Looking for some après action off the hill? We’ve got that. February 18^th we’ll have an Après Ski Party with Headphone Union playing old school funk mixed with classical rock from 2 to 5pm in The Alpine Bar. Better yet- grab a $5 Hurricane to celebrate Mardi Gras.

In its second year, The Rahlves Banzai Tour will come back to Alpine on Thursday and Friday (Feb. 23rd & 24th)! This electrifying event combines the competitive excitement of ski and boarder cross with the speed-thrill of a downhill. Watch as competitors show off their skills down Alpine’s notorious Beaver Bowl- known for its gnarly steeps and features.

Don’t miss the weekend of February 25th and 26th! The Ice Bar Kick-off Party will commence on Saturday at 12pm featuring live music from DJ Zeb Early on the Alpine Bandwagon, the ultimate stage setting propped up on an actual snow cat.

The slopes are looking good and so is our event calendar. Now all you need to do is come check it out for yourself. We’ll see you out there!

Robb, a local Tahoe dad, sent a few photos yesterday which not only depict the topped-out fun level; they offer a snow level comparison that is both bewildering and exacting.

This photo was taken of Robb yesterday (Oct. 6, 2011) at the Wolverine Bowl trail sign.

This photo was taken of Robb with his son at the same location on June 4, 2011.

We couldn’t think of a better way to pay homage to La Nina than to show the comparison. From the heels of one La Nina to the nose of the next, we’re ready for another unforgettable winter. Have fun out there!

Additional 10/6/11 photos sent from Robb the Dad:

We love that. Powder turns three weeks prior to Halloween, or a chance just to get out there and build a snowman in the yard are all fantastic attributes found at our playground. Enjoy some amazing photos that were taken today and we’ll see you here at Alpine soon!

Ben Grasseschi making some sweet turns on October 6, 2011 at Alpine:

Alpine Meadows’ Sundeck looks a bit different today than it did over July 4 weekend:

Slightly more than 11 inches covers the ground near the Alpine Meadows base lodge:

The snow banks are starting to pile high:

Another beautiful day at Alpine!

A few extremely zealous skiers headed up the Kangaroo trail for a few inaugural turns, and others streamed into the parking lot to either follow suit or to just have a look at the winter scene.

Needless to say, we’re beyond excited at the great start to what’s predicted to be another snowy winter. Enjoy some fresh photos and we’ll see you soon on the mountain!

October 5 snow accumulation on the ground near Alpine Meadows base lodge:

Three skiers hike up Kangaroo Run at Alpine Meadows for Oct. 5 turns:

The Buttress hangs above the Alpine Meadows lodge with some fresh snow:

The sun doing battle with storm clouds. Current score: clouds 2; sun 1. :

Looking up the mountain, the storm is still parked over the Pacific Crest:

Thanks to a healthy snow pack which continues to melt in the high country, waterfalls offer fantastic opportunities to cool off during a long hike, as well as sublime havens for a day picnic or afternoon snooze.

Quick contest:
Have fun out there! Soak it up! The first reader to name this waterfall will win two 2011-2012 lift tickets to Alpine Meadows. Hint: it is near Lake Tahoe, but it is not at Alpine Meadows (you can get there from Alpine if you really want to, but there are other access points that offer a shorter commute).

To submit your answer, send an email to AlpineNewsLetter@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address, so that the tickets can be mailed to the winner. Alpine Meadows welcomes contest submissions until Wednesday, August 31, 9 a.m.

And the winner is… Dave Cassaro of Homewood, CA!  Dave identified these falls as the Fontanillis Falls, which flow from Fontanillis Lake into Upper Velma Lake.  Congrats, Dave!

Purple Daisies:

Much of Alpine’s bone structure is invisible at this time. What were once 30-foot volcanic walls (like the D-Chute and Keyhole area rock extrusions) have been enveloped by fathoms of snow. What was once a 2-foot wide chute reserved for adrenaline-hungry dare devils now resembles a fully established trail on the map. The visual comparisons are mind-bending and infinite.

The first two photos below are particularly interesting, in that the first was made Monday, December 27, 2010. It shows the view looking east toward Beaver Bowl, Hanging Snowfield, and Ward Peak. Summit Six can be seen in the middle; and the Keyhole Slope area can be seen in the background.

The second photo was made Monday, March 28, 2011 – from virtually the same location as the first photo, showing the same areas of terrain.

Compare this photo (shot December 27, 2010)…

…to this photo (shot March 28, 2011)

View an entire slide show of photos (slide show photos can be viewed in various sizes with captions via Alpine’s Flickr Page):

You’ve probably read one of his many award-winning books, including Sierra Stories: True Tales of Tahoe (volumes I and II); Western Train Adventures; The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly; and several others.

Mark McLaughlin is a living legend locally, and known nationally for his published work, as well as for being the go-to historian about the Sierra Nevada. He’s also a weather and snow fanatic.

Yesterday, Mark skied Alpine Meadows and created some amazing photos for Tahoe Nuggets. Tahoe Nuggets offers great photos and true accounts and briefs of ongoing – and fascinating – subjects around the Sierra Nevada, and is delivered via email once or twice monthly. Signing up for Tahoe Nuggets is highly recommended.

Check out some of Mark’s photos:

Competitors dropped big cliffs, threw a couple flips, and one guy was even skiing with wooden sticks for polls and a raccoon tail trailing behind his helmet.

Keep an eye on the Tough Guy Productions page for results, and come out to see the finals of The Buttress on Sunday!

But for now, have a look at a slideshow of all today’s action:

The latest Alpine Meadows wear is at Estelle Sports in the main lodge, along with all the other technical wear and daily necessities you might need for a great day on the mountain, stop by and check it out!

Estelle Sports is open daily during the season from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Alpine Meadows Base Lodge – 530.581.8323

Results (with podiums) are at the end of the video, or you can check the FIS website for full results.