Marriott Timber Lodge Vacation Club

New for the 2008-2009 Season, guests staying at the Marriott Timber Lodge Vacation Club can now Charge their Ski & Snowboard rentals to their rooms. Shoreline of Tahoe has all you’ll need for a day on the hill. Get all set up, recieve 20% off your rentals and then charge it all to your room.

Heavenly Village Ice Rink

Marriott’s Timber Lodge Heavenly Village Ice Skating Rink is Open for 2008-09 Season. I Still like to skate to get in shape for snowboarding & Skiing. Skating works the same muscels used in both snowboarding & Skiing. Funny thing Why don’t I Snowboard to get in Shape for Ice Skating? Or why not just Ice Skate for Ice skating sake? Anyway it’s open now, it’s a good time. Located in front of the Heavenly Village Cinema. Skates available for rent. Open daily. Call 530.542.4230 for more information.

1. Rent your equipment the night before.

Most rental shops will rent to you after 4 pm for the next day at no charge.

2. Don’t rent the “cheapest package you can find”.

You spend $45-$90 on a lift ticket, + lodging, gas, food, accessories (gloves, goggles, etc.) all leading up to your big day on the hill. Then you go and rent a plywood snowboard from 1988 because it’s only $9.95 a day? Don’t ruin your day. Find a coupon, spend a little extra if you have to, but just make sure the equipment is somewhat up-to-date. The most common phrase “I’m just a beginner, I don’t need anything good”, is just not true. Beginners need the most help! Newer equipment will make snowboarding easier no matter how good you are. Newer cars are easier to drive than old beat up junkers and the same is true for snowboards. Technology works across the board.

3. Make sure the bindings are easy to use and fit your boots.

There is not much worse than getting to the top of the hill and not being able to get into your bindings fairly easily. Step into them in the shop and make sure all the straps fit properly or the step-in system is easy to use. Snow will make everything more difficult once you get on the hill, so it should be real easy in the shop or else you’ll be in trouble!

4. Boots should be comfortable but not loose.

Most boot companies sizing will run true to your shoe size. Make sure the boots are tight everywhere but your toes. You should have enough room to wiggle them, but not enough room to move your foot around in the boot, this will cause your feet to get tired and cramp. The boots are made to do the work, and in order to do that they must be snug. Don’t wear more than one pair of socks and avoid cotton if at all possible. Cotton is abrasive and does not allow your feet to “breathe”. This makes for wet, cold and blistered feet. Doubling up on cotton socks will only double these affects. Try something with an acrylic or wool blend. Also, get out of your bindings every now and then and give your feet a rest. This will help your hard working feet last a lot longer more comfortably. Your boots are the most important piece of equipment. You are in them all day, and if your feet hurt, you’ll spend most of the day either in the lodge or in pain and after paying $60 for a lift ticket this is the last thing you want to do. Make sure they fit!

5. Have realistic expectations.

Remember rental equipment is just that, it has been used and may show some wear. Never mind the graphics, look at the bottom of the board and make sure it is good shape (ie it doesn’t look like it was just ridden through the parking lot). The only time the graphics make you look good is when your not riding, so if your just going to the Mtn. to sit at the bar, graphics are what you need. If not, try not to worry about them.

6. Listen to the advice of your local ski/snowboard shop employee.

Unless they are a total jerk, they will have your best interest in mind. Return business is very important to these shops. They want you to have a good time and come back. Who are you going to complain to if your equipment causes you to have a terrible day? Yes, the person who rented it to you. With that said, understand this is what these people do everyday for a living. Most of them know what they are talking about because it is their life, trust their advice. This is probably your best bet for local information on the Mtn., restaurants, lodging etc. Unless they are in someone’s pocket, like most hotel concierges, you should get honest advice.

7. Use the ski/board “valet”.

They are usually free and will watch your equipment while you eat lunch, take a break, etc. It doesn’t happen too often, but you don’t want to be the one with the stolen rental board. The services are there, use them.

8. Check for any return deals, coupons etc.

Like mentioned before, return business is very important to rental shops. See if they have a return costumer incentive program or return coupons. If you don’t ask they may forget to tell you. You should be able to save some money this way.

9. Have fun.

Show a smile and you’ll brighten someone’s day. Who knows what you may get. A coupon you didn’t know about, a nicer board off the rack or maybe just a smile in return. Rental shops can be very busy, so break the ice have a good time.