The holidays brought plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation and indoor entertainment. In just those couple holiday weeks, we had the opportunity to downhill ski at Alpine Meadows Ski Area and Squaw Valley USA. When we felt like we needed to get a good cardiac burn, we headed over to Tahoe XC, for some ridiculously anaerobic skate skiing (the ultimate calorie burner…think , eggnog, cookies, holiday parties!).
Any idea where this is?
Following those exhausting skate skiing days, we recovered by enjoying some snowmobiling from Tahoe City to Northstar and relaxing on the deck in the sunshine with a hot chocolate. In the evenings, time was spent with close friends and family and then on New Years Eve we were treated as guests to the clean-cut, San Francisco band called Diegos Umbrella at the Plaza Bar at Squaw Valley USA.
In case the above forms of recreation and entertainment don’t do it for you, if you are in the know, you can follow the underground pond hockey players around in hopes of finding perfect skating ice. The average Lake Tahoe or Truckee pond hockey player has played hockey as a child, but is of the age where they realize that they are not invincible and ‘no check’ hockey is no longer just for sissys; rather, it is now for the more intelligent, wise and experienced players. The other players usually on the ice are the up-and-coming children of the ‘no check’ players.
Pond hockey at Donner Lake
The kids on the ice have been enjoying all day skate parties, roasting hot dogs out at the ice, and learning to skate by pushing crates or chairs around the ice for hours, since they were 3 years old. When they become proficient enough, it is an honor to be asked by the pond hockey ‘organizer’ to join the game with the big dogs. At first they are advised to skate around the outside of the game, but as time goes on,
they are able to join in the play and look forward to the moments where they are able to steal the puck from Dad!
So, where are the secret spots? Well, it’s actually no secret…there are a few local private ponds, Prosser Reservoir, Boca Reservoir, the lakes in Coldstream Canyon and Donner Lake. The secret is, which ponds have the human Zamboni’s cleared and flooded and on what day? I bet if you are serious about pond hockey, you’ll be in the know. If you’re not that serious, there’s always the charming, old-town outdoor ice rink in Truckee, the ice rink in the Village at Northstar and the, arguably, most majestic ice rink in the US at the Olympic Ice Pavilion in Squaw Valley. Here’s to sharp blades and taped sticks…!
Jenny says
Such great info on activities in the tahoe area! Thanks for posting….this site has been great for some insider local info on Tahoe & Truckee.
Tim Granger says
Hi Linda,
I liked your article on the underground skating. While you have folks perusing your site for real estate in the Tahoe and Truckee areas, if any mention that they have a strong hockey background and want to relive those competitive years, have them send me an email to connect with the “underground”.
Thanks for the stories.
DrDave says
I am a member of the underground pond hockey club. I do know this location, but I choose its location to remain anonymous due the powers that be. Tell Tim to keep his stick on the ice and head up…I’m lookin’ for him 🙂
Cam Sorenson says
I am green with envy, the ice looks perfect. As the Canadian member of the underground your secret location I must say there isn’t any better ice in North America! The only ice I have skated on that is close is at the Olympic oval in Calgary. It is where all the world’s speed skating teams are currently training for the Olympics.
Lexi Cerretti says
Gret photos! I would love to be on the “underground” hockey list of Tim’s if you’ll pass along my email, Linda- thanks!
rob says
Skiers and riders in South Shore enjoyed decent snowfall, but sadly not the cold high pressure systems that provide great natural ice. Fortunatley we can get our ice fix at the indoor SLT Ice Arena day or night, 364 days a year.
Mackie says
I know I’m awfully late to respond to this, but while searching for my beloved sport of pond hockey near Truckee, I happened upon this! This’ll be my first winter here, and I would love to get back on the ice… I grew up skating on the Charles River and other lakes and ponds near Boston, MA with my dad who grew up skating on the same ice and knew where to find the best… I’m hoping to learn about how/where to find the pond hockey community out here, and hope they’ll reach out to me! Please send along my email, if that’s still possible!
thanks!- Mackie
Thor says
In search of a pond hockey tourney to bring a team. If you are looking for more teams please shoot me an e-mail. Thanks! Thor
Mike says
HI-
Sounds like great fun.
I would love to be on the list for this or upcoming years of pond hockey!
Grew up playing outside any chance we could on the east coast, nothing like skating outdoors.
Thanks,
Mike
Alex S says
Great article! I really hope someone in the Tahoe region brings the Pond Hockey Classic to the west coast. http://www.pondhockeyclassic.com/