Granlibakken Tahoe

Ceremony rehearsal

Welcome Meet and Greet

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Spring

UPDATE: Ceremony begins at 5PM, please begin arriving around 4:30PM.

Our Wedding

Thursday August 7th

9AM-2PM Bike with the bride and groom on the Truckee River Trail. We will meet at the Bike rental shop at the base of Palisades called Truckee River Bikes: <a href="https://truckeeriverbikes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://truckeeriverbikes.com/</a> We will ride bikes to Tahoe City then turn around and bike back downto River Ranch Lodge &amp; Restaurant for Lunch!

Friday August 8th 2025 

6PM- 9PM Welcome meet and greet @ the lodge. Pizza and yard games!**If you have dinner plans, please come by after.

Saturday August 9th 2025

-9AM Hike with the Groom @ Picnic Rock (Meet at Brockway Summit Tahoe Rim Trail Trailhead, if you google this name it will come up) -9AM Coffee + Morning Lake swim with the Bride @ Tahoe City Commons Beach*update- meet at 9am at the Granlibakken breakfast room in the main lodge for coffee and we will carpool to the beach. OR meet us at the beach between 9:30-10am. -4:30PM Arrive for Ceremony-5:00PM Ceremony begins-5:30PM Cocktail hour and pictures-6:30PM Dinner-7:30PM Toast and speeches-8:00PM Dance party!-10:00PM After Party in the lodge

Sunday August 10th

9:00-11:00AM breakfast @ The Big Pine Lodge Join us for a send off breakfast and wish the bride and groom well as they set off on their mini honeymoon. This is the same lodge as the reception and ceremony.

Schedule

We met freshman year of college in 2011. We became fast friends along with the other residents on 1st floor Hogle Hall and bonded over our common interests of Skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing. By the end of freshman year and onwards to junior year, we had different interests and groups of friends, but remained friendly. Junior year we reconnected in a rock climbing class and also in shared public health classes. At the end of junior year we went on a public health May term trip to Thailand, and along with several of our friends we still have today, we all became life-long friends with many shared memories together. After we graduated from Westminster College, we remained good friends while life took us on separate journeys. Sia moved to California and then Norway for grad school, while Karsten stayed in Utah and completed grad school and a study abroad in South Korea. We both traveled the world while staying in touch. When Sia moved back to Utah in 2020 we reconnected and built an amazing friend group with new and old friends. We also became co-workers at the Utah Department of Health doing COVID-19 response. Karsten was Sia’s boss in 2021 for a few months and it nearly ended our friendship, but luckily it didn’t because in August 2022 we decided to give dating a try.&nbsp; After a month we decided it was working, and 6 months later we moved in together, or rather Sia moved in with Karsten, Dan, and Khione. We got engaged in December 2023 while on a winter trip to Norway and Sweden. While skiing in Åre, Sweden Sia proposed to Karsten first, who quickly proposed back.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

When booking, mention Karsten and Sia's wedding on August 9th 2025, for a 15% discount.

Other Accommodation 

The wedding will take place at Granlibakken Tahoe, which is a hotel resort with lots of room options, however there are other hotels around Tahoe City, CA that may be more affordable.For example: <a href="https://www.evohotel.com/tahoe-city?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=gmb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Evo Hotel</a><a href="https://www.peppertreetahoe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pepper Tree Inn</a><a href="https://www.basecamphotels.com/tahoe-city" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Basecamp Hotel</a><a href="https://www.riverranchlodge.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">River Ranch Lodge</a><a href="https://truckeedonnerlodge.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Truckee Donner Lodge</a><a href="https://innattruckee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Inn at Truckee</a> Additionally there are camping grounds nearby, check out this website for more information:<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232884" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Silvercreek Campground</a><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11818" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">William Kent Campground</a><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recreation/recarea/?recid=11816&amp;actid=29" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kaspian Campground</a><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sugar Pine Point Campground</a>

Flight Options

Nearest airports: -Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Reno, NV -Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento, CA Farther Airports:-Oakland International Airport, Oakland, CA-San Francisco International Airport, South San Francisco, CA

Transportation

Rental car is the best transportation for the Tahoe basin area. We recommend this if you would like to explore the area.You may also take the <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/home.html?cmp=pdsrch-Non-Core%20DMA|Brand|Google|Exact_National_SEM_CV_NA_Q125_Q425_NA-google&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1679117511&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADuWIyd6ZgZqYmDPulbVw_yIKmmDj&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQckmjUG7y6OiQ6VMO9JijX6bONuxeqNUAwFS6xu-RS8OM0bcD9_vhDVBoCaS4QAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amtrac Train</a> to Truckee or Reno and/or Drive your own car or carpool. If you are looking to carpool or share rental cars reach out to Sia (415-706-7417).

This bus will take you from the airport in Reno to Granlibakken and several other hotels in the area. If you cannot rent a car, this is a great way to get to and from the airport. The following are the transit costs:1 Person - One Way Per Person $ 992 People - One Way Per Person $ 80 3 People - One Way Per Person $ 70 4 People - One Way Per Person $ 60 5 People - One Way Per Person $ 55 6–11 People - One Way Per Person $ 55

North Lake Tahoe Express Bus

Travel

Hiking Recommendations

The following are our recommended day hikes in the area. Depending on how long you are staying and how far you are willing to drive, there are so many more. Reach out to Sia (siagerard@gmail.com) for more specific recommendations. 1. Check out the Tahoe Rim Trail Day Hikes website: https://tahoerimtrail.org/day-hiking/-Picnic Rock Vista Hike : 3 miles round trip (Sia's fav Tahoe view trail)-Ophir Creek Loop Hike: 1.5-4.5 miles out and back 2. Shirley CanyonA challenging and popular 4-5.8 mile trail which takes you into the mountains from the base of Palisades Tahoe up to a small alpine lake. With the option to go to the top of the palisades tram (and then take that back down). https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/shirley-canyon-cascades-trail 3. Five Lakes Trail (This is where I got Karsten and I lost)A moderately challenging five-mile out-and-back trail near Olympic Valley, from the base of Alpine Meadows at Palisades. Fishing and swimming are also popular activities at the Lakes. Keep heading west or south to meet up with the Pacific Crest Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/five-lakes-creek-trail 4. Eagle Rock TrailDiscover this 0.7-mile out-and-back trail near Homewood, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.https://visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do/hikes/eagle-rock-trail/ 5. Ellis Peak Trail This steep and rocky 3 mile trail is that perfect out and back for those seeking a good workout and great views of the west shore.&nbsp;https://www.gotahoenorth.com/listing/ellis-peak-trail/ 6. Sugar Pine Point State ParkHiking trails of all difficulty, beaches, and the location of the new Emerald Bay shuttle!https://www.gotahoenorth.com/listing/ed-zberg-sugar-pine-point-state-park/ 7. Flume Trail (World Famous Mountain Biking)Sandy Trail in North Lake Tahoe out of Incline Village. Popular for its views and for mountain biking. Visited by travelers from all over the world, the Lake Tahoe Flume Trail is carved into steep rock overlooking the lake. The historic trail dates back to the 1800s when water in wooden square-box flumes was delivered to Virginia City. The moderately challenging 14 mile one-way ride or hike includes 1000 ft elevation gain.https://travelnevada.com/cycling-biking/lake-tahoe-flume-trail/

Commons Beach is a great spot for the entire family. This four-plus-acre park is located on the lake in downtown Tahoe City. Commons Beach is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Group picnic sites and children's playgrounds are located within a large lakefront grass and sand area.The park boasts a group barbecue area that can accommodate up to 75 people and an amphitheater that will seat another 65.&nbsp;Each of these areas and other outdoor venues is available to rent through the Tahoe City Public Utility District.In the summer, Commons Beach is the home of FREE Concerts at Commons every Sunday afternoon and FREE Movies on the Beach every Wednesday night.&nbsp;A great family spot.There is a non motorized watercraft concession available with kayaks, paddleboards, and other related watercraft for rent.

Tahoe City Commons Beach

From Commons Beach in Tahoe City, rent paddle boards and kayaks for reasonable prices.

Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard Beach Rental

Sia's favorite childhood activity! Rent bikes and bike from the Lake to the entrance to Palisades Tahoe, and then turn around and bike back. Don't forget to stop and swim in the river! Historic Truckee River Bike Path, 5 miles: This is a great ride for the entire family – its level, relaxing and beautiful. You cruise alongside the Truckee River to the entrance of Squaw Valley. Along the way are several places to turn out to absorb the natural beauty of the river’s eco-system. During the summer months, the river is most popular for rafting and you can literally see hundreds of people enjoying a fun-filled flow down to River Ranch Resort – where they exit and is a great local spot for food, refreshments, and entertainment.

Truckee River Bike trail

Reservations only beach in eastern Lake Tahoe, outside of Incline village. Its a bit of a drive, and can get worse in the summer driving around the lake, BUT its in my (Sia's) opinion the most beautiful beach and spot in all of Lake Tahoe. Big fun rocks to jump off of, a little food spot, and the most beautiful sunsets. You can now Hike/walk from Incline Village to the beach too on the Tahoe East Shore Trail. This easy 3-mile scenic paved trail between Incline Village and Sand Harbor provides spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and several access points to its shore. The 10-foot wide path has gentle grades and meets ADA standards to ensure it is accessible to all. https://travelnevada.com/outdoor-recreation/tahoe-east-shore-trail/

Sand Harbor State Park

Located right next to the wedding venue, enjoy a ropes course! Make sure you book the "TAHOE CITY TREETOP" experience and not the others.

Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks

We offer self-guided rafting trips on the Truckee River, with commercial-grade rafts available for groups of 2 to 8 people per raft. The leisurely float takes approximately 2-3 hours, beginning in Tahoe City and ending at the River Ranch Restaurant. The rafting trip passes through scenic meadows, mountains, and small rapids, making it enjoyable for all ages (2 years and up). Rafters are encouraged to bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks but styrofoam and glass are not allowed. Our Truckee River Rafting experience is sure to create a fun and memorable adventure for all!

Truckee River Rafting- class 1/2 white water rafting

Think of Tahoe Via Ferrata as an assisted climbing activity. It transforms once complex and impassable terrain into a fun and accessible course. We’ve equipped the rock with ladder rungs, steel steps, and suspension bridges to allow climbers to move through challenging terrain. Each route also has a steel cable anchored into the rock which runs up the entire route from start to finish. Each participant is issued a harness with a specialized lanyard that attaches to the cable. This system achieves two goals. First of all, it ensures that participants are connected to the rock 100% of the time. Secondly, it makes climbing a big cliff accessible to people with no prior climbing experience.

Tahoe Via Ferrata

Entertainment, family, friends, and refreshments will converge once again under the stars on the scenic shore of Lake Tahoe this summer as Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (LTSF) launches its 53rd season in 2025. Featuring live entertainment seven nights a week during its run, July 5- August 24, 2025 at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, LTSF’s 2025 season is headlined by mainstage productions of productions of&nbsp;Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s delightful romantic comedy, and&nbsp;Peter and the Starcatcher, the playful Peter Pan prequel.&nbsp;Twelfth Night&nbsp;and&nbsp;Peter and the Starcatcher&nbsp;will run Tuesdays (select) through Sundays at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Twelfth Night&nbsp;will be directed by LTSF Producing Artistic Director, Sara Bruner.&nbsp;Peter and the Starcatcher&nbsp;will be helmed by Jaclyn Miller.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Take in sweeping summer views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra from the legendary Aerial Tram. With unlimited rides all day, you can enjoy the stunning landscape from 8,200 feet as often as you like. Each ticket includes a $5 voucher, valid at Palisades Tahoe-owned Food &amp; Beverage locations. Pair your tram ride with a hike either back down to the base or around the high camp area. There is a restaurant and bar here too.

Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram

Tahoe Activities &amp; Attractions list put together on Granlibakken's website. Check it out for a very long list of activities. Granlibakken offers five outdoor tennis courts, two of which are also striped&nbsp;for pickleball. A tennis ball machine is available for rent. There is a pool for guests as well.

Granlibakken: Pool, Tennis, and Pickleball

https://visitlaketahoe.com/parks/emerald-bay/https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=506 On the way to South Lake Tahoe on the west side of the lake is Emerald Bay. Its the jumping off point to go hiking and mountain biking and swim in the lake:-Cascade Falls for example:https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cascade-falls As soon as you drive in, one of the most iconic stops along Highway 89 to Emerald Bay is Inspiration Point. This drive-up overlook is the perfect place to capture the dramatic landscape and historic Fannette Island. There are many different spaces to pull over and admire Emerald Bay, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t park directly at the point. Inspiration Point is easily accessed along Highway 89 and while there is traffic, it is often mellow, as drivers can’t help but take a peak down at the gorgeous inlet. Inspiration Point offers paved walkways and towers a whopping 600 feet above Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay.

Karsten & Sia

Karsten & Sia

K&S

Wedding Day

5:00 PM–5:30 PM

Ceremony

5:30 PM–10:00 PM

Reception