As ski season heats up, Zimride partners with all major resorts and bus operators to a make a one-stop shop for fun, affordable and sustainable Tahoe travel.

Zimride, the largest online ride-sharing service in North America, announced it has established partnerships with all major Lake Tahoe ski resorts and two connecting bus services, making traveling to the Bay Area’s hottest winter tourist destination more simple and economical than ever before.

Tahoe travelers choosing to rideshare with Zimride will be entered to win free gas.  Additionally, for the first time Zimride has extended its rideshare offerings to include bus options as well.  Bay Area Ski Bus and Quality Assurance Travel have partnered with Zimride to sell tickets through the Zimride.com website, making the company a one-stop shop for Bay Area residents looking to find less expensive and more social rides to Tahoe.

“We’re not just providing an alternative to Tahoe travel, we’re reinventing it,” says John Zimmer, co-founder and COO of Zimride. “There’s huge demand for social, sustainable and affordable travel, and this week our users have posted over 1,000 seats available for purchase along our Tahoe route.  That’s the equivalent of four airline flights and we’re just getting started.  The unprecedented collaboration from the major resorts and bus operators demonstrates the need for Zimride as a new form of transportation.”

If just 10 percent of Tahoe travelers choose to travel with 2 additional people this season, Zimride estimates it would take 60,000 cars off the rode, save $12 million in vehicle operating costs and eliminate 18.6 million lbs of carbon dioxide from being emitted.

To be a driver or passenger along the Zimride Tahoe route simply go to: www.zimride.com

About Zimride:

Zimride, the largest online social rideshare community in North America, is building a marketplace for drivers to sell empty seats in their car by matching them with passengers traveling along the same route. In addition to public routes like San Francisco to Los Angeles, Zimride has implemented networks for over 120 of the nation’s leading universities and companies including Stanford, UCLA, University of Michigan, Facebook and Jet Blue.

Zimride makes sharing rides for drivers and passengers fun, easy and social. It’s a new spin on ridesharing, using social networks to enable real connections. In seconds you can set up a profile, see and book a ride in your area, or post a ride of your own. With Zimride profiles, you can view photos, music and radio preferences to ensure an enjoyable ride.

Zimride proves that “life is better when you share the ride”

Get started at: www.zimride.com

With more than 140 daily flights serving 17 non-stop destinations, it’s no wonder the Reno-Tahoe International Airport was recently named the second-most efficient airport in the U.S. and Canada. A quick flight into Reno Tahoe’s award winning airport grants you access to eighteen world-class ski resorts and more than 50 golf courses, all less than 90 minutes away from the airport, as well as 24-hour entertainment in the Biggest Little City.

If you’re traveling from the Bay Area, getting to Reno Tahoe is about to get even easier thanks to Alaska Airlines. Beginning June 4, Alaska will offer two daily non-stop flights between Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.

Meeting the needs of business and leisure travelers alike, flights will begin with a 6:00 a.m. departure from Reno with a 7:08 a.m. arrival in San Jose, followed by an 11:55 a.m. departure from San Jose, landing you in Reno at 1:00 p.m. The final flights of the day include a 2:15 p.m. departure from Reno, and a 10:20 p.m. departure from San Jose. These flights will also be timed with Alaska Airlines flights from Kona, Hawaii, making your journey from the islands more efficient than ever!

In addition to new the service between Reno Tahoe and San Jose, the Award-winning Reno-Tahoe International Airport has just begun a $40 million project to improve its baggage claim area and add restaurants and retail space. So, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure (or maybe a little of both), your next trip to Reno Tahoe just got even better!

We’ve all heard it… Pray For Snow, Pray for Snow, Pray For Snow. And we’ll be the first ones to admit some snow would be nice (hence our Snow Dance Competition where we’re giving away a 2-Night Ski Vacation to the best snow dance in order to increase the frequency of snow… Mother Nature, are you watching?), but we must share the numerous upsides for a delayed ski season that have been compelling visitors to come before snow coats our mountains for the remainder of winter. 

Last weekend a visitor told us they skied, mountain biked and golfed in the same day – that’s pretty awesome. 

1.       Learn to ski. Let’s face it, if you’re a first-timer, you aren’t going to be dropping 10-foot lips that require a snow pillow for landing, and you aren’t skiing in waist deep powder through the trees. The freshly groomed runs paired with endless blue skies create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing day on the slopes.  Plus, January is National Learn to Ski Month so resorts are offering massive discounts to first-timers!

2.       Golf. Our courses pride themselves on being open all year long, so hit them up! We have 50 within 90 minutes of downtown Reno, most of which are inside 15 minutes.

3.       Hike. It’s a rare occasion that our trails are hikeable this time of year without strapping on snowshoes.  See what’s usually hiding underneath all that snow!

4.       Rock climb. Climbers know their grips are easier to hold when it’s cold out. So what are you waiting for?

5.       Mountain bike. The trail conditions are excellent right now, so grab a friend and escape into the towering pines in the Sierra Mountains. 

6.       Ice skate. Enjoy this chilly wintertime activity, without the chill.

7.       Perfect road conditions. No moisture, no snow, no ice, no sliding. It’s faster and easier than ever to get here!

By Guest Blogger,
Logan Baker

Lake Tahoe is one of the most picturesque places in America. In the summer, the sun rises over the calm lake and creates the perfect setting for a dip in the cool water or an exciting Jet Ski adventure. In the winter however, the lake and the Tahoe National Forest take on a serene and peaceful quality that you must see to believe. Whether you’re traveling by car or air charter, once you get to Reno, Tahoe or one of the surrounding areas, you need to stop by the lake. To really get the full Tahoe experience, you should consider taking a trip through the forest and around the lake on a horse-drawn sleigh or a sled led by a team of Huskies.

Dottie Dennis has been carving trails though the Hope Valley, about half an hour south of the lake, for more than 30 years. She and her team of dogs are familiar with every twist and turn of the valley has remained largely untouched over the last 160 years. If you’ve ever wanted to vacation in the Alaskan wilderness but weren’t willing to travel so far, the Hope Valley is probably the most Alaskan landscape south of the Canadian border. Dennis’ Husky Express is $240 for a 375 lb. weight limit and box lunches can be provided for an extra $10 per person.

Borges Family Sleigh Rides offer excursions around the lake and through the forest on a variety of old-fashioned sleighs. The sleighs are entirely handmade by the Borges family and are pulled by two blonde Belgian draft horses. The trip takes travelers all over the beautiful snow-covered landscape and will conclude at the top of a scenic lookout over Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or just that special someone, a Borges Family sleigh trip might be the perfect thing to spice up your vacation. The trip costs $20 for adults and $10 for kids under 11.

If you’re vacationing in Reno or one of the surrounding areas, make it a point to head to Lake Tahoe. The lake takes on a spectral kind of beauty in the winter that is simply unparalleled.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport will be hosting the first American Indian exhibit in its history and invites the public to the opening reception on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 6:00-7:30pm.  Governor Brian Sandoval, Washoe Tribal Chairwoman Wanda Batchelor and Chairman Wayne Burke from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe are scheduled to speak, accompanied by performances of local American Indian artists.

The exhibit opens during November, National American Indian Heritage Month.  Governor Sandoval has also proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month in Nevada.

“We are very pleased that the Nevada Indian Commission could facilitate this project,” said Sherry Rupert, Executive Director of the Commission.  “The partnership we have with the Nevada Arts Council and the Indian Territory made this initial exhibit possible.”

The Nevada Indian Commission worked with the Arts Council’s Folklife Program and the Nevada Indian Territory to develop a special edition of the Arts Council’s “What Continues the Dream” traveling exhibit and includes posters drawn from the pages of the gallery guide and photographs of powwow dancers in their colorful regalia; an Indian Territory graphic display; and hand-crafted cultural objects provided by the Nevada Indian Commission. The exhibit will be on display in the Connector Collections Gallery on the second floor, between the B and C gates through January 22, 2012.

“An American Indian cultural exhibit at our airport has been highly anticipated and a long time coming,” added Rupert.  “When a visitor enters the airport they should know they are in the lands of the Washoe, Paiute and Shoshone people.”

The Indian Commission’s mission is to ensure the well-being of American Indian citizens statewide through development and enhancement of the government-to-government relationship between the State of Nevada and Indian Tribes, and through education for a greater cultural understanding of the state’s first citizens.  The Commission was established in 1965 to be the conduit between the Governor and the 27 federally-recognized Nevada tribes.

Paiute Elder Ralph Burns will provide the opening prayer.  Burns is the recipient of the 2011 Nevada Heritage Award, which honors Nevada folk artists and tradition bearers who are the finest and most influential masters of their particular art forms and who have had a significant impact on the people and communities of the state.  Gayle Johnson a Bishop Paiute Tribal Member will provide the Paiute Flag Song and Red Hawk Warriors along with various Powwow dancers will be on hand to celebrate the evening.

For information on the Nevada Indian Commission visit www.nic.nv.gov and for more information on the Nevada Arts Council and the Indian Territory please visit www.nac.nevadaculture.org and www.NevadaIndianTerritory.com.

MAPES HOTEL SITE

The original Mapes Hotel, a grand beauty of a building near the Truckee River, was haunted for decades by an unknown spirit. After it was torn down, the same presence has been reported lingering near the ice rink on the spot of the old hotel that is set up in the winter months.

GOLD HILL HOTEL

A few miles out of Virginia City is the little town of Gold Hill.  This is the town where the actual gold strikes began just prior to the biggest gold and silver strike ever (called the Comstock Lode) occurred in Virginia City.

Gold Hill has its share of mines that are still under the ground.  The Yellow Jacket mine, the Commons mine and all the rest are still here.  Miners were killed in some of these mines due to accidents.  Right behind the Gold Hill Hotel is the Yellow Jacket mine.  The miners didn’t have electricity with which to do their work.  They had to use candlelight.  Oxygen was limited underground and the gases that emanated from under the ground combined and fires were a constant danger.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out in the Yellow Jacket mine in 1873 and 37 miners were killed and were left buried at the bottom of the mine shafts behind this hotel.

THE OLD WASHOE CLUB

~ AKA ~

The Millionaires Club

“Locals and tourists rub shoulders and swap stories at The Old Washoe Club. Originally called The Millionaires Club, it was built so that nouveau riche gentlemen might enjoy the pleasures of wealth, in comfort and style. At one time, the building was even used to store corpses when the ground was frozen too solid for digging graves.

“Three ghosts haunt The Old Washoe Club; A lovely, blonde apparition, known as the lady in blue, the specter of a scared little girl, and a grizzled prospector who occasionally cadges drinks from unsuspecting patrons. Ladies be warned, the door to the women’s room locks and unlocks itself.” – Janice Oberding, Suite 101 Article.

These stories and more are part of the Old Washoe Club.  What people don’t know is that there are two totally different sites of the Old Washoe Club.  There are two different “parts” to the Old Washoe Club.  There is the bar and snack bar downstairs.  There you will find the winding staircase.  This staircase was the original front door to The Millionaires Club.  This would be where respectable men turned millionaires would be greeted.  Behind the scenes was where the real action took place.

OVERNIGHT GHOST HUNTING EVENT

Halloween is just around the corner! Spend it with us as we Ghost Hunt and attempt to communicate with the lovely spirits here at St. Mary’s Art Center, fondly known as The St. Mary Louise Hospital, established in 1876 located in Virginia City, NV.  Mark your calendar and make your reservation now. Price includes overnight accommodations plus we have a special 2 nighter package as well.  Go to the following link for more info and to purchase your ticket.

http://www.virginiacityparanormal.com/upcoming-events.html

The newest issue of Nevada Magazine features the one and only, Reno Tahoe! We couldn’t help but share these breath-taking images and well written articles on our favorite destination. Features in the magazine include the area’s top ski resorts (including the largest ski resort in the US!), the Black Rock Desert beyond Burning Man (their photos will wow you), lakes, parks, towns, venues…. everything you’d want to know!

Want your own copy? Take advantage of Groupon’s 50% off deal through 10/22! http://www.groupon.com/deals/nevada-magazine-2 .

RECOGNIZE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WITH A BENEFITING SPA TREATMENT

For the month of October, Spa Atlantis will offer Breast Cancer Survivors a Complimentary 30-Minute Spa Treatment.  Survivors may choose a 30-minute version of the “Peppermint Hope” Massage, Facial, Manicure or Pedicure.

In addition to recognizing those personally affected by Breast Cancer, we invite you to “Think Pink” and try a signature “Peppermint Hope” Spa Treatment. Five dollars from any of the “Peppermint Hope” Spa Treatments will go to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Northern Nevada.

Reservations are necessary, as limited times and dates are available. Please call 775.954.4135.

THINK PINK SPA PACKAGE

Spa Toscana is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness month with a special “Think Pink” spa package. Enjoy an 80-minute Cherries Jubilee Enzyme Facial and a 50-minute Me! Bath “Ice Cream” Manicure or Pedicure (50-minutes) for only $250!

HAVE A “PINK DRINK” FOR THE CURE

Silver Legacy Resort Casino and the Northern Nevada Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure have teamed up this month to support local breast cancer programs with two pink drinks. Now through November 11, Silver Legacy will donate 50 cents of each Passionately Pink Pomegranate Martini or Komen Pink Ribbon Cocktail served in Drinx, Silver Baron and Aura Lounge. So when you enjoy a tasty martini or tropical pink rum libation, you are helping the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to fight breast cancer in our community.

Don’t miss your chance to “Drink Pink” for the cure at Silver Legacy. Learn more about this and all the great gaming, entertainment and dining promotions at www.silverlegacy.com or by calling 1-800-MUST-SEE (687-8733) OR 775-325-7401.

GO PINK

Shop Pink! The Summit is going pink throughout October in support of Breast Cancer awareness and prevention. Download the Shop Pink Passport for exclusive offers and promotions from select stores at The Summit. Plus learn about special events and programs happening throughout the month including Restaurant Week, Shop & Learn and Corks & Cleavage Wine Walk.

Download the Shop Pink Passport

Pink is Beautiful: Friday, October 14 from noon to 9PM

Restaurant Week: Monday, October 17 through Sunday, October 23

Download the flier for Carino’s and Buffalo Wild Wings

Wear it Again Soiree: Saturday, October 22 from 5:30-8:30PM

Shop & Learn: Sunday, October 23 from 9-11AM

Check back for more information or call 853-7800.

Grab the girls for a mini-vacay to Reno Tahoe this October for the perfect getaway weekend.  We listed a few of our favorites below, for a full listing check out our events calendar.

Oct 8-9: GREAT ITALIAN FESTIVAL

Pasta, gelato and wine. I think that covers enough.

Oct 14-15: TIME OUT FOR WOMEN

An inspirational weekend of messages and music.

Oct 15: HUNKS – THE SHOW!

The ultimate ladies night.

Oct 15: WINE WALK

Wine tasting along the scenic Riverwalk District is a local favorite.

Oct 21: DAVID COOK AND GAVIN DEGRAW WITH SPECIAL GUEST CAROLINA LIAR

These platinum selling fellas have stolen the hearts of many.

Oct 21-23: WELLNESS WEEKEND – STILL WATER SPA

An all-inclusive weekend combining the best of wellness and beauty: skincare, nutrition, food and wine, fitness classes and spa treatments.

Oct 23: JASON ALDEAN WITH CHRIS YOUNG AND THOMPSON SQUARE

Three of country’s hottest gentlemen, one concert.

Oct 28-29: THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

Prepare to be Thunderstruck! If you like a man in uniform, imagine one out of one…

No need to leave man’s best friend in a kennel or doggy day care when visiting Tahoe! Check out these 10 resorts that allow Fido to join you on your next vacation!

1. Tahoe Moon Properties, based in Tahoe City, offers more than 50 dog-friendly rentals from small cozy cabins to ski-in condos. Properties are equipped with dog baskets that include dog tags with rental home information, dog towels, sheets for covering beds and furniture, a sticky roller for hair removal, dog biscuits and a poop scoop and bags. Tahoe Moon charges a fee of $40/dog that covers additional cleaning.

2. On the water in Tahoe Vista is the Holiday House with its six-lakefront suites providing panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. The owner “welcomes pets to enjoy our piece of Heaven” and the property is centrally located to all things Tahoe, including beaches and restaurants. Don’t be surprised to see a German shepherd, named Sierra, out on the water on a stand up paddleboard with the property’s owner. There is a $30 flat fee for dogs for up to three days, and a $10/night for extended stays.

3. Located on the West Shore, Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages is a winner of the Golden Bone Award for exceptional service from DogFriendly.com. Guests stay in charming red cottages, reminiscent of Lake Tahoe 50 years ago, but with all the amenities that guests expect today. The owners at Tahoma Meadows will also post your dog pictures from Tahoe on their website. A good resource in their Pet Information webpage, titled “Adventures with Your Dog at Tahoe,” which includes places – from beaches to hiking and cross country skiing – to enjoy with your pet. Fees are $20/night per dog.

4. Lake Tahoe’s Tahoma Lodge, also located on the West Shore in Tahoma, is a historic, family-owned property with one and two-bedroom cabins that are geared for families. Nearby Sugar Pine Point State Park, which offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and is home to the notable Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, is perfect for morning jaunts as dogs are invited on the paved trails on leash. Dogs are $10/night.

5. PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn in Olympic Valley, home to Squaw Valley USA, pampers pets with comfy beds, doggie treats, bowls for food and water, a customized PlumpJack guest ID tag, as well as dog-friendly rooms located on the first floor for easy in and out. A $150 fee per room is assessed when you bring your four legged. Nearby Shirley Canyon is a must hike for dog owners, especially with its many waterfalls that encourages Fido to get wet. And, don’t miss one of the newest additions to the Village at Squaw Valley – Squaw Dogs is a shop featuring food, supplements, life vests, toys, leashes and harnesses that will keep your dog healthy and active for all your adventures.

6. Decorated with wildlife, nature-themed décor and renovated in 2004 to maintain its classic Tahoe charm, Mother Nature’s Inn in the heart of Tahoe City offers dog-friendly rooms that are also budget friendly. The property is also centrally located, and guests are literally able to walk everywhere, including to coffee shops, chic clothing boutiques and restaurants.

7. Located mid-mountain at Northstar Resort, the swanky Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe also welcomes pets at their five-star luxurious resort. Owners will also enjoy the ambience that includes rooms with in-room fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, private walkout balconies and views of Martis Valley. Pet fees are $125 (non-refundable).

8. In Incline Village, the lakeside and equally well-appointed AAA Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino will also take your pooch, but they must be 25 pounds or lighter. Pets to this stunning locale are charged $50/night.

9. Nestled on two acres of pine trees in Tahoe Vista, The Rustic Cottages consists of Old Tahoe-style cottages, with many that are dog friendly. Owners will enjoy the property’s history as it was originally the sawmill and labor camp of the Brockway Lumber Company and was converted to vacation cottages in 1925. Pets are $20/night.

10. Baxter Baird, the owner’s adorable border collie, just may be your first greeter at the Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee; he’s also prominently displayed in the hotel’s advertisements. The property offers rooms that are an eclectic mix of contemporary design, functionality with an organic edge geared for relaxed comfort. Dogs are welcomed with special treats, dog beds and bowls. The dog-loving staff is also a great resource in providing guests with preferred dog venues throughout the area.

For more information about North Lake Tahoe dog-friendly properties and events geared for dogs, including Peaks & Paws, a dog celebration every August, head to www.GoTahoeNorth.com. And, for the best bargains, check out the website’s Cool Deals, which is updated daily and includes savings on lodging and activities.