Hiking the scenic Stateline Fire Lookout National Forest Trail in Crystal Bay just got more interesting thanks to a generous matching donation to the Tahoe Fund from the Spence and Wylie families. Nine new interpretive panels have been installed to welcome visitors to the trail and offer an opportunity to learn about the area’s rich natural and cultural history.

The Stateline Fire Lookout Trail in Crystal Bay offers beautiful panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Named for its location — straddling the Nevada-California line — this trail had interpretive panels that were worn down by wind and weather. Now, the brand new panels share insights into the history of the fire lookout, local wildlife, and the importance of preserving Tahoe’s delicate environment. 

“We hope these new panels will turn a popular family trail into an opportunity to learn and inspire people to take care as they are out recreating in this special place,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “We are grateful to the Spence and Wylie families for their generosity, to Fallon Multimedia for the designs, and to the Forest Service for installing these important upgrades.”

In addition to the new interpretive panels, the Tahoe Fund and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) also beautified the vault toilets along the trail as part of a region-wide restroom mural project. The murals at the Stateline Fire Lookout Trail were painted by local artist Ian Blackhall Scott and show scenes of the iconic views from Crystal Bay with the goal of encouraging responsible recreation while celebrating Tahoe’s landscapes and wildlife. 

“As part of the trail’s stewardship, users are encouraged to help keep the Stateline Fire Lookout Trail pristine by packing out all trash and leaving the trail cleaner than they found it,” said LTBMU Recreation Program Manager, Megan Dee. “Visitors are reminded to be respectful of the neighborhood and private property near the beginning of the trail.”

Barton Health and the Tahoe Fund have teamed up to close a critical funding gap for the Kahle Complete Streets Project in Stateline, Nevada. With $100,000 remaining to fully fund the project, the Tahoe Fund pledged $33,000 and Barton Health contributed $67,000 to move this project forward — underscoring a shared commitment to Lake Tahoe’s environmental health and community well-being.

“Coming together to close the funding gap for these improvements on Kahle Drive is the latest in a long history of Barton Health stepping up for Lake Tahoe,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “From supporting the acquisition of Johnson Meadow for conservation, to the Kahle Complete Streets project, Barton has once again helped us improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.” 

The Kahle Complete Streets Project is a long-awaited water quality improvement effort that will correct drainage issues and prevent stormwater runoff from reaching Lake Tahoe. It will also feature key safety upgrades such as new sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks.

“Now that construction is fully funded, our work can begin to transform the corridor into a safer, more accessible, and environmentally responsible space for the entire community,” said Meghan Kelly, P.E., principal engineer/district manager, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District. “These upgrades will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, encourage people to take more sustainable transportation options, and help us preserve the lake’s legendary clarity.”

The project directly aligns with Barton Health’s core values of promoting a healthy, active lifestyle while fulfilling its environmental promise to protect Lake Tahoe. 

“We’re grateful to the organizations leading the way on this project and honored to play a supporting role in strengthening our community’s resources,” said Clint Purvance, MD, President & CEO of Barton Health. “The Kahle Complete Streets Project reflects the shared values of community well-being. We understand how vital safe, accessible transportation is for residents and visitors alike, and we’re proud to contribute to efforts that also protect the health of Lake Tahoe.” 

After three weeks, countless votes, and some of the most legendary showdowns the Sierra has ever seen, one peak has risen above the rest: Mt. Tallac!

From the very first round of the Sweet Sixteen of the Sierra, Mt. Tallac stood tall—charging past fierce competition with the strength of a true South Shore icon. With its breathtaking views, challenging summit, and a name that echoes through the basin, Tallac proved unstoppable.

In the epic Battle of the Giants, Mt. Rose gave it everything—it’s not every day you go up against the highest all-season pass in the Sierra. But in the end, there could only be one. This year, Mt. Tallac takes the crown.

Thanks to everyone who voted and showed love for their favorite peaks! We had record participation and it is all because of you.

Week of in-person events and virtual education will focus on dangers of the backcountry and how to stay safe

From expert panel sessions about backcountry safety to on-the-snow events hosted by some of Lake Tahoe’s finest backcountry guides, the fifth annual Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week is chock full of events curated by Take Care Tahoe. From December 9-15, 2024, both novice and experienced backcountry users will have opportunities to learn how to safely recreate in the backcountry this winter. 

According to Snowsports Industries America (SIA), the pandemic boosted participation in backcountry/Alpine Touring by 57% during the 2020-21 winter season. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center also reported that a total of 37 avalanche related fatalities occurred in the U.S. that season. The rise in deaths was attributed to both inexperience and challenging snowpack conditions. In the years since, participation in backcountry/Alpine touring has continued to increase. Safety messaging continues to be paramount. 

Launched in 2020, Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week was created to educate the increasing number of people exploring the Tahoe backcountry about essential safety, preparedness, and etiquette. The event brings together experts and partners from the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond to offer a variety of experiences like panel discussions, film screenings, and hands-on opportunities to test safety equipment and learn new skills. 

“Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week has seen remarkable growth and engagement over the last few years,” said Anthony Cupaiuolo, executive director of the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance.  “We’re looking forward to bringing both new and experienced backcountry travelers together to discuss access issues, safety and promote respectful practices at trailheads and on the skin track.”

The 2024 Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week schedule includes:

20th Annual Backcountry Film Festival – Monday, December 9

Tahoe Backcountry Alliance’s annual Backcountry Film Festival will kick off Backcountry Safety Awareness Week. Enjoy a night of films that celebrate the power and spirit of humans in winter. This year’s lineup will feature adventure, travel, ski culture, ice, pain, suffering, laughter, and deep powder. Funds raised at each screening support local SnowSchool sites, human-powered recreation and conservation efforts, and avalanche/safety programs. Get tickets here.

Backcountry Safety Awareness Youth Event – Wednesday, December 10

Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers, in partnership with Sierra Avalanche Center, Richard Bothwell of SlabLab, and Truckee Brewing Company (Pioneer Trail Location), will host a Backcountry Safety Awareness Youth Event. Open to all user groups, this event will provide safety education through fun activities, including a beacon park scavenger hunt for youth to learn about winter backcountry safety in and out of bounds. Parents can enjoy $6 pints inside while the children learn and practice their skills outside. 

Richard Bothwell, author of Light Tours in Tahoe, and co-founder of SlabLab, will be sharing routes from his book to explore in the Tahoe area. His book lists 63 routes all around Lake Tahoe for skiing and snowboarding that generally avoid avalanche terrain. Additionally, Richard will be sharing tips for finding more and better partners, and ways to improve team communication, which is the focus at SlabLab.

“When Everything Goes Wrong”: Managing Cold Injuries and CPR Avalanche Rescue – Wednesday, December 11

Jessica DeMartin-Miller, CEN, RN desert mountain medicine instructor of International Alpine Guides (IAG) will host a one hour talk reviewing fundamentals of treating cold patients and cold injuries (frostbite), and updates to CPR curriculum in treating avalanche patients. This is not a CPR class, but a review for those who have CPR or a Wilderness Medicine Course or are interested in taking one in the future. Everyone who attends will receive a discount code for future wilderness medicine courses with IAG. Located at the IAG office in Truckee, CA.

Register by emailing: info@internationalalpineguides.com.

Backcountry User Panel the “Gear We Bring” at Rocky Mountain Underground Truckee – Thursday, December 12

Hosted in person at RMU in Truckee, this panel discussion will highlight the gear experts bring into the backcountry. Panelists will include backcountry guide Jen Callahan, Anthony Cupaiuolo from Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, and Todd Wold with Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers and will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event is free of charge and happy hour deals will be offered to all attendees. 

“Know Before You Go” On the Snow Clinic and Tallac Parking Lot Ribbon Cutting – Friday, December 13

During this on the snow clinic, IAG avalanche instructor, ski guide, and Tahoe local Demetri Zouboukos will discuss what to know before you head out the winter backcountry in avalanche terrain and things to think about in the Tahoe-Truckee area. Participants will meet at the Donner Summit parking lot and are encouraged to bring their own gear for an assessment of what’s needed for a safe backcountry tour. This event will feature a short tour on skis, spit boards, or snowshoes, and will give participants the opportunity to practice staying warm  in their gear!

Register by emailing: info@internationalalpineguides.com

Backcountry Safety with Valhalla Mountain Guides – Saturday, December 14

Connor Chilcott, founder of Valhalla Mountain Guides and an IFMGA certified mountain guide, will host a free, on-snow clinic on how to respond to an emergency while traveling in the backcountry during the winter. This clinic will cover what gear to bring, how to build a snow shelter, Emergency Response Protocol, and companion rescue practice. Event is limited to 12 people. Register here.

Meet the Experts at Sierra-at-Tahoe – Saturday, December 15

To close out the week, Sierra-at-Tahoe will host a fun and informative day focused on backcountry safety at the Plaza. Meet local experts, learn valuable safety tips, and see the gear they bring with them in the backcountry. There will be a variety of booths, exciting events, and even Sierra’s own avalanche rescue dogs. Open to experienced adventurers or those new to the backcountry, this event will offer the opportunity to gain knowledge, ask questions, and prepare for an outdoor adventure.