Luckily, this storm is rolling in just the way we need it, starting warm and hopefully finishing cold, if the forecast is correct. Since there is little to no base over most of the mountain this wet dense snow is just what the doctor ordered to spackle in and stick to everything and cover it up for the rest of the season. The temperatures are forecast to drop overnight tonight while the precipitation intensifies, dropping as many as 9-13 inches at lake level around Tahoe City by Saturday morning with snow forecast to continue intermittently through Tuesday. I’d recommend dusting off the powder boards and maybe even throwing a coat of wax on ‘em, it looks like winter has finally arrived…

As we head into the next week I would also urge the use of caution. This is, quite literally, the first major storm of the season. While the snow should be piling up quickly it is important to remember what the mountains looked like a few days ago. Its pretty obvious that people are powder starved and chomping at the bit to get out shred, so have fun and be safe, there’s still a lot of season left to enjoy….

-Jeremy Benson

What Jeremy had to say:

“It’s June, and today I skied powder for the first time in June in my entire life.  It was really good too.  I hiked a whole bunch of laps up at Alpine Meadows and I put a few of them in this short video.”

If you forgot to pack the party this is where to find it.  The Ice Bar is renowned as an unparalleled Tahoe experience where friends gather and gatherers make friends while basking on the south slopes in the winter sun for which the Sierra’s are famous.  Kick back here because the atmosphere is well, kicked back.  Get down, literally to the bottom of the Sherwood Express Chair on the Backside, and look forward to getting down with the Alpine Bandwagon.  This hybrid snowcat sound stage makes regular appearances at the Ice Bar to help the party happen.

You should have the sunscreen already, we’ll provide the lounge chairs and everyone will just have to imagine the beach is just off the steps with the chill (not to be confused with chilly – it’s supposed to be warm and sunny) attitudes and ambiance, barbecued bratz, an occasional snowball brawl (think getting splashed by that person who thinks they know how to be flirtatious while kickin’ it poolside).  However you shred your mountain, there is good times to be had by all.

If you are wondering where the crowds are on the Frontside, on a Friday, over the holidays it can mean only a couple things; 1 – The Abominable Snowman was discovered! …At Alpine. 2 – The secret ingredients to the Colonel’s chicken was reviled at the local KFC. 3 – The Ice Bar is open for business.  As with most multiple choice tests with only 3 answers, go with the last option.  When there’s more then three choices the statistics change dramatically and the best guess isn’t just given away for free.  Sorry all you college students, if your professors do multiple choice tests beyond 3 choices, you’ll have to earn those degrees on your own.  Enjoy the best off the beaten path place to chillax this season starting today at the Ice Bar.

It makes for a lot to keep track of in terms of snow stats!  A common question is, “just how the heck do you figure out your snowfall totals?”, or, “hey, that can’t be right!  How did that much snow fall??”.

It may be common knowledge to many of the long-timers at Alpine, but might come to a surprise to others – Alpine keeps track of everything there is to know about the snow that falls on its mountain: snow depth; temperature; weight; water content; layers; relationship between layers; sublimation; wind-effect;  you name it, it’s studied, every day.

There are several dedicated, full-time forecasters and snow studiers at Alpine.  One of those forecasters is Gary Murphy.  He’s the skier who appropriately resembles Ullr (without the long beard).  Gary has been recording snow stats since 1970 at Alpine (if earlier, sorry Gary!).  Gary is one of the most respected avalanche and snow forecasters within forecasting’s cream of the crop.  If forecasting were basketball, Gary would be Michael Jordan.  Among many reasons for clocking the snow, he provides snow reporters each morning with snow stat updates – whether it snows a lot, a little… even if it doesn’t snow at all.  Snow reporters use that info to then update snow reports which reach skiers and riders every day throughout the season. We can look forward to Gary’s data for this storm, as well as storms throughout the winter.

Measuring the 24-hour stake and taking a snow sample:

Having a look at the behavior of the new snow layers (very light, fell away easily):

Placing the 24-hour stake on top of the snow to start the accumulation count all over again:

Weighing the snow, determining snow density and water content:

The surface layer was cold enough so that the crystals were easily visible:

JMA’s acquisition of West Shore Cafe represents a new beginning for the inn and restaurant, which closed its doors during the summer of 2009.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to offer the West Shore Cafe,” said Art Chapman, Chairman of JMA Ventures, LLC. “The re-opening fits JMA’s commitment to restore the vitality of the west shore. We intend to bring back good food at an affordable price to those looking for a lake view dining experience; and to have some fun at the same time,” he said. “The Cafe will create new employment opportunities in both the winter and summer; and will encourage destination visits to Lake Tahoe’s west shore,” he added.

The West Shore Cafe is the fourth property acquired by JMA Ventures within California’s North Lake Tahoe destination. Other current holdings include Homewood Mountain Resort; Alpine Meadows Ski Resort; and the Hotel Avery – a full service four star hotel slated for construction, which received approval from Truckee, California’s Planning Commission during November, 2008. Within San Francisco, JMA holdings include Ghirardelli Square; Fairmont Heritage Place; 706 Mission Street; and Epic Roast House and Waterbar restaurants along San Francisco’s famed Embarcadero.

JMA has plans to announce the re-opening date for dining and lodging later this summer. For additional information about West Shore Cafe, visit WestShoreCafe.com.

West Shore Cafe viewed from Lake Tahoe

Level 1 Eye Trip Official Trailer from Level 1 on Vimeo.

Live music on the Bandwagon by Subjektochange rocked the sun deck! Beverages were flowing like the Truckee River; dancing dervishes; and tons of costumed characters. As if the band and dancing was not enough, the ultimate last run of the season took place well after the hill was empty…yes, the Mad Cow Downhill! An event not to be entered by the timid or slow. An event rewarding the fastest skier or snowboarder with a 2010/2011 Midweek Plus Sunday season pass!  For over ten years Alpine has held the Mad Cow Downhill, and this Mad Cow was by far the best. Thanks to everyone who participated and for making it safely down the hill.

From all of us at Alpine Meadows, we hope you enjoyed the final weekend as much as we did. You, the skiers/riders are the ones who make Alpine what it is: a good vibe, friendly atmosphere, with amazing talented athletes skiing your hearts out. You are I A.M. Alpine.  We look forward to seeing you all next season, and we hope you enjoy the summer!

Think snow.

Mad Cow Downhill winner!

Mad Cow snowboarder catching a little air.

Fun was had by all.

Subjektochange performing on the Bandwagon.

Can you guess who is in the pink jacket?

What about the Shreadows Terrain Park you ask? Well, we have filming there too! Standard Films, who has provided films such as: Totally Board, White Balance,  and their 2009/2010 movie, Black Winter, is exploring the many terrain feature options only found in the Shreadows Terrain Park at Alpine Meadows for their next film. Only with Standard Films would a crew of top notch athletes follow: Kazuhiro Kokobu, Torstein Horgmo, and Winter X Games big air winner, Halldor Helgason.  Make sure to keep an eye out for Standard Films 2010/2011 movie premier.

Spectacular groomed runs and off piste corn snow is the stuff that brings snow worshipers to Alpine Meadows. We are not the only ones enjoying the skiing. Luna, one of our patrol dogs is showing off her riding skills.

He said that the recent sunny days here in Tahoe produced a soft snow surface, similar to the snow that Olympians in early competition have been experiencing, making this practice time very valuable. Also, a chance to spend some quiet time away from all the pre-competition excitement is beneficial.

Errol and his lifelong friends and training partners, Scott and Trevor, tore it up in the ski cross training course Monday, let off some pre-race steam, and chatted it up with hundreds of future Olympians. It’s all part of Errol’s style – he’s as kind and open-hearted as he is committed to his sport.

Tune in Sunday, February 21 to check out Errol Kerr’s Olympic debut. Best of wishes to you Errol! Soak in every minute of it – you’re the best!

Just days before his Olympic competition