BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

Snowsports are a high-energy, high-altitude activity. For most enthusiasts, skiing or boarding is a high-intensity, short duration workout. As a result the recreational skier or boarder who can get away with poor eating habits at work might not be so fortunate on mountain slopes. Skipping breakfast to only load up on a high-fat meal at lunch results typically in immediate negative effects.

Lake Tahoe is littered with a wide-range of breakfast nooks perfect for fueling up with the proper energy. A quick note on coffee: According to Vail's Gene "Topper" Hagerman, Ph.D. in exercise physiology, a cup of coffee to get going in the morning can actually improve performance. "Coffee releases stored fats that can then be used for energy," says Hagerman, a former trainer for the United States Ski Team. "But drink down 3 or 4 cups and the diuretic effects of caffeine combined with the altitude may put you on the road to dehydration."

Squeeze In

Commercial Row
Truckee, California
530.587.9814

Since 1974 the Squeeze In has been providing healthy homespun food in warm, friendly surroundings. About the width and length of two bowling alleys side by side, walls are adorned with graffiti written by famous entertainers and sports notables. The eatery offers 57 different types of omelettes, each named after longtime or legendary Truckee residents, many of whom devised the ingredients of the omelette. High carbo loads are received by ordering veggie potatoes or oatbran pancakes. Open daily from 7am to 2pm, the Squeeze In serves a house blend coffee from the Truckee Roasting Company, owned and operated by former Olympic skier Kristin Krone.

The Old Post Office

5245 North Lake Blvd.
Carnelian Bay, California
530.546.3205

With menu items aptly named "Breakfast Parcel," "Most Wanted," and "Postage Stamp" it's easy to go postal in this self-proclaimed "breakfast oasis" on the North Shore. The former gas station, one-time post office located a snowball's toss from the lake in Carnelian Bay serves battered pancakes created from scratch, original corned beef hash, and homemade oatmeal. Nordic skiers enjoy carbo boosts by ordering a variety of potato dishes created with home fried potatoes and sautéed ingredients topped with melted cheese. Open from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, this friendly breakfast spot serves a fresh roasted medium house blend from Alpen Sierra Coffee Company.

Fire Sign Cafe

1785 West Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, California
530.583.7724

Located near the Sunnyside Resort, two miles south of Tahoe City's Wye, the Fire Sign was voted #1 for best breakfast in a local reader's poll. A homestyle menu made up of creative omelettes, Benedicts, and crepes also features whole grain waffles, thick sliced French Toast, home-baked muffins, and hearty oatmeal made to order. A treat not to be missed is the restaurant¹s fresh squeezed orange juice. A variety of coffee drinks and herbal teas are offered along with a house blend Vienna roast coffee. Open daily from 7am to 3pm, the only criticism of this wonderful restaurant is the rustic fireplace that since 1978 has greeted guests. Ironically, it no longer works.

Stony Ridge Cafe

6821 West Lake Blvd
Tahoma, California
530.525.0905

Some admit that the West Shore is the best shore. One reason is the Stony Ridge Cafe. Located in the tiny hamlet of Tahoma, minutes from Sugar Pine Point and Homewood Mountain Resort, all menu items are made with fresh ingredients. Owner-chef Doug Baer, C.I.A. trained and a former chef at the delightful Wolfdale¹s Restaurant in Tahoe City, has created a fun and fabulous menu featuring a curried spinach tofu scramble, sourdough buckwheat pancakes, and Quiche Lorraine complemented by organic breads, fresh baked goods, and homemade jams. The cafe serves a house roasted blend from Alpen Sierra and both rice milk and soy milk are available. The cozy cabin atmosphere is highlighted by local artist's displays. www.stonyridgecafe.com

Alpen Sierra Coffee Company

822 Emerald Bay Road
South Lake Tahoe
530.541-7449 and

3940 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Stateline, Nevada
530.544-7740

Much more of a coffee house than a traditional breakfast nook, the Alpen House's menu includes a variety of homemade food items to jumpstart a skier's day. Coffee drinks remain the staple of these two warm and friendly locations open daily 6am to 6pm. Four different house brews are served daily and all espresso drinks, including the signature eye-popping double expresso house drink "Hammerhead," are prepared with an Italian Roast blend. Jet teas, a unique blend of real fruits, green tea, ginko biloba, and panax ginseng are also served along with herbal teas, blended ice coffee beverages, and blended non-coffee beverages. Voted best coffee/expresso by a local reader's poll.

Red Hut Waffle Shop

2723 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, California
530.541-9024

Red Hut Cafe

229 Kingbury Grade
Stateline, Nevada
530.541-9024

These sister restaurants are also winners of a local reader's poll and with good reason. The homey eateries are a throwback to small-town America. In fact the restaurants have been around since 1962. Good service, a friendly atmosphere, and comfortable seating are supported by big portions of excellent traditional breakfast fare. You might need to go back to bed after ripping through a four-egg omelette or the house specialty biscuit and gravy called "The Usual." Open 6am to 2pm, daily ski reports from Heavenly and other resorts are posted on the wall.

Sprouts

3123 Harrison Ave.
South Lake Tahoe
530.541-6969

Hip, casual, and friendly, this natural foods cafe offers high carb, low-fat snacks to help boost both blood-sugar levels and body temperature. Owner Tyler Cannon and his attractive staff are all avid skiers, boarders and backcountry pinheads who can tell whomever the skinny on where to make the best tracks. They also know how to dish out fresh squeezed vegetable juices, including wheatgrass shots, fresh fruit smoothies made only with 100 percent fruit, and homemade oatmeals granolas, and Swiss Style muesli. Traditionalists might want to try the "Atom Egg Melt," a combination of steamed eggs, red onion, avocado and melted Monterey Jack on top of an opened faced bagel. Open 8am to 10pm, Sprouts serves a house blend from Alpen Sierra roasted beans.