TomInPA
Well-known member
If you enjoy sunny mild weather, Tahoe has been a great place to be lately. I like biking, but these roads should not be accessible this time of year. I need to start skiing. The lack of snow has created a new interest in doing snow dances and sacrifices to Ullr in the hopes of bringing some natural snow to the mountains here. Some people think washing the car might help, others may take off snow-tires...I ride a motorcycle, and took my spiffy clean Yamaha FJR over the mountains to Ullr's domain and dared him to snow on me.
Sunday morning, I headed up I-80 from Sacramento. Approaching Blue Canyon where all the news crews report on the winter storms, there was nothing but clear skies and dry roads. Not much of a news story here today.
So I continued through at prudent speed, keeping the heated gear at about 1/2 power just to keep off the chill. Ullr didn't have a chance.
Still dry at Clipper Gap
This looks more promising as we approach the Sugar Bowl exit.
Well the top of Donner Summit is looking a bit dry, but we can see some snow on Sugar Bowl's north-facing slopes and some skiers racing on the WROD
It is probably safe to say that this doesn't make the folks at Donner Ski Ranch any happier.
Meanwhile, the top of Donner Pass was completely clear and offers a scenic look to Donner Lake and the Tahoe basin. No ice here!
Continuing down to Truckee, the Start Haus was bustling like ski season was in full swing. Skis were sold, boots were fitted, and I happened to even see some familiar faces.
Phil lives, breaths and talks about gear and even multifunctions. I don't know how he does it! Phil and Jim are good friends, and I'm glad to see them doing good business, even if the snow is not cooperating. Anyone needs a good deal, let me introduce you to these guys.
And Sierrajim doing what only Sierrajim can do...outfitting Santa Claus
Continuing on, as we must with our Snow Dance, things began to look better as I approached Northstar. Say what you will, this place has more skiable terrain than any area in Tahoe, and it is because they have massive snowmaking, and don't need to wait for mother nature.
Even the sleigh ride needed wheels.
I needed to pick up my Epic pass so I stopped by the pass office and waited in line. This kind young lady took my picture, so I took hers.
Thanks to Northstar for letting me park the bike in the Valet Parking area. Beautiful resort with the best skiing in Tahoe right now, but the parking is ridiculously far away. I need some tips on how to park here and survive the five mile transit to the ski area.
Moving on, a streak of snow was spotted in the distance crowing the top of Ski Incline (Diamond Peak).
Turning up Mt Rose Hwy the backside looked more promising on Diamond Peak, but no skiing was seen.
Mt. Rose is a great road and gets better on the way down past the ski area it is named for, but the ascent to the pass was clear and dry.
Mt Rose is looking as good as it can. Nothing off-piste is in play, but they have a good amount of terrain open, and many skiers are out enjoying the snow.
Moving on to the Washoe and Carson Valleys in Nevada, the scene turned arid and desert like. This scene should be very snowy looking up at the Sierra from US 395.
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After visiting a friend in Carson City, I headed back on Hwy 50 and went by Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe. Not much to see here as the snow is on top of the mountain out of sight. Suffice to say Gunbarrel and all the runs facing the lake were dry. It is deceptive because a lot of good skiing is happening here, and there was a lot of activity at the Gondola. I just snapped a picture as I rode by, and the shadows got long in the late afternoon.
Heading back out over Echo Summit and a glance back at the dry Tahoe basin
Sierra at Tahoe
Running some high-edge angle on a bike with one-hand (taking pictures with the other)
And heading into the blinding sun, giving way to the sunset, no storm clouds are visible on the horizon. The forecast is dry as far out as the meteorologists are willing to guess.
The GPS images the home exit and the heating gear is less than 1/2 power. It's a nice December day for a ride.
Sunday morning, I headed up I-80 from Sacramento. Approaching Blue Canyon where all the news crews report on the winter storms, there was nothing but clear skies and dry roads. Not much of a news story here today.
So I continued through at prudent speed, keeping the heated gear at about 1/2 power just to keep off the chill. Ullr didn't have a chance.
Still dry at Clipper Gap
This looks more promising as we approach the Sugar Bowl exit.
Well the top of Donner Summit is looking a bit dry, but we can see some snow on Sugar Bowl's north-facing slopes and some skiers racing on the WROD
It is probably safe to say that this doesn't make the folks at Donner Ski Ranch any happier.
Meanwhile, the top of Donner Pass was completely clear and offers a scenic look to Donner Lake and the Tahoe basin. No ice here!
Continuing down to Truckee, the Start Haus was bustling like ski season was in full swing. Skis were sold, boots were fitted, and I happened to even see some familiar faces.
Phil lives, breaths and talks about gear and even multifunctions. I don't know how he does it! Phil and Jim are good friends, and I'm glad to see them doing good business, even if the snow is not cooperating. Anyone needs a good deal, let me introduce you to these guys.
And Sierrajim doing what only Sierrajim can do...outfitting Santa Claus
Continuing on, as we must with our Snow Dance, things began to look better as I approached Northstar. Say what you will, this place has more skiable terrain than any area in Tahoe, and it is because they have massive snowmaking, and don't need to wait for mother nature.
Even the sleigh ride needed wheels.
I needed to pick up my Epic pass so I stopped by the pass office and waited in line. This kind young lady took my picture, so I took hers.
Thanks to Northstar for letting me park the bike in the Valet Parking area. Beautiful resort with the best skiing in Tahoe right now, but the parking is ridiculously far away. I need some tips on how to park here and survive the five mile transit to the ski area.
Moving on, a streak of snow was spotted in the distance crowing the top of Ski Incline (Diamond Peak).
Turning up Mt Rose Hwy the backside looked more promising on Diamond Peak, but no skiing was seen.
Mt. Rose is a great road and gets better on the way down past the ski area it is named for, but the ascent to the pass was clear and dry.
Mt Rose is looking as good as it can. Nothing off-piste is in play, but they have a good amount of terrain open, and many skiers are out enjoying the snow.
Moving on to the Washoe and Carson Valleys in Nevada, the scene turned arid and desert like. This scene should be very snowy looking up at the Sierra from US 395.
0After visiting a friend in Carson City, I headed back on Hwy 50 and went by Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe. Not much to see here as the snow is on top of the mountain out of sight. Suffice to say Gunbarrel and all the runs facing the lake were dry. It is deceptive because a lot of good skiing is happening here, and there was a lot of activity at the Gondola. I just snapped a picture as I rode by, and the shadows got long in the late afternoon.
Heading back out over Echo Summit and a glance back at the dry Tahoe basin
Sierra at Tahoe
Running some high-edge angle on a bike with one-hand (taking pictures with the other)
And heading into the blinding sun, giving way to the sunset, no storm clouds are visible on the horizon. The forecast is dry as far out as the meteorologists are willing to guess.
The GPS images the home exit and the heating gear is less than 1/2 power. It's a nice December day for a ride.
