As the saying goes when gambling institutions can’t decipher a real difference between two opponents, this is a “pick’em” game. That’s what we’ve discovered regarding the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and its predecessor, the Highlander. Take your pick, because the difference, including the sticker price, is miniscule. If you’ve loved the Highlander, there’s little doubt […]
Tahoe Ski World
What’s new this season at Tahoe Donner
The 2025-26 ski season is nearing. Like many Tahoe ski resorts, Tahoe Donner has some changes ready to unveil when it’s lifts start running. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort is scheduled to open the season Friday, Dec. 19 (conditions permitting). The Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center is set to begin its season Friday, Nov. 28 – celebrating […]
A final ride on Sugar’s Bowl’s historic Village Gondola
Arguably the most iconic gondola in the Lake Tahoe region – or anywhere in the U.S. – will undergo a major renovation and won’t be available next ski season. Ever ride the historic Village Gondola at Sugar Bowl ski resort? The gondola had a lifespan and it was time for it to receive modernization – […]
Honda CR-V hybrid continues its reign
There’s been considerable speculation the venerable Honda CR-V has lost some of its appeal. Don’t believe the naysayers. For proof, check the sales figures. The coveted compact crossover SUV has sales between roughly 304,000 to 384,000 in 11 of the past 12 years. That one “down year” was 245,003 in 2022. However, the CR-V bounced […]
Heavenly, Northstar begin snowmaking
The snowmaking systems at Heavenly and Northstar ski resorts in Lake Tahoe are now operating. Can the 2025-26 ski season be far away? “Our snowmaking systems are fired up and so are we,” a press release Monday stated. “Heavenly and Northstar have officially kicked off snowmaking for the 2025-2026 ski and ride season as we […]
Finally a new redesign for Toyota 4Runner
The question had been asked for years – when is Toyota going to redesign the outdated 4Runner? Following a perplexing 14-year wait, the Japanese automaker finally decided it was time to give its midsize truck-based SUV a makeover, ushering in the sixth 4Runner generation. In our opinion, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is much improved over […]
Lexus unveils LX 700h hybrid
Lexus has the distinction of being the first luxury brand to manufacture a hybrid, introducing the RX 400h in 2004. The company seemingly hasn’t slowed down ever since. Both Toyota and its luxury division are known for their hybrid production. So, it comes as no surprise that we see the new 2025 Lexus LX 700h […]
OpenSnow offering new weather data for Tahoe ski resorts
If you regularly ski or snowboard at a Tahoe ski resort, this is one topic that is always intriguing – what’s the weather going to be? Skiers and riders are definitely “weather watchers.” A desire to know the conditions before heading to the Tahoe region is vitally important to the masses who descend on the […]
Hyundai Santa Cruz appealing small truck
This is small truck that’s worth considering. And not just because it happens to be the name of a Northern California beach town that we’ve enjoyed on multiple occasions. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a truck with a distinctive personality. It’s a compact four-door crew-cab that seats five passengers, possesses the driving dynamics of […]
What’s new this season at California ski resorts
The 2025-26 ski season is nearing and it appears California and Nevada’s many resorts are preparing for their openers. Ski California’s 36 member resorts in California and Nevada are prepping with a variety of on- and off-mountain improvements, including new and refreshed lodges, experiences, lesson programs, the return of signature and annual events, and more. […]