DECEMBER
Dec. 13 & 20
SPORTS | Silent Skate Nights
Grab your favorite scarf and a pair of skates and head over to the Northstar Village for Silent Nights. Set your headphone channel to the movie being shown at the village stage or tune in to holiday jams as you skate under the night sky. Info: 5 to 6:45 p.m.; northstarcalifornia.com
Through Dec. 23
COMMUNITY | Boy Scout Christmas Tree Lot
Buy a locally cut Christmas tree that supports sustainability, core values, and your community. Troop 267 harvested these trees themselves according to a sustainability program managed by the Truckee Donner Land Trust to ensure overall forest health. Stop by their lot to pick up a tree for the holidays. Info: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mountain Hardware and Sports, Truckee
Dec. 14 to 16
ARTS & CULTURE | The Twisted Nutcracker and the Tale of the Rat King
Truckee Dance Factory is celebrating the season at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows with a twist on the timeless tradition of the Nutcracker! A spectacular choreography of upbeat and passionate performances will thrill and amaze audiences in the lavishly decorated Merry Wonderland. Hors d’oeuvres and bar service available. Preshow reception starts at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. Info: $25 adult ticket for performance only or $40 adult ticket performance plus preshow reception, $15 child ticket (5-17 years) for performance only or $30 child ticket for performance plus preshow reception, free for children 4 and under; squawalpine.com
Saturday, Dec. 15
FAMILY | Community Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival
Incline Village gets festive with caroling, music, Santa, and other fun holiday activities for the whole family. The community will have an opportunity to cast a vote for the business with the best storefront decorations, and winners will be announced at the festival. Info: free, 5 to 7 p.m., The Chateau at Incline Village, yourtahoeplace.com
Monday, Dec. 17
MUSIC | Bluegrass Open Jam Session
Calling all bluegrass enthusiasts. Come jam with Sean McAlindin at the Alibi Ale Works Truckee Public House. All skills and levels welcome. Info: free, first and third Monday of each month, 6 to 9 p.m., Truckee, alibialeworks.com
Dec. 22 to 31
FOOD & DRINK | Slope-side Après Ski and Music in the Lobby
Pull up a chair at the Resort at Squaw Creek by the outdoor fireplace and sip on your favorite holiday beverage from the outdoor bar. Watch skiers and snowboarders mosey down Squaw Valley’s slopes or cozy up inside by the lobby fireplace and listen to live music. Info: Slope-Side Après 3 to 5 p.m., Music in the Lobby 5 to 9 p.m., destinationhotels.com/squawcreek
Monday, Dec. 24
MUSIC | Open Mic Night
Bring your voice, guitar, harmonica, or trumpet to open mic night at Alibi Ale Works and show the community what you’ve got! Info: free, second and last Monday of each month, 7 to 10 p.m., Truckee, alibialeworks.com
COMMUNITY | Family Winter Festival Day
Bring the family over to the Resort at Squaw Creek to view the Gingerbread Village while enjoying food and drink specials, recreation games and entertainment, live music, and fireworks. Standard parking rates apply for all guests. Validated parking with a minimum of $50 spent in Sandy’s Pub, Six Peaks Grille, Montagna or Cascades Buffet. Info: noon to 8 p.m., destinationhotels.com/squawcreek
Thursday, Dec. 27
FOOD | Farm to Table with Olympians
Gather alongside local legends for an intimate evening of stories, camaraderie, and history in the making over a delicious family-style dinner created by talented chefs in collaboration with the Tahoe Food Hub and local farmers. Info: 5:30 p.m., $56/ages 14 and up, $29/kids 5 to 13, Olympic Valley Lodge, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, squawalpine.com
Monday, Dec. 31
COMMUNITY | New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Squaw Valley wants to ring in the new year with you! Join them in lighting up the sky at the world’s largest Torchlight Parade on New Year’s Eve. Skiers and snowboarders of all ages are encouraged to join in on the 3.2-mile Mountain Run with colorful LED torches. Info: free, weather permitting, 5:45pm., Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, squawalpine.com
COMMUNITY | Squaw Valley Prom
Ring in 2019 with nonprofits High Fives Foundation and Charity Smith for the 15th annual Squaw Valley Prom. Get ready to get down to the beats from outstanding DJs. Info: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., $100/couple, $200/single, Olympic Valley Lodge, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows; highfivesfoundation.org
JANUARY
Thursday, Jan. 3
ARTS & CULTURE | Alpenglow Speaker Series
The third installment of this series will feature professional rock climber Emily Harrington and freeskier Michelle Parker. Harrington is an athlete for the North Face and Parker won best female performance at the Powder Video Awards and the International Freeski Film Festival for Superheroes of Stoke. Raffle and bar proceeds benefit Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Info: free, doors open 6:15 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.; Olympic Village Lodge, Squaw Valley; alpenglowsports.com
Jan. 5 & 6
SPORTS | Backcountry Demo Day
This annual demo day is not one to miss! Experience next year’s goods at what has become the largest and most well-known backcountry demo event in North America. Info: free, but participants must possess a valid lift ticket or season pass for Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, along with a driver’s license and credit card for deposit; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Alpine Meadows; alpenglowsports.com
Jan. 17 to 21
ARTS & CULTURE | Wild and Scenic Film Fest
Filmgoers will be transformed into a congregation of committed activists, dedicated to saving our increasingly threatened planet. A collection of environmental and adventure films illustrating the Earth’s beauty and challenges facing our planet will screen during the five days of the festival. Wild and Scenic raises resources and awareness for South Yuba River Citizens League initiatives to recover California’s wild salmon and to protect and restore the Yuba River. Info: full schedule of films and ticket pricing at wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
Saturday, Jan. 19
COMMUNITY | Women’s March Sacramento
In 2018, an estimated 36,000 women marched to make their voices heard. Join together again this year by marching at the California State Capitol. Expand the work to engage youth, uplift women leaders, advocate for gender equality, and stand together. Info: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., womensmarchsac.com
Jan. 19 & Feb. 16
OUTDOORS | Snowshoe Star Tours
Stargazers unite! Tahoe Adventure Company and Tony Berendsen present telescopic tours of the night sky. This fusion brings you the most dynamic tour of the winter. It all starts with guided sunset snowshoeing, followed by a brilliant tour of the night sky. The typical distance is 1-3 miles and the recommended age for the tour is 8 and up. Info: 4 to 8 p.m.; $85/person, chamber.truckee.com
Jan. 25 to 27
SPORTS | AIARE 1 Avalanche Course
Develop a foundation for decision making and avalanche rescue techniques while earning your AIARE 1 certification during a three-day course. This comprehensive entry-level course is designed for those with basic ski and snowboard touring experience. There are no other prerequisites. The price includes all necessary classroom supplies and the AIARE field book. Info: $525 per person, additional dates online, alpenglowexpeditions.com
Jan. 26 to 27
SPORTS | Her Mountain Retreat
No boys allowed! The Her Mountain Retreat package at Northstar California leaves the planning to them and the fun to you, including two days of customized coaching, lift tickets, healthy meals, recovery yoga, and Platinum First Tracks experiences. You deserve it. Info: 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, additional dates online, reserve at northstarcalifornia.com
Saturday, Jan. 26
COMMUNITY | Third Annual Sierra Writers Conference
Calling all writers! Novelists. Poets. Essayists. Travel writers. Short story writers. Beginners. Award-winners. Dreamers. Best sellers. Come to this all-day workshop that will be a day of learning, growing, and sharing with like-minded people. Info: 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., $45/early bird, $65/after Jan. 15, $15/students, Sierra College, Grass Valley, sierracollege.edu
Wednesday, Jan. 30
COMMUNITY | Barton Wellness Lecture: Healthy Gut Biome
Please join Dr. Gregory Bergner, medical director of lifestyle and wellness at Barton Health, to learn about gut biome and its relationship to health and disease. Bergner will discuss ways to maintain gut health as well as tips to improve your biome. Info: 6 to 7 p.m. in Sierra Nevada College TCES 139/141, Incline Village, sierranevada.edu
FEBRUARY
Saturday, Feb. 2
COMMUNITY | 10th Annual Ullr Fest
Come dressed in your best Ullr Fest attire and support this classic Incline Village fundraiser benefiting the Diamond Peak Ski Team. The weekend begins Friday night with a torchlight parade, bonfire, and party, continuing with a gala and auction at The Chateau at Incline Village Saturday night. Info: 5:30 to 10 p.m., $100/person, $180/couple, dpsef.org
Wednesday, Feb. 6
ARTS & CULTURE | Engage in Diversity
Engaging the Power of Diversity: A Liberal Arts Speaker Series with Angela Davis is presented by the University of Nevada, Reno College of Liberal Arts. Through her activism and scholarship over the last decades, Angela Davis has been deeply involved in our nation’s quest for social justice. Info: free, 6 to 7 p.m., Nightingale Concert Hall; events.unr.edu
Thursday, Feb. 7
SPORTS | Alpenglow Speaker Series
Come hear from Caroline Gleich, a professional ski mountaineer and adventurer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. When she’s not on snow, Gleich loves trail running, alpine climbing, ridge scrambling, biking, and dreaming about her next human-powered adventure. You may have seen her on the covers of Powder, Backcountry, or Ski magazines or in ski films. She actively advocates for social and environmental justice. Raffle and bar proceeds benefit Protect Our Winters. Info: free, 7 to 10 p.m., alpenglowsports.com
Feb. 8 & 9
COMMUNITY | Writers in the Woods with Jeremy Evans
SNC Tahoe’s series brings well-known poets and writers from all over the country to the campus for intimate readings and workshops, where audience members can meet and exchange ideas with the guest writers. Info: free for students, $50 for community members, Friday, 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, Sierra Nevada College, Incline Village, sierranevada.edu
Saturday, Feb. 9
COMMUNITY | Animal Film Festival
This all-day event is screening more than two dozen animal films featuring dogs, elephants, wildlife, and more. To ensure a balance of films that entertain as well as educate, the festival also screens funny, warm-hearted, and joyful films. The AFF is produced by the Center for Animal Protection and Education, a nonprofit animal advocacy organization with locations in both Santa Cruz and Grass Valley. Info: early bird tickets on sale until Dec. 15, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Gold Miners Inn Ballroom, Grass Valley, eventbrite.com
Feb. 9 & 23
FOOD | Last Tracks Wine and Beer Tasting
Treat yourself! Take part in one of Lake Tahoe’s most unique on-mountain events this winter with Diamond Peak’s Last Tracks Wine/Beer Tasting events, held most Saturday afternoons from February through the end of the ski season. Last Tracks participants have the opportunity to take advantage of a late-day lift ticket valid from 2 to 4 p.m. followed by a final chair ride up to Snowflake Lodge to experience breathtaking views, wine or craft beer tastings paired with delicious appetizers. When the event is over, participants enjoy one final run down a freshly groomed trail. Info: $75 with included ski lift ticket valid from 2 to 4 p.m., diamondpeak.org
Thursday, Feb. 21
SPORTS | Alpenglow Speaker Series
Brittany Griffith has been ubiquitous in the world climbing circuit for two decades. She’s climbed 5.12 in over 50 countries, including Algeria, Korea, and Cuba. Griffith is known not only for her diverse climbing ability but also her black belt in taekwondo and competitive mountain-biking career. Raffle and bar proceeds benefit Achieve Tahoe. Info: free, 7 to 10 p.m., Olympic Village Lodge, alpenglowsports.com
Feb. 23 to March 3
SPORTS | Ski Niseko, Japan, with NASTC
Are you dreaming of steep powder skiing, ramen bowls, and sake? Knock skiing “JaPow” off your bucket list and join NASTC custom mountain adventures for six days of adventure and skiing in Niseko, Japan. After a long day of skiing, you’ll also enjoy steam baths and deluxe accommodations. Info: skinastc.com
Feb 28 to March 10
COMMUNITY | 38th Annual SnowFest!
Join this North Lake Tahoe classic, in existence since 1982, with 10 fun-filled days and nights of mountain Mardi-Gras. Complete the Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim, or simply enjoy the Tahoe City Parade Central. This year’s event brings back annual favorites along with a host of new ones, on and off the mountain. Info: tahoesnowfest.org
MARCH
Saturday, March 2
COMMUNITY | Want to build a snowman?
Looking for an excuse to get your creative juices flowing? Build the most epic snowman you can for this fun and friendly competition. All snowmen must be completed by 2 p.m. to be considered by the judges. Info: starts at 9:30 a.m. with judging at 2 p.m., tahoedonner.com/snowplay
Sunday, March 3
SPORTS | The Great Ski Race
Join the 42nd Annual Great Ski Race and ski from Tahoe City to Truckee in the largest Nordic ski race west of the Mississippi while supporting the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. This main fundraising event of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team is organized by community supporters, team members, and volunteers. Race proceeds are used to purchase equipment and support winter survival and avalanche education programs sponsored and conducted by the team. Info: thegreatskirace.com
Saturday, March 9
COMMUNITY | Crab and Pasta Fundraiser
The 35th Annual Incline High School Crab and Pasta Feed fundraiser benefits Incline High School’s Boosters Club. This parent organization, chartered in 1969, offers general sponsorship for all students and staff of IHS by stepping in where the district leaves off. There will be a live auction, cocktail reception, dinner, raffles and games, and a night of dancing. Info: 5:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, inclinecrabfeed.com
Sunday, March 10
SPORTS | I-Did-A-Run for Humane Society
Got a good boy or girl at home? Dogs of all shapes and sizes compete in this entertaining, timed dog pull race, I-Did-A-Run, which raises money for the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. There are four race categories by weight: 1-25 pounds, 26-50 pounds, 51-75 pounds, and 76-plus. Info: $20 to race, free to watch at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, tahoedonner.com/downhill
Thursday, March 14
COMMUNITY | Social Media Effects
Put your phone down and join Sierra College in a free event discussing the potential positives and negatives that social media has on our democracy. Social Media: Destroying or Saving Democracy? will be located at the Rocklin Campus. Info: 12:30 to 2 p.m., sierracollege.edu
March 15 & 16
MUSIC | Squaw Alpine Spring Music Series
Spend your après time enjoying live music at Squaw Valley during the spring skiing season. Artist details to be announced soon. Info: free, Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. at Plaza Bar, Saturday, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., KT Deck, squawalpine.com
Saturday, March 23
COMMUNITY | Pain McShlonkey Classic and Legacy Gala
Dress up in your most outrageous ski duds and head out to Squaw Valley for a day full of belly laughs, camaraderie, and philanthrophy in celebration of legendary skier Shane McConkey. Afterward, dance the night away at what will be the final Shane McConkey Legacy Gala, featuring the theme of Goldfinger, the classic 007 flick once spoofed by McConkey himself. Info: Pain McShlonkey Classic, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Legacy Gala, 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., shanemcconkey.org
March 29 to 31
MUSIC | Return of WinterWonderGrass
Need your craft beer and bluegrass kick? The WinterWonderGrass Festival is back at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows for its fifth year, hosting more than 25 artists and 20 California and Nevada breweries. This year, Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled by Turtles, and Leftover Salmon will be headlining the event on four stages along with others — including the Sam Bush Band, Alo, Billy Strings, and more. Sierra Nevada Brewing will be the presenting brew sponsor. Info: all-ages family event but must be 21 to buy alcohol, $179 to $329, winterwondergrass.com
March 30 & 31
SPORTS | Luggi Foeger Festival
You gotta get up to get down! Pick your preferred leg-powered method: snowshoes, skins, running shoes, etc., and join other endurance athletes for a race to the top of Diamond Peak. Formerly called the Uphill/Downhill Dash, the Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival is being expanded into a full weekend of fun! For the less competitive a recreational course will be available. The weekend will also include backcountry workshops, avalanche education and more. Info: noon, diamondpeak.com
APRIL
April 22 deadline
COMMUNITY | Shane McConkey Eco-Challenge
Join the circle of awesomeness and enter the annual Shane McConkey Eco-Challenge. Get together with a team of students and identify an environmental challenge in your school or community. Problem-solve with your team to implement a solution. Document your findings to enter, and your school could win up to $8,000 to keep the momentum going. Info: shanemcconkey.org
Saturday, April 20
COMMUNITY | Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival
A volunteer run, nonprofit event to recognize, celebrate, and promote the region’s unique beauty. Come to the Village at Squaw Valley for live music and entertainment, and learn how to preserve and protect our local and global natural resources. The Earth Day Festival provides a multitude of educational booths on the topics of watershed, health, forest health, pollution prevention, alternative energy, waste management, local art, and more. Info: free, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., squawalpine.com
April, date TBA
SPORTS | Cushing Crossing
The 29th Annual Cushing Crossing — the original pond skiing event — is now a popular classic. Join the celebrity guest panel and enjoy the thrills and spills while participants make their way across the pond at the base of Squaw Valley. Keep an eye out for 2019’s official Cushing Crossing date. Info: Squaw Valley, squawalpine.com
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