South Lake hopeful for ski season

Despite a nation suffering from an ailing economy, South Lake Tahoe residents feeling the symptoms are hopeful of a quick recovery.

In just these past couple years, the community has witnessed layoffs, school cuts, development projects postponed, parks eliminating services, and an ever-increasing slew of office and retail buildings receiving "Space Available" signs in their windows.

However, despite all of this, the overall attitude of local residents and business owners seems to be an optimistic one.

Most long-term residents agree that they have seen a drastic change in their town's economic activity these past few years, yet they're confident the community will pull through - just like it always has during slow times.

One particularly optimistic local business owner, Jon Wallace, has co-owned the Cut Loose hair salon near Ski Run Boulevard for nearly 12 years and has seen the local economy go through rough times in the past.

While he admits he's never seen it quite so bad, his economic plan is to just roll with the punches and know that things will eventually pan out.

"It can't get worse; it can only get better," Wallace said. "We're on the right track, but we've still got some bumps to go."

The fall shoulder season is an especially slow economic time in the Tahoe region. However, winter is just around the corner and people are anxious to see how this year compares to last year's dismal winter season.

The typical parting line of, "pray for snow," has taken on a whole new meaning for residents.

Along with the arrival of snow, is the hope of an increased level of ski-season tourism and a corresponding increase in the local economy as well.

Marie Busch, the owner of the Wool Tree in South Lake Tahoe, is looking forward to seeing more out-of-town customers during the upcoming season. She's already seeing an improvement in business. "The economy is showing signs of stabilizing. There are more and more confident shoppers," she said.

Tahoe's economy relies heavily on the seasonal tourism, and anxieties are high over what winter will bring.

Most are hoping the recent drop in temperatures will contribute to a heavy snowpack and bring more than just powder days to the Tahoe region.