Map:Google Maps
Coordinates: 39.1749578, -120.2314973
Static map image on the page, alt text "map location of Sparklebridge": URL contains an API key, see [see sensitive.md]
Click our address for great directions to the chalet.
We are located on a one-lane private road along the banks of Bear Creek, right next to Alpine Meadows resort.
Please reduce your speed after you turn off Alpine Meadows Road into the Bear Creek Association. All the roads here are one-lane and winding, and frequently pedestrians, kids, and dogs walk in the middle of the roads. Residents take the 15-mph speed limit very seriously, and it's a good opportunity to relax and take in the surroundings.
About Us
Hi there!
I'm Malcolm, your host, and a San Francisco native! I've loved North Lake Tahoe since I was young, and I'm excited to welcome you to this special part of the world.
It means a lot to me that you've trusted me with providing your vacation accommodation, and I'm committed to offering a sustainable, relaxing, and joyful home base for exploring North Lake Tahoe. I've put a lot of love and hard work into creating a truly unique experience for my guests, so I hope you will let me know if I can improve your stay.
Julia, your cabin concierge, and I are a small team, and we are at your service to ensure your stay is five-stars. You can text or call our hotline at any time to reach whichever one of us is on-call, so please do.
I also own a property about a mile down the road with a few friends. It's a six-bedroom home, much better for large groups, and you can learn all about it on our website.
I love opening my home to guests from all over the place and sharing my love of these mountains, so I hope you're as excited as I am about your stay! (I know it will be fantastic!)
If you're interested in learning about how my friends and I work together, Folio, whose product you are using right now, published an interview with us as part of their Host Stories project.
Making a Difference
Keeping Tahoe Wild
We're passionate about environmental sustainability, and we do our best to act responsibly. We love Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, and we're committed to preserving wilderness areas for generations to come.
Leave only footprints; take only memories.
For us, an important part of this preservation is supporting our visitors to experience the beauty of the mountains without leaving any marks behind.
Sustainable Accommodation
During our first year in business, we achieved certification as a California Green Business, and our commitment to environmental stewardship plays a big role in the decisions we make and the work we do on the house.
By choosing to stay with us, you will already be taking a massive step of support for a more eco-friendly way to travel, so thank you!
Check out our sustainability page to find out exactly how we're reducing our environmental impact as much as possible and how you can help us during your stay.
It is unnecessary and very wasteful. Reusable water bottles filled with Tahoe tap water are a much more sustainable and delicious option.
Our water is incredibly pure and comes from an underground aquifer beneath the mountain at the head of the valley. Tahoe's tap water is routinely praised as some of the best in the country and the world, so give it a try for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
Not sure what to pack or what the weather is like? You're in the right place!
Add This Guide to Your Phone
We recommend adding this guide to your phone's home screen for quick access during your stay. It's faster, easier to access, and available if you're ever offline without reception.
iPhone and iPad
Using the Safari browser, connect to sparklebridge.info. Then, open the Share options menu (the Share icon is the square with the upwards arrow at the bottom of your screen). Then, find the “Add to Home Screen” action. Select this action, click “Add”, and the guide will be added to your home screen.
Note that you must use Safari – iOS actively blocks any other browser from accessing the “Add to Home Screen” functionality. Also note that if you open the link within another app’s web preview mode, such as from Gmail, the “Add to Home Screen” option won’t be available.
If you can’t see the “Add to Home Screen” option in the Share menu, then make sure that you’re accessing the link via the Safari browser.
Android
Open the Chrome app on your phone and navigate to sparklebridge.info. Once the guide loads, open Chrome’s Settings menu by tapping the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
Next, select the “Add To Home Screen” option.
A new screen that will allow you to place the icon automatically or choose where to place it. On this “Add To Home Screen” screen, you’ll see a preview of the shortcut’s icon. Tap the “Add Automatically” button to place the new icon on your Android device’s Home Screen wherever space is available.
If you want to place the icon somewhere different on your Home Screen, touch and hold the icon, and drag it to your desired location.
What We Provide
You can expect to find the following items at the cabin, so please don't worry about packing them.
Just so you know, if you run out of disposable items during your stay, you will need to pick up more while shopping.
Bedrooms
100% California-grown cotton linens
Pillows
Quilt (summer) or down-alternative comforter (winter)
Extra cotton blankets
Bathrooms
Towels
Hand soap
Body wash
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toilet paper
Hair dryer and diffuser
Makeup towels
Simple first aid items: bandages, antibiotic ointment, betadine
Kitchen
Plates, bowls, salad/dessert plates
Flatware
Steak knives
Chopsticks
Cloth napkins
Glasses
Wine glasses
Coffee mugs
A variety of knives
Basic spices
Good California-grown olive oil
Hand soap
Several rolls of paper towels
Dish soap
Dishwasher detergent
Dishcloths and hand towels
Potholders
Electric kettle
Several coffee makers: Chemex, French press, and automatic drip and espresso machines
Toaster
Blender
Microwave
Pots and pans
Glass baking pans
Muffin tin, cake pan, pie plates
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking utensils
Serving and mixing bowls
Can opener
Corkscrew
Oyster knife
Reusable plastic cups and dinnerware for kids
Cling-wrap, foil, wax paper, parchment
Reusable storage containers
Cleaning Supplies
Non-toxic cleaners: multipurpose, glass, & floor
Terry cloth cleaning rags
Broom and dustpan
Extendable duster
Microfiber mop
Rope mop and bucket
Vacuum cleaner
Bin liners for wastebaskets and the kitchen trash can
Miscellaneous
Unscented, dye-free laundry detergent
Propane for the grill and an extra tank in the garage
Firewood, kindling, and fire-starters
Beach towels
Add-ons, Upgrades, and Additional Services
We offer a nubmer of popular services that you can choose to add to your stay, including early check-in and late checkout, fresh cut flowers, a welcome basket, and other unique offerings.
Here's a basic list of what you might want to bring on your vacation. You'll undoubtedly have your own needs, but we thought this might be helpful, knowing what we do about life in the mountains!
Personal toiletries, medications, and other essential personal items
Sunscreen, sunglasses/goggles, hat
Insect repellent
A bathing suit, a yoga/workout outfit, and clothing to dress in layers
Shoes for hiking, lounging, and getting wet
Camera, memory cards, charger
Personal electronics chargers
A book to exchange with one from our library
Floor Plan
Use this floor plan to visualize the space and decide who's going to bunk where.
We partner with BabyQuip, a network of independent providers who offer sanitary rentals of items, including:
strollers
cribs
car seats
booster seats, and more.
Be sure to check out our Just for Families section in this guide to see all the family-friendly items we already have at the chalet!
If a long drive has left the car seat a bit grimy, they also provide cleaning services for car seats and other baby items.
If you’re interested, you can click the link above or below, and we recommend Juliana Elia, who lives locally in Truckee, on the way from the airport. She can deliver items directly to the house if you’d like, and she’s an absolute gem. You can check out the gear she has available at this link.
Pre-Arrival Information
All the details you need for a stress-free arrival.
Flying
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest commercial airport to North Lake Tahoe. About 45 minutes away, the Reno airport services nine airlines with 23 non-stop flights. Global travelers will appreciate Reno’s many connecting flights to several of the West Coast’s largest airports.
The drive from Sacramento International Airport to North Lake Tahoe takes about two hours, while San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 3.5 hours away.
If you’re flying to the Reno-Tahoe Airport, a very convenient option is the North Lake Tahoe Express shuttle. Service starts at 6:30 am, and buses run until midnight or so. The North Lake Tahoe Express has a variety of routes with consistent schedules between the airport and many communities throughout the Tahoe region. It’s helpful to note that the bus schedules change from summer to winter, and we recommend making a reservation well in advance to avoid sitting around the Reno airport waiting for the next bus.
For more information on flying to Tahoe (including charter flights that land on the lake itself!) check out our article on transit to North Lake Tahoe.
Driving
Finding the chalet is not tough, but the GPS directions occasionally point people to a locked gate. These directions can help avoid this unpleasantness.
For information about what to do before US Route 89, check out our blog article about driving to North Lake Tahoe.
You may notice the signs along the highway for Alpine Meadows Road before the turnoff, with large turning lanes and a stoplight. Still, just in case, two landmarks make the road very easy to spot: a large wooden sign with Palisades Tahoe: Alpine Meadows on it and the River Ranch Lodge and Restaurant, just across from each other, on either side of Alpine Meadows Road.
From Highway 89, turn onto Alpine Meadows Road.
Continue on Alpine Meadows Road for just over two miles. Past the second left turn onto Deer Park.
About 2.2 miles from Highway 89, you will make a slight left turn onto Bear Creek Drive. There is a red reflector and a hanging wooden sign that says "Bear Creek Association."
Continue along this road, keeping the speed below 15 mph.
Take the leftmost road when there is an option, and you will circle a small pond, cross a bridge, and end up heading east again, towards the mouth of the valley.
You'll find the house on your left, the fourth house you'll come to on that side of the valley.
You'll know you're in the right place when you see the house number (2022) on the front of the garage. Pull into the driveway and park!
You'll find the garage code in your arrival instructions.
The garage fits one car, and you can fit up to three in the driveway.
Parking
Please use the garage and the driveway for your parking.
You'll find the garage code in your access instructions.
A spare remote is waiting on the miniature chairlift chair hanging outside the driver's door. (Please replace it when you leave!)
The driveway fits three cars, with two pulled forward (side by side) and one parked horizontally across, behind the other two.
On Mondays, make sure to leave the way clear to the bear box so garbage can be collected. They will not pick up the trash if you do not leave a clearance of about six feet.
Do not extend into the street. The snowplow uses vertical marker poles to find the edge of the road, so your car will be damaged if it extends past the poles.
BEAR NOTICE
Thanks for your attention! It is crucial to lock your doors when you are parked. The neighborhood is not dangerous (far from it), but our bears can open doors easily and get inside. They frequently become trapped, where they can cause damage to the car trying to get out. This summer, a nearby home had an unfortunate occurrence when a bear died while trapped in a car. Please remove all food and scented toiletries from the vehicles and lock them.
Arrival Instructions
We offer automated, contactless check-in & check-out. We will share the code with you three days before your arrival.
Check-in after 4:00 pm.
Check-out before 11:00 am.
Checking In
We are proud to offer contactless check-in, and a smart lock on the door controls access to the property.
Our standard check-in time is 4 pm. Please get in touch with us to inquire about early check-in if you're interested.
We will store your luggage before check-in if you want to explore the area before the chalet is ready. Please let us know if you're interested in this service.
ELECTRIC BEAR FENCE
Our bear protection system will be active when you arrive. It deters bears from entering the chalet when it is unoccupied by transmitting an electric shock through a special doormat, electrified bungee cords, and thin strands of wire. It won't harm you (or your dogs), but it is not fun to touch the doormat or the bungee cords while it's on.
☞ To disarm the system: As you come down the hallway next to the garage, you'll see a green box on the wall to your right. Slide the grey switch to the left (the 0 position), and come on in!
DOOR CODE
We use a smart lock and will send you your door code 24 hours before your booking begins. Your code allows access only for the duration of your stay—it will be enabled at your check-in time and disabled shortly after check-out.
☞ To enter: type the numbers on the keypad, and the door will unlock.
☞ To lock: press the padlock icon in the lower-right corner.
☞ If the lighting is low, press the home icon in the lower-left corner to light up the keypad.
Want more time in Sparklebridge?
You may purchase early check-in at 2 pm for $75 by visiting our Additional Services page.
Parking
Please use the garage and the driveway for your parking.
You'll find the garage code in your access instructions.
A spare remote is waiting on the miniature chairlift chair hanging outside the driver's door. (Please replace it when you leave!)
The driveway fits three cars, with two pulled forward (side by side) and one parked horizontally across, behind the other two.
On Mondays, make sure to leave the way clear to the bear box so garbage can be collected. They will not pick up the trash if you do not leave a clearance of about six feet.
Do not extend into the street. The snowplow uses vertical marker poles to find the edge of the road, so your car will be damaged if it extends past the poles.
BEAR NOTICE
Thanks for your attention! It is crucial to lock your doors when you are parked. The neighborhood is not dangerous (far from it), but our bears can open doors easily and get inside. They frequently become trapped, where they can cause damage to the car trying to get out. This summer, a nearby home had an unfortunate occurrence when a bear died while trapped in a car. Please remove all food and scented toiletries from the vehicles and lock them.
COVID and the Chalet
Here in Tahoe, we've been preparing carefully for your arrival.
We put a great value on the health and wellbeing of all our guests, so we take COVID very seriously.
Here are some of the precautions we've taken:
contactless check-in
face masks and a touchless forehead thermometer at the door
hand sanitizer dispensers by the front and back doors
industry-leading SafeHome cleaning procedures
Take care, and stay safe!
Checking-Out
Check-out time is 11 am.
Please let us know if you would like to check out later, and we may be able to accommodate your request.
Please follow along on our check-out checklist, and don’t forget to sign the guestbook in the living room!
Thanks for choosing sustainable lodging for your trip to Tahoe!
Your choice sends a message to local legislators and chambers of commerce that visitors care about living sustainably and preserving Tahoe's wilderness areas.
That impact matters!
Right now, there is a fierce local outcry against the latest development plan presented by Palisades. They propose to forever change the Olympic Valley into a massive entertainment complex owned by international corporations. This threatens wildlife and wilderness areas. It would lead to more traffic, decrease the lake's clarity, and create many other dangerous impacts.
Placer County supervisors are due to consider this plan soon.
We share our experience with our neighbors and our community, local business owners, and elected officials, and your support helps us demonstrate that sustainable lodging is profitable and preferable to visitors.
By traveling sustainably, you're helping North Lake Tahoe remember what's most important about this area.
With my sincere gratitude, thank you for staying in Sparklebridge!
House Rules
These guidelines help us sleep at night, so thank you for taking the time to learn more about our rules.
OCCUPANCY
By local ordinance, we are limited to 8 adult guests. If your party includes children under 16, then we may permit up to 10 guests total. You may not invite guests to the chalet.
SMOKING
Smoking is allowed only on the deck and in the driveway—no smoking in the house whatsoever. Please use the wall-mounted ashtrays and be mindful of fire risks. Smoking indoors or littering cigarette butts will result in a cleaning fee of $300 or more.
QUIET HOURS
The chalet is in a quiet community, and our neighbors are year-round residents with young children. Quiet hours are from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM. No loud music, parties, or disruptive behavior. No events.
SHOES OFF
To keep things dirt-free and tidy inside the chalet, we ask everyone to remove their shoes as they enter the house. You may leave them on one of the shoe racks in the entryway. Thank you!
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE
We get it—sometimes things break. It’s ok, but please inform us prior to your departure. (It's just so much easier that way!) We and the guests coming next thank you.
WiFi
Wifi: Sparkle
And there's no password**!**
Registering your device
When you join the wifi, a pop-up window will ask for your name (required), email (required), and phone (optional).
Please tick the first checkbox if you wouldn't mind a few emails from us—a maximum of four emails per year, usually only one or two.
Ticking the SMS opt-in box means you don't mind receiving two texts during your stay: one is an 'SMS bookmark' (quick links to our guide and other helpful resources), and the other is a single-question follow-up survey. After you depart, we'll send one or two additional texts over the next year.
You can unsubscribe easily at any time by clicking the link in the email footer or replying STOP via SMS.
Can't connect?
Devices like laptops and smartphones should connect quickly to the network, but if they do not, it's usually one of three things: the device's network adapter, the modem, or the router.
Following this process carefully will solve 99% of the internet issues you may encounter. It may be unfamiliar, but it's not a complicated process, just specific.
We'll begin by looking at the device trying to connect to the internet: your tablet, computer, smartphone, Kindle, etc. Whatever device it is, follow these steps.
Resetting your device's wifi adapter
To do this, turn the device's wifi off. This can vary depending on the item, but it's usually a switch or a setting on the device itself. Wait a few seconds before turning it back on, and your device should connect to the network.
You may also try power-cycling the device by turning it off and then on again.
Resetting the modem and router
What do 99% of us do at home when the internet dies? we power-cycle the modem and router.
We use a mesh networking system with a cloud controller, and the network equipment is constantly monitored for connectivity. If the system senses a disconnection, it will automatically power-cycle itself. There is nothing you need to do to reset our router.
Still not working?
You can check if there is an outage at Optimum (our internet provider) by checking DownDetector
If there are no reported outages in the area, it will be more complicated. At this point, leave it be, and get in touch with me (Malcolm) or the cabin concierge. We will do our best to get it working ASAP!
Seeing the login screen again?
Are you seeing the login screen again on a device you've already used to connect to the wifi?
Then you're in the right place.
When you sign onto the wifi, that should be good for the next thirty days. If you're logging in repeatedly, the router can't tell your device is the same.
☞ Disable the private MAC address feature on your device. (Apple calls this the "private wi-fi address.")
This will let you bypass the login screen when reconnecting to the wifi.
Accesibility
We put a high priority on being inclusive and welcoming to all our guests, including those with mobility limitations or other important considerations.
At the moment, this cabin poses several challenges to those with mobility limitations, and we're working to change that!
For now, we have a shower chair available, if needed. Please get in touch with us before your stay to ensure it's prepared for you.
If you require assistance with any of these items, or if there is any way we can further address your needs or the needs of someone in your party, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We welcome all feedback on how we can make any guest's stay easier—especially guests who might not be able to enjoy these glorious mountains were it not for adaptive and accessibility accommodations!
Just for Families
We host lots of families with young kids, so we are set up to address many of their needs.
Baby gates are in the Forest Floor bedroom's closet. There are a couple for blocking the stairways, and there is a larger system for making a customizable barrier that can be used to block off the kitchen or the woodstove, for instance. The two plastic gates are held in place by tension; the larger system is freestanding and also has a gate that adults may use to move between spaces. Please be careful and do not step over the gates—especially when they are on a stairwell!
A highchair is located in the Forest Floor closet. It is easily assembled and thoroughly cleaned between guests.
Outlet covers are available in the kitchen island's drawer (our "junk drawer").
Dishes and silverware for kids are in the kitchen sideboard, third drawer down.
Toys and games can be found in the living room.
We also partner with BabyQuip to provide rental items for families. BabyQuip is a network of independent providers who offer sanitary rentals of all kinds of items, including strollers, cribs, car seats, toys, etc. They also provide cleaning services for car seats etc., if a long drive has left yours grimy. If you’re interested, you can follow the link above, and we recommend Juliana Elia, who lives locally in Truckee, on the way from the airport. She can deliver items to the house if you prefer, and she’s an absolute gem.
If the chimney isn't drawing smoke, "burp the chimney" with a lit piece of paper or cardboard to lift the column of cold air.
Use just one piece of fatwood.
Start with fatwood, then small kindling. Add small/medium logs as the fire builds.
If a fire is having a tough time getting started, 90% of the time it's because the fire's not getting enough air or the wood is too wet.
Slide the air intake to the + side while lighting. Turn it down to - as the fire grows in strength.
Keep the door closed while the fire is burning.
Don't let it get too hot! If the gauge is near the red, close all air intakes. A fire that is too hot is inefficient and can damage the stove—repairs are very costly.
Playing Music
Genelec System
The living room is equipped with a powerful Genelec sound system. You can play music through this system from your phone, tablet, or laptop using Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect,
Please note:
The system can get quite loud. It certainly gets loud enough to damage your hearing, our relationships with our neighbors, and the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. We provide this system for your use because we love music. We play music loud sometimes, and it can be awesome.
We want you to have fun and enjoy yourself as you wish, but please bear these simple rules in mind:
Keep it down during quiet hours from 9 pm to 8 am.
Don't be a jerk.
HOW TO PLAY MUSIC ON THE SPEAKERS
by voice: turn on the mic on the Apple HomePod Mini in the living room, initiate a command with "Hey Siri," and then ask it to "play (whatever music you'd like) on the living room stereo." You can speak full sentences in English or Spanish and ask for a song, album, artist, playlist, genre, or mood. Or you could try getting creative and seeing just how intelligent Siri is. or
using your phone/tablet/laptop: find the device named Living Room Stereo using the Chrome browser, Google Home, Spotify Connect, and other services, and choose it as your music's output. Play your music using whichever app you prefer, and enjoy.
There is a small black knob on the cocktail table to the left of the wood stove. Clockwise makes the system louder, and counter-clockwise turns it down.
We find that the sound quality is best when we set our device volume to a moderate setting (12 o'clock) and then adjust the volume of the speakers using the knob.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Please do not try to adjust the sound system or cables in any way. This equipment is sensitive and specifically calibrated for its current installation. Its components are always on and require no adjustment.
Can't find it?
Make sure you are connected to the house wifi.
If you still can't see it, you may need to download and install the Google Home app (iOS — Android) on your device.
You can also try resetting your device's wifi or power cycling your device.
If you're using Spotify, try going into your Settings > Devices and toggling on the option to "Show local devices only." This appears to help Spotify find the Chromecast on the local wifi.
If you continue having problems connecting, try connecting to the Cabin Robots network. (Message me for the password.)
No sound?
Check the settings on your device to make sure your device volume is turned up to a moderate level.
Then check the living room stereo's volume using the Google Home app.
Finally, ensure that the physical volume control knob is turned to a moderate level and try again.
Electric Bear Fence
Our bear protection system will be active when you arrive. It deters bears from entering the chalet when unoccupied by transmitting an electric shock through a special doormat, electrified bungee cords, and thin strands of wire. It won't harm you (or your dogs), but it is not fun to touch the doormat or the bungee cords while it's on.
It's very important to use the system whenever you leave the house. Bears are put in danger by coming into our homes, and they frequently cause a lot of damage!
How to use the electric protection system
The house's construction requires us to protect two doorways with our bear 'fence': the front door and the back door.
The front door has an electrified doormat in front of it. You can cross the doormat in rubber-soled shoes without any ill effect, even when it's on, but we recommend disarming the system when the house is occupied and re-arming the system whenever you leave.
☞ To disarm the front door: As you approach the front door, look for a green box on the wall to your right. Slide the grey switch to the left (the 0 position) to disarm the doormat.
The back door has special metallic-fiber bungee cords that can deliver a shock to a bear.
☞ To disarm the back door: use the green box on the wall to turn the system off, then unhook the bungee cords and hang them from the topmost hook on the other side. (This keeps them from dragging on the ground and getting in your way.)
☞ To rearm the back door: make sure that each cord is stretched across the entire doorway and attached on both sides. (Bungees should be horizontal and should never cross each other.) Then, use the green box to slide the switch to the right, and the system is armed.
Making Coffee
We're coffee lovers, and we're pleased to provide several excellent methods of making your morning brew:
First, make sure the grinder is turned on—it's easy to miss, so double-check the toggle switch on the left side of the grinder's body.
Fill the hopper with coffee.
Turn the dial to choose the number of seconds the grinder will run, and select the grind setting by turning the entire hopper so that the small arrow points at a fineness setting: clockwise for finer grinds, anticlockwise for coarser.
Finally, press the circular button on the grinder's body to grind into the collection cup. The grinder will stop automatically.
Recommended settings:
Imagine if the grinder were a clock when viewed from above, with the cord side being 12 o'clock, and 6 o'clock as the part closest to you, the glass cup that fills with ground coffee.
Ratio: Set the grind to around 6 o'clock and the timer to 20 seconds. Chemex: 7:30 or 8 o'clock for 20 seconds. French Press: 4 or 5 o'clock for 15 seconds.
Ratio Coffeemaker
Top FAQ: the Ratio coffeemaker will only work with the Ratio carafe, which has a grey silicone bumper on the base. It will not brew with the Chemex.
Fill the tank. Fill to desired level with fresh, cool water. If using Ratio carafe to transfer water, ensure it is free of coffee residue from previous brews. Choose your filter. The Ratio carafe was designed to use Chemex paper filters or our custom perforated stainless steel filter, the Ratio Kone. Add coffee grounds. Add freshly ground coffee to the filter. We recommend starting with 14 level tablespoons, or 70 grams for a full batch. For a half batch, add 7 level tablespoons, or 35 grams. When placing the carafe back in the RatioEight, make sure you tilt the carafe so that you do not hit the showerhead. Begin the brewing cycle by pushing the start button.
You can preheat the carafe with hot water from your sink, a kettle or by running a brew cycle of any size without coffee.
Alternatively, you can fill the tank beyond your intended batch size and stop the brew cycle when the tank reaches the desired level by touching the button.
If you run more than intended, just top off the tank as needed.
TK-01 Automatic Espresso Machine
The TK-01 can make a latte or cappuccino at the touch of a button, and we're pleased to offer this amenity to you. While the experience of using the machine is relatively simple, some of the steps required for its upkeep and weekend-long use are a bit less intuitive.
Fortunately, Terra Kaffe has an excellent manual, and what is not covered in the manual is almost certainly addressed in their FAQ.
Boiling Water
Use the electric kettle for the most precise pours, and use the stovetop kettle to boil the most water at once. The electric kettle has a fill line on the inside of the neck. Do not fill above the "max" line.
Once it's filled, place it on the base, and set the temperature to 195°F. Water boils at a lower temperature in the mountains, 201°F at this altitude, and the kettle will boil dry and damage itself if you set it too high.
We have found 195°F to make great coffee.
Please don’t set the temp too high—it may damage the kettle. Thanks!
Pour-Over Coffee
Use the glass pour-over carafes to make excellent "drip" coffee.
Place the metal filter in the upper portion of the carafe and fill with 20 seconds of ground coffee.
Boil water.
"Bloom" the coffee: add a small amount (less than a 1/4 cup) of water to the coffee, sprinkling it all over the ground beans. Wait about 30 seconds for the coffee to slightly expand and become very fragrant.
Slowly pour in a circular or zig-zag motion over the entire bed of coffee, and continue this for about 4 minutes, until the coffee has reached the level of the wooden collar or the glass dot on the carafe.
Enjoy your pour-over!
French Press
Add 20 seconds of ground coffee to the bottom of the french press, and cover with boiling water to about an inch or two below the top of the carafe.
Place the lid on top, but do not depress the plunger.
Wait 4 minutes.
Slowly and gently press the plunger down to the bottom. Do not use excessive force or you may break the press and injure yourself or others!
Once it is fully depressed, you may pour the coffee.
Enjoy your french press coffee!
Please call us with any questions!
Using the Stove
OUR INDUCTION STOVE
The cabin has an LG induction stove. It looks a bit like some styles of electric range, but it functions very differently. While a gas range uses a flame to heat a pan and an electric stove transmits heat by heating the stove's surface, our stove's surface does not heat—it uses electromagnetic induction to heat the pan itself.
We were all lovers of cooking over gas, but in the mountains, there is no natural gas service; gas ranges are converted to propane, which must be delivered by truck, stored in a potentially dangerous tank, and gives off an unpleasant odor when it is used for cooking.
As a green business, we're always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Induction technology both conserves natural resources and reduces our exposure to toxins.
As far as performance, we have been blown away by induction. It is every bit as fast and responsive as gas (faster, even!), and it can crank out the heat!
There are, however, a few quirks, and we want to help you get up to speed.
HELPFUL TIPS
In order for the magnetic coils to work on the pans, the pans need to line up with the magnetic source below the surface, and the pans need to be made of the right (magnetic) material. (The cast iron is just fine since it contains iron.) All our cookware is "induction-ready," so you don't need to worry about any pans not working on the stove.
We find it helps to ensure the pans are lined up with the markings on top. Sometimes they can be a bit tough to see, but try to get the pan's center at the exact center of the place marked by the lines. The easiest way to do this is to look at the pan's side and ensure the line is at the widest part of the pan on all sides.
Another factor is that the burners are different sizes, so make sure the pan you're using is a similar size to the burner. A small pan on a big burner will not work very well, so try moving whatever pan you're using to a smaller burner.
Window Shades
You're probably here because of the wand attached to the narrow shades, since most of the shades in the cabin are manually lifted or lowered using the handles.
If you're here about the wand, click the video below and start watching at 36 seconds to find the details you want.
For the tall shade in the Canopy
The shade is a "top-down-bottom-up," meaning you can have the shade cover the top or bottom of the window.
The left cord raises and lowers the top bar.
The right cord raises and lowers the bottom bar.
For the narrow windows in the Canopy and the Forest Floor (the ones with the wand)
The instructions published by Hunter Douglas are below, but they're rather wordy.
The video linked below is quite trippy (it feels like Tina Fey doing a character, but its 100% a legit Hunter Douglas salesperson), but it will get you up to speed. The part you want starts at 0:36.
For smooth operation, keep the wand close to the fabric when raising and lowering the shade.
To Lower the Shade
Pull the wand toward the center of the shade at about a
45° angle. The locking mechanism at the top of the wand
releases with a “click.” The shade lowers as you allow
the wand to return to the vertical position.
IMPORTANT: The wand must be pulled in close to the
front of the shade. Do not pull the wand out away from
the shade.
To stop the shade while lowering, move the wand back
toward the vertical position and give a slight downward
pull to engage the locking mechanism.
If the shade hits an obstruction as it is lowered it will
stop, which may cause the cords in each cord rout to become misaligned. This may cause
the shade to be angled or tilted when fully raised.
If this occurs, do the following:
Raise the shade slightly.
Lower the shade completely to the sill. In some cases, pull gently on the bottom rail to
get it to drop completely.
IMPORTANT: If the shade is tilted when fully raised, do not pull harder on the wand. It
does not correct the tilt and may make it worse.
To Raise the Shade
Pull the wand straight down or slightly toward the
outside.
With each stroke, the shade partially raises.
Allow the wand to retract after each downward stroke.
Use multiple strokes until the shade reaches the
desired position.
Garbage & Recycling
Tahoe uses the One Big Bin system: recycling, compost, and garbage all go in the same bag and are sorted at a sorting facility nearby.
All waste must fit inside the bear boxes out front. Any excess that does not fit must be taken with you when you leave, or you will be assessed a garbage removal fee of $250 per bag.
EXCESS TRASH
Anything that doesn't fit in the bear box may be taken directly to the local sorting facility, at Highway 89 and Cabin Creek Road (~15 min). They are open Monday-Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. More information (including a map) can be found on the mounted flyer in the kitchen and on the sorting facility website.
COLLECTION DAY
Garbage is collected on Mondays, usually in the morning but recently pickups have occasionally been in the late afternoon. If you have excess trash on a Monday, leave it outside next to the bear box in the morning before 7:30 am and it will be collected as well.
Please do not leave any trash outside the bear box at any other time; the county imposes a fine of $1,500 for violations.
The reason for all this:
Bears are frequently seen in the area, and if they become accustomed to finding and eating trash, they will likely be euthanized by the warden. This is entirely preventable by using the bear box and taking away excess trash, so please do so.
Swimming Pond
Be aware that there is not a lifeguard on duty at the pond and homeowners, guests and renters use the pond and common areas at their own risk. This applies at all times during the year, including ice skating during the winter months. The ice layer is often too thin for skating. Ice skating is to be done at your own risk.
A pond monitor will be present on the weekends from the first weekend in July to Labor Day. The monitor’s responsibility is to make sure all enjoying the pond belong to Bear Creek and that dog owners follow all rules. The pond monitor is NOT a lifeguard. Please make sure you and your guests know the Bear Creek home address and lot number when attending the pond.
Children should always be accompanied and supervised by an adult while at the pond area.
A bear-proof trashcan is provided in the pond area for refuse. Everyone is responsible for cleaning up after him or herself. Please do so to keep bear issues at a minimum. All items brought to the pond including but not limited to chairs, umbrellas, floatables, sand toys, and towels must not be left overnight.
Dogs may be unleashed and can swim in the pond before 11:00 am in the morning and after 6:00 pm in the evening. During the hours of 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. At all times an owner is responsible for picking up after their dog at the pond.
The use of the community rafts is at your own risk. They are for everyone’s enjoyment. Share when appropriate.
If at all possible, please leave your vehicles at home and walk to the pond. There are very few parking spaces available near the pond and both moving and parked cars increase the possibility of an accident with so many small children present.
You can bring the house cooler to the pond for some cool beverages or food. It's in the garage near the grill.
Bring some beach towels from the linen closet. Please don't bring our bath towels to the pond - they get all messed up or lost.
Have fun!
Winter Information
This valley is famous for its snowfall. We have some essential information that will help keep you safe and improve your trip, so please take a moment to review what we've prepared.
At Home
During the winter months, heed one-way road markers, snowplow regulations, and emergency procedures (re: parking, road ingress and egress).
Sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling on roads are strictly prohibited. There have been serious accidents.
DO NOT let your children build snow caves in the snow walls on the street or in your driveway.
It is your responsibility to ensure cars parked on your parking pad are visible to the Property Manager when he is plowing.
The Valley historically has been susceptible to avalanches. It is recommended for your own safety that you do not venture out alone during heavy snowstorms.
Avoid Alpine Meadows Road during periods of avalanche danger.
Shoveling and Snow Removal
At the chalet, there are several shovels conveniently placed near the exterior doors. There are heated mats
There is avalanche control often along Alpine Meadows road, and highways get shut down. You may need to make a path to the driveway, hot tub, or bear box (trash).
We find it’s easiest to remove snow when it’s fresh; snow that has settled can become icy and challenging. Use the wide, plastic shovels for shoveling, so you don’t damage woodwork or cars with a metal blade.
Please make sure that you can access the bear box at all times. It won’t be collected on Mondays if buried, and storing trash in the house (including the entryway) is not a good idea. The bear box on the left tends to jam when snow is loading the top of the box or when ice accumulates around the door. If you’re having difficulty opening the door, try clearing the snow off the top or using a thin tool, like a pocketknife or metal credit card, to check for ice around the door.
De-Icing
By the garage door, you’ll find a
white
plastic trash can of de-icer to help melt icy walkways. Do not use regular table salt to melt snow. This is harmful to plants and animals. Our salt is magnesium chloride— safe for the environment and living things. There is a refill bag inside the deck closet, so please don’t throw out the shaker bottle.
Heated Snow-Melt Mats
The heated mats melt two inches of snow an hour but consume electricity. We have them on a wifi timer, and they are configured to turn on for six hours whenever it snows. This is usually enough time to melt any accumulation, but if they aren’t keeping up, find the box on the cord with a blue light and press the button. The light will turn red, and the heat mats will melt the ice.
Service Outages
At least once or twice a winter, we are without power—sometimes for days at a time. The winter storms frequently knock out our internet; though these outages are usually shorter, they can also last for days. In 2021, the highway was closed for several days due to the storms, and local gas stations ran out of gas. It’s essential to have respect for the intense weather in this region.
Be prepared by bringing extra of anything you may need, including medication, contacts, and diapers. Extra food is also important, and a package of dried soup mix or pasta doesn’t take up much space but can provide vital nutrition.
There is an emergency lantern in the entryway and extra D-batteries in the ‘junk drawer’ in the entryway desk. There are also emergency flashlights plugged in on every floor. They should illuminate if the power goes out and can be used for moving around the chalet in the dark. Please don’t use candles or other open flames in the house!
Please contact us immediately if you ever turn on a tap and no water comes out. This could mean a pipe is frozen or broken and is very important to monitor.
En Route
While it's exhilarating and beautiful to experience a Tahoe snowstorm, taking a few essential precautions will help you make the most of the winter wonderland.
We live in a valley that is famous for its snowfall and have had storms that drop several feet of snow at a time. We average over a foot of snow a week from December through March; the average snowfall for the fourth week of December is 19 inches, and last year over 18 feet of snow fell in December. It is a unique environment that may be unfamiliar to you, and we’ve prepared this guide to help share what we’ve learned about living in the mountains.
Vehicles
Please be aware that traveling during a snowstorm can be dangerous. Snowstorms frequently lead to delays, long backups, road closures, and uncertainty for drivers. All this is stressful—even more so if you have a car full of loved ones.
Remember that your most important safety device is between your ears; before you leave home, do what it takes to prepare, and make yourself aware of the conditions on the road. While you’re en route, make safe choices, and don’t let the pressure or stress cause you to make a misguided decision.
To ‘know before you go,’ we recommend a couple of online sources:
If your car does not have four-wheel drive with all-weather or winter tires, you will need snow chains.
Chain control is enforced by the highway patrol, and a set should be in the car at all times when snow is in the forecast. Before your leave, make sure your car’s wheels can be fitted with chains (some ‘performance’ tires cannot!) and purchase a set online—it’s much cheaper than buying a set on the mountain!
It’s also a good idea to have your parka, boots, and a set of gloves ready to go, in case you need to put on chains on the roadside. This already-unpleasant task can be downright miserable without a warm, dry parka and gloves!
Pack an emergency blanket in your glove compartment. These thin mylar sheets have saved many lives from exposure. They are inexpensive, so it’s always a good idea to have one in the mountains.
If your travel plans include nighttime driving, carry a bright flashlight with strong batteries—bonus points for a roadside flare or LED beacon.
If you’re traveling with kids, some snacks, a deck of cards, or a playlist of sing-a-long songs can go a long way to keep the kids comfortable and preserve your sanity.
Parking
We pay for a snowplowing service, but the parking pad must be accessible for the plow to remove the snow during storms. This means you must be able to move your car(s) at any given point for the driveway to be plowed.
The plow will push the snow on the parking pad off the far end into the gully below. Because of this, we find it’s most efficient to move cars to one side of the parking pad, allow the plow to clear the first side, and then move vehicles onto the plowed side to let the plow get the rest. In other words, park on the left or right side, but don’t block the front or back of the plowable area.
Clearing the car of snow (remember the roof!) and the area around will be necessary. A scraper with a brush, like the one we have in the entryway, will help with this task. Do not let your car go un-cleaned for several days! The snow will harden around your vehicle and be much more difficult to remove. It’s much easier to remove fluffy, light snow than snow that has settled, so please don’t put off this task! This ensures that both you and the neighbors can access your cars and helps with driving in/out of the chalet.
You might see some cars parked with their wiper blades up; this helps avoid burning out your wiper motor if you leave the wipers on and they become stuck in the snow.
The Canopy bedroom has a small desk that looks out onto Juniper Mountain and the creek.
The desk has a rolling desk chair, universal dock, a lamp, Qi phone charger, keyboard, mouse, and 27” 4K monitor that connects via USB-C, DisplayPort, or HDMI. The desk also has a convenient power strip for charging via AC adapter or USB.
The cabin also has a b/w laser printer with duplexing and AirPrint.
Private Workspaces
There are small pop-up tables that can be set up in the Understory or the Forest Floor for Zoom calls or other private work.
Other Options
If the day’s work is less private, the kitchen table has power on both sides of the built-in bench and excellent light throughout the day.
The window seats in the living room are bright and comfortable, and you can hear the creek outside if you open the windows.
The bridge is a really nice place to take calls, as it frequently has the best reception, and you can stroll back and forth, enjoying the scenery outside.
Cleaning Supplies
There are cleaning supplies for your use:
under the kitchen sink
in the cabinet above the washing machine
in each bathroom
You'll also find a big box of rags in the laundry cabinet and the Samsung stick vacuum standing on the laundry area floor.
The kitchen has a small stationary vacuum that you can sweep crumbs towards. Just press the Activate button on top to start the suction and sweep what remains into the front of the machine.
This little kitchen vacuum can also turn on automatically when it sees movement directly in front of it, but we've turned off this feature because it seemed to go on too frequently. If you'd like to try it, press the Mode button to turn it back on.
Please feel free to use these for any minor messes.
TV
We have a 55" Samsung Frame television in the Understory. It displays art when not in use and uses a tiny amount of electricity.
Using the TV
Press the power button in the upper left to access the main menu. The volume controls on the remote will control the Sonos soundbar. To confirm it's working, you will see a light flash on the side of the soundbar when you adjust the volume.
We don't have any cable service, but it's not necessary on this TV. You can choose a streaming service from the main menu to begin watching. We subscribe to HBOmax, Disney+, ESPN+, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more, so take advantage and watch something you don't subscribe to at home!
You may want to sign in to your streaming apps on either device. Please sign out of any apps before departure.
You can also Chromecast or AirPlay.
Turning the TV off
Press the button in the upper left of the remote again to turn the TV off. It's normal for the TV to display art when it's off. This uses very little electricity, and the TV will go completely dark when it detects no movement in the room after a certain period.
If you're having audio issues
The soundbar should begin playing automatically when the TV provides it with an audio input (when a show or movie with sound is turned on), but if it doesn't, it's controllable with the same remote or buttons on the face of the soundbar.
Laundry
The washer and dryer are located on the lowest level, next to the bathroom, and are available for your use during your stay.
We provide unscented, dye-free Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear detergent for your use. Pour a capful into the small drawer on the upper left of the washing machine.
The wool dryer balls in the basket above the dryer are thrown in the dryer with your wet items, and they will speed up your drying time.
Two important safety issues:
Please do not disturb anything on the tool bench and do not leave children unattended in this room—there are sharp and dangerous tools in the cabinet.
The back door in this room must be locked and barricaded with the board when you leave, as this prevents bears from entering the house.
Iron & Ironing Board
An ironing board and iron are located in the Alpine bedroom's closet and are available for your convenience.
Please do not leave the iron unattended, especially while plugged-in.
When you are finished, please empty the water reservoir entirely, leaving the door open so that the interior may dry fully. This helps keep our iron nice and clean and keeps your clothes looking their freshest
Iron & Ironing Board
We do not have an ironing board, because we have a Nori Press.
You can find the Nori in the Canopy's closet in a light blue case.
We have warm summers and icy winters, so we have a few ways of staying warm or cooling off.
Summer
We have a number of box fans around the chalet, and we usually store them in the front entryway. When it's quite hot out, we find it's very helpful to put a box fan pointing out in the upstairs windows, especially the windows in Boreal and Mammoth. It also helps to close the blinds on some of the upstairs windows around midday, when it's hot and sunny.
Airflow from the cool lower levels helps out a lot upstairs, so if it's possible, keep the windows and bedroom doors open downstairs to allow air to circulate. We have a few more box fans in the main floor living area to point out the screen door and windows, and that also helps keep things cool.
On warm nights, swap the duvets out with the cotton blankets in the dressers, and use the fans in the bedrooms to keep cool.
Summer guests rarely need to use the furnace, but the heat is controlled by a Nest thermostat on the wall between the kitchen and the cleaning closet. To change the temperature on the Nest, turn the silver ring surrounding the display left and right, like the wheel of a car. The display will adjust as you turn and inform you about your choice when you stop.
Winter
The wood stove is our primary method of heating the chalet. Please refer to the woodstove property guide for a video demonstrating the best way to light a fire in our stove.
At night, we've found it's best to pack the stove with wood and turn the damper way down. This allows the fire to burn all night long and makes rekindling it in the morning really easy.
All beds in the chalet have electric mattress pads, and the two downstairs bedrooms, Whistler and Sugar Bowl, have an oil-filled radiator to keep things toasty.
The Nest thermostat controls the central heating, however, we've found that the wood stove and the ceiling fans work better for heating the entire house.
The propane grill by the front entry is available for your use.
We have several spare propane tanks in the closet on the deck, so it is unlikely that you will be without propane during your stay. However, if you do refill the propane, we will gladly reimburse you for the expense.
Grilling tools are located in the labeled cubby in the entry, in a black, plastic case on the shelf.
When you are finished, please allow the grill to cool before you put the cover back on.
No outdoor fires, and charcoal grills are banned by local ordinance, and using a grill of any kind is prohibited during Red Flag Warnings.
Bedrooms
We have eight bed spaces in three bedrooms named after the layers of the forest.
Main Floor (accommodations for 2)
The Canopy: one queen bed with an en-suite bathroom with a stall shower and a toilet with a Toto washlet bidet.
Downstairs (accommodations for 6)
The Understory: one king bed and a twin-over-twin bunk bed
The Forest Floor: one queen bed
The downstairs bedrooms share a large bathroom with a stall shower and a toilet with a Toto washlet bidet.
Alpine
On the main floor, with a king bed.
Heavenly
Upstairs with a king bed.
Boreal
Upstairs with a queen bed.
Mammoth
Upstairs with a queen-over-queen bunk bed, with a pull-out queen trundle bed.
Mammoth also has a Samsung Frame TV that is set up so guests can watch it from both bunks!
Whistler
Downstairs with a king bed.
Sugar Bowl
Downstairs with a queen bed and an xl-twin-over-xl-twin bunk bed.
Hotel Safe
We have a hotel safe for your use located in the Canopy closet. It is a hotel-grade safe from a reputable manufacturer, and it is bolted to the floor.
We live in a very safe neighborhood, but you may wish to use the safe for your peace of mind.
The lock uses your credit card (or any card with a magnetic stripe) as a key.
Follow the instructions on the safe to lock and unlock using the card of your choice.
Something wrong?
Don't worry! Contact Julia, who can unlock and open the safe using a special override.
Bathroom & Showers
Please select a topic below, or read on for general information on our bathrooms.
Main Floor
The main floor bathroom has a stall shower and a Toto Washlet bidet, as well as several common over-the-counter medications.
Downstairs
You'll find another Toto Washlet seat, a stall shower, and a view of the courtyard.
Sustainability
We buy in bulk to reduce carbon and plastic, and we choose natural products that are free of toxins that impact the environment and health.
Towels
Our towels are 100% California-grown Pima cotton, and they are absorbent and super soft.
Extra towels are in every bathroom.
Toto Washlet Bidets
The Toto washlet bidets are very sanitary and comfortable, with heated seats and several options for customizing water flow. See the instructions below for how to use the remote.
Hairdryers
Hairdryers and diffusers are stored in black bags in the vanity drawers in every bathroom. Please return the dryer and attachments to the bags when you're finished.
Makeup Towels
Black makeup towels are in each bathroom for you to use when you're removing your makeup or doing other tasks that might stain the other towels or bedding. Please take advantage of them!
First Aid
There are two first aid kits.
one under the kitchen sink
The kit under the sink contains basic supplies for a cut finger or scraped knee.
one in the Canopy's closet
The kit in the Canopy's closet is more comprehensive.
The medicine cabinets and drawers have a few simple medications like ibuprofen, antacids, and acetaminophen.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, dial 9 1 1 for an ambulance. See the Emergencies section in this guide if you need to see a doctor.
Toto Bidets
The Toto washlet bidets have heated seats and several options for customizing the warm water washing functions.
Please take a look at the instructions below for how to use the remote.
Mail and Packages
Are you the sender or the recipient?
Sending Mail
The nearest mailboxes are in the Olympic Valley and Tahoe City, so we have a small mailbox attached to the wall in the entryway. Your concierge will send all letters left in this mailbox after your departure.
We provide guests with complimentary Sparklebridge postcards for you to use during your stay, and we'll cover any postage for these cards.
Please ensure all other mail has adequate postage before dropping it in the mailbox.
Receiving Mail
We are in unincorporated Placer County, and mail is not delivered here by USPS.
FedEx/UPS is ok and will deliver to this house, but anything sent by the "regular mail" will likely be held at the Olympic Valley Post Office in the Olympic Valley.
If you think you may have received mail, be quick – the post office only holds mail for two days before it is returned to the sender!
Telephone
Everything you might need to know about phones and the chalet.
The chalet has a house phone, as is required by county ordinance. Our pistachio-colored phone is located in the Understory.
Although it looks somewhat old-fashioned, the phone uses an internet connection to dial out. It is equipped with a battery backup and a 4G backup, so it should work during emergencies, including during a power and internet outage.
The number and house address are printed on a label on the phone's base in case you need to provide either during an emergency.
Not working?
Please let us know, and we can check into it remotely or in person, depending on what it needs.
Cell Coverage
Coverage in the mountains is always a challenge. The geography makes tower placement tricky, and there are quite a few dead spots throughout the region.
We have found that phones on the Verizon network have the best coverage at the chalet, while phones on the AT&T network seem to have the spottiest coverage.
Phones that use multiple networks, like Google Fi and Mint, tend to have pretty good coverage, though your experience may differ.
We recommend using wifi calling when possible. Our network is configured to allow wifi calling on the Sparkle network, so feel free to configure your device to use wifi calling if you do not already have that option turned on.
Bears
Bears are frequently seen in the area, and they generally pose no danger.
DO NOT get between a mama and her (adorable) cubs, but other than that, they're most likely going to want nothing to do with you. Bears are smart, and the track record with bears and humans is sadly not on the bears' side. If you see one, please respect that this is a beautiful, wild animal, that you are lucky to witness it going about its business, and leave it there.
B****ears are killed by the game warden when they become more comfortable around humans and come around (or into) houses looking for food. To keep the bears from relying on humans for food, use the bear-proof garbage can when you take out the trash. Please remove all food and scented toiletries from parked cars to prevent damage and keep the bears safe from harm. Also, locking your car doors will prevent bears from opening them (yes, they all know how) and eating your bag of chips or whatever. More importantly, it will prevent bears from becoming trapped in your car and causing damage to the car or bear.
Fire Safety
Fire risk is extremely high in Tahoe.This is no joke. You will likely see signs along the road advising you to know your evacuation route.
We provide a propane grill for your use. By local ordinance, there are absolutely no charcoal grills and no campfires allowed.
Do not light incense or candles—other than birthday candles, if it's someone's birthday. (We're not the grinch, just appropriately terrified of wildfires!)
No fireworks and no discharging of firearms on the property.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers are located throughout the property.
Extinguishers are wall-mounted locations in high-traffic areas:
in the garage, on the post next to the workbench and the grill
upstairs next to the woodpile
downstairs near the linen closet
Power Outages
Winter storms can take our power out for periods, sometimes as long as a week, though that is rather infrequent. Usually, power is restored within a day or two.
In case of a loss of power, the chalet has emergency flashlights plugged in on every floor. They will illuminate when the power goes out, so please use these to find your way safely while the power is out.
There are two battery-powered lanterns in the Canopy's closet and extra D batteries in the junk drawer in the kitchen.
The grill does not require electricity and is a good option in this case.
Emergencies
If this is a life-threatening emergency,
• use a phone to dial 9 1 1 for an ambulance. The house phone is in the kitchen.
• get someone to pack a small overnight bag for the patient and a companion with:
a change of clothes,
a light jacket or sweater,
any medications, glasses, or medical devices, and
other small essentials. Make sure to take care of the caregiver(s) in your group! ❤️
If this is an emergency, and you are driving:
The nearest hospital is in Truckee. It is a modern facility with excellent emergency care.
If you are traveling with a dog, please abide by these guidelines:
Dogs are allowed off-leash if they reliably respond to voice commands; if they are not trained to respond to voice commands, you must use a leash when your dog is outdoors.
Please try to keep dogs off of the furniture.
Dogs must not pose a danger or nuisance to people or dogs in the community.
Please pick up after your dog and dispose of dog waste properly.
We have dedicated dog towels in the linen closet. Please use one to clean or dry your dog's paws and body if they need it.
The HOA shares this information about dogs:
Do not let your dog roam unsupervised in our neighborhood.
If you see an unsupervised dog in our neighborhood or at the pond call The Humane Society of Tahoe-Truckee at 530-587-5948.
Please clean up after your dog on all roads, at the pond and its surrounding areas, and on all publicly maintained trails. Dispose of doggy bags in trash receptacles only.
Pond Rules: Dogs may be unleashed and can swim in the pond before 11:00 am in the morning and after 6:00 pm in the evening. During the hours of 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
A gorgeous trail connecting five stunning alpine lakes - and it's less than a half-mile from our front door! The hike past the lakes is moderate in difficulty - expect some steep sections and uneven footing - but there are plenty of kids on the trail, so don't feel discouraged if you're traveling with your family!
If this sounds good, check out our trail guide at https://chalet.link/fivelakes
Our home resort and a locals' favorite, Alpine Meadows has varied terrain, fast lifts, and seemingly endless powder-packed bowls to explore on skis or board. The base is less developed than the Olympic Valley, but we love its down-home appeal and friendly staff. If you're there in winter, be sure to check out the amazing views of Lake Tahoe from Lakeview and Sherwood.
The closest spot to the house for a bite, the Crest Cafe offers guests appealing mid-day fare on its fantastic deck overlooking the Truckee River. Stop for a bite and a brew sometime. You won’t be disappointed!
The closest hotel and bar to the house, and also the return shuttle stop for folks floating down the Truckee River from Lake Tahoe. If you don’t feel like cooking, the food is satisfying, and, depending on the weekend, the bar can be quite lively!
Tahoe Via Ferrata is an assisted climbing activity that allows beginners to experience the rock climbing that the Sierras are known for in safety. By installing cables, ladders, and other fixtures to the rock walls of the Olympic Valley, the organization has arranged courses ranging from two to four hours long. Guests will wear a harness and clip in to the safety equipment before climbing, and the experience is truly unique. Though it is not very technical, participants should be in generally good health with sure footing - and no fear of heights!
The ultimate in après-ski, le chamois has hot pizza and cold beer by the pitcher. Vintage ski paraphernalia covers the walls, and some of the furniture is actually made of old skis!
Stunning, 360 panoramic views of Palisades and Lake Tahoe. This is a must-see if visiting the Palisades area. The tram ride is about 15 minutes each way, and the views are breathtakingly beautiful at the top. Once at high camp, there is a museum highlighting the 1964 Olympics that were held at the location.
We love the Bridgetender on warm summer evenings when the crowd and the music spill out along the Truckee River in the warm night air. We love the Bridgetender in the winter sitting at the handmade wood bar, swapping ski intel with friendly locals. Come as a group or come solo, you’ll be sure to have a memorable time.
A great natural food store, with produce, a bulk section, toiletries and cosmetics, excellent cheeses, a fantastic beer and cider selection, and a deli with draught kombucha!
This relaxed taproom has, yes, plenty of taps with everything from hazy IPAs to sours, as well as fantastic pub fare including burgers, salads, and sandwiches, which you can enjoy on their large front patio. Watch the pedestrians visit local shops while you sip and contemplate the view across Lake Tahoe.
Pack a lunch and bring your towels, masks, and snorkels! A relaxing afternoon on Lake Tahoe is a wonderful way to spend the day. A favorite option of mine is Skylandia beach. This is a perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach. The upper level has plenty of picnic tables to relax in the shade and peer down at the beach and out at the beautiful lake vista. It’s an easy park and walk location and has a public dock to walk out on. There are picnic tables and plenty of space for everyone - even on busy weekends.
A great natural food store, with produce, a bulk section, toiletries and cosmetics, excellent cheeses, a fantastic beer and cider selection, and a deli with draught kombucha!
A local favorite for coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Their home-made soups and salads are great, and everything can be made to-go, for eating on the slopes or on a hike.
From summer to winter, rock climbing to backcountry skiing, TMS has the gear and the expertise to set you up for some serious fun in the outdoors. The staff is so knowledgeable, it pays to speak up and ask for their recommendations on gear, routes, and other tips. Don’t miss their end-of-season sales!
A stylish and wholly unique place to get a bite in Truckee, featuring many vegetarian options and craft beers. They also offer excellent catering, with delivery for orders over $200. (Say hi to Mabel while you’re there!)
An excellent beer and cider bar with taps, taps, and more taps! Lots of locals, lots of choices, so make sure you've got a DD! Light bar snacks served.
Truckee’s newest market is one of the nicest in the area. Raley’s has a great selection of specialty items, produce, and prepared foods, and our guests frequently enjoy it as a “one-stop-shop.”
If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Secret Cove, a suit-optional beach that requires steep hiking down, but rewards with a private and tranquil beach, with plenty of granite boulders to lay out on.
A solid recommendation for high-quality but inexpensive goods. They carry premium brands, though the selection varies frequently due to their rapidly changing inventory. Still, great for a deal, and they always have staples.
An upscale market option, a bit further afield. Excellent deli and meats/seafood, good prepared items, an extensive produce section, and even a Mongolian grill!
This hilltop retreat has just about the best view there is over downtown Truckee, in addition to a well-loved bar and dining room. Come early and watch the evening settle over the valley as you enjoy an expertly made cocktail and fresh California cuisine.
TIP: Some of the entrées can be a bit pricey, so if you want to save some cash and enjoy the view, visit around sunset for a drink and appetizers at the bar, then head back downtown for dinner.
This is for the adventurous ones in the group! At Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks there are courses for all levels. It is a great learning and challenging experience and the instructors are all amazing. For ages 6+,
Homewood is a classic local's secret in Tahoe—the kind of secret everyone knows about, yet it's still somehow a secret. Homewood is family-friendly, with stunning views of Lake Tahoe from the lifts and runs, and a surprising amount of challenging terrain, given its size and its inexpensive lift tickets. All in all, there's a good reason why ski-focused locals visit Homewood over Palisades or Northstar. We love its' anti-elitist attitude, the dedicated and talented ski patrol, and the homespun feel.
