Interview with Todd Offenbacher
Host RSN TV and The Tahoe Adventure Film Festival
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Blue: When did you first develop your passion for adventure sports such as mountaineering, rock climbing and skiing?
Todd: I grew up in Maryland and Virginia and started rock climbing in the late '80s where I mostly climbed in Virginia and West Virginia. Right away I got interested in first ascents. As a child I grew up skiing. We'd fly to Vail or Aspen, but then in the late '80s I discovered South Shore Lake Tahoe where I began doing a great amount of skiing and climbing, and I kept coming back.
Blue: Where are your favorite outdoor adventure spots for outdoor activities on South Shore Lake Tahoe?
Todd: I really like being a rock climber in Lake Tahoe. The quality of granite is some of the best in the world. And, the weather is phenomenal. It, too, is the best in the world. One of my favorite spots for back country skiing is above Emerald Bay. The skiing is so good. The view is spectacular looking down at Emerald Bay. It's truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Blue: You've traveled all over the world to places like Pakistan, Peru, Vietnam and Tibet. What sets South Shore apart from those places?
Todd: Once again, the weather. We don't get as much precipitation in the summer as some mountain towns, and other places throughout the world, like Chamonix. Plus most people speak English in Tahoe. Our sky is blue bird. But, to add to that, where else can you go where there are so many options? South Shore has an amazing lake. It has live outdoor concerts, professional sporting events like boxing and volleyball, comedy, cutting edge night clubs, fabulous dining. Places like Telluride and Aspen can't offer this variety. I take advantage of it all.
Blue: Do you have a favorite run at Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sierra-at-Tahoe?
Todd: Yes! I like the backcountry skiing from the resorts like skiing the back side of Heavenly down to Gardnerville. At Kirkwood, going from Carson Pass into Kirkwood, up and out, then down to Silver Lake. My favorite run at Sierra-at-Tahoe, is "Sugar and Spice." I just love it!
Blue: You were once quoted saying, "South Shore is a diamond in the rough." Will you elaborate on that comment?
Todd: South Shore Lake Tahoe is a diamond in the rough for many reasons. Like I already mentioned, the weather is great; the views are spectacular, and the rock climbing and skiing are phenomenal. But, South Shore also has many events that are grounded and founded in Tahoe. This is a unique mountain town with the casinos. And, I wanted to expand on existing activities, and create a festival "born and raised" in Lake Tahoe- it's our own Tahoe Adventure Film Festival. We will continue to mold it into what the people want it to be.
Blue: What prompted you to start South Shore Lake Tahoe's Adventure Film Festival?
Todd: Tahoe needed a "cool and funky" festival. While I was laid up with a ski injury, I decided to create the event. It started small at the Lake Tahoe Community College with about 230 people attending. This year will sell out with 1400 spectators, DJ's, break dancers, sports demos, and best adventure films of the year PERIOD!
Blue: What can people expect from this year's Adventure Film Festival, December 15-16?
Todd: This year is the 4th Annual Tahoe Adventure Film Festival, and it will include a photography display of adventure photography by Corey Rich and Jerry Dodril on Friday, December 15 along with a multi-media presentation from South Shore's own, Glenn Place. The 15th is opening night, so be there by 7pm. The main event is on Saturday, December 16.
We used to judge the films, but we're getting away from that. We want artists and attendees to come and celebrate adventure thru festival gathering. You'll see the most cutting-edge action and adventure sports from surfing in the middle of the ocean riding 40 foot waves to wing suits and BASE jumping, along with a few surprise sports. Each clip will be about 10 minutes J
ust come out and see it. If you don't like it, we'll give you a free refrigerator magnet!
Blue: Where in MontBleu will the film festival take place?
Todd: The Tahoe Adventure Film Festival takes place in the MontBleu Resort and Casino Showroom. You can purchase tickets at the MontBleu Box Office or at Ticketmaster.com. The cost is $15.00 per night. For $25.00, you get a full pass for both nights and free admission into Club Blu both nights. Be certain to log onto www.laketahoefilmfestival.com for more information.
Blue: When you're not scaling a mountain, mountain bike riding, skiing or hosting RSN, what other activities do you enjoy in South Shore Lake Tahoe?
Todd: I enjoy hanging out with my wife, Tara, and our golden retriever, Bugsy. And, I enjoy chillin' on the deck with my friends with a beer and a bar-b-que.
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