Monday, March 9, 2009
Another Punxsutawney Phil week with anywhere from 6 to 8 feet of snow dropping on the mountaintops around Lake Tahoe since my last blog. Up to 4 feet fell Tuesday night thru Wednesday morning and powder hounds rejoiced to find the first big dump and deep powder on upper mountain runs and bowls. Many reported it was too deep and heavy and was a lot of work to ski and ride in it. But, then again, we’ve not had one of those 4-foot dumps all season and I’m sure those other muscles that haven’t been used all season, got a good work out.
On Tuesday, after Heavenly reported 30” of new snow overnight, Michael McKinney, the owner of KMTN TV decided to head up and get some freshies riding a Slope Cycle Bike Board, a new snow riding device that is like riding a bike on the slopes (www.slopecycle.com). He went up with a couple of friends to ride Heavenly’s Nevada Side and said, “I had the best day of my life on the slopes and the worst day…” About 3:00pm he found himself lost and down a canyon that was difficult to get out of. Luckily he had a cell phone and cell coverage, as he was able to communicate with his friends. He attempted to hike out, but was waist deep in snow and it made it extremely challenging to post hole out. McKinney continued to hike as the snow started to fall and darkness started to descend. Douglas County Search and Rescue teams were called out to search for him. He found refuge in a rock formation, but continued to pace a path in and out in hopes that he would be visible to searchers. He was able to communicate with the Search & Rescue team and after a series of calls and audible cues (sirens), they were able to center in on his location. He saw a light beam a couple of ridges over and was lucky to direct the rescuers to shine the beam towards his direction and for them to hike towards that area. Around 10:30pm, Ryder Evans, who was leading the team, was the first one to find him.
The next day, we dedicated a 15-minute segment on the Après Ski Show for me to interview McKinney about his experience - and what to do and what not to do… He was glad to have a cell phone and recommends always skiing and riding with a buddy and if one was to find themselves lost or in an unfamiliar terrain, not to wait, but to call for assistance immediately. Michael publicly, on the air, thanked the efforts of Douglas County Search & Rescue team and was glad they had found him and promises never to place himself or their search teams in that predicament again. Lesson learned!
Douglas County Search & Rescue is a volunteer organization and works off donations. Most use their own personal equipment for searches and put themselves in harms way every time they are called upon. For more information and to make donations please visit: www.dcsar.co.douglas.nv.us
Thursday night was the 23rd annual Kiwanis Sunrisers Mid Winter Beach Party and Crab Feed and I found myself stuffed with all the cracked crab I wanted. The event looked to be a huge success as it was well attended and their Silent Auction won me a couple items to include 20 games of bowling from Tahoe Bowl and some Oakley Goggles and a couple of Heavenly Hoodies from Sunrise Ski Shop.
Saturday morning started early, not as early as Sunday morning (daylight savings time) as I hurried to get my ski report updated, radio report and website as well as the podcast done to make it to the base of Heavenly’s World Cup Run by 9:00am. Northern California Special Olympic held their Annual Celebrity WinterFest, and I was asked to be their on-hill announcer for this great event. I donate as much time as I can to Special Olympics as it is a great cause and I enjoy working and assisting in training their athletes. It was an absolutely beautiful “Blue Bird” day as Celebrities from the big screen as well as most popular television series were on hand, along with Special Olympians and Sponsoring Corporate Teams to race head-to-head in their fund raising efforts. Buck and the Heavenly Race Department did an outstanding job to prep the racecourse and set up the finish arena. It is always a fun event as the celebrities play to the crowds and have fun competing down the racecourse.
Actor, Andy Lauer joined me during the Celebrity/Corporate Challenge race, in-between rounds, to add some color to the announcing. By the end of day I was starting to lose my voice from the non-stop play-by-play announcing, but it was rewarding for me to do my part for Special Olympics. For more information on the results and how you can help Northern California Special Olympics, please visit: www.celebritywinterfest.com
Northern California Special Olympics will also have their Fundraising Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, March 21 at Zephyr Cove Marina starting at 10:00am. Individuals that register and participate and raise at least $100 will receive a Special Olympics Polar Plunge Sweatshirt and enjoy the after party on the M.S. Dixie II. I’ve been asked to make the plunge. Come out and Support Special Olympics. Visit: www.sonc.org/polarplunge.
This week, Sierra at Tahoe, who reported 37-64” of new snow last week, is offering a $25 Learn to Ski/Ride package thru March 13. You must reserve your beginner lesson package online at SierraatTahoe.com. The package includes 2.5-hour beginner lesson, equipment rental and beginner lift ticket – what a deal!
Kirkwood, who reported 78-92” storm total this past week, continues to offer their Mid Winter Season Pass for only $259 for adults, $199 for Juniors and $129 for kids… all unrestricted with no blackouts thru the end of the season. They also offer the Tahoe/Kirkwood Upgrade: Bring your season pass from any other Lake Tahoe Resort and purchase 3 lift tickets for $99. Tickets good only in the pass holders name and are non transferable.
Conditions are awesome at Tahoe. Come on up so you can get down on plenty of mid-winter snow!
Have a great week and we’ll see you on the slopes, on TV or on the Radio. Be safe and please stay on the opened “IN-BOUND” runs only.
Curtis Fong
“The Guy From Tahoe”
BikeandSkiTahoe.Com
tgft@bikethewest.com
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