Archive for the ‘Recreation’ Category

Fill Your Day with Outdoor Activities or Just Relax

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

This past weekend was ‘Faculty Staff Weekend’ when we offer individual and family reservations to the faculty and staff from Stanford University.  As always the weekend was a sell out with 155 guests total.  Over the weekend the families enjoy quality time together,  outdoor activities, delicious meals and comfortable accommodations.

The best outdoor activities at Camp are boating and hiking.  At our boat dock choose from kayaks, rowboats, peddle boats or sailboats.

Preparing to kayak Fallen Leaf Lake

And of course funyaks.  Our staff led activities for kids ages 5-12 including a paddle over to the beach for the older group.

Funyaks are stable boats for new paddlers

We also offer guided hikes for the adults in the faculty and staff group.

A guided hike on Angora ridge

At higher elevations in spring, snow is still covering trails, and it’s a great time to hike to see the melting snow rushing down our two nearby waterfalls.

The Lower Falls in spring

Saturday afternoon, Victor Babbit from Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters brought some fly rods and fellow guide Pete for a fly fishing demo for the group.  For many, this was the highlight of the weekend.

Casting on the boat dock

The kids were busy at “the Patch” our playground.

Wheeee!

Most attendees headed outside for an active weekend, others like Eleanor Laney took the time to relax, “I just sat, read and looked at the beautiful views.”

Fallen Leaf Lake

The attendees gave the weekend rave reviews with many requests to add a day for next year like Mary Hansen’s , “Since relaxing is a great part of the weekend, my only suggestion is to add another day”.  If you’re looking to get away from every day distractions and hold a meeting with free time to get outside or just relax, give us a call!

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Wanna Ski Like Lindsay?

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Did Lindsay Vonn and her fellow Olympic skiers pique your interest to get out for some winter fun?  Then come on up to Tahoe!  Stanford Sierra Conference Center is closed for the winter, but our sister property, the Stanford Alpine Chalet in Tahoe City, is hopping busy with skiers and snowboarders.  The Chalet has 14 comfortable rooms and is the closest you can sleep (in a bed) to Alpine Meadows Ski Resort.

The view of Alpine Meadows from the Chalet

Wake up at the Chalet to chef Ron’s delicious, hot, cooked-to-order breakfast to fuel your mountain adventure.  Make sure those skis are waxed and edges sharpened, then take the 5-minute shuttle ride to fresh air, sunshine and fun on Alpine’s trails.  Warm up  on the smoothly groomed slopes, then head for the NASTAR  course, and run those gates like Lindsay! (hopefully without the spills)  When your legs have turned to rubber, head back to the Chalet for a soak in the hot tub and relive your best turns with your front row view of the mountain.

Hot tubbing at the Chalet

Midweek is the best time for a ski getaway to the Chalet with no crowds and plenty of deals.   Call Geoff or Dusty at 530-583-1550 or email chalet@stanford.edu and ask about the chalet’s excellent midweek package including Alpine Meadows lift tickets.  Think snow, don’t forget the sunscreen, and visualize those turns like gold medal winner Lindsay Vonn!

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Short Walk or Long Hike Gets you Beautiful Views

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Bring your walking shoes or hiking boots on your visit to Stanford Sierra Conference Center.  You can head out on your own, or we can provide a friendly guide to lead your group on a hike.

Memorial weekend guided hike

Less than a mile from the main lodge on a paved road, the Lower Glen Alpine Falls cascade 60 feet in step like fashion.

January 2010 shot of the Lower Falls by Brian McClintock

The falls are most impressive in the spring with the run off from the melting snow.

Behind our lodge, Cathedral peak provides a spectacular backdrop and a more strenuous hike with rewarding views.

The lodge and Cathedral peak from Fallen Leaf Lake

Photo by Brian McClintock.

Before you hike to Cathedral check in at the office for directions and a hiking permit.  Then head back through the parking lot for a moderately difficult 2.5 mile hike to Cathedral Lake where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.  Read more about hiking around Fallen Leaf Lake.

The view from the hike to Cathedral.

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Inaugural blog

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Welcome to the inaugural blog for Stanford Sierra Conference Center on Fallen Leaf Lake.  We will share pictures and information, so you can get to know us and our breathtaking natural setting better.

The entrance to Stanford Sierra after a recent snowfall

As the seasons change, so do our operations and recreation.  Our center is closed for the winter, so our staff is focused on projects to make our lodge and cabins more functional and comfortable.  This winter, the crew is putting a fresh coat of paint inside all 52 of our cabins and 12 lodge rooms.

Freshly painted Lodge Room E

When the workday is over, many of us strap on skis or snowshoes and head out into the snow-covered mountains for adventure.  A favorite spot is Angora Ridge just a short walk from Stanford Sierra.

Fallen Leaf Lake, the lodge and Angora Ridge

After a fresh snowfall, skiing through fresh powder overlooking Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe is an invigorating and inspiring experience!

That's me, on the hike up Angora Ridge

We feel fortunate to have access to such a beautiful, serene mountain playground.  If you have comments or photos of your visit to Stanford Sierra and Fallen Leaf Lake, please share.

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