Porters Blog

Super Moon May 5th

Admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:10:24 +0000

Eagle rock this weekend???

Article from http://science.nasa.gov

May 2, 2012: The full Moon has a reputation for trouble. It raises high tides, it makes dogs howl, it wakes you up in the middle of the night with beams of moonlight stealing through drapes. If a moonbeam wakes you up on the night of May 5th, 2012, you might want to get out of bed and take a look. This May’s full Moon is a “super Moon,” as much as 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons of 2012.

The scientific term for the phenomenon is “perigee moon.” Full Moons vary in size because of the oval shape of the Moon’s orbit. The Moon follows an elliptical path around Earth with one side (“perigee”) about 50,000 km closer than the other (“apogee”). Full Moons that occur on the perigee side of the Moon’s orbit seem extra big and bright.

Such is the case on May 5th at 11:34 pm Eastern Daylight Time1 when the Moon reaches perigee. Only one minute later, the Moon will line up with Earth and the sun to become brilliantly full. The timing is almost perfect.

Okay, the Moon is 14% bigger than usual, but can you really tell the difference? It’s tricky. There are no rulers floating in the sky to measure lunar diameters. Hanging high overhead with no reference points to provide a sense of scale, one full Moon can seem much like any other.

The best time to look is when the Moon is near the horizon. For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, low-hanging Moons look unnaturally large when they beam through trees, buildings and other foreground objects. On May 5th, this Moon illusion will amplify a full Moon that’s extra-big to begin with. The swollen orb rising in the east at sunset should seem super indeed.

Folklore holds that all kinds of wacky things happen under the light of a full Moon.

Supposedly, hospital admissions increase, the crime rate ticks upward, and people behave strangely. The idea that the full Moon causes mental disorders was widespread in the Middle Ages. Even the word “lunacy,” meaning “insanity,” comes from the Latin word for “Moon.”

The majority of modern studies, however, show no correlation between the phase of the Moon and the incidence of crime, sickness, or human behavior. The truth is, the Moon is less influential than folklore would have us believe.

It’s true that a perigee full Moon brings with it extra-high “perigean tides,” but according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration this is nothing to worry about. In most places, lunar gravity at perigee pulls tide waters only a few centimeters (an inch or so) higher than usual. Local geography can amplify the effect to about 15 centimeters (six inches)–not exactly a great flood.

Super perigee Moons are actually fairly common. The Moon becomes full within a few hours of its closest approach to Earth about once a year on average. The last such coincidence occurred on March 19th, 2011, producing a full Moon that was almost 400 km closer than this one. As usual, no trouble was reported–unless you count a midnight awakening as trouble.

If so, close the drapes on May 5th. Otherwise, enjoy the super-moonlight.

Alpine Meadows 35$ Ticket

Admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:38:25 +0000

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Excellence in Education Charity Foundation offers its final discounted skiing and riding ticket for Alpine Meadows from now until the end of the season. Alpine Meadows operation schedule is:

Open for Weekend Operations & Closed weekdays
———————————————–
Friday the 4th – Open
Saturday the 5th – Open
Sunday the 6th – Open

Friday the 11th – Open
Saturday the 12th – Open
Sunday the 13th – Open

Direct proceeds for these ticket sales go to the Tahoe Truckee area school districts, tickets are cash or check only in person at our Truckee Location only. Get out there and make some turns on the spring corn!

2012 Lake Tahoe Resort Closing Dates

Admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:11:35 +0000

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Alpine Meadows – Open Daily through April 29 and Fri-Sun through May 13

Ski & Ride FREE this Spring

Two mountains and one big adventure can be all yours with your 2012-13 Tahoe Super Pass good at both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. Benefits include free skiing and riding for the rest of the season. Both resorts are scheduled to stay open daily through April 29 and Alpine will also stay open Fri-Sunday through May 13. Starting from $429 and just $399 for existing pass and ticket pack holders.

Squaw Valley – Open Daily through April 29 and Fri-Sun through May 13

Ski & Ride FREE this Spring

Boreal – Official Closing April 15th

The scheduled closing day for Boreal is April 15th (9am – 4pm). The final evening for night operations will be on April 14th (9am – 9pm).

Diamond Peak – Official Closing April 15th

Snow on the way and a great base! Come on out and enjoy spring at Diamond Peak

Heavenly – Official Closing date of April 29th

Heavenly’s original closing day was slated for April 15, 2012, but in an effort to give even more value to existing and new passholders, we’re extending the season into the weekends of April 20-22 and April 27-29, Fri-Sun only.

Heavenly’s extended operation will include the Heavenly Gondola, Tamarack Express and Dipper Express, with a limited expert-only operation at Gunbarrel Express. Kirkwood plans to operate Chair #6, Cornice Express, and Chair #10, Wagon Wheel.

*Fri-Sun only at Heavenly after April 15, 7 days a week at Kirkwood through April 22, then Fri-Sun only at Kirkwood through April 29.

Homewood – Official Closing Date is April 15th

Homewood to reopen April 13-15 for final weekend!
With the fantastic spring conditions on the mountain this week, Homewood has extended its season and will reopen after April 8 for the weekend of April 13-15 (Friday – Sunday).
Homewood operating schedule:
Open daily through Sunday, April 8.
Closed April 9-12
Reopening Friday – Sunday, April 13-15

Kirkwood – Official Closing TBD!

Kirkwood – End of Season Resort Operations:
Sadly we’re entering the final stretch for winter 2011/12. Update: We will be keeping the Backside open for another week, last scheduled day for the Backside is now Sunday April 15th (just a heads up for those of you who love shredding the Backside), last scheduled day for Timber Creek is April 15th and then the last scheduled day for 7 day a week operations is Sunday April 22nd. We plan to stay open weekends (Friday thru Sunday) until there is not enough snow to do so. We will of course keep you updated right here as anything changes. See you on the hill!

Mt. Rose – Official Closing April 15th

Get in your Last Turns – Sunday April 15th is the last day of the 2011-12 season.

Northstar – Official Closing April 15th

Come soak up the California sun and spring skiing scene at Northstar as the 2011.2012 winter season comes to a close.

Don’t forget to wear your best 80′s-style ski gear and get ready to show off your best “back scratchers” all over the mountain at our totally awesome annual Spring It On! Pond Skim, Party and Retro Dress Day on closing day, April 15.

All day At the Village at Northstar™, shops are more than just shops. In addition to roller skating, the bungy trampoline and catching a movie, there are a variety of craft and activity stores to keep your creative juices flowing. » View village activities

All day Food and drink specials at the Big Springs Day Lodge
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Pond Skim registration at the top of the Big Springs Gondola. All participants must sign a waiver and have a lift ticket.

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sunday brunch at Petra
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pond Skim at mid-mountain. You can’t miss it!
12:00 p.m. – Dusk Apex Bungy Trampoline on the Village Center Overlook
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Roller skating
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Face painting on the deck of the Big Springs Day Lodge
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Live music at the Big Springs Day Lodge
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Live music on the Village Stage
2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. DJ Ramone and food and drink specials at The Chocolate Bar
4:00 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Movies at the Village Cinemas » View movies & showtimes

Sugar Bowl – Open Daily Through April 29th

With over 200 inches of snowfall in March and more in April Sugar bowl extends through April 29th, Spring Skiing at its finest!

Sierra at Tahoe – Official Closing is April 23rd

Storms are brewing and forecasters are expecting feet of snow! Get to Sierra and get in some riding before we close on April 22. Customer Appreciation Day is Monday, April 23; we’ll open w/limited operations, all ticket proceeds benefiting the community.

Pain McShlonkey Classic

Admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:39:56 +0000

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2nd Annual Pain McShlonkey Classic

Info courtesy of www.Sqauw.com

Celebrated for his playful spirit, McConkey was the mastermind behind the original Pain McShlonkey Open that debuted in 2003. What began as a behind-the-scenes late-night race between competitors at the 1998 Winter X Games has evolved into a beloved event, attracting athletes from around the world.

Saturday’s on-mountain antics promise excitement and entertainment for all as the world’s top winter athletes hang up their precision-tuned skis and boards to compete in true McConkey style – on snow blades!

Festivities begin with the pros taking on 30 amateurs in an anything-goes snowlerblade downhill race. This all-out snowlerblade banzai will be a guaranteed crowd pleaser as a cast of celebrity judges adds to the hysterics. A jury of McConkey’s peers will hold a rigorous screening process to pre-select the 30 amateurs based on their ability, character and wit.

Later, the Extreme Small Mountain Snowlerblade Invitational where a select group of 30 pros will negotiate Squaw Valley’s legendary terrain on K2 Fatty snow blades.

Spectators are encouraged to dress up and celebrate the spirit of McConkey. “The best way to keep Shane’s legacy alive is to remember to laugh at yourself and live life to the fullest,” says Sherry McConkey. “We hope everyone comes out to make the whole weekend tastefully outrageous and fun.”

For event details, registration information, ski and lodging packages, and to make a donation visit www.shanemcconkey.org.
Date Event Time Location
Friday, March 23 Pain McShlonkey Classic Kick-Off @ Rocker 2:30pm-4:00pm Rocker@Squaw
Saturday, March 24 Snowlerblade Downhill Race 9:00am-9:30am KT-22
Saturday, March 24 Extreme Small Mountain Snowlerblade Invitational 10:30am-12:30pm KT-22
Saturday, March 24 Trashion Show 2:00pm-2:30pm KT Base Bar
Saturday, March 24 Costume Contest 2:30pm-3:00pm KT Base Bar
Saturday, March 24 Award Ceremony 3:00pm-4:30pm KT Base Bar
Saturday, March 24 After Party 8:00pm-1:00am OVL

Academy Snowboards’ Camp: April 14-15

Admin — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:57:28 +0000

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Academy Snowboards is stoked to announce they’re bringing their 6th annual CAMP ACADEMY to Boreal this spring on April 14th and 15th! The weekend snowboard camp will feature professional coaching from Academy Snowboards’ team riders Jonas Michilot, Chad Tarbell, Jordan Michilot, and Ryan Tarbell. ALL ages and skill levels are welcome to attend, and campers will be divided up according to camp goals to ensure each camper gets focused coaching.

The $199 registration fee covers (2) lift tickets, lunch, private coaching, access to the private camp park, photo shoots, board waxing clinic, professional demos, and a customized Camp Academy t-shirt. Campers will also receive over $75 in free gear from Vans,Skullcandy, 686, Neff, Airblaster, Dakine, Capix, Snowboarder Magazine, Vitamin Water, Superfeet, EFX, Popchips, Von Zipper, YoBeat, Boreal, Clif Bar, and Flux Bindings.

The pre-registration deadline is February 28th and the first 50 campers to register will receive a free pair of Skullcandy headphones and a free Capix helmet!

Learn something new, make friends, and have a guaranteed great time at Camp Academy! For questions, visit www.academysnowboards.com or email camps@academysnowboards.com

Click Here to register online now!* Cut-Off for early-registration is February 28, 2012 so act fast.

*Lodging is NOT included in the price of the camp.

www.AcademySnowboards.com

Govy Goes Wild 2/13/12

Nicky B son aka Turka Lurk — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:00:48 +0000

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I happen to be on KT when I looked up and saw somebody on top of McConkey’s. I quickly got my fancy phone out and shot some amateur video. I quickly found out that the nutty culprit was Aaron McGovern AKA Govy. Needless to say it was rowdy and quite frankly scary to even witness.

Inspiring

Admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:09:45 +0000

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This article is truly inspiring, and upholds the phrase “when you fall off your horse you need to get back on”! This line in the article says it all “Although my body has been broken, my spirit never will be. I am unbreakable!” See the full article below courtesy of the star Tribune.

RENO, Nev. – A Nevada man paralyzed in a 2010 snowmobiling accident has reached the South Pole, traveling about 75 miles in sub-zero temperatures over two weeks to complete the trip on the 100th anniversary of Capt. Robert Falcon Scott’s trek there with the Terra Nova Expedition.

Grant Korgan, who is paralyzed from the waist down, used a device called a sit-ski to reach the pole 100 years to the day after the British explorer completed the journey on Jan. 17, 1912.

“Although my body has been broken, my spirit never will be. I am unbreakable!” Korgan, 33, of Incline Village, said in a statement posted on the crew’s Web site.

Korgan’s expedition party included paralympian John Davis, two guides and cinematographers who are shooting for a documentary called “The Push: A South Pole Adventure.” The film is expected to be released later this year.

The team trained for a year with various missions in Alaska, Norway, Lake Tahoe and South America. Korgan estimated he’d have to push the sit-ski approximately 250,000 times over the course of the trip.

“Grant just pulled off one of the most amazing athletic achievements in modern history and a first for adaptive athletes,” said Steven Siig, director of the documentary film.

“This is a historic day in the name of recovery, technology, adventure and the human potential,” he said.

The challenge was intended to help raise money for the California-based nonprofit High Fives Foundation, which helps injured winter athletes recover and get back to their sport. It also supports the Reeve Irvine Research Center, a science research facility at University of California, Irvine devoted to the study of repair, regeneration and recovery of function after spinal cord injury.

I want these skis!!!!!

TimmyCRide — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:07:13 +0000

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New for '11-'12 Moment PB&J

Moment continues to roll out the goods. Identical in shape and rocker profile to it’s big brother, the Bibby Pro, the PB&J provides an amazing all-mountain ride with it’s 101mm waist. Moment’s mustache rocker helps the ski perform when you venture off trail, and traditional camber under foot rockets you out of turns when crushing groomers on the way back to the chair. Anyone looking for that “1 ski quiver”? Look no further. I skied this thing last spring and fell in love. It was a classic sunny Tahoe day, and this thing dominated the slop out in Beaver Bowl at Alpine Meadows. I even got a run in a GS course the Alpine race team had set up and it dominated that too. Surprisingly nimble for a 101mm waisted ski and it loved linking fast turns through a course. It’s also light, which makes hiking a lot more enjoyable.

Light and Fast? Rocker and Camber? PB and J? Yes please.

It really does snow in Tahoe!!!!

TimmyCRide — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:43:01 +0000

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Porter's Tahoe City Store

The moment you’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived!!! 4″ of new snow has blanketed the Tahoe basin and it’s still coming down hard. The snow started off wet and should be sticking to anything and everything on the hill, which will help provide a solid base for the snow that is going to continue for the next few days. Temps should continue to fall as the storm cycles through and the snow should be stacking up. If you’ve been waiting until the snow flies to make it up here, now is the time. Take the kids out of school, pack up the car and hit the road. Don’t forget to stop in and say hello……….

Downtown Tahoe City looking good!!!!

You will be missed!

Admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:32:23 +0000

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There are very few sports in the world that are based so much around individuals yet feel so much like a team and a family. Skiing, Snowboarding, Surfing, Skateboarding just to name a few are these sports. The Action Sports community suffered a heavy blow this past week when we lost a friend, team member, and innovator to winter sports all together with the loss of Sarah Burke at just 29 years young.

Living in Tahoe the past years we have seen our fair share of tragedy with the loss of greats like CR Johnson, and Shane McConkey and tho not from Tahoe Sarah Burke’s name will ring loud and clear as being one of those greats with us.

Sadness seems to linger even harder with the girls around the Tahoe community as Sarah pushed so hard for their presence in Actions sports as as a whole. Sarah was on the forefront for the Winter X-games to include women for many years, finally it did with Sarah riding the wave on top. One of the greatest legacy’s she will be remembered for is her push for Women’s Halfpipe Skiing in the Winter Olympics, the IOC officially accepted the sport last year and it will be a part of the 2014 games in Sochi.

Below is a video that is a excerpt from the Movie “Winter” from the Ski Channel, it displays the love that Sarah and Rory (her husband) have for each other, the mountains, and the winter sports community. The opening line about the mountains says it all – “That’s where we’re the happiest,” Burke said. “It’s what our lives are is being on the hill, and there’s a reason for that. It’s amazing. It’s where we met, it’s where we play…we live…and where we’ll die.”

Rest in peace…you will live on forever in our hearts.

The website give forward is taking donations to Sarah’s Family to help cover medical expenses that were not picked up by the insurance coverage. According to reports the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association insures its athletes, but only when they are competing in CFSA sanctioned events. Burke was injured during an event put on by her sponser Monster Energy, and therefore likely wasn’t covered by CFIA insurance.

Read The Full Story Concerning Sarah’s Insurance Situation – Click HERE

Sarah Burke Donation Website – Click HERE

Do you Remember????

TimmyCRide — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:11:18 +0000

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Remember when Tahoe was getting crushed with 800+” of white fluffy goodness last winter? Remember when you would get home from work to find a hood-high berm across your driveway? Remember shoveling and shoveling and shoveling said driveway? Remember all those early mornings in the KT line?

They may be the last things on your mind right now, but get ready. Tahoe is about to get walloped back into winter this weekend. All systems are go for a few feet to blanket the area and warrant breaking the fat boards out of the garage and throwing a fresh coat of wax on’em.

It’s about time!!!!!!!

The Future of Snowboarding Competitions

Admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:49:09 +0000

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So stoked to find this video this morning, over the years we have watched snowboarding competitions change into something more of a big trick contest. Travis Rice is trying to change that with The Red Bull Supernatural. The best thing that I took away from this video is Travis saying, “we wanted to make a competition that ANY rider could win”. In my opinion, that’s what snowboarding competitions should be!

Snowboarding legend Travis Rice spent most of his past winters travelling around the globe in the search of the best natural features to perform his breathtaking snowboarding stunts, as one can witness in his latest movie The Art of Flight. For Red Bull Supernatural it was time to switch the strategy and all the preparation and work for this unique snowboarding competition was done during the summer time. The outcome is an ultimate backcountry snowboarding course with more than 100 man-made features located at the Baldface Lodge, Nelson, BC. From February 3-8, 18 of the world’s best snowboarders will be able to ride this dream come true during Red Bull Supernatural…

Its cold outside for a pimp…

Kasey — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:46:19 +0000

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While out procuring my christmas tree…or should I say “holiday tree” I received a call from our Salomon Snowboard rep, Ryan Kronenberg, he was inviting the Porters crew to head out for a night session Friday night at Boreal with the Salomon Snowboard Team. The Team is on a “Team Vacation” and are in town for the weekend, Boreal Friday night, Northstar today and Heavenly tomorrow..then on down the road. I told Ryan that I would rally a team together and that we would be there. Well little to my knowledge did I know that Chappy, my boss, would be joining us as well. Flash forward to last night…I am at my house getting gear together, I receive two calls from Chappy, the one asking for some bindings as he apparently does not have any, I told him he could borrow some older Burton Cartels. The next call was full of giggles as he asked to borrow some low light goggles, I thought for a second and said yup I have some, unbeknown to him that they were pretty ladies Oakley A Frames. Finally made it to the parking lot at Boreal, threw some bindings on Chappy’s board only to discover that the ladder strap on the heel strap of the bindings was not actually bolted on…the adventure continued. At this point it is absolutely freezing in the parking lot…we get our tickets, get Chappy’s binding fixed and jump on the chair lift with Ryan and a few others from Porters.

The snow guns were blazing at Boreal so once on the chair you were riding through a fine mist of frozen water…I am still curious to know how much it cost for Boreal to blow snow, Shaydar….? As always the park at Boreal was super fun….I’ll get you soon yellow wall, I’ll get you! After about 5 freezing runs and witnessing 3 young bucks decide it was a good idea to ride shirtless we headed down to the Salomon RV…that’s where we finally met up with the team, on board was Scott Arnold, Desiree Melancon, Salomon Global TM , Java Fernandez, Chris Carr and others. Once in the toasty confines of the RV Java asked if we were joining them for dinner…yes was the answer so off the summit we went and headed to sushi.

I have eaten at Mikunis at Northstar before but last night the sushi was beyond AMAZING…it could have been the combination of good fish, good beer and good people! After chatting and eating for a few hours it was time for everyone to part ways…I must say I love this kind of stuff…riding with people who love to shred, then sitting down and eating a good meal and talking about the shred. The night gets an A+ in my book.

Thanks Ryan! Thanks Java and Team Salomon…come again any time.

Excellence in Education- Skiing for schools tickets

Kasey — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:16:59 +0000

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Yes it is that time of year…the Excellence in Education Skiing For Schools Dates and Resorts have been announced. The First one kicks off December 17-23 at Sugar Bowl. Tickets are $35 and available at Porters in Tahoe City and Porters in Truckee. Below you will find a flier with all the dates and pricing.

Today Friday December 16th is the Last day to Purchase Tickets at our Tahoe City and Truckee Locations. Thanks to everyone that donated for this great event!

TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT DONATED

Early Season Boreal Shred with Garrett Russell and Nicky B

Nicky B son aka Turka Lurk — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:57:18 +0000

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Here is a little edit from our friend Garrett Russell, also featuring myself. Special thanks to Jon Slaughter for helping us out with passes. Its a really fun set up out there, and they’ve been switching things up on the regular. By far the most fun set up in the Tahoe area right now. Go check it out they’re open daily from 9am to 9pm.

Early Season Boreal Jib from Garrett Russell on Vimeo.