturday, 7:30–9am. There’s a 21% commission on sold items. Seller details.

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Truckee Art Walk
4–7pm · Historic Downtown Truckee · Free

Local artists set up in participating shops and galleries, with work on display and live demonstrations. Pick up an Art Walk map, wander a few stops and make an evening of it downtown.

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Learn to tune your skis or snowboard at Start Haus
6–7pm · Start Haus, 11351 Highway 89, Truckee · Free; no registration needed

Picked up something at the swap? Start Haus kicks off its winter clinic series with tuning basics, tools, waxing and equipment care. Skiers and snowboarders are welcome, whether you’re starting from scratch or could use a refresher.

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Weekend weather

A dry, mostly sunny weekend is in the forecast for Truckee:

• Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 58°F.

• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 65°F.

• Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 61°F.

Overnight lows are around 28°F, so keep a warm layer handy for evening plans. Check the latest NWS forecast before heading out.

In case you missed it: Achieve Tahoe

This week’s spotlight is about the people helping more children and adults with disabilities experience the outdoors we love, from a first paddleboard ride to a day on snow. The Achieve Tahoe team shared how they make those days work, and how volunteers help make them possible.

Read Achieve Tahoe: The Making of a Best Day Ever.

Know someone we should feature, or have a local story to share? Send a news tip.

If this helped you make a plan, forward it to a friend. They can subscribe here for the weekly roundup, Weekender and local spotlights.

Have a great weekend!

Matt

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Last summer, a young Achieve Tahoe participant seemed interested in trying a paddleboard, but kept backing out. He doesn’t use words to communicate, and staff and volunteers couldn’t tell what was making him hesitate. Over several days, they tried different ways to help him get out on the water.

On his last day, he got up from the sand, walked over to a board with a volunteer, and hopped on. The volunteer looked surprised, then paddled him out onto the lake. Watching from shore, his mom had tears in her eyes.

“This is the best day ever!” she said.

Giving more people the chance to have a day like that is exactly what Achieve Tahoe is here to do.

The team at Achieve was kind enough to answer a few of my questions for this spotlight to get a deeper dive of what makes this Tahoe institution tick.

A Tahoe day more people can share

A lot of us live here because we love the outdoors. Plenty of us have made some sacrifices to keep that connection close. A few quick ski laps over lunch, a dip in the Truckee River, a hike with a view of the lake. Having all of that just outside the door is a huge part of why we’re here.

Achieve Tahoe helps children and adults with disabilities experience that side of life here, too. That might mean a sit-ski, a different way of teaching, or a lesson built around what gets someone excited to head outside.

Achieve Tahoe’s roots go back to 1967, when Jim Winthers brought together a group of Vietnam veterans with disabilities. They taught themselves to ski and found ways to adapt equipment so they could get out and make some turns. Nearly 60 years later, that determination to figure things out still guides the organization.

Making the day work for the person

A first day with Achieve starts with a welcome, getting set up with the gear needed for the activity, and meeting an instructor. From there, the instructor gets to know the participant: what they enjoy, how they communicate and learn, and what they want from the day.

A ski lesson might turn into a Pokémon hunt or involve making turns around colorful flowers if that’s what gets someone excited. Some participants need a quiet start and time to get comfortable. Others are full send from the get-go. The instructor adjusts the teaching, pace, and equipment around the participant, with as much independence as possible as the goal.

The format varies by program. It might be a single outing, a few lessons spread through the season, or a short series.

Private ski and snowboard lessons can be booked for a half day or full day, with participants able to return for more lessons through the season. In summer, a paddle outing can be three hours, while Adventure Camp fills a day with hiking, archery, and climbing.

Beyond ski season

Skiing is how many people first come across Achieve, but the lessons and outings keep going after the snow melts. Sailing, climbing, archery, hiking, paddling, water skiing, and horsemanship give participants plenty of ways to spend a summer day outside.

One of the newer programs is Strides Through Resilience, an equine program for people living with and beyond cancer. The team wanted to offer a place to build confidence and connection through time with horses. The 2026 cancer survivorship offering ran as two sessions, meeting once a week for two hours.

What still gets in the way

Getting around in the Sierra can take some work. Big storms, icy walkways, rugged trails, and sandy beaches can all complicate a day outside. For someone who needs adapted equipment or an accessible route, that outing can take considerably more planning and support.

Then there’s the cost. Specialized equipment, instruction, travel, and lodging can add up quickly. Achieve offers financial assistance to help with that, including discounted and fully funded ski and snowboard lessons.

If you’re unsure whether a program will work for you or someone in your family, start by talking with the team. They can explain what to expect, help you work through the participant forms, and point you toward financial assistance if needed.

The people who make it happen

More than 300 active volunteers help keep Achieve Tahoe running. They teach lessons, help with equipment, spread the word, and raise money to support the programs. There are ways to get involved on and off the hill, and you don’t need prior adaptive sports experience. Achieve provides training, with the skills and time commitment depending on the role. Take a look at the volunteer opportunities.

With winter approaching, the team is looking forward to seeing familiar participants and volunteers back on the mountain. The chance to ski together and catch up with people who return year after year is a big part of what they’re excited about.

More days like that

If you’ve got time to give, look into volunteering. If you can chip in, donations help cover the equipment and instruction that make these days possible. And if you know someone who might enjoy a day with Achieve, pass the program information along. They might not know what’s available to them.

The boy on the paddleboard got there with a few days of patience, people willing to keep trying, and a volunteer ready when he was. His mom called it the best day ever. Helping more families say that is a pretty good reason to get involved.

The clocks have fallen back, there’s snow on the ground, and ski movie season is in full swing. This week brings a new way to explore Truckee High’s sporting history, a heat-pump rebate plan you should check out, and a Saturday gear swap for anyone whose kids have somehow outgrown everything again.

This week at a glance

• Election Day is tomorrow. California voting closes at 8 p.m.; Washoe County closes at 7 p.m. Local links below.

• Truckee High’s new Hall of Fame is live. Explore generations of Wolverine athletes, coaches and achievements.

• It’s a good week for ski films. Warren Miller comes to Olympic Valley Wednesday and Thursday, followed by Way She Goes at Alibi Truckee on Friday.

• Winter registration opens Wednesday. Tahoe City youth hockey and basketball go on sale at noon.

Before you forget to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. A few useful local details:

• Nevada County voters: Truckee Tahoe Airport’s Community Room, 10356 Truckee Airport Road, and the TTUSD Boardroom, 11603 Donner Pass Road, are vote centers. They’re open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday. County voting locations.

• Placer County voters: Tahoe City’s Fairway Community Center, 330 Fairway Drive, is open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday. County vote centers. Local 24-hour drop boxes include Olympic Valley PSD at 305 Olympic Valley Road, Kings Beach Library at 301 Secline Street, and Tahoe City’s Old Firehouse at 300 North Lake Boulevard. They close 8 p.m. Tuesday. Drop-box details.

• Incline Village and Crystal Bay voters: Washoe County vote centers are open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday. Find your voting location.

Local news and community updates

A heat-pump rebate plan worth checking out

Planning to replace your furnace or add cooling? Truckee’s October 27 program proposal outlines $2,000 for a qualifying heat pump alongside a gas or propane furnace, or $3,000 when the furnace is removed, plus up to $1,000 for duct testing and repairs.

That makes the maximum Town rebate $4,000, depending on the work. The proposal covers existing homes within town limits. Staff’s estimated launch is January 1; confirm the final start date and eligibility before buying equipment, since the draft rules exclude purchases made before the program begins.

Truckee High puts its history on display

Truckee High unveiled its new Digital Hall of Fame last Wednesday, bringing decades of Wolverine sporting history into one place. The project draws on yearbooks, newspaper clippings and school records, including Athletes of the Year going back to 1951.

There’s a display in the school’s main entrance hallway, and you can explore it online. The school’s Hall of Fame page also has nomination and correction forms.

Forest work begins around Pine Forest and Coachland

If you’re seeing crews near Pine Forest, Coachland or Alder Creek Middle School, Truckee Fire has started an 85-acre fuel-reduction project.

The work removes smaller trees, dense brush and dead vegetation while keeping larger, healthy trees. It’s funded by Measure T and a Forest Futures grant from Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Work is scheduled through June 2027, with occasional traffic control and temporary trail restrictions around active operations.

A mobile clinic gets a $1 million boost

Tahoe Forest has received a $1 million gift from Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan for its Mobile Health Program.

The plan is to bring primary and preventive care into rural mountain communities, including screenings, laboratory services, immunizations and behavioral health consultations. The announcement doesn’t include a start date or booking schedule yet.

Two deadlines to keep on your radar

• Give Back Tahoe nonprofit registration closes Tuesday, November 3. This is for organizations joining the campaign; the public giving season runs December 1–31. Registration information.

• Truckee Fire’s Measure T oversight applications close Friday, November 6 at 5 p.m. Two member seats and five alternate positions are available. Details and application.

Have a local story, announcement, or someone we should feature? Send a news tip.

Last week’s Local Spotlight

Savoie brings a new chapter to Pfeifer House

The fireplace is still there. So are the timbered ceilings and the moose. But bringing the old Pfeifer House back as Savoie took years of work and a family determined to keep something of the original place.

Last week I shared Mark and Alison Sullivan’s story, from their years in restaurant kitchens to making a home in Tahoe City and building a restaurant around Alpine food and local ingredients.

Read the Savoie spotlight.

The team also shared a few new reasons to stop by this fall:

• A $50 weeknight menu: During shoulder season, the bar area has a three-course prix fixe and $10 classic martinis every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• Beaujolais Nouveau, November 19: A $95 prix fixe with dishes including salade Lyonnaise and coq au vin, plus an optional $29 wine pairing. A DJ and dancing follow from 7:30–10:30 p.m.

• Thanksgiving, November 26: A turkey dinner with traditional sides and a choice of pecan tart or pumpkin pie. $150 for adults, $75 for kids, and children five and under eat free.

Reservations and restaurant information. Check seating times when booking.

Want your business in front of local readers? Ask about sponsoring TNT.

Events this week

Monday, November 2

Teen Substance Use: A Parent Town Hall
6–7 p.m. | North Tahoe High School, 2945 Polaris Road, Tahoe City | Free

A conversation with school and health professionals about what local teens are facing and how parents can respond. Bring your questions. Spanish interpretation is available.

Wednesday, November 4

Warren Miller’s Days Off
7 p.m. | Olympic Village Events Center, 1901 Chamonix Place, Olympic Valley | Paid tickets; current price on booking page

Warren Miller’s 77th film follows Katie Burrell and a lineup of skiers and riders from Alaska to Japan. Palisades Tahoe Community Foundation (PTCF) is a local partner, with part of ticket sales supporting its work with young winter athletes. Wednesday tickets.

Thursday, November 5

Passport to Dining
6–9 p.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach | $75 advance; $85 at the door if available | Ages 21+

An evening of tastings from local restaurants, breweries and wineries, with music from Jenni and Jesse of Dead Winter Carpenters. Auction and raffle proceeds benefit the Tahoe Waterman Foundation. Tickets and tasting lineup.

Warren Miller’s Days Off: Thursday showing
7 p.m. | Olympic Village Events Center, 1901 Chamonix Place, Olympic Valley | Paid tickets; current price on booking page

A second chance to catch the film. Thursday tickets.

Friday, November 6

Way She Goes: ski film premiere
7:30 p.m. | Alibi Truckee, 10069 Bridge Street | $10 at the door

Ski For The Love brings its new film to Alibi, with Tahoe skiing, trips further afield, and ON3P skis and swag up for grabs.

Saturday, November 7

Truckee Ski & Snowboard Swap
11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Steve Randall Community Recreation Center, 10981 Truckee Way | Free admission

Buy and sell winter equipment, get advice from local shops, and support recreation scholarships through gear sales and the silent auction.

Selling gear? Public check-in is Friday, 5–7 p.m., or Saturday, 7:30–9 a.m. A 21% commission applies to sold items. Seller details. If you’re a buyer, get there early.

Truckee Art Walk
4–7 p.m. | Historic Downtown Truckee | Free

Local artists take over participating shops and galleries for the monthly Art Walk. Pick up a map, see work being made, and make an evening of it downtown.

View full calendar

Have something coming up? Submit your event.

Winter activities and registration

Tahoe City youth hockey opens Wednesday, November 4 at noon. Coed grades 3–6, at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park. Games run January 5–February 18, with playoffs February 23–25, weather and ice permitting. Games are Tuesday–Thursday between 4 and 6:15 p.m.; your team’s schedule determines the commitment. $120 resident or $132 nonresident for the season, plus optional $30 equipment rental. Full equipment is required; sticks are provided. Details and signup.

Tahoe City youth basketball also opens Wednesday at noon. Coed grades 1–8, with January practices and league play February 1–April 2. Practices are at Rideout Gym; game locations vary. Weekday afterschool schedules depend on the team and coaches. $100 resident or $110 nonresident for the season. Registration closes December 16. Details and signup.

Planning adaptive snowsports with Achieve Tahoe? Reservations for the 2026–27 season have opened. Complete the participant forms and waivers first; the booking link arrives after processing. Allow 48 hours for standard paperwork, or seven days for regional-center funding and financial-assistance applications. Lesson fees and availability vary. Start here.

Local jobs

Sierra Business Council has three current full-time openings based in Truckee, with hybrid arrangements. Applicants must live in the Sierra Nevada region of California or Nevada.

• Contracts & Grants Assistant: $28–$32/hour. Support contracts, grant administration, records and reporting.

• Grants Specialist: $32–$36/hour. Grant administration and financial oversight. Funded through June 30, 2027; continuation depends on funding and organizational needs.

• Human Resources Specialist: $32.69–$36.06/hour. HR and payroll, with an expected two to three days a week in the office.

Browse more local jobs.

Weather and time outside

The NWS Truckee forecast has a chance of rain and snow Tuesday, followed by a mostly sunny stretch.

• Today: Morning freezing fog, then increasing clouds. High 56°F.

• Tuesday: A 50% chance of rain and snow, becoming rain as snow levels rise. High 51°F; little or no snow accumulation expected in town.

• Wednesday: Sunny, 53°F.

• Thursday: Mostly sunny, 57°F.

• Friday: Mostly sunny, 58°F.

• Saturday: Sunny, 61°F.

• Sunday: Mostly sunny, 62°F.

Overnight lows are mostly in the 20s. This is the forecast issued Sunday afternoon; check the latest before heading out.

A workspace between ski days

If you’re working remotely in Olympic Valley this winter, take a look at our coworking space, The Shack. Fixed and flex desks, a place to get work done, and the mountain a few minutes away. Book a free tour.

If this helped you plan the week, forward it to a friend. They can subscribe here for the weekly roundup and stories about local people and organizations.

See you out there,
Matt

Read more

Pfeifer House was an unmistakable fixture along Highway 89 in Tahoe City for generations. With its stone fireplace, timbered ceilings, and European cooking, it was a little Alpine chalet that felt right at home in the Sierra.

For Maureen Sullivan, it was also part of a family tradition. She began visiting as a teenager in the 1950s, and the Sullivan family returned over the decades. When the old restaurant closed and the property came up for sale, she saw a chance to bring it back to life. She also had the right people in mind to run it: her stepson, Mark Sullivan, and his wife, Alison, both accomplished chefs.

That idea became Savoie, which opened this past summer. Getting there would take considerably more than a fresh coat of paint.

“For generations, the Sullivan family has enjoyed spending time, in both summer and winter, in Tahoe and at the Pfeifer House.”

Mark and Alison Sullivan

The chefs who decided to make Tahoe home

Mark and Alison bring a substantial culinary résumé to Tahoe City. Mark’s career includes The Village Pub, Spruce, and Selby’s, restaurants that earned Michelin recognition, as well as PlumpJack here in Olympic Valley earlier in his career. Alison was the opening pastry chef at The Village Pub, worked with Laurent Gras and Ron Siegel, apprenticed in Paris, and later built the pastry program at Boulette’s Larder.

Mark and Alison have been full-time Tahoe residents for almost six years, with children in local schools and neighbors who have become part of their everyday lives. That experience shaped their idea of the restaurant as much as their years in professional kitchens.

“We think it is Tahoe culture that has influenced our concept, perhaps as much as anything else.”

What remains and what changed

Maureen bought the property in 2019. By the time Savoie opened, the project had stretched across nearly seven years.

The challenge was to bring the building into the future while preserving the things people loved and remembered. Former Pfeifer House patrons will recognize the original stone fireplace, beamed ceilings, and taxidermy, including the moose. New additions include a larger bar, an open kitchen, wood paneling, and paintings of the Savoie region.

The kitchen’s centerpiece is a custom Molteni range that Mark spent a year designing, with a chef’s table facing it. The restoration was a family effort, with Mark’s sister, designer Annie Sullivan Cobb, and her husband, Oliver Cobb, leading the interiors.

“Our atmosphere is comfy and luxurious in equal measure.”

The Alps through a Tahoe kitchen

Savoie takes its name from the region in the French Alps bordering Switzerland and Italy. Those familiar with the region will recognize the cheeses, handmade pastas, and hearty dishes suited to the end of a day of adventure in the mountains.

Mark and Alison’s approach is to carry those traditions into a California kitchen. They use French technique and draw on Alpine dishes while letting ingredients from Northern California and the Sierra shape what ends up on the plate. The menu moves with the seasons, giving familiar preparations room to change with what regional growers and producers have available.

Three dishes that tell the story

Mark and Alison highlight three dishes that provide a sense of their cooking.

First is boudin blanc, a creamy white sausage made in house from chicken, veal, and pork. Their version comes with red cabbage, beets, and a horseradish soubise sauce. It puts the restaurant’s European roots front and center.

Then there are the raviolettes, small ravioli shaped by hand and filled with fresh ricotta. These are paired with a bright sauce vierge featuring cherry tomatoes from the farmers market.

Given Alison’s pastry background, dessert deserves some attention. For their crème caramel, the chefs describe using caramelized honey from Sierraville and pine tips foraged on the hillside behind the restaurant.

A bar seat or a big night out

Mark and Alison hope people will come for a bite after skiing, a birthday dinner, or a seat at the bar on an ordinary Tuesday.

They picture a solo diner settling in at the bar as comfortably as a group of longtime friends gathering around a table. Their examples run from a burger on a house-made bun and snacks to share to handmade truffle pasta or a steak cooked over a wood fire. The idea is to give people several reasons to come back.

“We have built a place with a seat for everyone: locals, weekenders, and folks who just want to relax and eat well.”

A gathering place for Tahoe City

For Mark and Alison, a successful restaurant also brings people into town. They hope that more visitors choosing Tahoe City for an afternoon or evening out will help the surrounding businesses, too.

That brings the story back to Maureen and the place she remembered. For decades, Pfeifer House gave families a reason to gather on River Road. Now the Sullivans hope people will start building their own traditions at Savoie.

“The Pfeifer house was a beloved gathering place for all, and we hope to continue that tradition for a long time.”

Visit Savoie

• Address: 760 River Road, Tahoe City.

• Posted hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5–10 p.m.

• Reservations: Savoie website

• Menu: View the posted menu

• Instagram: @savoietahoe

Halloween is coming up on Saturday, and there’s lots happening in the meantime. A new restaurant is opening in the old 5050, Tahoe City wants your input on recreation facilities, and there are a couple of important dates to keep on your radar.

This week at a glance

• Truckee Prime is aiming for a November open. The former FiftyFifty restaurant space is becoming a steakhouse with a laid-back vibe.

• Have a say in Tahoe City’s recreation future. Tuesday’s meeting covers potential gym and aquatics options.

• Friday is a big family night. Truckee and Tahoe City both have Halloween outings, with Día de los Muertos inside Truckee’s Community Arts Center.

• Boaters, plan ahead. Lake Forest Boat Ramp closes November 1–30 for dredging.

Local news and community updates

Truckee Prime plans a November opening

A new steakhouse is opening in the former FiftyFifty restaurant space. Dustin Hurley and Zeke Straw are behind Truckee Prime, with chef Chris Lott leading the kitchen. The plan is steaks, seafood and cocktails in a relaxed mountain-town setting.

Sierra Sun’s October 22 report says the team is preparing for a November opening.

What should Tahoe City’s community center become?

An indoor gym, an aquatics facility, or a combination of the two? Those are concepts being considered for the existing Tahoe City Community Center property. No construction decision has been made.

TCPUD is gathering input Tuesday, October 27, 6–7:30 p.m. at North Tahoe High School, following nearly 1,200 survey responses. Bring your priorities and questions. Meeting details and RSVP.

Lake Forest Boat Ramp closes for November

TCPUD says Lake Forest Boat Ramp will close November 1–30 for dredging. Winter launch operations will move temporarily to Obexers Marina in Homewood. Completion by November 30 depends on weather and conditions, so check the district’s updates before heading out.

More primary care providers land at Tahoe Forest

Tahoe Forest has added four primary care providers: Sara Holmes, MD; Connor Lemos, MD; Amber Forster, FNP; and Anna Petersen, FNP. They’re based at 10956 Donner Pass Road. All four are accepting new patients; contact the clinic for appointment availability.

Help oversee local wildfire-prevention spending

Truckee Fire is recruiting for its Measure T Citizens’ Oversight Committee, which helps oversee local wildfire-prevention spending. The committee has two member seats and five alternate positions for people who want to help review how those funds are being used. Applications are due November 6 at 5 p.m..

Have a local story, announcement, or someone we should feature? Send a news tip.

Last week’s Local Spotlight

Palisades Tahoe Community Foundation

Last week I shared the story of the foundation helping young athletes stay in the game. PTCF supports young skiers and snowboarders on the mountain and in school. It’s an organization I’m proud to be part of as a board member.

PTCF’s Annual Auction is now open, with a few cool items up for bid:

• Reserved parking: your own space by the entrance of Olympic Valley’s Preferred Parking Lot, held for the season with a custom name sign.

• Apex Club: a membership for the 2026–27 season, including priority lift access, the Apex Lounge and premium parking.

• Retired trail signs: eight authentic signs from the mountain.

Bidding closes Wednesday, November 18 at 8 p.m. Proceeds support scholarships, the Academic Center and season-long support for young winter athletes. Browse the lots and place a bid.

Know someone who would enjoy these local stories? Send them TNT.

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Events this week

Monday, October 26

Truckee Chamber Town Talk: Winter Weather Outlook and Preparedness
9 a.m. | Martis Valley Lodge, 11951 CA-267, Truckee | Free

Hear from the National Weather Service, CHP and Truckee’s Office of Emergency Services about winter outlooks and preparedness. Coffee provided; RSVP is helpful but not required.

Tuesday, October 27

Tahoe City Community Center Input Meeting
6–7:30 p.m. | North Tahoe High School, 2945 Polaris Road, Tahoe City

Share your recreation priorities and see preliminary facility concepts. RSVP is encouraged, not required; the organizer does not list an admission charge. Study and RSVP.

Wednesday, October 28

Truckee Evacuation Study Community Workshop
5:30–7 p.m. | Truckee Town Hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Road | Free

Review early findings and potential projects, then share feedback before recommendations are finalized. Spanish interpretation will be available; registration is encouraged.

Thursday, October 29

TDU MTB Movie Premiere
Doors 5 p.m.; movie 6:30 p.m. | Alibi Truckee, 10069 Bridge Street | Free; donations welcome

A new mountain-bike movie from TDU, open to all ages, with donations supporting the organization.

Friday, October 30

Downtown Tahoe City Trick-or-Treat
4–6 p.m. | Starts at Heritage Plaza, Tahoe City | Free

Costumes and candy with participating downtown businesses, one evening before Halloween.

Halloween in the Park
4–6 p.m. | Community Arts Center Downtown Park, Truckee | Free

Trick-or-treating, music and a costume contest at 5:30 p.m.

Día de los Muertos Community Celebration
4–7 p.m. | Community Arts Center Auditorium, 10046 Church Street, Truckee | Free

Food, crafts, activities and a community altar remembering loved ones. Bring a photo of someone you’d like to honor. It’s next door to Halloween in the Park, making it easy to visit both.

Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1

Tube-or-Treat at Sugar Rush: Saturday · Sunday
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 350 Sugar Bowl Road, Donner Summit | $25 per person for a two-hour session

Saturday adds a DJ, trick-or-treating and costumes; Sunday continues the tubing. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall. Weather and conditions permitting; advance reservations recommended.

View full calendar

Local jobs

A few fresh openings from the Truckee North Tahoe Jobs Collective:

• Part-time bookseller at Word After Word Books, Truckee. Three to four days a week, including weekends and holidays. $18/hour during training, rising to $20/hour after the first bookseller training level.

• Print Production Technician at The Office BOSS, Truckee. Full-time, $18–$22/hour. Printing, customer service and shipping support; training is available.

• Groups Sales Manager at Granlibakken Tahoe, Tahoe City. Full-time, $24–$26/hour plus a commission agreement, coordinating group bookings, conferences, retreats and weddings.

• Development Manager at Sierra State Parks Foundation, Kings Beach. Full-time, $75,000–$85,000/year, leading fundraising and communications. Applications are due November 15.

Browse all local jobs.

Family registration dates to save

Tahoe City youth hockey: registration opens November 4 at noon. Coed grades 3–6 at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park. Games run January 5–February 18, with playoffs February 23–25, weather and ice permitting. Games fall Tuesday–Thursday between 4 and 6:15 p.m.; confirm your team’s schedule. $120 resident or $132 nonresident for the season, plus optional $30 equipment rental. Full equipment is required; sticks are provided.

Tahoe City youth basketball: registration opens November 4 at noon and closes December 16. Coed grades 1–8. Practices begin in January; games run February 1–April 2, 2027. Weekday afterschool times depend on the team, gym and coaches. $100 resident or $110 nonresident per season. Check with the provider about availability.

Weather and time outside

Here’s the day-by-day NWS forecast for Truckee, updated Monday morning. Expect a sunny start and a cooler Halloween weekend.

• Monday, October 26: Sunny and windy; gusts up to 45 mph. High: 52°F.

• Tuesday, October 27: Sunny. High: 53°F.

• Wednesday, October 28: Sunny. High: 58°F.

• Thursday, October 29: Partly sunny. High: 54°F.

• Friday, October 30: Mostly sunny; slight chance of rain and snow late overnight. High: 49°F.

• Saturday, October 31: Partly sunny, with a chance of rain and snow. High: 45°F.

• Sunday, November 1: Partly sunny, with a chance of snow. High: 45°F.

Overnight lows run about 16–28°F through Saturday night. A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday. Weekend rain and snow chances may change, so recheck the forecast before outdoor plans.

For anglers, Four Seasons Fly Fishing’s latest dated report, October 16, covers low-water fall fishing around the Truckee. Use it as background and check current conditions before a trip.

A workspace between ski days

Working remotely in Olympic Valley this winter? Our coworking space, The Shack, has fixed and flex desk memberships starting at $180/month. Book a free tour and see whether it’s a fit. A quiet place to get some work done near the mountain.

If this helped you plan the week, forward it to a friend. They can subscribe here.

See you out there,
Matt

Friday: Halloween at Sand Harbor

Spooky Harbor starts with festival activities at 4pm, trick-or-treating at 6pm and Monster House on the outdoor stage at 7:30pm. Bring blankets, snacks and a flashlight. The event is free; park entrance fees apply.

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Saturday: Costumes meet the pump track

Truck-ee-Treat Dirt Jam runs 10am–4pm at Riverview Bike Park in Truckee. The day starts with a pump-track session for kids 12 and under, followed by racing, trick showcases and slopestyle. Costumes and decorated bikes encouraged. Pro division entry is $20; other fees aren’t specified.

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Saturday: A free afternoon in Kings Beach

Tahoe Backyard’s Día de los Muertos celebration runs noon–7pm with music, face painting, food and an altar remembering loved ones. It also marks the opening of La Katrina Food Truck. Free admission, with food available to purchase.

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Saturday evening: Chocolate, wine and a local cause

The Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival brings tastings and Dead Winter Carpenters to the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village, 6–10pm. Tickets are listed at $250, supporting Sierra Community House’s work across North Tahoe and Truckee. Check availability before making plans.

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Sunday: Trade your broomstick for a paddle

The Donner Lake Witches Paddle gathers at Donner Memorial State Park, 10am–1:30pm. Bring your paddleboard or kayak, a costume and a personal flotation device. Prepare for cold water and check organizer updates for conditions and fees.

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Weekend weather

Truckee’s forecast calls for a cool Friday around 50°F, sunshine Saturday with a high of 58°F, and partly sunny skies Sunday reaching 64°F. Overnight lows drop into the low 20s Friday and Saturday, so bring warm layers for evening plans and expect chilly morning starts.

View full calendar

A quick favor

I’m trying out this short weekend roundup to make finding things to do a little easier. Was it useful? Let me know in the poll below, and feel free to reply with anything you’d like me to include next time.

The Palisades Tahoe Community Foundation (PTCF) started sort of by accident with a little money left over from a coaches’ party at Alpine Meadows in 2009.

Team parent Reem Saffouri recognized the financial burden of competitive skiing and snowboarding and saw an opportunity to help athletes and coaches pursue their goals. That idea became the Alpine Meadows Foundation. In 2013, it was formally organized as the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Foundation, before becoming PTCF in 2021 alongside the mountain’s name change.

From that serendipitous beginning, PTCF has gone on to award more than $1 million in scholarships since 2014. Alongside financial support, PTCF helps athletes keep up with school and builds connections among the families who spend their winters here.

I’m personally a proud PTCF board member, helping across marketing and digital initiatives, and default IT guy, including having my team at Peak Digital Studio rebuild the website last year.

Meagan Nichols, PTCF’s board president, was kind enough to answer my questions about the foundation’s history, the families it supports and what comes next.

What PTCF does

PTCF is an independent nonprofit supporting Team Palisades Tahoe (TPT) student-athletes through need- and merit-based scholarships, the Academic Center in the team’s building in Olympic Valley, and community events that help fund the work and bring people together.

An all-volunteer board of team parents and local community members leads the foundation. TPT’s Bill Hudson serves as a board member and Eric Garayoa as an adviser, while Flynn Ginty manages operations and development.

The mountain has a proud history of developing U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team members and Freeride World Tour athletes. PTCF supports those ambitions while recognizing that most young athletes will take the lessons they learn here into other careers besides Olympian or pro skier, including confidence, discipline, teamwork and a lifelong love of sliding on snow matter wherever they end up.

“We’re trying to build future leaders, not just future Olympians,” Meagan says.

The cost of competing and how scholarships help

Anyone who skis, particularly with one or more kids on a team, knows how quickly the costs accumulate. Passes, team fees, travel, a quiver of skis, other gear, competition entries: the list keeps growing, all in an area where the cost of living is already high. PTCF helps bridge that gap so more families can keep their kids involved and athletes can pursue opportunities as they progress.

There are two scholarship routes available to families:

• Pre-season need-based scholarships help families plan for the coming winter.

• In-season merit awards help athletes who qualify for regional, national or international championships meet the extra costs.

Recipients span TPT’s programs, from Mighty Mites and Alpine Rangers to skiers and snowboarders competing nationally and internationally in racing, freeride and cross disciplines.

Athletes are encouraged to write their own applications, reflecting on what they accomplished, where they improved and what their sport means to them. Families also give back by volunteering at PTCF events and fundraisers. It helps build a community where people receiving support play a part in making it possible for the next family.

What support means for Wyatt and Riley

When I asked Meagan for a story that showed what this support means to a family, she pointed to twins Wyatt and Riley Denkers, both PTCF scholarship alumni who live with cystic fibrosis.

For Wyatt and Riley, being active outdoors and belonging to a team have been important to their health and happiness. Their mom, Laura, has described PTCF’s support as life-changing: during a difficult year, it helped preserve the activity, friendships and joy that came with their ski seasons.

Meagan remembers that support in terms of what the boys could keep doing and how it made them feel. “That’s what every donation is really making possible,” she says.

The twins have since turned one of their own challenges into a business. After struggling with hydration while competing, they created Curent, a lightly carbonated electrolyte drink made with coconut water and little sugar. They’re also developing a powder version. It’s an awesome example of young athletes taking lessons they’ve learned in their sport and applying it to their life outside of skiing.

Academic support during ski season

Training and competition also make serious demands on an athlete’s time. Long days on snow and travel between events can make keeping up with schoolwork a challenge.

PTCF teamed up with TPT to create the Academic Center, on the second floor of the teams building. It’s free for TPT athletes in grades 5–12 during the training season, offering tutoring, test preparation, writing feedback and a structured place to complete coursework and build good study habits.

The Academic Center brings Meagan’s point about future leaders into focus. These kids need to leave the program ready for college, careers and whatever comes after their time on TPT, with the skills to manage their responsibilities alongside something they love.

Events that bring the community together

The third part of PTCF’s work is bringing the community together. The events help fund scholarships and academic support, while giving families, coaches, alumni and neighbors a reason to spend time together.

Warren Miller film screenings

The annual Warren Miller screening is a familiar warm-up for winter: ski movies, friends you haven’t seen since spring and plenty of anticipation for opening day.

This year’s film, Days Off, is Warren Miller’s 77th, hosted by filmmaker Katie Burrell. It follows top skiers and snowboarders on the days when they’re free to ski for the pleasure of it. The Palisades Tahoe screenings take place Wednesday, November 4, and Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Olympic Village Event Center.

PTCF is a local partner, with a portion of ticket sales supporting the foundation. Scholarship student-athletes will be volunteering at the PTCF table, so you can meet some of the people your night at the movies helps support.

Tickets: Wednesday, November 4 or Thursday, November 5.

Kids Gear Swap

October 11’s Kids Gear Swap was PTCF’s biggest yet, according to Meagan. Organized with Creekside Charter School and Team Palisades Tahoe, it helps families pass along the skis, boots and jackets their kids have outgrown and find what they need for the next winter.

It’s a practical way to make the sport more affordable, and a chance for newer team families to meet people who have been doing this for years.

Peak 2 Peak

Our flagship spring fundraiser, Peak 2 Peak, is planned for Saturday, March 27, 2027. The name celebrates the two sides of the mountain, Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows, and the day brings together a friends-and-family GS race, a freeride competition and an après celebration.

Parents race their kids, teammates cheer each other on, and everyone gets together afterward at Olympic House for raffle prizes, podium awards and a celebration of the season. The previous event raised more than $30,000 for PTCF.

“It’s a party with a purpose,” Meagan says. And it’s one you can put in your calendar now.

The Fall Auction and Red Dog chair sponsorships

What began as a parking auction has grown into the PTCF Annual Fall Auction, with more ways to support the athletes and come away with something you’ll enjoy all winter. The auction went live at 9 a.m. this morning, so you can browse the items and start bidding now.

This year’s lineup includes:

• Preferred parking: a reserved front-row space in Palisades Tahoe’s Preferred Parking lot.

• Apex Club passes: two passes for the 2026–27 season.

• Mountain trail signs: real eight-foot trail signs from around the mountain, ready for a garage, cabin or living-room wall.

The auction raises money for athlete scholarships, turning a coveted parking spot or a piece of mountain memorabilia into support for someone’s season. View the auction and item listings.

Sponsor a Red Dog chair

You can also put your family’s name, a tribute to someone you love or a short message on the back of a Red Dog chair through PTCF’s chair sponsorship program. Sponsorships are $2,000, with proceeds supporting scholarships and academic resources.

Families have sponsored chairs in memory of loved ones, to honor friends and as holiday gifts. It’s a particularly personal way to give back to a mountain that holds a lot of memories.

Future plans and how readers can help

PTCF’s biggest challenge is the gap between what families need and what we can fund. Each year, we receive more strong applications than we can fully support. Our ambition is to make scholarship awards more meaningful, strengthen the Academic Center and help athletes keep up with their studies while traveling to compete.

Recurring donations and lasting partnerships with local businesses help us plan for those commitments. If you’d like to support the work, you can make a donation, attend a screening, participate in the auction, sponsor a chair or volunteer. Educators interested in tutoring can contact academics@ptcommunityfoundation.org.

It can all start with one small act, like Reem’s idea to use a little leftover party money to help young athletes pursue their dreams. Seventeen years later, that impulse has grown into a community effort that helps kids keep showing up, on the mountain and in the classroom.

Learn more at ptcommunityfoundation.org and follow @palisades_tahoe_cf on Instagram.

Ski movie season is kicking into in full swing, Halloween is coming to Tahoe City, and there are lots of ways to get involved around town this week. We’ve also got a change in the weather coming, with rain and higher-elevation snow in the forecast.

Here’s what’s happening this week in Truckee/North Tahoe!

This week at a glance

• Local ski crews hit the big screen. Way She Goes plays Wednesday at the Art Haus, followed by Low Tide at Alibi on Thursday.

• Get ready for the backcountry. Cody Townsend and David Reichel join Wednesday’s avalanche education evening in Truckee.

• Zombies take over Tahoe City on Friday. Costumes, downtown festivities, and a free shuttle from Olympic Valley and the West Shore.

• Chocolate, wine, and Dead Winter Carpenters. Sierra Community House’s annual fundraiser returns Saturday in Incline Village.

Last week’s Local Spotlight

Ski For The Love: Keeping ski movies fun

A few beers around a coffee table became a Tahoe ski film project. Five years later, the Ski For The Love crew is still chasing snow and keeping ski movies fun.

I spoke with Josh Anderson about how it started, the people behind the project, and their latest film, Way She Goes. Make sure to check out their screenings this week at Art Haus on Wednesday and the Moment factory in Reno on Friday.

Read the spotlight →

Local news and community updates

California voters: today is the regular registration deadline

Monday, October 19, is California’s deadline to register online or have a paper registration postmarked for the November 3 election. If you’ve moved or need to update your registration, take a minute today.

Miss the deadline? Eligible voters can still use conditional voter registration after today, including on Election Day. Register, check your status, or find the details here.

Mt. Rose fires up snowmaking

Mt. Rose became the first Tahoe resort to start snowmaking for the 2026–27 season and is targeting a November 6 opening, weather and conditions permitting.

Navigation Center gets support for a second year

Following the meeting previewed last week, Truckee Town Council and Tahoe Forest Hospital District voted unanimously October 13 to continue the Navigation Center pilot.

Each approved $235,000 for year two, contingent on a state grant to purchase the building. The center reported 96% bed utilization during the reporting period, while some neighboring residents continued to raise concerns about its location. Moonshine Ink has the full report.

East Shore improvements move forward

The Tahoe Transportation District reports 38 additional parking spaces at the East Shore Trailhead and 130 spaces at Chimney Beach, along with a transit stop and lighted highway crossing there.

Design is also underway for the next nearly two-mile trail segment from Sand Harbor toward Chimney Beach. That extension is still in planning. See the project updates.

Want to get more involved locally?

Applications are open for the 2027 North Tahoe-Truckee Leadership Program, with sessions covering local government, the environment, economic development, and other regional issues. Applications are due December 4 at 5 p.m., and partial scholarships are available. Learn more and apply.

Events this week

Monday, October 19

Free Fixit Clinic
4–7 p.m. | Truckee Roundhouse, 12116 Chandelle Way

Bring broken electronics, clothing, furniture, or outdoor gear and learn how to repair them with volunteer coaches. Bike mechanics will also help with simple repairs. Free, all ages, and no registration required. Clothing repairs are limited to three items per person.

Tuesday, October 20

Good Morning Truckee: Haunted History
Doors 7:45 a.m.; program 8 a.m. | Truckee Town Hall

Local history over breakfast, with Greg Zirbel of the Truckee-Donner Historical Society, JJ Morgan of the Truckee Hotel, and a portrayal of Donner Party member Patrick Breen. Admission includes breakfast and coffee: $10 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.

Wednesday, October 21

Ski For The Love: Way She Goes
5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema, Tahoe City

The hometown screening of the crew’s latest film, following a season of chasing snow from Tahoe to Japan, Canada, Alaska, Argentina, and New Zealand.

The Basics: Avalanche Education Series
Doors 6 p.m.; presentation 6:30 p.m. | Alibi Ale Works, Truckee

Cody Townsend and David Reichel cover trip planning, equipment, and being a good backcountry partner. The first of four education evenings also includes a raffle benefiting Sierra Avalanche Center.

Thursday, October 22

East Nevada County community meeting
5 p.m. | Donner Room, Joseph Center, 10075 Levon Avenue, Truckee

Share what’s working, what needs improvement, and which county services matter most to east county residents. The discussion covers services ranging from roads and emergency preparedness to housing, health, and libraries.

Low Tide film premiere
5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Alibi Ale Works, Truckee

Another evening of local ski talent on screen, with Zero G Films’ Low Tide, merchandise, and raffles.

Friday, October 23

Tahoe City Zombie Crawl
5–10 p.m. | Downtown Tahoe City

Dress up and wander between participating businesses for entertainment, specials, and Halloween festivities. Participation is free, and a free event shuttle runs from Olympic Valley and the West Shore. Check the event page for the shuttle schedule.

Moment’s season kickoff party
Doors 5 p.m.; films around 7:30 p.m. | Moment HQ, 1085 Bible Way, Reno

Films from Britta, Tyler Curle, and Ski For The Love, plus raffle prizes and new skis to admire. Proceeds support The Holland Project. Admission is $15 for films or $20 including alcohol for those 21 and over.

Saturday, October 24

TDGC Champions Cup
10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday | Ponderosa Golf Course, Truckee

A temporary 27-hole course hosts this two-day charity tournament benefiting Truckee Disc Golf Club. The $45 base entry supports the club, and PDGA membership isn’t required. Registration closes Wednesday, October 21, at 5 p.m.

Día de los Muertos celebration
Noon–7 p.m. | Tahoe Backyard, Kings Beach

A free community gathering with live music, face painting, food, and an altar honoring loved ones who have passed. Families and friends are welcome.

Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival
6–10 p.m. | Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Incline Village

Sierra Community House’s annual fundraiser brings together wine, chocolate, and live music from Dead Winter Carpenters. Proceeds support its programs serving North Tahoe and Truckee, including hunger relief and family support. Tickets are $250.

Sunday, October 25

Festie Babes clothing swap and market
1–6 p.m. | Alibi Ale Works, Truckee

Swap festival clothing, browse local vendors, and enjoy DJs. Entry is $10. Clothing drop-offs happen Tuesday and Thursday, 4–7 p.m., ahead of Sunday’s swap. All genders welcome.

Looking ahead

• Winter Weather Outlook and Preparedness, October 26: A free Town Talk at Martis Valley Lodge, starting at 9 a.m., with the National Weather Service, CHP, and Truckee’s Office of Emergency Services.

• Tahoe City Community Center meeting, October 27: Share recreation priorities at North Tahoe High School at 6 p.m. Potential concepts include an indoor gym, aquatics facility, or combined recreation facility. No construction decision has been made.

Local jobs

Four openings posted since last week:

• Team Member at Word After Word Books: A full-time, year-round bookselling role in Truckee. $18/hour during training, then $20/hour after completing Bookseller Level I.

• Field Organizer at Sierra Watch: Full-time conservation outreach and community organizing in the Tahoe-Truckee region. $58,000–$68,000 annually.

• Repair Technician at Tahoe Dave’s: Winter work tuning, repairing, and servicing skis and snowboards. $24–$29/hour.

• Greeter Host at Northstar California: Winter seasonal guest services, with part-time hours available. $20/hour.

Browse all local jobs →

Weather outlook

Enjoy the dry start: the National Weather Service forecast turns wetter Wednesday and Thursday, with snow mainly at higher elevations.

• Today, Monday: Sunny, high near 63°F. Gusts could reach 25 mph.

• Tuesday: Partly sunny, around 61°F, with a chance of rain overnight.

• Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, high near 56°F.

• Thursday: Rain likely, around 50°F. Snow levels near 8,400 feet.

• Friday: Mostly sunny, around 54°F.

• Saturday: Sunny, around 56°F.

• Sunday: Another chance of rain and mountain snow, around 53°F.

Overnight temperatures drop into the 20s later in the week. Keep the rain jacket handy for midweek plans.

Check the NWS forecast for Truckee →

Still tempting Ullr? Our Super El Niño stickers and merch are in the shop.

Have an event, local story, or someone we should feature? Hit reply and let me know.

See you out there,
Matt

Like all good (and some bad) ideas, it all started with some friends drinking beers around the coffee table. They were skiers who’d been spending their winters filming on other projects, but getting out together whenever they could. A few PBRs (I’m assuming) sparked an idea: why not start their own project to capture the hijinks and don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously vibe of the local Tahoe ski scene?

Those coffee-table beers ultimately led to Ski For The Love, a half a decade old project that brings the fun and passion of a Tahoe ski crew to the world.

“So pretty much kitchen beers turned into a project that succeeded.”

I spoke with Josh Anderson, aka Senior, to learn more about the project, what keeps the crew coming back, and what we can expect from their latest film, Way She Goes.

Good skiing and good company

The core Ski For The Love crew consists of Josh Anderson, Brandon Craddock, Jedidiah Kravitz, Alex “Shugz” Dorszynski, and filmmaker/editor Hazen Woolson, with friends such as Noah Gaffney, Trevor Semmens, and Connery Lundin joining them along the way. The goal is to make fun, upbeat films with good skiing to back them up. They draw inspiration from older Level 1 and Poor Boyz movies, where the personalities and soundtrack were part of what made you want to get out and ski.

“We have a good time and try and show people what it’s like out there.”

Hazen is the creative force behind the scenes, tasked with capturing the group’s personality, the skiing, and everything that happens in between. The goal is to give viewers the sense that they’re along for the ride with the crew, which shines through in all their movies. Josh credits Hazen with finding that balance: “He’s the maestro and the genius.”

The way she goes

The crew’s first project, Ski For The Love: Season 1, took a serialized approach with shorter installments. Their second, Home, Sick! Too Good To Leave, moved to a longer film format, with the crew staying close to home when Tahoe delivered a winter too good to leave. Mad Love followed, embracing the highs and frustrations of time in the mountains, from coordinating shots to getting deep into the backcountry. Last year’s Yard Sale took the crew from the Sierra through British Columbia and Alaska, with plenty of skiing and stories along the way.

The latest film is Way She Goes, a title fans of the raunchy Canadian TV show Trailer Park Boys will immediately recognize. (If you haven’t seen TPB, do yourself a favor and watch an episode or two, but be warned: it’s not safe for work.)

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”

The title stemmed from a running response to the season’s setbacks. With an inconsistent winter in Tahoe, the crew needed to chase conditions and make the most of what they found. They rolled with the punches (way she goes) and got out far and wide, to Canada, Japan, Alaska, Argentina, and New Zealand. Josh is particularly stoked for viewers to see Noah Gaffney and Carson McCarron’s footage from Canada and Alaska, with epic lines and some absolute tomahawks.

And the crew didn’t have to look far to cast their version of the show. “Jed is obviously stupid sexy Julian,” Josh says. For the uninitiated, Julian is the character rarely seen without a glass of rum and Coke in his hand, even when everything around him is going sideways. Josh assures me the drinks in the film’s intro were alcohol-free - I remain skeptical.

Making room for their kind of ski movie

With GoPros and social media, putting out ski footage has become increasingly accessible, giving individual athletes and smaller crews a way to release their own edits and films. Twenty years ago, the fall ski-movie premiere was how we saw the biggest lines from the prior season. Nowadays, athletes are posting lines daily to Instagram.

While the big production companies still do a great job of bringing top athletes together to put down big lines and unique trips, SFTL and other smaller crews are finding their own audiences and connecting with their local communities. Josh sees that growing variety as one of the biggest changes in ski filmmaking: “Each athlete, each crew has an edit, has a movie.”

For SFTL, that has meant building recognition while keeping the project rooted in the people who started it. Josh credits consistent support from ON3P, Flylow, and Mountain Gazette, with Moment joining in, for helping them keep going. “The fact that people are still supporting us, we’re doing our best to take that and make something real out of it,” he says.

As for the long-term vision, Josh has some ideas he’s keeping to himself for now. The immediate goal is pretty straightforward:

“Just keep it alive as long as people are willing to do it.”

Bringing it home to Tahoe

For all the traveling, showing the finished film to a room full of Tahoe locals is something Josh looks forward to. Friends, families, and community members turn out at the Art Haus to see what the crew got up to, and the screenings have become their own fall gathering.

The earlier show tends to draw parents and kids. “Do our best not to swear at them too much,” Josh says. The later screening has a slightly different energy and, in true ski-community fashion, quite a thirst: “I think we’ve got the record for beer sales at the Art Haus.”

“We’ve had a really solid crew of friends and community members come out to support us at the Art Haus. It’s always a really good time.”

Way She Goes screens at Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema on Wednesday, October 21, at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. More information and tickets available here.

The crew then heads to Reno for Moment’s season kickoff party on Friday, October 23, with films from Britta, Tyler Curle, and Ski For The Love. Expect ski movies, raffle prizes (including a chance at new Moment skis), plenty of new gear to check out, and winter friends back in one place. Proceeds support The Holland Project.

Follow the crew on Instagram, and check out their spiffy new website: skiforthelove.com

This chilly morning is a reminder that winter is just around the corner! There’s plenty going on this week: two nights of Mountainfilm, a chance to help restore the Truckee River watershed, and a couple of good family events. Read on!

This week at a glance

• Mountainfilm returns Friday and Saturday. Alpenglow Sports brings two different film programs to Tahoe City and Olympic Valley, with fundraising for Sierra Avalanche Center.

• Truckee River Day is Sunday. Volunteer on restoration projects around the watershed, then join the afternoon fair at Granite Flat Campground.

• A family-friendly Saturday on the North Shore. Free Tie-Dye + Doughnuts in Tahoe Vista, followed by Harvest Fest in Tahoe City.

• El Niño keeps strengthening. NOAA’s latest update points to a strong to very strong event continuing into early 2027.

Last week’s Local Spotlight

From a Pickup Truck to North Tahoe Junk Removal

Reese Bickart moved here to spend a winter teaching snowboarding. Five years later, he’s still here, running a hauling business that started with a pickup truck and neighbors looking for help.

We talked about growing a crew, making the quieter winter months work, and what happens to the things people ask him to remove. You might even spot one man’s trash sailing around Stampede next time you’re there.

Read Reese’s story →

Local news and community updates

El Niño is strengthening

NOAA’s October 8 update says a strong to very strong El Niño is likely to persist into early 2027, with a high chance of an event that exceeds previous El Niños in its record.

That gives the winter hype some more substance, but it still doesn’t tell us exactly how much snow Tahoe will get. NOAA explicitly says the expected impacts aren’t guaranteed.

Read NOAA’s latest update →

If you want to jump on the hype train with us, we’ve made some Super El Niño stickers and merch to tempt Ullr.

Shop Super El Niño stickers and merch →

A new CEO for Palisades’ parent company

Alterra Mountain Company, which owns Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows and operates the Ikon Pass, has named Kelly Vohs its next CEO, effective October 19.

Vohs comes from SafetyCulture, with previous leadership experience in hospitality and real estate.

Read the announcement →

Nevada County adopts its resilience roadmap

Nevada County supervisors approved a long-term plan on October 6 to help the county prepare for wildfire, drought, flooding, and other climate impacts.

The Resource Resiliency Roadmap provides direction for projects and helps position the county for future funding. The county says it does not introduce new mandates or regulations.

Read about the plan →

A seat at the table on Tahoe land use

Placer County is seeking applicants for a Planning Commission seat representing residents east of the Sierra Crest.

The commission advises supervisors on planning and land-use matters. If you’ve wanted to get more involved in the decisions shaping our communities, this is a concrete opportunity.

View the opening and application details →

Events this week

Monday, October 12

Remember How They Lived: Indigenous Peoples Day
5:30–8 p.m. | UNR at Lake Tahoe, Incline Village

An evening honoring missing and murdered Indigenous relatives through remembrance, storytelling, and advocacy. Hosted by Washoe Off-Res in partnership with the Urban Indian Health Institute, with keynote speaker Abigail Echo-Hawk.

Tuesday, October 13

Truckee Navigation Center discussion
Town Hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Road

Truckee and Tahoe Forest Hospital District will discuss continuing the Navigation Center for a second year and consider a funding recommendation. The center provides shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness.

The Town calendar lists the joint meeting at 5 p.m., while the coalition’s announcement lists 5:30 p.m. Check the posted agenda for the final schedule.

Wednesday, October 14

Lunch and Learn: Preparing for Power Outages
Noon–1 p.m. | Truckee Town Hall

Sierra Business Council is helping develop Truckee’s Energy Resilience Plan and wants to hear how outages affect local businesses and organizations.

Bring your experiences and ideas. Lunch is included; free for Chamber members, $20 for nonmembers.

Thursday, October 15

Discover & Discuss
5–7:30 p.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 North Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach

Drop in to talk with Placer County staff about local projects and programs, ask questions, and share ideas. Free, with food, childcare, and Spanish interpretation provided.

Friday, October 16

Achieve Tahoe’s Vintner Dinner
5–9 p.m. | The Timbers at Old Greenwood, Truckee

A four-course dinner paired with Ridge Vineyards wines, supporting Achieve Tahoe. Individual tickets are $250, with limited availability shown on the booking page.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Night One
Doors 6:30 p.m.; films 7 p.m. | Alpenglow Sports, Tahoe City

Friday’s program focuses on social, cultural, and environmental stories. Tickets are $32 presale or $40 at the door, with dinner from MOGROG included. Beverage sales benefit Sierra Avalanche Center.

Seating is limited, with standing room for remaining guests, so arrive early if you want a chair.

Saturday, October 17

Tie-Dye + Doughnuts
9 a.m.–noon | North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Vista

A free morning of tie-dyeing, with supplies, bandanas, and doughnuts provided. You can also bring a clean, white, 100% cotton item to customize.

Harvest Fest
11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Tahoe City Community Center

Carnival games, bounce houses, hay rides, and a tower slide. Admission is free; $20 wristbands for ages 3 and up provide unlimited access to activities, games, and hay rides.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Night Two
Doors 5 p.m.; films 6:30 p.m. | Olympic Village Events Center, Olympic Valley

Saturday’s program is all about adventure, with games, outdoor brands, and food available before the films.

Presale tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for kids. Door prices are $30 and $20. A raffle and beverage sales benefit Sierra Avalanche Center; dinner is available to purchase separately.

Sunday, October 18

31st Annual Truckee River Day & Fair
Restoration projects start at 9 or 11 a.m. | Locations across the watershed
Community fair: 1–4 p.m. | Granite Flat Campground

Spend part of Sunday planting native vegetation, improving habitat, and helping restore the places we enjoy all year. Projects run until approximately 2 p.m.; register ahead to receive your assignment.

The afternoon fair includes entertainment, environmental education, and art activities. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you volunteer. Granite Flat is about a mile south of Truckee on Highway 89.

Register and find the details →

Local jobs

A few local openings to check out:

• Facility Operations Manager at Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Full-time, based in Truckee.

• Engagement & Events Manager at Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Full-time, with office work and offsite events.

• Temporary Food Supply Specialist at Sierra Community House. Part-time, supporting food recovery, distribution, and warehouse operations. $25 per hour.

• Retail Sales Associate at California 89’s downtown Truckee store.

Browse all local jobs →

Hiring? Post your opening →

Weather outlook

A brief taste of winter today, followed by a return to sunny fall afternoons.

This morning’s National Weather Service forecast for Truckee calls for a 40% chance of rain and snow showers today, mainly after 2 p.m., with little or no snow accumulation expected. Tonight gets cold, with a low around 17°F.

• Monday, October 12: Chance of rain and snow showers. High 48°F, low 17°F.

• Tuesday, October 13: Sunny. High 55°F, low 22°F.

• Wednesday, October 14: Sunny. High 64°F, low 27°F.

• Thursday, October 15: Sunny. High 65°F, low 27°F.

• Friday, October 16: Sunny. High 70°F, low 29°F.

• Saturday, October 17: Sunny. High 69°F, low 30°F.

• Sunday, October 18: Sunny. High near 67°F.

Bring layers for the evening films, and expect a chilly start if you’re volunteering Sunday.

Check the latest NWS forecast →

One of the more unusual things Reese Bickart has been asked to haul away is now sailing around Stampede Reservoir. His business, North Tahoe Junk Removal, was called in to remove a perfectly usable sailboat. Instead of taking it to the dump, Reese gave it to a friend, who still takes it out sailing.

In this case, one man’s junk really was another man’s treasure.

One winter turned into five years

Reese’s story will sound familiar to many Tahoe transplants. A snowboarder who grew up on the East Coast, he started visiting Truckee almost every winter weekend while attending college in the Bay Area. His sister, Skylar (read her spotlight here), had moved here, giving him another reason to make the trip.

When he left school, his plan was to move to Tahoe, work as a snowboard instructor for one season, and head back to the Bay. But winter turned to summer, summer turned back to winter, and five years later, Truckee had become home.

“Well, five years later, I’m still here and can’t imagine leaving. Truckee and the North Tahoe area have really become home for me.”

A truck, a few online posts, and a growing business

As any truck owner knows, you’re always in high demand when people move or start a spring cleaning project. Reese already owned a truck and was looking for side work. It turned out his neighbors were already asking for exactly the kind of help he could offer.

“I started noticing people on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups constantly looking for someone to haul things to the dump.”

His first gigs were small enough to handle with just his pickup. Eventually, he borrowed his brother-in-law’s trailer, allowing him to take on bigger jobs. Demand kept growing, and he bought his own trailers. What started as a side hustle became a full-time business with a crew to help keep up.

His business grew in response to a practical need in the community. People had stuff they needed gone, and Reese had a truck and was willing to do the work.

Making a living through the seasons

The winter that brought Reese to Tahoe is also the season when his hauling business slows down. From May through October, he says, they’re slammed almost every week. Once the snow arrives, the pace changes.

Like many local trades and service businesses, keeping a crew working across seasons takes some juggling. Reese started a Christmas light installation business to help keep himself and the crew busy heading into December. Building a life here means finding ways to make the quieter months work, too.

Even in the busy months, the properties themselves keep things interesting. Steep driveways, tight access, and stairs can turn a seemingly simple pickup into a much bigger undertaking. Add snow, or a house where the trailer can’t get anywhere close to what needs removing, and hauling something away involves quite a bit more than a trip to the dump.

“Every job is a little different, and you learn pretty quickly how to adapt.”

Where everything goes

Reese is candid that a large percentage of what they remove ultimately goes to landfill. When items are in usable condition, they try to donate them first. But as anyone who’s tried to offload furniture at a thrift store knows, donation centers can be quite selective about what they accept.

A couch can still have plenty of life left in it and nowhere willing to take it. Reese tries the donation route when it looks promising, then handles disposal for whatever can’t be accepted. The sailboat was a happy exception: something usable, with someone ready to give it a new home.

“We always try to give something a second life when there’s a realistic opportunity to do so.”

Growing the business while keeping it personal

Reese wants to continue growing the business, with the goal of having a second crew operating full-time. At the time of our interview, he was able to run two crews simultaneously about a quarter of the time.

The goal is to help more customers while holding onto the quick response and personal service that got him here. A bigger business still needs to feel like the local company that started with him answering a neighbor’s post.

“That would allow us to help more customers and continue growing without losing the quick response and personal service that got us here.”

Getting that pile out of your way

For local residents, getting started can be as simple as sending a photo. Reese says you can reach out even if you’re not sure exactly what service you need, and they can typically get someone scheduled within 48 hours.

North Tahoe Junk Removal handles everything from a single-item pickup to full property cleanouts, including old furniture, appliances, yard waste, and remodel debris.

There are two ways to go about it. His crew can do the lifting, loading, and hauling, or they can drop off a dump trailer so you can work through a cleanout at your own pace. Once you’re done, they pick it up and handle disposal.

That might mean finally reclaiming a garage, getting the old couch out of the way, or dealing with the yard debris that’s been on your list for months.

Reese originally planned to spend one winter here. These days, he’s figuring out how to keep a growing crew busy through the next one.

Find out more at North Tahoe Junk Removal, or call or text a photo to 530-214-0727 for a quote.

This week Made in Tahoe returns to the Village at Palisades, Tahoe City is getting into Halloween mode, and Sunday’s community gear swap is a good opportunity to sort out the kids’ ski gear before winter.

There are also a few chances to get involved, from candidate forums to a meeting about the proposed Olympic winter museum. Read on for more!

This week at a glance

• Made in Tahoe returns October 10–11. Two days of local makers, food, and live music in the Village at Palisades Tahoe, with free admission.

• Kids outgrown last winter’s gear? The Community Ski & Gear Swap is Sunday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Palisades Ballroom.

• Hauntober gets going in Tahoe City. Scarecrows on Parade voting opens Tuesday, and the Skeleton Scavenger Hunt starts Friday.

• Gar Woods closes Thursday. The Carnelian Bay restaurant is taking two months for renovations, with a planned reopening in December. Make sure to get over for the last Wet Woody Wednesday for a couple months!

Last week’s Local Spotlight

Coburn Station: 15 Years of Mountain Rock

What started as jam sessions between coworkers has turned into more than 15 years of making music together.

I caught up with my friend Conor McAlindin, Coburn Station’s drummer, to talk about their Mountain Rock sound, why no two shows are the same, and what makes Tahoe such a good place for live music.

Read the full spotlight →

Ten days left to reserve a winter desk at The Shack

The winter membership offer at The Shack runs through October 15:

• Fixed desk: $300 per month with a six-month commitment, December 1 through May 31.

• Flex membership: $180 per month.

A $99 deposit reserves your membership and goes toward your first month. Early reservations also include a complimentary guest day pass.

If you need somewhere to get work done between ski laps, take a look or get in touch →

Local news and community updates

Gar Woods takes a break for renovations

Gar Woods in Carnelian Bay closes Thursday, October 8, for approximately two months while the restaurant refurbishes its floors and updates equipment. The planned reopening is in December.

If it’s one of your regular spots, there are a few days left to stop in before the work begins.

Read more →

Tahoe recreation sites begin their winter shutdown

Seasonal closures are starting around the basin. Meeks Bay Resort and its campgrounds close October 11, followed on October 12 by sites including William Kent and Kaspian campgrounds, along with several South Shore campgrounds and beach facilities.

These closures affect facilities such as parking areas, gates, and restrooms. National forest land remains open year-round, so walking in may still be an option where you can park legally and keep gates clear. Plan to pack out everything you bring.

Check the closure schedule →

Kings Beach cardboard recycling will continue through winter

The free bulk cardboard recycling bin at North Lake Boulevard and Fox Street is staying through winter and into 2027 after a successful summer pilot.

Placer County has expanded snowplowing at the site to help keep it accessible. Bring clean, flattened cardboard only, with no food waste, other recyclables, or trash.

Details →

Green waste pickup requests close Sunday

October 11 is the last day to request Truckee Fire’s free curbside green waste pickup. Have your pile ready before submitting the request.

The service accepts eligible woody vegetation, including branches and shrubs. Pine needles, cones, bagged material, and piles created by paid contractors are not accepted.

Check the requirements and request pickup →

Local jobs

A few positions added to the Truckee North Tahoe Jobs Collective since last week:

• Executive Assistant at North Tahoe Chamber.

• MAP Land Use Planner at Mountain Area Preservation.

• Vehicle Maintenance Manager at Woodward Tahoe / Boreal.

• Food & Beverage Supervisor, Lake Club at Homewood Mountain Resort.

Browse all local jobs →

Subscribe now

Events this week

Monday, October 5

Kings Beach District Advisory Committee
3–5 p.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach. A chance to listen, comment, and learn about priorities for Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, and Carnelian Bay.

Tuesday, October 6

First Tuesday Breakfast Club: Election Forum
7–8:30 a.m. | Zoom. Hear from candidates for State Senate, State Assembly, and Congress, with time for questions and updates from local leaders.

Truckee Candidate Forum, Night One
5–9 p.m. | Truckee Town Hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Road. Tuesday’s program covers Measure P, TTUSD, Truckee Donner PUD, Truckee Fire, and Sierra College. Free, with a livestream and recordings available.

Scarecrows on Parade voting opens
Check out the scarecrow displays around downtown Tahoe City and vote for your favorites as part of Hauntober.

Wednesday, October 7

SNOW Museum community meeting
6 p.m. | Virtual meeting. Placer County staff will share information about the proposed Sierra Nevada Olympic Winter Museum and Community Cultural Center in Olympic Valley.

Fall Foliage Arrangement Class
6 p.m. | West Shore Market. Create a seasonal arrangement with dried flowers and grasses. $30 per person; reserve a spot using the instructions in the event listing.

Thursday, October 8

North Tahoe Chamber Mixer
4–6 p.m. | Tahoe Longhouse, Carnelian Bay. Meet local business owners and neighbors, explore the workspace, and enjoy food from Pep’s Place. RSVP requested; space is limited.

Truckee Candidate Forum, Night Two
Beginning at 5 p.m. | Truckee Town Hall. Town Council candidates are up first, followed by Tahoe Forest Hospital District at 6 p.m. and Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District at 7 p.m. Free, with online viewing available.

Easy Home Fermentation Workshop
5:30–7 p.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach. Learn to ferment vegetables and take home a fermentation kit. $15 for community garden members, $20 for residents, or $30 for nonresidents.

Friday, October 9

Tahoe Literary Festival
October 9–11 | Tahoe City. Three days of workshops, readings, panels, and conversations with authors, poets, and publishing professionals. Check the festival schedule for individual venues and tickets. Volunteers can receive a free festival ticket.

The Ascent: Free Outdoor Movie Screening
Community Arts Center outdoor stage, 10046 Church Street, Truckee. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., live music runs 6–7 p.m., and the film starts at 7:15 p.m.

The documentary follows climber Mandy Horvath, a bilateral amputee, on her attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Bring a chair and blankets. Casa Baeza will have food available to purchase.

Hauntober Skeleton Scavenger Hunt begins
The Tahoe City hunt runs October 9–31. Watch the Hauntober calendar for participation details.

Saturday, October 10

The Resident’s Cup pickleball tournament
9 a.m.–4 p.m. | North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Vista. Women’s doubles start at 9 a.m. and men’s doubles at 1 p.m., with divisions for levels 3.0–4.5+. Every team must include an NTPUD resident.

Made in Tahoe Fall Festival
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Local art, handmade goods, food, and live music. Admission is free, and proceeds from the festival bars benefit Tahoe Truckee School of Music.

Sunday, October 11

Community Ski & Gear Swap
10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Palisades Ballroom, 1750 Village East Road, Olympic Valley. Find the ballroom inside the Village Hotel, across from the main front desk.

Creekside Charter School’s swap focuses on school-age children’s gear: skis, bindings, poles, snowboards, boots, jackets, and race gear. Outdoor kindergarten clothing is also welcome this year.

Made in Tahoe continues
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Day two of the festival, with more local makers and live music.

Weather outlook

It will feel more like summer for much of the week before a noticeable cooldown this weekend.

This morning’s National Weather Service forecast for Truckee calls for a 20% chance of showers today, then sunshine through the rest of the week.

• Monday, Oct. 5: Mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers. High 78°F, low 43°F.

• Tuesday, Oct. 6: Sunny. High 80°F, low 43°F.

• Wednesday, Oct. 7: Sunny. High 82°F, low 41°F.

• Thursday, Oct. 8: Sunny. High 82°F, low 41°F.

• Friday, Oct. 9: Sunny. High 80°F, low 42°F.

• Saturday, Oct. 10: Sunny and breezy. High 70°F, low 33°F.

• Sunday, Oct. 11: Sunny. High near 61°F.

Bring a layer for the weekend festivals, particularly if you’re staying into the afternoon or evening.

Check the latest NWS forecast →

Looking ahead

• Discover & Discuss | October 15: 5–7:30 p.m. at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. A free open house to talk with county staff about housing, transportation, parking, and other local projects. Food, childcare, and Spanish interpretation provided.

• Harvest Festival & Big Truck Day | October 17: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Tahoe Community Center. A family-friendly date to put on the calendar.

• Truckee River Day | October 18: Volunteer on restoration projects around the watershed, then join the community fair at Granite Flat Campground. Registration is open, and volunteer spots are first come, first served.

Thanks for reading and supporting local news.

Have an event, job, news tip, or neighbor we should spotlight? Send it to matt@truckeetahoe.news.

See you next week,
Matt

Mountain Rock

I always say that things like food, beer and music are better when you’re in the place where they belong. Sipping on a Mexican lager tastes way better when you’re on a beach in Baja than when you’re shivering on the shores of Lake Tahoe. And Coburn Station sounds even better when you’re sipping a pale ale listening to them on the deck of Alibi in Downtown Truckee, or when they’re playing in my headphones while I’m skinning up somewhere on the West Shore.

I caught up with my friend Conor McAlindin, drummer for Coburn Station, to get the backstory on one of Tahoe’s longtime local bands.

For the uninitiated, Coburn Station’s name is a nod to Coburn’s Station, the settlement that preceded the modern town of Truckee. Their music is similarly rooted in this place.

The band describes its sound as a mix of rock n’ roll, groove and psychedelia, with a heavy emphasis on live improvisation. You might call them a jam band, but the guys prefer their own term: Mountain Rock.

“Coburn Station is dedicated to filling the mountains with cosmic vibrations via a soulful blend of rock n’ roll, groove, and psychedelia.”

They draw heavily from the classic rockers of the past, while mixing in their own influences and leaving plenty of room for the music to go somewhere unexpected.

If you’re seeing Coburn Station live, don’t expect them to simply reproduce the album. They’ll never play the same setlist twice, or even play the same song the same way you heard it on the album. Expect the music to go unexpected places, and as Conor puts it:

“Hopefully you leave with your face intact…”

How did Coburn Station get started?

The members of Coburn Station didn’t originally set out to create a band. Dan McAlister, Thomas Page and Conor all worked together at the same local company in Truckee, and they’d often get together to jam. Those casual sessions eventually turned into a musical relationship that’s now lasted more than 15 years.

The current lineup came together when Brian Mooney joined on keys in 2016, shortly after the band released its first full-length album, Coming Home.

One thing Conor kept coming back to in our conversation is that there really isn’t a leader.

Conor handles much of the logistical side through McAlindin Music, including booking shows and managing the band’s website, but creatively, Coburn Station operates as a band of equals.

“What makes Coburn Station so special is all four members share the leadership responsibility.”

All four contribute original material, and all four have songwriting credits on their latest record, Tomorrows. Each brings different tastes and influences, which somehow get blended together into the distinctly Coburn Station sound.

“This democratic collaboration constantly inspires me.”

What keeps you doing it after 15+ years?

Conor has been making music since grade school and started writing songs at a pretty young age.

One of the first was written with his childhood friend and former bandmate Anthony Daniels. It was called “Ham Sandwiches,” inspired by what they apparently ate for lunch for much of that particular middle school year.

But it was performing live that really changed things for him.

Once Conor got a taste of playing music in front of a crowd in high school and college, he was hooked. The way he describes it is like a flow state, where everything else disappears and you stop consciously thinking about what you’re doing.

“When it’s all working right, you don’t think about anything, and the music just flows through you. I can’t really identify any other place in my life where I don’t think at all.”

That feeling is still a big part of why he plays.

When I asked what Coburn Station means to him beyond simply being a band, his answer was pretty straightforward.

“The band is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Nothing better than jamming with your buddies!”

That might also explain how a coworker jam session turns into a 15-year band. At its core, they’re still doing basically the same thing they were doing when they started: getting together with their friends and making music.

Conor jokingly calls it his “strongest addiction.”

How has the band evolved?

Coburn Station released its first full-length album, Coming Home, in 2016. Their second, Tomorrows, followed in the summer of 2024 with seven original tracks.

It also feels like the clearest representation of what the band has become. Every member has songwriting credits, and the record moves between different genres and influences without losing the Mountain Rock sound they’ve developed together.

Conor has previously described the record as looking at the pressures and stresses of life while trying to move forward, stay in the present and imagine what’s next.

But where Coburn Station really seems to come alive is when they take those songs onto the stage.

What makes a Coburn Station show different?

No two Coburn Station shows are ever the same.

They mix originals with carefully chosen covers, and setlists are built around the venue and vibe of a particular show. In keeping with the whole band-of-equals thing, different members take turns putting those setlists together.

Even then, they’re more of a suggestion than a strict plan.

“It’s ever-evolving, and never set in stone.”

Conor says they’ve never played the same setlist twice.

Songs themselves can change too. Improvisation is central to the band, and what begins as a fairly straightforward song can stretch out and turn into something completely different depending on what the band is feeling that night.

“We always try to surprise the crowd a few times throughout the show, and keep them on their toes.”

If you’re heading to your first show, Conor’s advice is pretty simple. Be ready to dance, meet some people on the dance floor, and don’t assume you know what’s coming next.

What makes Tahoe such a good place to make music?

Conor is particularly stoked on the local music scene and the opportunities to catch live music around the lake and in Truckee. There is live music everywhere during the summer, much of it free, outdoors and surrounded by places that would be pretty spectacular even without a band playing. Tahoe really seems to punch above its weight when it comes to live music.

But Conor thinks there’s something else going on too.

“I think it has something to do with the types of people that like outdoor recreation, ‘mountain people.’ Those types often breed creativity, and it shows here in Tahoe.”

For a relatively small mountain community, that produces a surprisingly deep pool of musicians.

Some of Conor’s favorite musical memories have happened right in Kings Beach, where he lives, at the Friday night summer concerts.

He also loves the Crystal Bay Club, and the Crown Room, where he’s been able to see bands he loves before they became too big to play such an intimate venue.

“I’ve been so lucky to see some of my favorite bands in the Crown Room before they blew up and were too big for it.”

And lately, one of Coburn Station’s favorite places to play has been River Ranch.

“Besides being an amazing venue right on the Truckee River, the folks that staff the place are amazingly generous, inspiring, and know how to throw a party.”

There’s another upside to making music here too. As Conor puts it, Coburn Station gets to be a bit of a “big fish in a small pond,” rather than trying to fight for attention in a major music market like San Francisco.

Conor beyond Coburn Station

Music is only one piece of Conor’s life in Tahoe.

He lives in Kings Beach and gets involved locally through community cleanups and town meetings around development. He works a regular 9-to-5, coaches his son’s baseball and football teams, bikes and boats through the summer, and skis through the winter.

He also recently beat me in the old guys category at the Hough Enduro, which I’m reluctantly sharing here.

It’s a pretty recognizable Tahoe existence: work, family, community, bikes, skis and trying to find the time to do it all.

For Conor, one of those things will always be making music.

What’s next?

Coburn Station recently wrapped up its summer 2026 shows, with nothing officially on the calendar in the immediate future. But the bigger thing on the horizon is getting back into the studio.

The band is planning to record its next round of original songs in 2027, with the goal of another full-length album. They may head back to 25th Street Recording in Oakland, where they recorded Tomorrows, or they may end up somewhere completely different.

Which feels pretty appropriate for a band that doesn’t even like sticking to a setlist.

“Like everything in Coburn Station, the path isn’t set in stone…”

Wherever that path takes them, Conor says it’ll be an adventure.

And despite two full-length albums, a growing catalog of original music, countless local shows and a loyal group of fans, his explanation for why they’re still doing it is considerably simpler:

“Nothing better than jamming with your buddies!”

Find Coburn Station: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | SoundCloud

Ski areas have announced their opening dates, October begins with four days of dark-sky events, and restaurants around Truckee are rolling out special menus for the Taste of Truckee.

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

• Local ski resorts have started publishing their target opening dates. Northstar is aiming for November 20, Palisades Tahoe for November 25, Sugar Bowl for November 27, and Homewood for December 11, conditions permitting.

• Keep It Dark Astro Weekend runs Thursday through Sunday with stargazing, photography, art, wine, and writing events around Truckee.

• Taste of Truckee begins October 1, bringing special menus, pairings, and prix fixe meals to participating restaurants throughout the month.

• The 39° North development will return to a future agenda after a four-hour design review meeting ended without a definitive recommendation.

• Truckee Town Council backed Measure P, which would renew and increase TTUSD’s local parcel tax from $148 to $188 per year.

• Expect a sunny, dry week with afternoon temperatures climbing from the mid-60s Monday to around 80 degrees by Thursday.

LAST WEEK’S LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

What’s Actually in the Bin? María López Godoy Wants to Know

María López Godoy came to Truckee to teach skiing. Today, through Waste Free Tahoe, she helps businesses understand what they are throwing away, what it costs, and how much of it could stay out of the landfill.

At one ski resort, her team found that roughly 80 percent of the waste could potentially be diverted by changing collection and handling systems. Only about 2 percent had no identified alternative.

Her larger point is that waste is often a systems problem, not simply a behavior problem. A walk through the property, a look inside the bins, and a review of purchasing and hauling invoices can reveal opportunities that are otherwise easy to miss.

Read the full Local Spotlight →

A WINTER WORKSPACE AT THE SHACK

If your winter routine involves fitting work between ski days, The Shack at Palisades Tahoe is offering two seasonal coworking options:

• Fixed Desk: $300 per month for six months, December 1 through May 31

• Flex Membership: $180 per month

Reserve by October 15 with a $99 deposit, which will be credited toward your first month. Members also receive a complimentary guest day pass. Fixed Desk members can start early and will get first choice of available desks.

Learn more and reserve a spot →

LOCAL NEWS AND COMMUNITY UPDATES

Ski area opening dates

California resorts have started sharing target dates for the 2026–27 season.

• Northstar California: November 20

• Palisades Tahoe: November 25

• Sugar Bowl, Royal Gorge, Soda Springs, and Tahoe Donner Cross Country: November 27

• Diamond Peak: December 3

• Auburn Ski Club Training Center: December 5

• Homewood and Tahoe Donner Downhill: December 11

• Boreal and Tahoe XC: To be announced

Two major gondola projects are debuting this winter. Homewood’s new eight-passenger gondola replaces the Madden Chair, and Sugar Bowl’s new Village Gondola is part of the resort’s new $100 million investment.

39° North review continued after four-hour meeting

The Tahoe Basin Design Review Committee continued its review of the proposed 39° North development in Kings Beach after a meeting that stretched for approximately four hours.

The proposal includes a 132-room hotel and commercial building, 38 market-rate condo-hotel townhomes, and 64 deed-restricted apartments. Community comments focused heavily on the project’s scale and fit within Kings Beach.

The project is expected to return at a future meeting.

Measure P heads toward the November ballot

Truckee Town Council has backed Measure P, the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District parcel tax measure appearing on the November 3 ballot.

The measure would renew the district’s existing $148 annual parcel tax and add $40, bringing the total to $188 per parcel for nine years. TTUSD estimates it would generate approximately $7 million annually for local schools.

Existing senior exemptions would continue, and the measure also includes an exemption for qualifying low-income residents with disabilities.

Serene Lakes homeowner moves off the FAIR Plan

After years of defensible-space work and home hardening, Serene Lakes homeowner Chase Cambron recently moved from the California FAIR Plan to a traditional Mercury Insurance policy, saving approximately $7,000 per year.

The same result will not be available to every property, but it is a tangible example of how long-term mitigation work can affect insurability.

Truckee Fire offers free defensible-space evaluations and a home-hardening rebate covering 50 percent of eligible expenses, up to $2,000.

A new sensor network is tracking Tahoe conditions in real time

The newly launched Tahoe Environmental Observatory Network brings together data from approximately 120 sensors around the basin.

The sensors measure weather and water conditions, with some readings updating as often as every 10 minutes. Researchers hope the system will improve long-term monitoring and provide earlier warning of changing algae, bacteria, and water-quality conditions.

The public can explore the data at the Tahoe Environmental Observatory Network.

Taste of Truckee begins Thursday

October is Restaurant Month in Truckee.

Participating restaurants will offer specials ranging from $5 bites and dish-and-drink pairings to three-course menus priced at $35, $55, or $75.

Diners can also use the free digital Taste of Truckee pass to browse participating restaurants, check in, and enter prize drawings.

LOCAL JOBS

Check out some positions that were recently added to the Truckee North Tahoe Jobs Collective:

• Field Operations Manager at A-1 Testing

• Sous Chef at Homewood Mountain Resort

• Steward at Homewood Mountain Resort

• Print Production Technician at The Office BOSS

• Customer Service and Printing Services at The Office BOSS

Browse all local jobs →

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Tuesday, September 29

Author Talk: Heather Hansman on “Fierce Country”
6 p.m. at Tahoe Wine Collective. Hansman will discuss her new book in conversation with local writer Megan Michelson. Free, with advance registration appreciated.

History Talk: Hydro-Electric Power Plants of the Truckee River
6–8 p.m. at Truckee Tahoe Airport. A free presentation exploring the history of hydroelectric power along the Truckee River.

Wednesday, September 30

Winter Hiring Fair
4–7:30 p.m. at Pizza on the Hill. Meet Tahoe Donner hiring managers, learn about seasonal opportunities, and enjoy free pizza. No appointment required.

FuturePreneurs Speaker Series
5:30–6:30 p.m. at Lift Workspace. A monthly entrepreneurship series created for local high school students.

Thursday, October 1

Community Connections: Under the Tahoe Stars
7:30–9:30 p.m. at Northstar California. An evening of guided stargazing and dark-sky education. Tickets are $30 and advance registration is required.

Friday, October 2

Keep It Dark Photo Contest Awards Reception
5–7 p.m. at Truckee Tahoe Airport. See the winning images from this year’s dark-sky photo contest. Free.

Saturday, October 3

Kings Beach Free Dump Day
8 a.m.–4 p.m. at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. Residents can dispose of household debris, large items, and unbagged green waste at no charge. Space is first come, first served, and some materials are excluded.

Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop
Noon–4 p.m. throughout downtown Truckee. Visit more than 25 tasting locations while supporting Tahoe Food Hub. General admission is $75 in advance or $85 on the day of the event. Designated-driver tickets are $30.

Lake Tahoe Mushroom Festival
Noon–6 p.m. at The Hangar in South Lake Tahoe. This fundraiser for Sierra Nevada Alliance includes guided mushroom forays, talks, cooking demonstrations, vendors, live music, crafts, and a children’s zone. Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for children.

Milky Way in the Meadow Astro Photography Workshop
7–10 p.m. at Norden Meadow on Donner Summit. A free evening photography workshop with limited capacity. Advance registration is required.

Sunday, October 4

Dark Skies Brunch and Creative Writing Workshop
10 a.m.–noon at 9848 Gallery in downtown Truckee. A free creative-writing workshop inspired by the night sky. Advance registration is requested.

SEND Dip
10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. Celebrate the end of SENDtember with a community cold plunge supporting young adult cancer survivors. The group plunge begins at 11:10 a.m., with coffee, donuts, and a vendor village.

WEATHER OUTLOOK

High pressure will keep the week sunny and dry. After some early fog Monday, daytime temperatures will climb steadily, peaking near 81 degrees Thursday before settling into the upper 70s for the weekend.

Nights will remain crisp, with lows in the 30s and low 40s.

• Today: Areas of fog before 9 a.m., then sunny. High 65°F, low 33°F.

• Tuesday: Sunny. High 73°F, low 36°F.

• Wednesday: Sunny. High 79°F, low 39°F.

• Thursday: Sunny. High 81°F, low 42°F.

• Friday: Sunny. High 77°F, low 41°F.

• Saturday: Sunny. High 77°F, low 41°F.

• Sunday: Sunny. High near 78°F.

There is no precipitation in the current seven-day Truckee forecast.

View the latest National Weather Service forecast →

LOOKING AHEAD

Truckee Candidate Forums | October 6 and 8

The Truckee Chamber’s free candidate forums return next week with discussions covering Measure P, TTUSD, Truckee Donner PUD, Truckee Fire, Town Council, Tahoe Forest Hospital District, and Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District.

The forums will also be livestreamed and rebroadcast on Channel 118.

Thanks for reading and supporting local news.

Have an event, job, news tip, or neighbor we should spotlight? Send it to matt@truckeetahoe.news.

See you next week,
Matt

How much time do you spend thinking about what goes into the bin? We’re pretty insulated from the amount of waste we produce. We might empty our trash into the bear box a couple of times a week, think, wow, that’s a lot for one week, and then go on with our day. Or we head to the dump after a good spring clean and watch things we once spent money on get crushed beneath a loader along with our neighbors’ stuff.

María López Godoy spends a lot more time thinking about it. She’s made a career out of helping organizations understand what they throw away and how to throw away less. According to her Waste Free Tahoe bio, she has helped hundreds of locations reduce waste and helped keep more than 10,000 tons out of landfills over the course of her career.

At one ski resort, María examined what was headed for the landfill and found that roughly 80% could be kept out of it if the resort changed how it collected and handled that waste. Only 2% had no identified path elsewhere. The audit showed what was possible; putting a workable system in place was the next step.

“That finding reframes the entire conversation... It is about showing an operation exactly where the waste is going, what it is costing them, and what a realistic path to diversion looks like.”

From ski instructor to Waste Free Tahoe

María grew up in Argentina and first came to Truckee “to be a ski instructor, chasing the mountains and skiing as much as I could.” She was finishing her economics degree at the time, and working at resorts got her wondering how those same places could operate more sustainably.

She went on to earn a master’s in sustainability management and consult for large organizations. Eventually, she returned to Truckee to start Waste Free Tahoe.

She had seen plenty of sustainability efforts built around posters, training and good intentions. What she wanted to know was what actually ended up in the trash, and why.

“What was missing was someone willing to get into the waste physically, understand what was actually being generated and why, and build systems around operational reality rather than ideal behavior.”

The problem is often the system

That means getting out from behind a desk. When María walks through a resort, hotel, hospital or other large operation, she pays attention to where waste is created, where the bins are placed and what happens to everything after someone tosses it.

She looks at the signs, too. A business might ask employees to sort waste into four categories when its hauler only accepts two. Staff could follow the instructions perfectly and still be working within a system that doesn’t match what happens at pickup.

“I am looking at the system, not the behavior.”

Why it’s harder in Tahoe

There are fewer hauling options here than in places like Sacramento or the Bay Area. Composting facilities aren’t always accessible year-round, and recycling in a remote market comes with its own challenges. A good plan has to account for what’s actually available locally.

Many Tahoe businesses also rely on seasonal staff. The people working in July may be gone by November, so a waste system needs to make sense without its creator standing next to the bins explaining it.

“Systems have to be simple enough to survive turnover and simple enough to work without constant oversight.”

Where local businesses can start

If you run a business, María suggests starting with a walk through your space during a normal workday. What regularly fills the trash? Are the bins where people need them? Do the signs match what your hauler actually takes? Then pull out your hauling invoice and look at what you’re paying to have taken away.

She also asks businesses to look at what they buy. If the same thing ends up in the trash every week, could you avoid buying so much of it in the first place? A few changes to purchasing, bin placement or signs could make the job easier for staff while cutting waste and costs. María has free checklists to help businesses get started.

“The most sustainable thing an organization can do is stop buying what it does not need and stop paying to landfill what it could be diverting.”

What’s next

María recently launched the Waste Free Tahoe Method, a six-module program that walks smaller businesses through assessing their waste, reviewing invoices and building a system they can maintain themselves. She also works directly with organizations that want hands-on help.

I keep coming back to that ski resort audit. So much of what was headed to the landfill had another possible destination, but someone had to look inside the bin to find out. That’s where María starts: with what’s really happening, and what a business can realistically change.

Learn more at Waste Free Tahoe or reach María at m@wastefreetahoe.com.

This week, we’re looking at the progress made on the Floriston Fire, a packed Saturday of local events, including the Great Trail Race, and more from around the region.

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

• Floriston Fire: CAL FIRE reported 622 acres and 75% containment Monday morning. Check current road conditions before traveling through the area.

• A Saturday for getting involved: Run, volunteer, support Tahoe Ability Program, or head to Oktoberfest. Details and links are in the events section below.

• Last week’s Local Spotlight: Meet Skylar Bickart and the dog who changed how she approaches training.

LAST WEEK’S LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Skylar Bickart: Skye’s the Limit Dog Training

For Skylar Bickart, the founder and head trainer behind Skye’s the Limit Dog Training in Truckee, the turning point was her own Weimaraner, Sterling.

Working through his challenges pushed her to look beyond obedience and consider the emotional, mental, and physical needs behind a dog’s behavior. Today, that approach helps Tahoe families build trust and reliability for everyday life, from neighborhood walks to time on the trails.

As Skylar puts it: “The more freedom we give our dogs, the more reliability we need from them.”

Read last week’s Local Spotlight →

A WINTER WORKSPACE AT THE SHACK

A quick plug for my coworking space: if you’re planning to spend the winter near Palisades and need somewhere to get work done, The Shack is taking reservations for winter memberships.

We’re at the bottom of Olympic Valley Road, close to the mountain and convenient for fitting work around your ski days.

• Fixed desk: $300/month for a six-month winter membership.

• Flex desk: $180/month for the winter season.

• Winter dates: December 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.

• Reserve by October 15 with a $99 deposit, credited toward your first month.

• One complimentary guest day pass is included.

You can start earlier, and early fixed-desk members get first choice of available desks. Space is limited, so it’s a good time to plan ahead if you know you’ll need a reliable place to work this winter.

View winter memberships or email me to reserve with the $99 deposit.

LOCAL NEWS & COMMUNITY UPDATES

Floriston Fire reaches 75% containment

CAL FIRE’s Monday, September 21, update lists the fire at 622 acres and 75% containment. Crews are strengthening containment lines and putting out remaining hot spots, with the fire holding within its existing perimeter.

We happened to be camping at Stampede over the weekend and got a firsthand look at the scale of the response and how hard the fire crews were working. Thanks to everyone who has been working to contain the fire!

Cabin Creek biomass facility gets planning approval

The Placer County Planning Commission approved a use permit for a biomass facility at the Eastern Regional Landfill complex on Cabin Creek Road. The proposed facility would turn woody material from forest thinning into biochar, offering an alternative to open pile burning. Additional partnership actions are expected before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 22.

Roadless Rule comment deadline extended to October 6

The Forest Service has extended the public comment period on its proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The new deadline is October 6. Residents can review the proposal and submit a comment through Regulations.gov.

Tahoe Fund receives $750,000 for wildfire resilience

A grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will support Fire Smart Community Pilots in six Tahoe neighborhoods, along with forest stewardship work on the West Shore. The effort connects neighborhood preparation with work in the surrounding forest.

Claudia Andersen announces retirement from Tahoe Community Foundation

After 21 years leading Tahoe Community Foundation, Andersen has announced her retirement. She will remain CEO while the board selects and brings on her successor. The foundation reports distributing more than $165 million in grants during her tenure.

The Social at Matices opens in downtown Truckee

There’s a new dining option on Donner Pass Road. The Social at Matices centers on shared plates with Spanish, French, and Japanese influences. Find it at 10164 Donner Pass Road, Suites 2 and 3, with reservations and walk-ins welcome.

Submit a news item →

LOCAL JOBS

Three fresh listings from Truckee North Tahoe Jobs:

• Receptionist / Patient Experience Coordinator, High Sierra Naturopathic Medicine · Truckee · Part time, two days a week · $20–$25/hour. Front-desk and patient support in a local medical practice.

• Human Resources Manager, Crestwood Construction · Truckee · Full time · $75,000–$85,000/year. Responsibilities include payroll, benefits, onboarding, and employee support.

• Guest Services Senior Lead, Homewood Mountain Resort · Homewood · Seasonal · $25–$28/hour. Help lead the guest services team, including ticketing and snowsports sales.

Browse local jobs · Post a job

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Follow the event links for registration and any last-minute changes.

Tuesday, September 22

• North Tahoe Chamber Coffee Connect · 8:30–10 a.m., Kings Beach Visitor Information Center. Coffee and breakfast from Pep’s Place, a chance to connect with local businesses, and a welcome for Anne-Karin Atwood in her new Chamber role.

• Free Community Baby Shower · 10 a.m.–noon, Truckee Regional Park. Resources, giveaways, and storytime for new and expectant parents. No registration required.

Thursday, September 24

• Electrifying Transportation: Pathways to a Clean, Resilient Energy Future · 5–7:30 p.m., Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, Tahoe City. UC Davis researcher Alan Jenn discusses electric vehicles, charging, and the energy system. $10; free for students with ID. Registration required.

Friday, September 25

• Beyond Possible: Tahoe Forum on Health & Resilience · 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Everline Resort & Spa, Olympic Valley. A day of conversations about health, science, and resilience, with speakers including mountaineer Jim Morrison and UCSF physician Gurpreet Dhaliwal. Free; registration required.

• Top of the Town: Truckee Chamber’s 73rd Annual Awards Celebration · 5–7:30 p.m., Alder Creek Adventure Center. Celebrate local businesses and community leaders, with appetizers, beverages, and a silent auction. $60 for members; $80 for nonmembers.

• Spooky Harbor: The Nightmare Before Christmas · 8–10 p.m., Sand Harbor State Park. The outdoor movie series opens with the PG-rated holiday favorite. Included with park admission. Bring warm layers, blankets, low chairs, and your own snacks.

Saturday, September 26

• Great Trail Race · Bikes start at 8:30 a.m.; runners at 8:40 a.m., Sawtooth Trailhead, Truckee. Ride a gravel or mountain bike, or run, from Truckee to Tahoe City. Classic and Elite routes finish at Highlands Community Center/Tahoe XC. Registration required.

• North Shore Community Clean Up Day · 9 a.m.–noon, check in at Tahoe Backyard, 8428 Trout Avenue, Kings Beach. Help clean up Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, and Crystal Bay. Gloves and bags are provided, followed by free tacos and live music for volunteers from noon–3 p.m.

• Tahoe Ability Program’s Inclusion Fusion · 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Truckee Regional Park and the Legacy Trail. An all-abilities 5K, one-mile fun run, and community party with live music and food trucks. $30 for the 5K, $20 for the mile, or $15 for the party.

• Oktoberfest at Palisades Tahoe · Noon–6 p.m., The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Bavarian music, dancing, food, beer, and games, benefiting the High Sierra Lacrosse Foundation. Admission is $13; children 12 and under enter free. Beer packages are available separately.

Submit an event →

WEATHER OUTLOOK

Truckee’s National Weather Service forecast calls for warm afternoons through midweek, followed by a cooler weekend. Today carries a 20% chance of afternoon showers; the rest of the forecast is mostly sunny and dry.

• Today: 75°F / 39°F. Mostly sunny, with a slight chance of afternoon showers.

• Tuesday: 76°F / 39°F. Sunny.

• Wednesday: 78°F / 41°F. Sunny.

• Thursday: 74°F / 42°F. Sunny.

• Friday: 67°F / 38°F. Mostly sunny.

• Saturday: 69°F / 36°F. Sunny.

• Sunday: High near 67°F. Mostly sunny.

Bring a warm layer for the evening events. Forecast checked Monday morning, September 21.

COMMUNITY ALERTS & REMINDERS

• Floriston evacuation information: CAL FIRE reports that mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted, while an evacuation warning remains for part of the area. Check the official incident page for the latest map and instructions.

• I-80 travel: Westbound I-80 is still down to one lane near Floriston. Check Caltrans QuickMap before leaving and allow extra time through the area.

LOOKING AHEAD

• FuturePreneurs Speaker Series · Wednesday, September 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Lift Workspace. Local high school students can explore entrepreneurship through a series running from September through March, followed by a week-long Pitch Camp in March.

• 31st Annual Truckee River Day & Fair · Sunday, October 18. Volunteer restoration projects begin at 9 or 11 a.m., with the River Fair from 1–4 p.m. at Granite Flat Campground. Registration is open, and project spaces are first come, first served.

Thanks for reading, and have a great week out there!

Matt

Tahoe is a dog paradise. Whether you’re on the trail, at the brewery or over at a friend’s house for a barbecue, chances are dogs will be running around like kids. But giving dogs that much freedom requires trust, clear boundaries and reliable behavior.

Skylar Bickart is the founder and head trainer of Skye’s the Limit Dog Training in Truckee. The company was recently named the 2026 Best of North Lake Tahoe & Truckee winner for animal training.

Skylar’s philosophy goes well beyond teaching commands. She wants dogs and their owners to have the confidence to experience more of life together here in Tahoe.

“The more freedom we give our dogs, the more reliability we need from them.”

A Lifelong Interest in Dogs

Skylar’s path to a career training man’s best friend started early. At eight years old, she ran a neighborhood dog-walking and sitting business. She would even bring the dogs home and train them on a PVC agility course her parents had given her.

She went on to study animal science and work at a veterinary hospital for three years, initially planning to pursue veterinary behavior work. But her own dog would ultimately change the direction of her life.

The Dog Who Changed Everything

While in college, Skylar got a Weimaraner named Sterling. He hated being touched, was extremely reactive toward people and dogs, and was willing to bite. Skylar tried multiple approaches, but Sterling’s behavior only became more difficult.

“I joke that I loved him, but I really did not like him very much that first year.”

Medication was a major part of Sterling’s treatment at the time. Skylar felt that, in his case, his behavior continued to get worse rather than improve. The experience pushed her to look beyond managing the behavior she could see and begin asking what was driving it beneath the surface.

Skylar eventually realized the problem wasn’t simply that Sterling disliked certain people or dogs. It was the intensity of his reaction whenever he felt uncomfortable.

“Once I accepted who he was instead of trying to make him love everyone, we could focus on tolerance, confidence and helping him navigate those situations without feeling like he needed to react.”

Taking away some of the pressure for Sterling to be “perfect” gave him room to relax. Skylar began seeing a playful, goofy side of him that had been buried under all that stress. Ironically, once she stopped putting so much pressure on fixing the problematic behaviors, she became more successful at changing them.

Sterling will never love every dog he meets, but today he can handle nearly anything Skylar asks of him. He has flown on planes, traveled with her and regularly hikes alongside a rotating pack of eight to ten dogs.

The dog who once hated being touched is now social with people, loves to cuddle and sleeps under the covers in Skylar’s bed every night.

The experience sparked Skylar’s interest in behavior modification, emotional regulation, communication and the relationship between dogs and their owners. She eventually found a mentor and began working with more dogs.

She never intended to build a company, but people kept asking for her help. Recognizing the need for services like hers ultimately led to Skye’s the Limit in 2020.

“I never really set out to build a business. I just loved the work, people kept asking for help, and Skye’s the Limit grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.”

Looking Beyond Obedience

Her experience with Sterling helped shape what Skylar calls “whole-dog” training. Rather than measuring success only by whether a dog follows commands, she looks at the emotional, mental and physical factors influencing its behavior.

A dog can appear obedient in a controlled setting while still struggling with anxiety, reactivity, overarousal or an inability to recover from stress in everyday life. For Skylar, obedience matters, but it is only one part of building a dog that can confidently make good decisions in the real world.

“A dog can know every command in the book and still be struggling emotionally, mentally or physically.”

Skylar puts that philosophy into practice through a four-part system:

• State: The dog’s emotional, mental and physical well-being.

• Structure: Predictability, accountability and clear expectations.

• Skills: Obedience, coping mechanisms and communication between the dog and owner.

• Standards: Bringing everything together into reliable behavior and a better quality of life.

Skylar wants dogs to understand what is expected of them while remaining confident, emotionally stable and able to enjoy being dogs.

Owner education is also a central part of the process. For the work to last, owners need to understand how to communicate with their dogs and maintain the progress made during training once they are back home.

Training for Life in Tahoe

Like most dog parents in Tahoe, we want a companion who can experience everything living here has to offer. We expect our dogs to navigate trails, wildlife, other dogs, crowded patios, travel and constantly changing environments.

But just because a dog lives here in paradise does not automatically mean it is ready for all of those experiences.

A dog that cannot reliably recall away from other dogs, people or wildlife should not be off leash. A dog that cannot settle in a busy public place may not be ready to join you on the patio.

Skylar’s training focuses heavily on:

• Reliable recall

• Neutrality around people, dogs and wildlife

• Environmental confidence

• Emotional regulation

• Adaptability

• The ability to settle and switch off

The goal is to help families safely include their dogs in more of their lives.

“We train for real life, not the ideal version of it.”

Giving a Family Its Dog Back

One transformation that has stayed with Skylar involved a five-year-old Goldendoodle whose family had nearly exhausted its options.

The dog had been involved in numerous fights, had bitten several people and had already worked with three trainers and completed another board-and-train program before coming to Skye’s the Limit.

Skylar believed the dog needed more than obedience work. Beneath the aggressive behavior, she saw a dog that lacked confidence and had learned to control situations as a way to create safety when she felt uncomfortable.

Once the training began addressing what Skylar believed was driving the behavior, the dog started to change. By the time she returned home, she was playing with other dogs, comfortable around people and able to experience the world differently.

Several years later, the progress has lasted. The Goldendoodle now attends the family’s children’s soccer games, joins them at restaurants and even goes mountain biking with them each week.

More importantly, the family went from feeling frustrated and resentful toward their dog to genuinely enjoying life with her again.

“For me, the most meaningful part is not how dramatic the transformation was. It is what that transformation gave back to both the dog and her family.”

Recognition From the Community

For Skylar, the recent award was an opportunity to step back from the long days and recognize the impact of her work.

Skylar has lived locally for more than five years and, like many small business owners, remains involved in nearly every aspect of the company. Most of its growth has come through word of mouth.

People see a well-trained dog in the community and ask the family how they achieved those results. That family shares its experience, and another dog owner begins to see what might be possible.

Her dad was also the one who nominated her for this Spotlight. Skylar says her parents have supported her “every step of this crazy dog life journey.”

What Socialization Actually Means

One of the biggest misconceptions Skylar sees is that a well-socialized dog should greet every person or animal it encounters.

Encouraging constant interaction can unintentionally create dogs that become overly excited, frustrated or anxious whenever they are unable to say hello. A dog can enjoy people and other animals without needing to interact with every one of them.

For Skylar, socialization means teaching a dog to feel confident and comfortable around different people, animals, environments and distractions. The goal is neutrality: a dog that can calmly coexist with the world around it and look to its owner for guidance.

Dogs are not born knowing how to navigate the human world. Owners have to teach them.

“Good socialization is not about raising a dog who wants to say hi to everyone. It is about raising a dog who can confidently move through the world without feeling the need to interact with every person, dog or distraction they encounter.”

Helping People Do More With the Dogs They Love

Sterling challenged Skylar’s relationship with him, but he also pushed her to look beyond visible behavior and ask what was happening beneath the surface.

“Successful training was never about turning him into a different dog. It was about understanding the dog I had, building his confidence and giving him the skills to experience so much more of the world with me.”

That lesson now sits at the center of Skylar’s work. Through Skye’s the Limit, she helps owners build the trust, communication and reliability they need to experience more of life with their dogs.

Skye’s the Limit offers board-and-train programs, along with puppy board-and-train and private puppy lessons.

Learn more on the Skye’s the Limit website or follow Skye’s the Limit on Instagram.

There is plenty happening this week, including the Truckee Community Block Party, Tahoe City Oktoberfest, the Tahoe Cup Lake Crossing, POW Stoke Fest, and an open house at Auburn Ski Club Training Center.

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

• Palisades Tahoe announced its 2026/27 upgrades, including $3.2 million in new avalanche mitigation systems and expanded snowmaking on Mountain Run.

• The proposed SNOW Museum in Olympic Valley cleared the Placer County Planning Commission and is expected to go before the Board of Supervisors on October 20.

• The free Truckee Community Block Party takes over the area outside the downtown train depot Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

• Tahoe City Oktoberfest returns Saturday with beer, Bavarian food, live music, games, and family activities.

• TART has added real-time vehicle tracking and trip planning as its fall schedule begins.

LAST WEEK’S LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Four programs, one club

Last Wednesday, I published our first Local Spotlight: Four Programs, One Club: Inside Auburn Ski Club’s Mountain Community.

The story explores how ASC has spent nearly a century creating pathways into Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and biathlon while building a multigenerational community on Donner Summit.

ASC will host a community open house this Sunday, September 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Training Center. The afternoon is expected to include a Dryathlon relay, coach Q&A, and a walk along the Nordic trails highlighting improvements completed over the summer.

Winter registration is also open for all four programs, with prices scheduled to increase by $150 after October 6. Applications for the ASC Legacy Foundation’s needs-based scholarships are open through October 17.

LOCAL NEWS & COMMUNITY UPDATES

Palisades announces upgrades for the coming winter

Palisades Tahoe is investing $3.2 million in remote avalanche mitigation systems across Palisades and Alpine. The additions include Gazex and Gazflex exploders, Wyssen avalanche towers, and a new CATEX cable system.

Gazex and Gazflex exploders are fixed, gas-powered devices that create a pressure wave above the snow to disturb weak layers. Wyssen avalanche towers store explosive charges in a deployment box at the top of a tower, then remotely lower and detonate one above the snowpack. The CATEX system uses a permanent cable to carry explosive charges to selected avalanche starting zones. All three are designed to help patrol treat avalanche-prone terrain more quickly, including during storms and poor visibility.

The resort is also expanding snowmaking along Mountain Run to improve early-season coverage and extend top-to-bottom skiing later into spring. Apex Club will return for its second season, and opening day is scheduled for November 25, weather and conditions permitting.

SNOW Museum moves closer to reality

The proposed Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter Sports Museum and Community Cultural Center received unanimous approval from the Placer County Planning Commission on August 27.

The approximately $20 million, two-story museum would be built in Olympic Valley Park and celebrate the 1960 Winter Olympics and the broader history of snow sports throughout the Sierra. The proposal is expected to go before the Placer County Board of Supervisors on October 20.

TART adds real-time tracking

TART riders can now track vehicles and plan trips in real time using the TART Connect and Transit apps.

The technology arrives alongside TART’s fall schedule, which runs through December 11. Fall service includes night service on the North Shore and on-demand TART Connect service until 10 p.m.

Truckee artists receive community mini-grants

Nevada County Arts & Culture awarded $14,000 to 14 local artists through the third round of the Truckee Cultural District Mini-Grants Program.

The funded projects include writing workshops, public art, live music, exhibitions, community gatherings, film screenings, and an October Halloween zine event at Dark Horse Coffee. One of the first upcoming projects is Joseph Chang’s free sunset cello concert at Alibi Ale Works on September 24.

Tahoma Grid earns Firewise certification

The Tahoma Grid Firewise Committee has received official Firewise Community certification, covering more than 900 parcels.

Property owners participating in home hardening and hazard reduction may also qualify for reduced fire insurance premiums by submitting the community’s current Firewise certificate to their carrier.

Nevada County wants input from east county residents

Nevada County has opened an east county community survey asking residents what county services are working, what may be missing, and what the community will need in the future.

The county will also hold a public meeting on October 22 at 5 p.m. in the Donner Room at the Joseph Center in Truckee.

Juniper Award nominations close Tuesday

Nominations for the 2026 Juniper Awards close Tuesday, September 15.

The Jeff Hamilton Legacy Fund recognizes people who live or work in the Truckee-Tahoe region across six categories: visual and performing arts, writing and music, elite winter athletics, medical care, trades, and community impact.

Solar property tax exclusion approaches its deadline

California’s active solar energy system property tax exclusion is scheduled to expire January 1, 2027.

A qualifying solar installation must be completed before January 1 to receive the current exclusion. Projects still under construction when the deadline arrives will be assessed as new construction unless the state enacts an extension.

Submit a News Item

LOCAL JOBS

A few fresh openings from the Truckee North Tahoe Jobs Collective:

• Outdoor Gear Sales/Service Specialist, Backcountry Ski and Winter Focus, Tahoe Mountain Sports, Truckee. The role focuses on technical winter gear, ski and snowboard sales, boot fitting, and backcountry services. Pay is $24–$29 per hour, depending on experience.

• Adaptive Snowsports Instructor, Achieve Tahoe. Part-time and seasonal from December through April, starting at $21 per hour. Benefits include a Palisades Tahoe or Northstar season pass and instructor-development opportunities.

• Kindergarten & First Grade Teacher, Long-Term Substitute with Potential for Full-Time, Tahoe Expedition Academy. A newly posted teaching opportunity with the potential to grow into a permanent position.

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Monday, September 14

• KBD Advisory Committee Meeting, 3–5 p.m., North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach. The new committee represents Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, and Carnelian Bay and will help guide local business support, advocacy, beautification, and community events.

Tuesday, September 15

• Truckee Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Truckee River Regional Park. Shop for local produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, baked goods, crafts, and prepared food.

• Good Morning Truckee: Leading with Purpose, Women Shaping Truckee, 8–9:30 a.m., Truckee Town Hall. Breakfast, coffee, and a community conversation highlighting women helping shape Truckee.

• Truckee Planning Commission Meeting, 6 p.m., Truckee Town Hall Council Chambers.

Wednesday, September 16

• Tahoe City Downtown Association Board Meeting, 8:30–10:30 a.m., Fairway Community Center, Tahoe City. The public is welcome.

• Putting Your Garden to Bed for Winter, 11 a.m., Tahoe Tree Company. A free workshop covering pruning, mulching, and protecting plants from mountain winter conditions. Advance RSVP is requested.

Thursday, September 17

• Tahoe City Farmers Market, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Commons Beach. Produce, meats, honey, prepared food, and local artisan vendors by the lake.

• Tahoe XC Women’s Fundamentals Mountain Bike Clinic, 3:30–5:30 p.m., Tahoe XC. Open to riders ages 14 and older. Registration is $75.

• Truckee Community Block Party, 5–7 p.m., outside the Truckee Train Depot. This free, family-friendly event includes food trucks, live music, art, games, more than 40 community organizations, a bike valet, and extended downtown shopping hours.

• Homemade Fire Cider Workshop, 5:30–7 p.m., North Tahoe Regional Park Community Garden. Make a personalized herbal tonic using ginger, garlic, spices, and other warming ingredients.

Friday, September 18

• Tahoe Cup Lake Crossing weather window begins and runs through Sunday. The 22-mile race crosses Lake Tahoe from El Dorado Beach to Waterman’s Landing. Organizers will announce the safest race day on Wednesday.

• The Brothers Comatose, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room. A standing-room-only night of bluegrass, folk, and Americana. Ages 21 and older.

• Blind Flight Fridays, 5–8 p.m., Tahoe Wine Collective, Tahoe City. Test your palate with a blind wine flight.

Saturday, September 19

• Tahoe City Oktoberfest, noon–5 p.m., Gatekeeper’s Museum. Admission is free, with craft beer tastings, Bavarian food, live music from Alpine Sound, lakeside games, and family-friendly activities. A free bike valet and event shuttle will be available.

Sunday, September 20

• Auburn Ski Club Training Center Open House, 1–3 p.m., Donner Summit. Visit the organization featured in last week’s Local Spotlight, meet coaches, tour the Nordic trails, and learn about Alpine, Nordic, snowboard, and biathlon programs.

• Fall Equinox Renewal: Gentle Yoga and Meditation, 4:30–6 p.m., The Yoga Room, Tahoe City. A seasonal yoga, journaling, meditation, and mulled-cider gathering. Registration is $35.

• POW Stoke Fest, 5 p.m., Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema. Protect Our Winters brings together films, athlete stories, community conversations, giveaways, and climate action ahead of November’s election.

Submit an Event

WEATHER OUTLOOK

Expect a sunny and mostly dry week, with chilly mornings and a brief midweek cooldown.

• Today: Sunny, high near 74°F, low around 31°F.

• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 78°F, low around 31°F.

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and breezier, high near 72°F, low around 33°F.

• Thursday: Sunny and cooler, high near 67°F, low around 29°F.

• Friday: Sunny, high near 73°F, low around 29°F.

• Saturday: Sunny, high near 75°F, low around 32°F.

• Sunday: Sunny, high near 77°F.

The National Weather Service’s Monday morning discussion expects a weak low-pressure system to bring cooler temperatures and increased breezes Wednesday and Thursday. Truckee should remain dry, although the stronger afternoon winds could briefly elevate fire-weather concerns.

Check the latest forecast before making plans.

COMMUNITY ALERTS & REMINDERS

• Truckee’s seasonal burn ban remains in effect. Review the current rules and permitted devices through Truckee Fire.

• Breezier conditions Wednesday and Thursday could create short periods of elevated fire weather. Monitor Tahoe Alerts and Watch Duty for current incidents and emergency information.

• Juniper Award nominations close Tuesday, September 15. Submit a nomination.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Nevada County Community Baby Shower, Tuesday, September 22, 10 a.m.–noon, Truckee Regional Park. Free resources, support, and giveaways for new and expectant parents.

• Sunset Cello Concert with Joseph Chang, Thursday, September 24, Alibi Ale Works. A free, all-ages performance combining cello, hip-hop production, live looping, and beatboxing.

• Top of the Town, Truckee Chamber’s 73rd Annual Awards Celebration, Friday, September 25, 5–7:30 p.m., Alder Creek Adventure Center. Celebrate this year’s nominated local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders.

Thanks for reading Truckee/North Tahoe This Week!

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Donner Summit is not known as the most hospitable place. Winters are long, storms are fierce and snow piles up by the foot. Yet for nearly a century, Alpine and Nordic skiers, snowboarders and biathletes of all ages, abilities and ambitions have called the Summit and Auburn Ski Club Training Center home.

ASC is a place where athletes learn, grow and pursue their goals. Generations of families have connected here through a shared love of mountain sports. Athletes become coaches and mentors, passing what they have learned to the next generation and keeping one of the Truckee and North Tahoe region’s great traditions alive.

While ASC may be best known for developing athletes, its larger purpose is creating relationships with mountain sports, the outdoors and one another that can last a lifetime.

“It is more than a place to train,” said Amy Warren, executive director of ASC Training Center. “It is a community where athletes grow up, families connect, coaches mentor, and people can stay involved in mountain sports throughout their lives.”

Four programs, one club

Based at 7,040 feet on Donner Summit, ASC Training Center is a nonprofit mountain-sports community that brings together four disciplines: Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding and biathlon.

ASC’s motto: “Four programs, one club.”

While most ski clubs specialize in a single discipline, ASC is one of the few organizations in the country to bring all four together. Athletes may use different equipment, train at different facilities and pursue different competitive goals, but they share a community, coaches and mentors, and the opportunity to learn from people following many different paths through mountain sports.

“ASC can support a child discovering skiing, a teenager competing regionally or nationally, and an adult who simply wants to stay connected to the sport,” Warren said. “There isn’t just one pathway to success here.”

That breadth is reflected throughout ASC’s programming. Nordic instruction begins with play-based programs for children as young as four. Alpine programs offer development and competition pathways for young skiers, while snowboard programming ranges from recreational riding to athletes with professional and Olympic ambitions. Biathletes train at what ASC describes as the only Olympic-distance, year-round biathlon range in the West.

The organization also operates the ASC Nordic Center, with 25 kilometers of groomed trails open to the public through season passes and day tickets.

Together, these programs make room for athletes of different ages, interests and ambitions while keeping them connected through a shared club identity.

Nearly a century on the snow

ASC’s roots stretch back to 1928, before Sugar Bowl, Boreal or Palisades Tahoe existed.

The club was founded by a group of people who loved skiing and wanted to create opportunities for others to experience winter sports. Since then, ASC has evolved alongside skiing itself, connecting Tahoe’s early ski culture with today’s world of year-round training, specialized facilities and international competition.

Its history includes several milestones in the development of winter sports on Donner Summit:

• 1928: Auburn Ski Club was founded and built the first engineered ski jump in the West.

• 1932: The club advocated for keeping Highway 40 open throughout the winter.

• 1969: The Western SkiSport Museum opened on Donner Summit.

• 1989: The modern ASC Training Center was established on Donner Summit.

• 2023: ASC installed California’s first permanent Nordic night-lighting system.

The facilities and programs look very different today, but Warren said the founding spirit has remained remarkably consistent.

“At the heart of ASC is access,” she said. “Creating opportunities for people to participate, develop as athletes, build character and become part of a mountain community.”

Developing people, not just athletes

At ASC, making an Olympic team or winning a World Cup is not the only measure of success.

Coaches provide technical instruction, but they also help young athletes develop confidence, resilience, independence and personal responsibility. The goal is not simply to produce faster skiers or stronger competitors. It is to help young people grow while building a lasting relationship with the outdoors.

Families are active participants in that process. Parents volunteer, help operate races and events, and form friendships that can continue across seasons and even generations.

“Success at ASC isn’t just producing elite athletes,” Warren said. “It’s producing people who love mountain sports enough to stay connected for life.”

Bernie Nelson comes full circle

Few people represent that idea better than Bernie Nelson.

Nelson grew up as an ASC Nordic athlete, surrounded by coaches and mentors who helped shape her love of the sport. She went on to become a coach, mentor and advocate herself, and her career eventually took her to the highest levels of Nordic skiing.

After representing Auburn Ski Club in a World Cup coaching-development program, Nelson joined the U.S. Cross Country Team’s coaching staff. She has continued to remain connected to ASC and support the community that helped develop her.

Her story captures the generational cycle at the heart of the organization. A young athlete receives support, grows within the sport, reaches its highest levels and then helps create opportunities for the athletes coming behind her.

“Her passion for the sport was shaped by the coaches and mentors who invested in her as a young athlete, and today she is providing that same experience for the next generation,” Warren said. “To me, that is what success at ASC looks like.”

Access requires a community

As nearly anyone who participates in mountain sports knows, they can carry significant financial, logistical and geographic barriers.

Creating access therefore requires an entire community.

ASC’s coaches teach and mentor. Families and volunteers make programs, races and community events possible. Staff operate the programs, trails and facilities. Donors help ensure those opportunities remain available to future generations.

The ASC Legacy Foundation serves as the philanthropic partner to ASC Training Center. While the Training Center operates the programs and facilities, the Foundation raises money to strengthen the organization and expand access.

Its support includes:

• Needs-based tuition scholarships

• Coach education and development

• Trail and facility improvements

• Capital projects

• Programs and community events

“The ASC Legacy Foundation helps ensure that opportunity isn’t limited by a family’s financial circumstances,” Warren said. “The Foundation helps us keep looking toward the next generation while honoring the generations that built ASC.”

Applications for the Foundation’s 2026–27 needs-based scholarships are currently open through October 17.

Looking toward the next century

ASC will celebrate its centennial in 2028, a major accomplishment for any organization. Warren and the ASC team are focused not just on growth, but investing in facilities, trail improvements, year-round training opportunities and clearer development pathways across all four disciplines. Their goal is to keep ASC accessible, sustainable and relevant for the generations that will carry it into its second century.

“Growth for us isn’t simply about getting bigger,” Warren said. “It’s about creating more opportunities for people to experience mountain sports and making sure ASC remains accessible and sustainable for future generations.”

My team at Peak Digital Studio and I were recently fortunate to work with ASC to modernize its website and make the organization’s many programs and opportunities clearer and easier to access online. Working closely with Amy, Inger and the rest of the team gave us a better appreciation for just how much ASC encompasses.

What might look from the outside like a ski club is really a network of athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, donors, trails, facilities and traditions, all working together.

See ASC for yourself

For anyone interested in joining that tradition, ASC will host a community open house on September 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Training Center.

The afternoon is expected to include a Dryathlon relay, a coach Q&A and a walk along the Nordic trails highlighting improvements completed over the summer. It is an opportunity for families and other community members to explore the facility, learn about the programs and find ways to participate as athletes, volunteers or supporters.

Winter registration is also open for Alpine, Nordic, snowboard and biathlon programs. Program prices are scheduled to increase by $150 after October 6 at 11:59 p.m.

It takes a hearty person, and a hearty organization, to survive on Donner Summit. Community and a multigenerational commitment to ASC’s mission have sustained it for nearly 100 years.

ASC began with people who wanted to share their love of winter sports with others. The disciplines, facilities and ambitions have evolved, but that guiding principle remains. Perhaps ASC’s defining achievement is not simply that it has survived on the Summit, but that generations of people have continued to return, give back and bring someone new with them.

Follow ASC Training Center on Instagram for program news, events and updates.