Reno-Tahoe

Ski and board season is going strong in Reno-Tahoe, and we’re blogging about it at Ski and Board Reno-Tahoe, the region’s stop for snow sports news and events. Learn about deals, resort reviews and events and submit your own adventure online.

Planning a Reno-Tahoe ski getaway? Shop online for discounted packages.

Mt. Rose ski resort’s annual tribute to the birth of “The King” is slated for this Saturday, Jan. 10. Resort employees – from ticket sellers to lift operators and instructors – will be in full Elvis regalia for this fun annual event. Visitors also dress for the occasion, and show off their Elvis chops.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is located just 25 minutes from Reno, and features the highest base elevation of Lake Tahoe’s 18 ski and board resorts. With nearly 1,200 acres and eight lifts, including two high-speed six-seaters, it offers some of the best, most convenient terrain in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

For weather, resort and ticket information for Mt. Rose and other regional ski resorts, log on to our searchable ski page.

Our own Michael Henderson got a chance Sunday to stretch his ski legs at Incline Peak on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore on Sunday. And he was kind enough to make a video. The latest series of storms have brought light powder to the Sierra Nevada, making for ideal ski conditions.

The inflating cost of flying can be a drag for skiers and boarders who often prefer bringing their own boards/skis/poles/boots to renting and having to deal with adjusting to new equipment. Luckily for skiers and boarders coming to Reno-Tahoe, chances are they will be flying an airline that doesn’t charge. Southwest Airlines, for example, is Reno-Tahoe International Airport’s biggest carrier.

Here is a breakdown of the baggage costs for carriers flying into Reno-Tahoe:

• Alaska Airlines: First bag free, with no penalty for ski bags
• Allegiant Air: First bag free, with no penalty for ski bags
• American Airlines: First bag $15, with no additional penalty for ski bags
• Delta Airlines: First bag free, with no penalty for ski bags
• Horizon Air: First bag free, with no penalty for ski bags
• Southwest Airlines: First bag free, with no penalty for ski bags
• United Airlines: First bag $15, with no additional penalty for ski bags
• U.S. Airways: First bag $15, subject to penalties for bags over 45 inches/114 cm and maximum weight of 50 pounds/23 kg.

It is worth noting that even if you can get your ski bag on the airplane for a reasonable price, airlines impose extra charges for bags that weigh over 50 pounds – with some charging in excess of $100.

Check with your individual airline, and know the rules before you get the bill.

Snow park rats and spectators alike are invited to participate in the Cogan Kelly Memorial Rail Jam taking place at Squaw Valley USA on Dec. 14. The event, sponsored by SnowBomb and Squaw, honors the memory of a rising talent in the Reno-Tahoe snowboarding community.

Coogan was a successful competitor on the rail jam and snowboard competition circuit around Tahoe. In its second year, the Coogan Kelly Memorial Rail Jam is a tribute to Coogan whose death shocked the community when he was slain at a party. SnowBomb will donate all competitor registration fees to the Coogan Kelly Memorial Foundation.

Check out Snowbomb.com for event details and come out and support this event.

Coogan Kelly growing up and ripping it up:

Boreal Mountain Resort is open and already boarders and skiers are hitting the park, which has new features for even bigger tricks. The fine folks over at Porters Tahoe caught some video on opening day. Check it out:

Last weekend’s snow in Reno-Tahoe reminded us of the reason for the season – skiing and boarding! Hopefully the early season flurries are indicative of a snowy winter ahead.

For regular, even semi-regular, skiers and boarders a season pass is a worthwhile investment. Here’s a breakdown of pass prices at local resorts (adult). Drop a few coins on a pass now … it will pay off when the big dumps come this winter!

• Alpine Meadows: $599-$1,074
• Boreal Mountain Resort: $199-$329
• Diamond Peak: $109-$567
• Donner Ski Ranch: $249
• Heavenly Lake Tahoe: $379
• Homewood Mountain Resort: $349-$499
• Kirkwood: $439-$569
• Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: $599
• Northstar-at-Tahoe: $299-$749
• Sierra-at-Tahoe: $299-$749
• Soda Springs: $199
• Squaw Valley USA: $1,889
• Sugar Bowl: $299-$839
• Tahoe Donner: $270

* Prices may reflect early season specials/online discounts.