️ Rotating Mountain Biking locations: ride UCSC, Pacifica, Del Valle, Briones, Quarry Park, Santa Teresa, further, and longer rides on weekends, MTB pretty much every Friday to JMP in Oakland
“Everyone welcome, usually with new riders in the group we start hitting the easy trails to check skills and confidence, and go from there”
️ World Cup Viewing Parties
️ Wake boarding w/ Rick & pals
️ Small Group Golf Outings
East Bay & South Bay
Corica Park (South Course) (Alameda): Often dubbed a “municipal masterpiece.” This links-style course features massive, undulating greens and expansive fairways that mimic Australian sand-belt courses.
Callippe Preserve Golf Course (Pleasanton): Known for its pristine course conditions and dramatic elevation changes. It features a tough but fair layout with stunning views of the Tri-Valley.
Moffett Field Golf Club (Mountain View): Located on the NASA/Ames base, it’s a favorite on the Peninsula for its well-maintained, fast greens and highly affordable walkability.
San Francisco Proper
TPC Harding Park (San Francisco): While the main championship course can be pricey, the adjacent Fleming 9-Hole Course is a hidden gem. It replicates the challenging, deep-rough environment of the big course for a fraction of the price.
The Coast / Monterey Peninsula
Pacific Grove Golf Links (Pacific Grove): Widely referred to as the “Poor Man’s Pebble Beach,” this course features the same stunning coastline ocean views as the famous Pebble Beach for a fraction of the price.
️ Hike/Rock/Cable Climb Palisades’ Via Ferrata (Italian for “iron path”), a protected climbing route built into a mountain/cliff face. It consists of a continuous steel cable fixed to the rock, along with metal rungs, ladders, and suspension bridges. Climbers wear a harness and use a special shock-absorbing lanyard to clip into the cable, allowing them to safely scale steep, rugged terrain. Absolutely fun and thrilling, join us.
️ Family, Kids Friendly Hike Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. SnowPals members are encouraged to lead trips, invite others to join.
️ Day hike with Nora & friends Half Dome before the sunrise with headlamps, carabiners, harness
️ Gravel MTB ride through scenic strawberry fields/cherry orchards
️ Hike SF Lands Ends – Sushi/Ramen Dinner & Opening Night IMAX Movie, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
️ Fun, Relaxing Backpack Camping Trip to the Ventana Wilderness of Big Sur, Skyes Hot Springs 20 miles, soak in a natural hot springs, hike through coastal redwoods, pines and great oak trees, from valleys to ridge tops
️ Full Moon and Dark Sky Night Hike Yosemite’s Clouds Rest: Sunrise Lakes Trailhead via Tenaya Lake. Strenuous ~ 14 miles round-trip, ~3k feet of elevation gain, ~ 6–8 hours
️ Intro to backpack camping May Lake Yosemite Trip, kids, family friendly
Join us to shred POW freshies in the southern hemisphere to tap into ENDLESS WINTER:
August 1-8, 2026 Ski, Ride Destination Trip Valle Nevado, Chile on the Ikon Pass: we’re fully booked at 10 participants. Waitlist available; inquire after joining SnowPals.
2026-27 POWDER HOUND Trips in the works to max out Ikon, Epic Pass to Whistler Blackcomb, Utah, Jackson Hole, Colorado (Steamboat, Loveland, Aspen, Telluride, etc when there are significant freshies in the 2-5 days OpenSnow app forecast), from resorts in Washington state, to other powder hound destinations such as the Japanese, Italian, French, and Swiss Alps, Austria, and in summer, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and Australia.
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2/9 1/2 day skiing at June mountain; drive back to the SF Bay Area at 12:30 pm
Let’s GO ⛷️❄️❄️
Anything can happen in 14 days until our trip.
Join SnowPals.org to sign up for our trips. We will facilitate rideshare/carpool, group discount hotel bookings, and skiers/snowboarders at your level to ski/ride with.
Let’s max out our Ikon/Epic season pass❣️
Our Mammoth trips will hit up Ikon Pass Holder Early Ups
Mammoth Mtn Resort
10001 Minaret Rd
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
FIRST TRACKS JUST FOR PASS HOLDERS
A private event for Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders, Early Ups offers the chance to enjoy exclusive lift access at Mammoth Mountain beginning at 7:30 AM, followed by a complimentary buffet hot breakfast at McCoy Station from 8:00 AM–9:30 AM or while supplies last.
Expected lifts are Broadway Express (1), Stump Alley Express (2), Facelift Express (3), Eagle Express (15), Canyon Express (16), the Village Gondola and Lower Panorama Gondola. This event is subject to change, weather and conditions permitting.
Trips in the works to Whistler Blackcomb, Colorado (Steamboat, Loveland, Aspen, Telluride, etc when there’re freshies), resorts in the state of Washington, and other powder hound destinations such as the Italian, French, and Swiss Alps, Austria, and in summer, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and Australia.
♥ Share this page with friends and family to invite them to go on a ski bus trip getaway via , twitter, facebook.
? Join Après Ski & Social Club — Tahoe’s Communal Ski Lodge for Adventure-Seekers & Good Vibes
If you’re into hostel-style living, mountain escapes, and meeting new people who actually want to do stuff outside?️ Welcome to Après.
We’re a down-to-earth, 21+ ski and social club with a year-round lodge in Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe.
Founded in the 1960s, Après is built for shared adventures, chill vibes, and spontaneous hangouts. ?
?️ What We’re About
Cozy bunk-style/shared room lodge just a few blocks from Lake Tahoe (8473 Rainbow Ave) (Daily rate $40-60, see Apres website for details).
Adults-only (21+) club, for folks who love outdoor adventures and communal living.
Year-round action (hosted by members): ski trips, summer hikes, beach hangs, river floats, bike rides, and whatever else members dream up.
Friendly community: think more shared house, less hotel. You’ll share meals, chores, couches, gear tips, and good stories around the fireplace or hot tub.
? What Makes Us Different
Community > luxury: We’re about shared space and social sparks, not private suites.
No carpool list? No problem. SnowPals’ rideshare network makes it easy to coordinate with others getting up the mountain.
Monthly Happy Hours: Every first Friday—join in person in the Bay Area or hop into Zoom with a drink in hand.
Events by members, for members: from impromptu potlucks and game nights to sunrise hikes and kayak days, it’s all fair game. Just say yes.
? Who You’ll Meet
Adventurous, friendly, independent folks.
People who love skiing, hiking, biking, floating rivers, or just kicking back après-ski style.
Many come from the Bay Area, but the lodge draws outdoor lovers from across California.
? Membership & How to Join
Be 21+
Commit to share a few light chores and keep things clean while you stay. Teamwork keeps fees low ?
Hop on a quick Call/Zoom chat with our membership crew
Pay the one-time $100 sign-up + $150 yearly dues ? (visit apres.org for latest pricing)
Score automatic FWSA/BAC/NSCF perks for trip & gear discounts
Get a welcome email + invite to the next lodge work-party to meet other members
? Snapshot
Category
Details
Who Can Join
Adults-only (21+), all genders
Lodge Perks
Communal lodge in Kings Beach, bunk-style/shared room, fireplace, hot tub
Vibe
Outdoorsy, social, no-frills, co-op style
Activities
Skiing, hiking, beach hangs, river floats, biking, fireside nights and more
Events
Monthly Friday happy hours (In-person or Zoom)
Join Fee
$150 Annually + $100 one time initiation fee. $50 late fee applies if renewing 2 weeks after expiration
Rideshare Access
Via SnowPals’ Tahoe carpool network
? Come for the Mountains. Stay for the People.
Après isn’t a vacation rental?♂️ It’s a clubhouse for Tahoe-loving adventurers who want to connect, explore, and live a little louder (or cozier) with new friends.
At SnowPals, we facilitate snow sports life-long friendships, and we encourage members to volunteer their expertise with nonprofits whose core mission and charitable work align with their core values. If you’d like to nominate a nonprofit to be featured, please contact .
Twice a month, we spotlight two notable 501(c)3 nonprofits locally and globally:
For February 2025, in our spotlight feature is Achieve Tahoe located at Alpine Meadows Mountain Resort, 2680 Alpine Meadows Rd B3686, Alpine Meadows, CA 96146
Achieve Tahoe’s Organization’s Mission Statement:
“Provide affordable, inclusive physical and recreational activities that build health, confidence, and independence.”
Achieve Tahoe was started in 1967 by Jim Winthers, a World War II Veteran of the 10th Mountain Division and Director of the Soda Springs Ski School. He brought together a group of Vietnam Veterans with disabilities and they taught themselves how to ski and found ways to adapt equipment to do so. At the time, adaptive sports equipment did not exist. The experience was so positive, Jim felt that the community could benefit from a formalized program that helped more people. We are proud to be the founding chapter of MoveUnited (formerly Disabled Sports USA) and have employees and volunteers who were the pioneers in the adaptive sports world.
Today, Achieve Tahoe provides year-round outdoor recreation activities for people with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities. We can serve just about anyone with any disability. We focus on health, confidence, and independence so that the experience people have with us is long-lasting and carries over into other areas of their life. Read more about Achieve Tahoe.
For February 2025, our global 501(c)3 not for profit spotlight feature goes to the Mercy Centre of Bangkok, Thailand
Here’s the backstory of how the Mercy Centre got on SnowPals’ notable nonprofit organization radar, Tim, SnowPals’ founder is passionate about snow sports but in the off-season, he likes to travel to learn about other cultures, places and how history shapes a city’s present day so when he travels to other parts of the world, he noticed firsthand the huge disparity between the poor and the well-to-do in society.
In December 2024, Tim was traveling in Thailand and recalled hearing sadly poignant stories of the forgotten slums of Bangkok which prompted him to ask himself: what can he do to help? He didn’t know where to start so he did a quick Google search for a non-profit charity that was founded to help the poor children, women and families living in the slums of Bangkok. His Google search led him to the Human Development Foundation aka the Mercy Centre and Orphanage located at 100/11 Kae-ha Klong Toey 4, Klong Toey in Bangkok, Thailand 10110. He emailed them to inquire about visiting the Mercy Centre to learn more about what they do to help empower the children of poor families and single moms, and he recorded a video of his visit so he can share what this nonprofit does to improve the lives of the poor people in this part of the world.
The following day, Tim received a reply from John Vogel who volunteers full-time at the Mercy Centre as their program Director, and here’s his reply:
“Thank you for reaching out to the Mercy Centre orphanage. I can relate to your snow sports website, SnowPals.org, because I’m a retired skier from Colorado. I’ve been here since September 2022. I was a 30-year US Army officer and retired in 2016 in Colorado. After doing the mandatory retirement things (golfing, travel, mountain biking, skiing, etc), I got bored. I found out about the Mercy Centre, donated everything I owned in America, packed the rest into two suitcases, and moved to Thailand.
I have no plans to leave, I’m here on a retirement visa and can stay forever if I want. What inspires me? Not too complicated. I thought about what I could do with the rest of my life that would be the most meaningful. At the Mercy Centre, we have 17 kindergartens with nearly 1,000 children (age 3-6) in the slums of Bangkok, as well as an orphanage with about 80 kids (age 6-20) living with us. I’m here 5-6 days a week as a full-time volunteer. I see, every day, the difference the Mercy Centre makes in the lives of these children and I want to be a part of that. The reality is, I get as much out of it as they do.
Our team provides mental and physical health assistance to the Mercy children. Also conducts HIV/AIDS outreach to more than 300 patients in the slums of Bangkok 443-837-7303 www.mercycentreusa.org
HDFL MERCY CENTRE
What is the Human Development Foundation (HDF) Mercy Centre?
• Founded in 1972 by Fr. Joe and Sr. Maria in the slaughterhouse area of Klong Toey, Bangkok, with the opening of the first kindergarten in an abandoned pigsty
• In 1976 the first Mercy Home for street children opened
• The Human Development Foundation (HDF), Mercy Centre, is officially registered with the Thailand Office of the National Culture Commission as a non-profit foundation
• The Mercy Centre is a “stand-alone” non-profit foundation and is fully funded by donations
• Our Founders are Catholic, but this is not a “Religious Charity”.
No specific faith is taught, we care for all
Core Missions
1) EDUCATION 17 Kindergartens – Children ages 3-6 with 956 enrolled throughout the poorest slums in Bangkok. Working in conjunction with our Sponsorship Team to coordinate with donors around the world to ensure every family who wants an education for their child can have one 2 CHILD CARE Three Mercy Homes (orphanage), caring for 78 children between ages 6 and 21.
2) We strive for the day when every child will grow up in a caring and loving home environment of their own, where every child will be able to receive a quality education
SUPPORT MISSIONS CHILDREN’S SUPPORT TEAM
Provides daily support to individual personal development and “life skills” education to our Mercy children
SnowPals.org partners with SlabLab.co (your source for backcountry skiing partners) to help connect backcountry skiers, split-boarders, and snow sports enthusiasts to the best resource to help make your backcountry outings safer:
SlabLab.co – “We make finding backcountry partners easier and more effective!”
When it comes to backcountry skiing and snowboarding, your partners are everything. Sure, the latest bindings, high-tech avalanche transceivers, or advanced snowpack tests grab attention, but they aren’t what make or break your day in the backcountry. Your team is the foundation of every safe, successful, and enjoyable outing.
But let’s face it—finding the right partners is tough. Finding great partners? That’s even tougher.
SlabLab Founders
Richard
Richard is a long-time avalanche educator and ski guide, author of Light Tours of Tahoe and served as executive director of AIARE from 2016-2018. He is passionate about student outcomes, and actions people take after training.
Page down the page to join Richard backcountry Q&A Zoom meeting today, 1/29 at 8:15 PM.
Daniel
Daniel is a mediocre backcountry skier but a great Human-Centered designer and product manager with experience at Apple and IDEO.org. He loves helping people through making useful things.
Jenny
Jenny is a design research specialist and wild places enthusiast. She’s passionate about supporting people to choose safe behaviours, navigate risks and mitigate trauma.
Why did we founded SlabLab?
Since 2021, we’ve been listening to skiers and boarders of all experience levels, and one challenge comes up every time: finding good, reliable, and like-minded partners is a struggle. Whether it’s people who truly understand your goals, who can communicate effectively, or who even show up when they say they will—this issue is universal.
Enter the SlabLab Partner Network.
SlabLab is the only backcountry-specific social network designed to help you find partners and build stronger, safer, and more aligned teams. We make it easy to connect with people who share your skills, goals, and values so you can spend more time doing what you love and less time searching for teammates.
Here’s How It Works
Build a Profile That Stands Out
Your SlabLab profile lets you share what truly matters to backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Highlight your:
Experience level
Availability
Avalanche and first aid certifications
Fitness level and ski skills
Personal values and what you’re looking for in a partner
The more complete your profile, the easier it is for the right people to find you.
Search Smarter, Not Harder
Use our intuitive filters to find partners who match your criteria. Want a midweek ski buddy in moderate shape who’s taken an Avalanche Level 1 course and knows Tahoe? SlabLab will connect you to people who check all those boxes.
Connect and Build Trust
Explore profiles, read posts, and see comments to get a sense of each person’s vibe. When you find someone promising, reach out through SlabLab’s direct messaging system to start the conversation.
Test the Waters
Once you’ve connected, start small. Plan a low-consequence outing, like resort laps or a climbing gym session, to get to know each other before committing to a big backcountry day.
Why SlabLab?
We’re here to help move away from the randomness of traditional social media posts like, “Who wants to ski The Cross on Saturday?” SlabLab is about building partnerships that are better aligned, safer, and more rewarding. The backcountry isn’t just about the powder; it’s about the people you share it with. Join SlabLab.co today to find your great backcountry partners.
Join SnowPals to get 1/2 off SlabLab.co membership. Promo expires Feb 14, 2025.
More about Richard and his backcountry experiences:
“ Richard Bothwell, Backcountry CFO (Chief Fun Officer)
Since 1996, Richard has been the backwoods expert, climbing guide, splitboard guide, and a pretty good backcountry cook. Richard has climbed, skied, snowboarded, and guided numerous trips worldwide including 4 of the “7 Summits” (Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Denali, and Elbrus).
He’s climbed extensively in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, including summiting Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Tocllaraju.
He’s also snowboarded down 7500 meter/24,000′ peaks in China. He’s surfed (poorly) on four continents as well.
Richard served as the Executive Director of AIARE (American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education) from 2016to 2018.
In 2023, Richard authored Light Tours of Tahoe, a backcountry ski guide focusing on mellow tours that avoid avalanche terrain.
Certifications and training that Richard holds or has held: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Top Rope Site Manager, AMGA Apprentice Backcountry Ski Guide, AIARE Level 3 avalanche training, AIARE Avalanche Course Leader, Wilderness First Responder, PSIA 1 Ski Instructor, and ACA Sea kayak instructor.
Richard is passionate about avalanche education and backcountry snowboarding. He teaches avalanche classes for The Nickolay Dodov Foundation, Feather River College and Lake Tahoe Community College.
Most of all, Richard loves connecting with people and sharing his knowledge with others.”
Hey everyone, Mike here, and let me tell you, we’ve got something fun to share!
For 20 years, we’ve been the go-to folks for leasing and renting our South Lake Tahoe place. We’re talking killer Winter & Spring ski leases and those sweet Summer short-term rentals. But guess what? We’re shaking things up!
Now, we’re opening up shared leases for Summer and Fall too. So, if you’re like us and can’t get enough of that Tahoe magic, you can come soak it all in – the lake, the mountains, all of it!
Seriously, South Lake Tahoe is like stepping into a dream. It’s this crazy beautiful escape where you can go from sun-soaked days kayaking on the clearest water you’ve ever seen to those crisp evenings with the smell of pine in the air – ah, heaven!
And then comes Fall… oh man, when those Sierra Nevada mountains explode with all the fiery colors of autumn? Hiking, biking, or just chilling and taking in the views, it’s unreal.
Whether you’re chasing that adrenaline rush or just need a serious dose of peace and quiet in a gorgeous setting, Tahoe’s got you covered in the warmer months. Trust me.
And hey, you HAVE to check out all the things you can do here. I’m talking: land adventures (hiking, biking, you name it), water fun (beaches, swimming, boating – the works), tons of stuff to do all year round, plus arts, culture, entertainment, and even the ability to *Work from Tahoe!* Seriously, the list goes on and on: hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, hanging out, festivals, dining, boating, etc.
Now, about these shared leases… here’s the deal: you’ll be sharing the house with other people. But think of them as… wait for it… future friends!
The awesome part is that sharing keeps the cost way down for everyone. And most of the time, the house won’t even be full, so you’ll have your own room and probably your own floor of the house (unless you actually want to share!).
With “work from home in Tahoe” options as part of the deal, this is pretty sweet. Prices start at $899 to $1599 + Utilities for up to 12 weeks out of the 21 weeks available. Seriously, the lease can pay for itself with one longer or two shorter trips. And yeah, you can bring your buddies!
This whole shared lease thing is perfect for couples, solo adventurers, and groups of friends. It’s a super affordable way to have a “home base” for all your Tahoe explorations, and you get to meet some cool people in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Available Spots in our South Lake Tahoe Village Ski Out Condo Ski Lease for 2024/25 Winter
Picture this: you’re between 2 chairlifts: walking distance from one (Stagecoach) and directly above the other (Boulder) at the top of the hill on Tramway Drive in Tahoe Village (Stateline/Kingsbury, NV). If you are at least an intermediate level skier/boarder, you can ski out right to the lift (Boulder chair). Or walk to either one. Or if you don’t feel like walking either, Heavenly and all other shuttles stop right in our parking lot and drop you off in front of either of the 2 chairlifts, so you don’t have to deal with parking. At the end of the day those same free Heavenly shuttles will bring you right back to our doorsteps!
Upper level:
Bedroom 1: 2 Full beds. Closet, views of Carson Valley
Bedroom 2: Twin-over-twin Bunk bed + Full Bed. Closet, views of Carson Valley
Full Bath
Living room: HDTV, Blu-Ray/DVD, etc, Hide-A-Bed Queen Size sofa, fireplace, dining area w/ table for 6
Kitchen with fridge, stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, etc.
BBQ deck
1 extra tri-fold futon on upper level
Lower Level:
California King Size Bed, Memory Foam Queen Size Bed, extra queen size mattress (non-memory foam). HDTV, Blu-Ray/DVD, etc. one more fireplace, one more deck, full bath,
Extra Air beds & mattresses on lower level for
Key Features:
– Tahoe Village Pool and Spa complimentary access (gated)
– Condo has beds for 14, and space for a few extra beds
– Secure Wi-Fi
– Short walk to ‘Fox & Hound’ for a late night drink or an early breakfast (a casino-style restaurant & bar), mini market & ski rentals
– Separate laundry with washer & dryer
Scenic views of trees, mountains, Carson valley and the lake. Snow, giant boulders and trees all around.
Equally close to downtown South Lake Tahoe with shopping, dining, ice-skating, sightseeing, etc. and to Carson Valley (Minden, Gardnerville, etc.) – that’s where locals stock up on food, supplies and gas.
You can also take a shuttle down the mountain and back! Off-street parking in a large parking lot is available.
What’s included in the lease:
Wireless Internet, Garbage, Water, Snow Removal, Cable TV, complimentary access to Tahoe Village Pool and Spa
Please, note: our lease is non-smoking with no exceptions.
Price:
$1599 (+$160 deposit) per person for the entire 4+ -month ski season (Jan-Apr/May); all holidays are included
Lowered occupancy since Covid: limit is 10 members
to inquire. Please share your LinkedIn profile if you have one, what makes you think this ski lease share is a good fit for you and how many days per week do you plan on staying at the ski lease.
At SnowPals, we invite snow-sports businesses (world-wide) to become a cross-promotional biz partner. Spotlight your business to San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe Area snow-sports consumers about what your biz does best:
Services you offer, and/or
Products you sell
At SnowPals, we work diligently to earn a Five Star Rating. We strive to build stellar long term business relationships with our fans and with consumers. We work tirelessly to deliver great value and service in order to build a genuinely loyal customer base. If this resonates with what your business strives to do, please reach out to become a cross-promotional biz partner by submitting the form at the bottom of this page.
Don’t have a partners’ or an affiliates page on your business website? Consider adding one.
Here are some reasons why an affiliates page is the most effective way to help you grow your business:
1) serves to increase cross promotional marketing referrals which is the ideal way to attract new visitors to your website instead of paid advertising via Google, etc.
2) cross marketing provides organic advertising that attracts snow sports niche audience to your website
3) cross promotion is about expanding the marketing reach of your product and/or services so by helping to promote others, you also in turn receives prime organic visitors traffic to your business website whenever people search for businesses that are winter sports related
4) Lastly, success comes from collaborating, rarely from isolation – that’s our takeaway from 20+ years at SnowPals and we have the success track record to show; in 1999 we started SnowPals.org with a few friends, fast forward until 2020, we have gained over 8,000+ members and we continue to grow with the help and support of our fans.
Our 2021/22 Affiliates & Partners List
== SF Bay Area ==
Tahoe Ski Trips, since 1996, over 23 years of stellar service: “operating with integrity and a commitment to quality, Tahoe Ski Trips (also know as the Bay Area Ski Bus) contracts with the finest transportation companies and recreation outfitters/ski resorts with fantastic reputations and safety records; we focus on the details, while you focus on having Fun! Our quality and service is unmatched.” – Kevin, TST CEO. Get a private ski bus group quote or a corporate price quote for your company as a team building ski, snowboarding outing in Tahoe. Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: new Tahoe ski trips users receive up to $50 off day and overnight ski bus trips/gift cards available.
Sports Basement with 10 Bay Area Store Locations: ’21 Years of Sports Basement’. a sporting goods store that “catered to everyone that wanted to enjoy the outdoors, with no high-cost barrier to entry. The whole idea was to work with the smallest margins possible so Sports Basement could have the best brands at, well, Basement prices. It worked, and now Sports Basement is able to deliver great gear at great prices at 10 different stores in the greatest place on Earth! Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: Basementeer membership gives you a discount for all purchases which also adds to even sale and clearance discount sporting goods items (online and in store).
SnowBomb: SnowBomb produces NorCal’s yearly Ski & Snowboard Festival in San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento featuring wine/beer tastings, ski resorts from all over North America, snow-sports exhibitors & leading manufacturers in the ski and snowboard industry, hoteliers and destination getaways and auto industry showcase. Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: Get 1/2 off POWDER PASS AND VIP WINE/BEER tasting tickets.
Apres’ Ski Club Lodge at Kings Beach, CA (North Lake Tahoe): join Apres ski and snowboard club based out of the Santa Clara, CA (South Bay), a year-round singles club for active adults residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: view Apres ski, ride club benefits.
Casa Tours: Chile Argentina Snow Adventures (CASA), is a grassroots organization whose mission is to increase exposure to South American landscapes, mountains, and cultures. CASA is about traveling safely in the mountains; introducing our guests to new places, people, cuisines, language and customs; achieving personal ski and snowboard goals; and developing lifelong friendships and memories. By building cultural bridges and embracing sustainable travel principles, we hope to promote global peace and prosperity while introducing people to some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the planet. Partner’s Promotional Page: ski, ride year round; sign up for our endless winter powder trip tours.
== Lake Tahoe ==
Backcountry Ski Maps is the best all-in-one backcountry ski touring maps on the marketplace where you can find all the route information you need on one piece of paper or via digital format on your smartphone or laptop. Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: get 10% off backcountry topo ski maps.
SkiDUCK is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010; SkiDUCK offers a free program to bring disadvantaged and financially underprivileged youth to the snow to teach them the joys of skiing and snowboarding. Partner’s Page: seeking volunteers to teach underprivileged kids how to ski and snowboard.
SkiBuds: Find friends to ride with based on skill level making the skiing experience in Whistler, British Columbia more enjoyable. Affiliate’s Website: http://www.skibudsapp.com
Since 1999, we have been passionate about connecting San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors to Lake Tahoe to enjoy snow-sports and to engage in outdoor recreational activities in Tahoe and in other powder destinations. Our partners have chosen to advertise on SnowPals, year after year, because we quantify referrals that contribute to their success!
What are the benefits of partnering with SnowPals?
New customer referrals and increase your brand’s visibility are two of the key benefits of partnering with SnowPals.
Partner with us to reach Bay Area Professionals, their family and their circle of friends. Let us spotlight your business to reach and exceed your business goals.
For partnership inquiries, please reach out to for a digital media kit for key metrics and benefits of partnership.
What does becoming an affiliate entails? There is no cost to become an affiliate.
We are looking for snow-sports related affiliates who would like to establish a cross marketing relationship.
How to become an affiliate?
On your partner/affiliates page, please add the following sentence and logo to add SnowPals to your affiliates’ page (your business must have an affiliate page that you can easily include us on your page).
For Lake Tahoe ski trips, join SnowPals.org – San Francisco Bay Area snow-sports club for busy professionals, since 1999.
Use the form below to send us a one sentence description detailing what your business offers, a URL link to your biz’s website and your business logo. after you have added our logo, link and description to your affiliates page and we’ll do likewise.
Next Step After Submitting the Form:
After adding our logo and the above sentence on your Affiliates page, please contact (Monday to Friday, non-holidays, 9 AM to 5 PM). We will proceed with listing your business on this page. Please allow a 24 hours turn-around since we need to review your submission and work on listing your business if it meets our snow-sports category listing. Advance thanks!
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Part 8 – Backcountry Skiing, Snowboarding (spilt-boarding) Q&A Series
The boom in backcountry skiing, snowboarding and other snow-sports was brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic as ski resorts started closing down like falling dominoes starting in March of 2020 as state and local counties mandated ‘stay at home’ (SIP) orders as coronavirus outbreaks spiked.
Winter season 2020/21 will likely see similar trends especially pronounced if resorts are unable to implement effective protocols of limiting on-site visitors’ capacity, and social distancing especially indoors in common areas which will result in COVID infection outbreaks resulting in resorts’ closures.
Back to our topic, our backcountry Q&A feature looks at backcountry from a range of diverse perspectives, from an amateur to expert backcountry skier, from a ski shop small business retailer to backcountry touring guide, these Q&A series provide some key insights and also we’ll list resources to consider for avalanche safety training that is critical to stay safe in the backcountry. Most importantly, we list key resources to connect you with folks who share a passion and love for the backcountry.
Part 8 Q&A interview with Eddy van der Kloot, founder and creator of BackcountrySkiMaps.com
With the impact of resort closures due to the COVID pandemic from mid-March of this year, can you describe from your observations if there’s an increase in demand for backcountry skiing/boarding/snow-sports?
There’s been a definite uptick in people’s interest in the backcountry ever since COVID shut down lifts back in March, and I expect that this season will be the busiest yet for ski touring in Tahoe. Although the season has barely started, I’ve already seen an increase in demand for maps this year, which I suspect is a decent proxy for the increase in backcountry usage we’re about to see!
How did you get into creating Tahoe/Sierra topographical maps?
I’ve always been a map nerd – you don’t even want to know how many hours I’ve spent looking at CalTopo and Google Earth. After several years of backcountry skiing in Tahoe, I went up to Whistler and was pleasantly surprised to find that John Baldwin had made some incredible maps for touring in the area. That made me realize that nothing like that existed for Tahoe. There isn’t even a Tahoe-specific guidebook (though there are a few guidebooks which include some descents by the lake), much less anything that you can take out into the field. How were new ski tourers supposed to know where to go?
How many years have you been doing this and what do you find rewarding about it?
I’m in my third year of making maps now, and it’s been a rewarding process from start to finish. The whole undertaking has been a huge learning experience, which I always enjoy, but the biggest reward is when customers reach out to me and tell me how my maps have helped them have their best days in the backcountry. Ski touring has brought me so much joy, and it’s great to be able to help others get that same experience.
In terms of backcountry experience, what types of BC experience do you have? Do you go to the backcountry with a few friends or by yourself?
I don’t know how many hundreds of backcountry days I have under my belt now, but I’ve done everything from traverses to steep couloir skiing, pow days to ski mountaineering descents, and springtime corn runs to early winter bike-to-hike-to-ski days. That’s one of the joys of backcountry skiing – there are so many different ways to do it that it always keeps you interested.
I’ve done a handful of solo days, but I prefer to go out in a group of 2-4 people. I find that makes for the best combination of safety in numbers without causing too much groupthink when considering avalanche conditions.
What do you like about the backcountry?
Skiing pow without the anxiety of beating the lines at the resort certainly comes to mind first! But there’s also something enjoyable about the physical challenge of big days out. And of course getting into proper nature, away from the craziness of the resorts is a huge plus too. When I got into backcountry skiing, it was so that I could ski pow days after the resorts had been skied out, but it turns out that even the uphill is fun!
What was the most challenging part for you in creating these topo maps? How long did it take you to complete one coverage area section?
When I started the project I already had years of GPS data from my watch stored on my computer, so I thought it would be easy to just stick it on a map and go. That turned out not to be the case – there’s a ton of additional work that goes into getting things looking good, and even once the maps are printed and ready to go it takes a lot to maintain the website, find retailers, keep up with customer service, and try to give back to the community by doing things like running fundraisers with the Sierra Avalanche Center (and this winter also the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center). It took me about 8 months of full-time work to get the first map done, but after working on my processes I can now do that in about half the time. That of course doesn’t include the years of backcountry skiing to know where all the lines are – but thankfully that’s the fun part!
Name three favorite backcountry spots you like that’s not crowded?
I’m a huge fan of Herlan Peak (on the Tahoe: Best of the Rest map), for both tree skiing during storms and steep skiing when things are stable. It doesn’t hurt that you stare straight at the lake most of the time that you’re skiing there. The area around Echo and Angora Peaks has always been a favorite of mine too – it’s stacked with little chutes and couloirs, but doesn’t see nearly as much traffic as nearby Tallac or the West Shore peaks. For my last pick I’ll go with Carson Pass – it can get busy early and late season, but there’s so much terrain down there that it’s always easy to get away from the crowds if you know where to go. There are some huge bowls back there, some fun traverses to do, and of course the Crescent Moon Couloir is one of the best around Tahoe.
Final question: what is it about your backcountry ski topo maps that stands out from other maps available on the net?
First off, I don’t think that anything as comprehensive for ski touring exists on paper or on the net. Between the three paper maps (Tahoe: North, Tahoe: Southwest and West Shore, and Tahoe: Carson Pass) and the one digital-only map (Tahoe: The Best of the Rest) there’s something like 300 ski descents, each of which includes an approach (or several different approaches) and distance and elevation gain statistics. Then there’s the self-contained guide photos and text on the back. With about 16-20 of the top descents detailed with descriptions and color photos, the maps make it easy to get into the backcountry without needing to look up additional info elsewhere.
Would you like to add anything else?
If this is your first year in the backcountry, do yourself a favor and get educated before going out. Take an avalanche course, go out with more experienced friends, and always err on the side of caution. And if you’re the kind of heathen that bootpacks or pisses in the skintrack, may Ullr smite you with breakable crusts, sastrugi, and death cookies on all of your backcountry adventures from this day until the end of time!
Get the Inside Scoop on the best spots for skiing, splitboarding Tahoe Sierra backcountry:
Five backcountry topographical maps to choose from:
✔ San Francisco Backcountry Skiers Facebook Group: ‘San Francisco Backcountry Skiers (and Riders) is a resource and inspiration for people in the San Francisco area (and beyond) who are interested in backcountry skiing and riding. SFBS welcomes both experienced and aspiring backcountry skiers and riders.’ Membership type: free, public group. 3.3k members. Visit their FB group page.
✔ SnowPals.org is a non-traditional snow-sports club for busy Bay Area professionals. Join SF Bay Area professionals to expand your circle of ski and ride buddies (resort based and backcountry), btw, that’s how we came up with our name: Snow (Snow-Sports) + Pals. Membership type: one-time paid membership fee of $20; join SnowPals. Read members’ intros to get an idea who joins. Founded in 1999 by a small group of friends; we are now 8,249 members and growing. Celebrating our 21st year of connecting folks to expand their circle of snow sports activity partners.
✔ California Ski Company in Berkeley is one of the top ski shop retailer for ski gear for sale and rentals, plus boot fitting and equipment service. Cal Ski Co is a ‘specialty ski shop focused on ski equipment sale and rental since 1989. They sell and rent equipment for both Resort and Backcountry Ski Touring. Their team of expert ski boot fitters are the best in the business. They repair and tune about anything that slides on snow. Looking for a job? Cal Ski Co is currently hiring as of October 29, 2020. Full-time and part-time employment available: job openings, ski tech and boot-fitter. Experience is desirable but not necessary. The only criteria is that you are a skier. Interested or know of someone who is? Email resumes to .’
✔ Backcountry and Outback Adventures for Telemark and Randonee Ski Rentals, Fremont, CA and Larkspur, CA – Outback Adventures is a comprehensive outdoor adventure guide service, rental shop, and paddlesports and nordic ski specialty retailer located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Located in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park, Wuksachi Lodge is a modern lodge with 102 guestrooms. It offers a cocktail lounge, a full service restaurant and both a retail and ski shop. At an elevation of 7,050 ft. (1,980 m), Wuksachi Lodge is only 4 miles away from the Giant Forest Museum.
Delaware North Parks & Resorts offers multiple services like overnight accommodations, retail, food and beverage, etc. at Kings Canyon National Park in the area of Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Limited Internet is available in some areas of the main lodge. Wuksachi Lodge is open throughout all the seasons.
At an elevation of 6,500 ft (1,980 m), the Grant Grove Cabins is located in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. It offers 6 types of cabins; some are even opened all year. Main attractions like a sequoia grove, gifts shop, markets and restaurants are half a mile (800m) away from the Grant Grove Cabins. Open: All Year (limited in the winter)
✔ PEAR LAKE WINTER HUT
Managed by the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, Pear Lake Winter Hut is a rustic hut of 10 bunk beds that opens during winter and requires reservations but only for wilderness skiers who travel to Pear Lake during the cold season. At an elevation of 9,200 ft. the hut sits high above Lodgepole. This hut includes a wood-pellet stove. To get to it, you need to go through six miles on skis or snowshoes. Reservations can be made online or by phone: 559-565-3759.
Got a key backcountry resource not listed here that you’d like to share? Contact . Advance thanks for sharing.
Our spotlight feature for the month of January goes to Tahoe Fund..
The Tahoe Fund was founded in 2010 as a registered nonprofit in the States of Nevada and California. The goal of the Tahoe Fund is to become a major source of private funding for environmental projects around the Lake Tahoe Basin with an emphasis on forest health, lake clarity, sustainable recreation, transportation and stewardship.
TahoeFund.org
Do you love Lake Tahoe? So do we!
Our mission at Tahoe Fund is to use the power of philanthropy to improve Lake Tahoe’s environment for all to enjoy.
Since 2010, Tahoe Fund has helped to complete over 40 environmental improvement projects around the Tahoe Basin. Our organization was started to provide an opportunity for people who love Tahoe to be able to help ensure its long-term preservation. Thanks to the generosity of our many donors, we are making a difference. We have helped repair watersheds, remove aquatic invasive species, build new sections of bike paths and inspire greater stewardship of Tahoe.
Tahoe Fund’s Project Map (click on the map below to view our interactive projects page)
Some of our most proud project accomplishments include:
Nevada and California Lake Tahoe license plates benefit conservation and recreation projects in the basin. On behalf of the California Tahoe Conservancy, the Tahoe Fund coordinates the very successful Plates for Powder winter license program, running from November 2019 until April 2020.
Show off your love and support of protecting Lake Tahoe by ordering your California or Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate. Over 96% of the funds from purchase and renewal fees for Lake Tahoe License plates are used to build, maintain and protect the trails, water quality, wildlife and forest health of the Lake Tahoe basin.
New Tahoe License Plate fees benefiting the Tahoe Basin are $50 in California and $61 in Nevada. The annual renewal fee is $40 in California and $30 in Nevada. Personalized plates are also available for additional fees.
What was once dubbed “The Impossible Trail” has become one of Tahoe’s favorite attractions. Since opening in June of 2019, the Tahoe East Shore Trail has seen an impressive number of trail-goers, and it’s no wonder why! The ADA approved 10-foot-wide path provides both unabated breathtaking views of the lake and easy entrance to many previously hard-to-access beaches. The path features an 800-foot over-the-water suspended bridge, the only of its kind in Nevada. Walk, stroll, or bike, the Tahoe East Shore Trail has something to offer for everyone to enjoy!
Help us make Tahoe the Smartest Forest on the Planet!
We want to make Tahoe the smartest forest on the planet through technology and innovation so we can help our land managers increase the pace and scale of forest restoration. Find out how you can get involved by watching the video below and visiting our website at: Tahoe Fund Smartest Forest.
Ongoing activities
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Rotating Mountain Biking locations: ride UCSC, Pacifica, Del Valle, Briones, Quarry Park, Santa Teresa, further, and longer rides on weekends, MTB pretty much every Friday to JMP in Oakland
World Cup Viewing Parties
Wake boarding w/ Rick & pals
