Heavenly Ski Resort could be one the most versatile and exciting mountain retreats in the Sierra. Winter, Summer, Spring, and Fall, Heavenly constantly provides thrills for folks of all ages. Summers in Lake Tahoe, surprisingly, are almost as busy if not as clustered with people as the Winter season. In 2008, Heavenly Ski Resort constructed “The Heavenly Flyer,” a ZipRider experience, which is an elevated zip line cable that takes you on an exhilarating descent from the top of Tamarack Express back to Adventure Peak, a vertical drop of 525 feet. At 3300 feet in length, the Heavenly flyer is the longest ZipRider in the lower 48 states. Besides the rock wall and numerous accessible hiking trails at the summit of the gondola, Heavenly staff have made their mountain a matrimonial hotspot. At the top of the Gun-Barrel Express, lies a gorgeous view and a great platform in which multiple couples state their vows and dedicate their lives to each other, with the back-drop of Lake Tahoe blessing the experience. Memories that will create and define their relationship, and I couldn’t think of a better spot. Soon after, the leaves and pine needles begin to fall and the real reason most people visit and live in this special area, come back to light. Then, the snow begins drifting across the roads and before you know it we are immersed in fields of white fluff. And at last, our amazing Ski Resorts open for business and tourists have their Heavenly Ski Rentals strapped on for some effortless powder turns. Its no wonder why so many people keep returning and many more find themselves carving out a spot to call home in this rare alpine Shang-ri-la.
In South Lake Tahoe, these days, it seems like everyone has a dog. Big, small, short, and tall, our curious canines come in all shapes and sizes. This is one of the many aspects that makes Tahoe such a special place to live. Just yesterday, I took my dogs to “Secret Beach” on the South Shore. We played in the water and laid on the beach until the staple pastel Tahoe sunset ushered us home. Where else can you walk out your door, walk your dogs through a pristine marsh, into an amazing pine forest, and wind up at an immaculate beach? Every time, Tahoe is the first place that comes to mind. I can’t wait until the snow begins to fall and my dogs get to prance through untouched powder fields. That could be one of the happiest moments in my dogs’ lives. I think this year I will get some brand new ski rentals, hook my Huskie up to a climbing harness, and fly across the snow. Sometimes I wish we could fly down the beautiful ski runs at Heavenly Ski Resort and turn heads. She is amazing in the back country too. Whenever I get a chance we head to the West End of South Lake, to Christmas Valley, for some easily accessible “Off Piste,” skiing. After a hefty hike to the top of “Water-House,” a local spot, she leads the way back to the car. Once tucked away in the back of my truck, she immediately crashes, and I have to wake her up just to get into the house. Its funny how our dogs really brighten our days and help us get out and enjoy life. Thanks little buddies.
There are so many great activities in Whistler in the summer – biking, hiking, ATV tours, fishing, jet boating, white water rafting to name a few. One of the favorite sports amoung locals and visitors alike is people watching. On any nice day you will find the many patios along the village stroll filled with people talking, laughing and watching the passers by. People watching is fun, relaxing and can be enjoyed by just about anybody.
In the winter the patios aren’t always as comfortable but you can grab your Whistler ski equipment rentals, head up the lift and have a great time watching people from there.
Many people go on ski vacations in South Lake Tahoe and think all they need is their ski rentals. Of course, this is all you truly need to get on the slopes. However, many Heavenly rental shops offer “survival packs” that contain supplies to keep you safe and comfortable through a variety of conditions.
These “survival packs” usually cost around $15-20 and contain items that are invaluable to a South Lake Tahoe ski vacation. First off, sunscreen and medicated lip gloss are esential in the Sierra Nevadas. The sun shines well over 300 days a year and the sun can be ferociously strong. Even on cloudy days, you can quickly get a nasty sunburn on your face. The same applies to medicated lip gloss. Just as you protect your skin, you will want to do the same for your lips.
Also, hand and toe warmers are included in these ski rental “survival packs”. Now Tahoe skiing can often be warm, but many times it is not. The weather can quickly change from sunny to windy and cloudy in just a few moments. Having hand and toe warmers can keep you more comfortable for longer. And thus, keep you on the hill longer.
The final essential in “survival packs” are energy bars and power shots. Lets face it. We won’t be spending $15 ona cheeseburger everyday. Power bars and energy shots are extremely helpful when your energy levels are running low.
Skiers that want to be prepared for a variety of conditions can rest assured that the “survival pack” is the way to go. For the extra $15 or so, you are buying all the extras that will keep you comfortably skiing all day. I wonder if there is anything that ski rental shops can offer to make the “survival pack” even more of a must have for all skiers and riders.
No matter where you go in Whistler this summer you can hear the growl of the machines and see the dust flying. It’s on the highway, it’s in the parks, it’s at the lakes. In preparation for the Olympics, Whistler is tearing down and building, building, building. One wonders if they’ll ever get done. Our ears wait for weekends when the construction workers take a break and the squeaks are temporarily silenced.
All should be complete for the 2010 Olympics in February or even by the start of the ski season in November. Don’t forget to grab your gear at the Whistler Ski Rental Shop.
My laptop computer recently had a major meltdown. Completely terrified of losing my data, I procrastinated for several weeks before I had a technician come to my home. He told me to just call Dell and they would resolve the problem. I was very skeptical at first because of the lengthy phone call to India I was about to make. When I finally got through I was connected with an excellent customer service agent of whom I can’t remember his name. Over the course of our hour-long phone call, I was instructed to unscrew the computer and start inspecting/testing the different computer. We quickly narrowed it down to a malfunctioning microprocessor. I was then notified that the new parts would be sent out immediately and a local technician(probably the same guy at Tahoe Tech) would come to my house and fix the computer free of charge. I do have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. It reminds me of a local South Tahoe ski rental shop and how they deliver quality ski rental in the comfort of your accommodations. It is amazing that this company has a Net Promoter Score that 30% higher than Dells’. They provide unrivaled tech support for any problem with their ski rentals. I can’t believe that a ski rental delivery company could have an NPS score that much higher than a computer manufacturer like Dell. Especially after the excellent customer support that I had just received!
Every Sunday starting on Fathers Day in June and running until Thanksgiving in October, open from 11-4, shoppers can enjoy the diverse offerings of the Whistler Farmers Market. It’s one of the best places to buy freshly baked pies, bread, cookies and other goodies – but get there early, they sell out fast. There are many talented artists selling gorgeous hand-made jewelry, knitted and crocheted clothing, patio furniture, ceramics, paintings and more. And don’t forget to stock up on the fresh produce – fresh picked berries and other fruits and veggies and don’t pass by the fresh kettle corn.
You can find the Farmers Market in the Upper Village in front of the Fairmont Chateau and the many Whistler Ski Rental shops.
Of all the seasonal events in Lake Tahoe, the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course draws the largest crowds. People come from all over to watch celebrities like Michael Jordan, John Elway and Charles Barkeley massacre the golf course. These celebrities are treated as kings in South Lake Tahoe for a week and some say they aren’t the best tippers. Who would of thunk it? All that aside, perhaps these celebrities will come to town next winter and rent some quality ski rentals. I know golfing has much less-impact than skiing but why doesn’t our local resort sponsor more winter time events that draw these insane crowds.
The newest addition to the Tahoe fast food market is Jack-in-the-Box. The company has done a great job of hyping up their new location in the center of South Lake Tahoe. The restaurant facility is immaculate and blends in perfectly with the Gondola Village. Last weekend, the restaurant chain had flown in 140 people to stay at Harrah’s Casino and play a round of golf at Edgewood Tahoe. Though it seems that lavish corporate outings are a thing of past, Jack-in-the-Box, perhaps one of the fastest growing fast food retailers, spared no expense in treating their upper level employees to a action packed weekend in Tahoe. I wonder if the company will have another corporate outing in the winter. I thought I might contact the appropriate personnel and offer our ski rental delivery services at the next Jack-in-the-Box Heavenly ski rental outing.
So many small things affect the tourism industry – especially in the smaller ski resort areas that depend solely on the tourists for their livelihood, like Whistler, BC. Some of these factors include the economy, the weather, changing identification requirements at international borders, and so many more. So many businesses are affected by these factors – Whistler ski rental shops, hotels, restaurants, bike rentals, clothing shops, etc. These businesses can do the best job marketing but still have no control over the number of people who visit their resort.