Mountain Life

Ski and travel writer Laurel Lippert of Truckee took up flying back in 1990. Soaring around to mountain towns gave her adventure, memories, and friendship.

Chuck Dunn rejects the label “legend,” but after 59 years in Tahoe, 35 years with The Blues Monsters, a long marriage, and a lifelong love of music, his humility may be his greatest legacy.

After traveling the world in search of her father, Sherry McConkey found something unexpected in Tahoe: family, purpose, and a community she couldn’t leave.

Since 2010, a group of soccer-loving musicians from Tahoe/Truckee has traveled with their instruments to every World Cup. In 2026, it’s the band’s turn to host. And its welcome party is ready to rock.

Mia Andler grew up in Finland spending her summers without electricity, foraging for food, and being outside all the time. She later founded Vilda, a wilderness school that connects kids to nature.

A North Tahoe senior led an ambitious Eagle Scout project at Pyramid Lake, rallying volunteers for conservation and service —showing how Scouting builds leadership skills, resilience, and purpose.

At 74, Missy Sandeman is still competing in bodybuilding and training clients all while helping others stay strong as they age.

Around Tahoe/Truckee we get better at skiing or better at mountain biking through practice. So why don’t we practice succeeding? (Hint: we should …)

Every spring, local organizations give a total of $1 million to graduating seniors in scholarship money, a testament to our generous community and a gift that changes students’ lives.

Being an active community member has shaped Mary Hetherington’s 35 years in Truckee, from coaching local sports teams, serving on the airport board, and showing up every Saturday for the past year to protest.