In addition to fresh snow and world-class competition, the excitement at Palisades Tahoe USA recently included a spectacular avalanche that occurred just prior to the scheduled start of the Tram Face freeride event.

A crowd had gathered in the Palisades Tahoe parking lot early Sunday morning hoping to see what amounts to a monumental occasion - the opening of the off-limits area known as the Tram Face for a special event, the Freeride World Tour's Nissan Tram Face competition. However, following a further assessment of the conditions, and a spectacular avalanche that wowed spectators and shocked organizers, the event was canceled for the day due to safety concerns.

The avalanche, which was reportedly triggered by a cameraman who stepped beyond the start gate on the ridge above Tram Face, was a visual spectacle, one not normally seen at the resort. While it frightened spectators and organizers alike, nobody was hurt. Palisades Tahoe's officially endorsed Big Al's Squaw Blog describes the scene in some detail.

After scrapping the day's plan on Tram Face, organizers ultimately moved the event to Silverado Bowl, where it was held the year before. It went off without a hitch on Monday, March 1st (see related story).