Kingvale Guidebook

Jennifer
Kingvale Guidebook

Summer Fun

We make a point to visit Donner Lake every time we visit the cabin in the spring, summer and fall. The sandy beach is perfect for lounging and the view can't be beat! There's two roped off swimming areas, one larger and one smaller for toddlers, and rentals for kayaks and stand up paddle boards right on the beach. You can also rent jet skis and motor boats for water skiing at the Donner Lake Marina. Entrance fees are $8 for adults and $6 for kids and seniors. No dogs allowed on the beach, though you can bring dogs to the Donner Memorial State Park on the other side of the lake. More details, including paddleboat, kayak, and stand up paddle board rental info, can be found here: https://www.tdrpd.org/165/West-End-Beach
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West End Beach
15888 S Shore Dr
18 molta ag muintir na háite
We make a point to visit Donner Lake every time we visit the cabin in the spring, summer and fall. The sandy beach is perfect for lounging and the view can't be beat! There's two roped off swimming areas, one larger and one smaller for toddlers, and rentals for kayaks and stand up paddle boards right on the beach. You can also rent jet skis and motor boats for water skiing at the Donner Lake Marina. Entrance fees are $8 for adults and $6 for kids and seniors. No dogs allowed on the beach, though you can bring dogs to the Donner Memorial State Park on the other side of the lake. More details, including paddleboat, kayak, and stand up paddle board rental info, can be found here: https://www.tdrpd.org/165/West-End-Beach
This legendary alpine park offers summer camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. During winter, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe on trails, and play in the snow. Visitors are welcome year-round to visit the famous Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate the California emigrants traveling west during the mid-1800's.
68 molta ag muintir na háite
Donner Memorial State Park
12593 Donner Pass Rd
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This legendary alpine park offers summer camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. During winter, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe on trails, and play in the snow. Visitors are welcome year-round to visit the famous Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate the California emigrants traveling west during the mid-1800's.

Ski Resorts

There's a great mix of ski resort options near the cabin for all ages, abilities and price points. The ski resorts are ordered below based on approximate proximity to the cabin. Within a 10 minute drive, Sugar Bowl is the largest and has the most variety, with Boreal as a great option for snowboarders. The smaller resorts of Soda Springs, Donner Ski Ranch and Tahoe Donner (about 25 min) are all great options for beginners and families with small kids who are new to the snow. If you're willing to drive for 30 min, there are several excellent larger options especially for experienced skiers, including Northstar, Squaw Valley, and Alpine Meadows. Homewood and Diamond Peak are about 40 min away but not worth the drive, in our opinion, with better options closer to the cabin. Please note! Due to Covid restrictions, many resorts are requiring online ticket purchases at leas ta day in advance. Check their websites for more details.
Distance; 5.5 miles / 10 min Sugar Bowl is our favorite resort, and not only because it's right down the street! Due to its elevation and unique location on the Summit, it boasts the most snow of any Tahoe resort. In addition to the excellent snow, there is a wide variety of terrain for all abilities. Founded in 1939, it is one of the oldest ski areas in the country and is still one of the only independently owned resorts in Tahoe, lending to an unpretentious character and comparatively light crowds. Due to current restrictions, you *must* buy tickets at least one day in advance! There will be a limited quantity of lift tickets available for purchase on any given day, so we recommend you purchase early. If your preferred date is not available, check back later. They adjust inventory frequently based on expected conditions and other factors. Go to https://www.sugarbowl.com/tickets
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Sugar Bowl Resort
629 Sugar Bowl Rd
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Distance; 5.5 miles / 10 min Sugar Bowl is our favorite resort, and not only because it's right down the street! Due to its elevation and unique location on the Summit, it boasts the most snow of any Tahoe resort. In addition to the excellent snow, there is a wide variety of terrain for all abilities. Founded in 1939, it is one of the oldest ski areas in the country and is still one of the only independently owned resorts in Tahoe, lending to an unpretentious character and comparatively light crowds. Due to current restrictions, you *must* buy tickets at least one day in advance! There will be a limited quantity of lift tickets available for purchase on any given day, so we recommend you purchase early. If your preferred date is not available, check back later. They adjust inventory frequently based on expected conditions and other factors. Go to https://www.sugarbowl.com/tickets
Distance; 5.3 miles / 9 min Boreal is also an excellent choice, especially catered to snowboarders. No tiresome flat traverses to contend with and tons of fun, wide open terrain on the back side of the mountain for shredding through the trees. For the expert riders, drop into the halfpipe or terrain park. As one of the more affordable resorts in the area, it is also known for its night skiing and excellent deals for teens and college students. For the extreme skiers and riders out there, Homewood recently opened up 600+ acres of additional terrain, accessible to expert skiers with proper backcountry equipment, and to those willing to splurge on a snowcat tour for $300 per person. Like most resorts in the area these days, advance purchasing of lift tickets is required: https://book.rideboreal.com/s/lift-tickets/p/go-time-tickets
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Boreal Mountain California
19749 Boreal Ridge Rd
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Distance; 5.3 miles / 9 min Boreal is also an excellent choice, especially catered to snowboarders. No tiresome flat traverses to contend with and tons of fun, wide open terrain on the back side of the mountain for shredding through the trees. For the expert riders, drop into the halfpipe or terrain park. As one of the more affordable resorts in the area, it is also known for its night skiing and excellent deals for teens and college students. For the extreme skiers and riders out there, Homewood recently opened up 600+ acres of additional terrain, accessible to expert skiers with proper backcountry equipment, and to those willing to splurge on a snowcat tour for $300 per person. Like most resorts in the area these days, advance purchasing of lift tickets is required: https://book.rideboreal.com/s/lift-tickets/p/go-time-tickets
Distance; 3.5 miles / 7 min Perfect for beginners and families new to the snow. Soda Springs is the longest running ski resort in California, and is a great option for families looking for a relaxed atmosphere and an affordable opportunity to introduce their children to snow sports. Families should definitely check out the special Planet Kids zone designed for children 8 and under, which includes snow-tubing carousels, snow volcanoes to climb on, and a specific ski and snowboard learning area for kids. Buy tickets in advance here: https://www.skisodasprings.com/
24 molta ag muintir na háite
Soda Springs Mountain Resort
10244 Soda Springs Rd
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Distance; 3.5 miles / 7 min Perfect for beginners and families new to the snow. Soda Springs is the longest running ski resort in California, and is a great option for families looking for a relaxed atmosphere and an affordable opportunity to introduce their children to snow sports. Families should definitely check out the special Planet Kids zone designed for children 8 and under, which includes snow-tubing carousels, snow volcanoes to climb on, and a specific ski and snowboard learning area for kids. Buy tickets in advance here: https://www.skisodasprings.com/
Distance; 6.1 miles / 11 min Donner Ski Ranch is another small option for families new to the snow. Located literally across the street from Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch first opened for business in 1937, and has retained its classic charm throughout the decades. With new management taking over for the '16/17 season, the "Ranch" is starting to generate some buzz among North Tahoe locals, many of whom remember learning to ski there in the 60s and 70s. With 500 acres and 6 chairlifts spread across a front-side and back-side, there's a balance of terrain for all abilities, and even a tubing hill for families that don't ski or board. Unlike most other resorts in the area, Donner Ski Ranch offers same day in person ticket purchasing. Find out more here: https://www.donnerskiranch.com/
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Donner Ski Ranch
19320 Donner Pass Rd
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Distance; 6.1 miles / 11 min Donner Ski Ranch is another small option for families new to the snow. Located literally across the street from Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch first opened for business in 1937, and has retained its classic charm throughout the decades. With new management taking over for the '16/17 season, the "Ranch" is starting to generate some buzz among North Tahoe locals, many of whom remember learning to ski there in the 60s and 70s. With 500 acres and 6 chairlifts spread across a front-side and back-side, there's a balance of terrain for all abilities, and even a tubing hill for families that don't ski or board. Unlike most other resorts in the area, Donner Ski Ranch offers same day in person ticket purchasing. Find out more here: https://www.donnerskiranch.com/
Distance; 17.8 miles / 26 min Tahoe Donner is the ultimate "feeder hill" for the rest of North Tahoe's larger resorts. Despite having only two chairlifts and 120 acres of terrain, Tahoe Donner does just about as many kids lessons as any of the bigger resorts like Squaw, Sugar Bowl and Northstar. With ample lodging available in Truckee and the surrounding Tahoe Donner homeowners association, it's another great spot for families introducing their children to snow sports. The Tahoe Donner Association offers a plethora of additional activities such as cross-country skiings, snowshoeing, and sledding in the winter, as well as golf, tennis, mountain biking and equestrian facilities in the summer. Find out more here: https://www.tahoedonner.com
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Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area
11603 Snowpeak Way
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Distance; 17.8 miles / 26 min Tahoe Donner is the ultimate "feeder hill" for the rest of North Tahoe's larger resorts. Despite having only two chairlifts and 120 acres of terrain, Tahoe Donner does just about as many kids lessons as any of the bigger resorts like Squaw, Sugar Bowl and Northstar. With ample lodging available in Truckee and the surrounding Tahoe Donner homeowners association, it's another great spot for families introducing their children to snow sports. The Tahoe Donner Association offers a plethora of additional activities such as cross-country skiings, snowshoeing, and sledding in the winter, as well as golf, tennis, mountain biking and equestrian facilities in the summer. Find out more here: https://www.tahoedonner.com
Distance; 24 miles / 27 min Now called Palisades at Tahoe, this resort is home to the most extreme, challenging, and diverse terrain in Tahoe. Famous for hosting the winter Olympics back in 1960, Palisades at Squaw Valley has steadily developed into arguably Tahoe's biggest mega-resort, with nearly 30 lifts across six unique mountain peaks. Part of the Ikon Pass consortium of resorts, along with Alpine Meadows. Truly world-class skiing and considered by many to be the premier resort in all of Tahoe.
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Squaw Valley Adventure Center
1960 Squaw Valley Rd
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Distance; 24 miles / 27 min Now called Palisades at Tahoe, this resort is home to the most extreme, challenging, and diverse terrain in Tahoe. Famous for hosting the winter Olympics back in 1960, Palisades at Squaw Valley has steadily developed into arguably Tahoe's biggest mega-resort, with nearly 30 lifts across six unique mountain peaks. Part of the Ikon Pass consortium of resorts, along with Alpine Meadows. Truly world-class skiing and considered by many to be the premier resort in all of Tahoe.
Distance; 23.2 miles / 29 min Alongside Palisades at Squaw Valley, Northstar is the other mega-resort in North Tahoe, but with less steep and expert terrain. Northstar feels a bit like Disneyland in the mountains (especially with the crowds). While its modest elevation and easterly location limit its natural snowfall, Northstar has invested in arguably the most significant snowmaking operation in all of Tahoe, ensuring that it is regularly able to open before Thanksgiving and continue operations through the end of April.
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Northstar California Resort
5001 Northstar Dr
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Distance; 23.2 miles / 29 min Alongside Palisades at Squaw Valley, Northstar is the other mega-resort in North Tahoe, but with less steep and expert terrain. Northstar feels a bit like Disneyland in the mountains (especially with the crowds). While its modest elevation and easterly location limit its natural snowfall, Northstar has invested in arguably the most significant snowmaking operation in all of Tahoe, ensuring that it is regularly able to open before Thanksgiving and continue operations through the end of April.
Distance; 26.6 miles / 31 min While lesser known than its sister-mountain Squaw Valley, Alpine is a favorite among locals, known for its relaxed atmosphere and variety of beginner to expert terrain. Part of the Ikon Pass consortium of resorts, along with Squaw Valley. Alpine is known among locals as having the best hikeable terrain in Tahoe. Within usually less than 15 minutes of hiking, expert skiers can access countless bowls with days-old powder that the casual weekend skier is unwillingly to explore.
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Palisades Tahoe at Alpine Meadows
2600 Alpine Meadows Rd
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Distance; 26.6 miles / 31 min While lesser known than its sister-mountain Squaw Valley, Alpine is a favorite among locals, known for its relaxed atmosphere and variety of beginner to expert terrain. Part of the Ikon Pass consortium of resorts, along with Squaw Valley. Alpine is known among locals as having the best hikeable terrain in Tahoe. Within usually less than 15 minutes of hiking, expert skiers can access countless bowls with days-old powder that the casual weekend skier is unwillingly to explore.
Distance; 33.1 miles / 39 min The only ski area on the west shore of Tahoe, Homewood has the hands-down best views of the lake, and with a top-to-bottom beginner run, the view can be enjoyed by skiers of any ability.
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Homewood Mountain Resort
5145 W Lake Blvd
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Distance; 33.1 miles / 39 min The only ski area on the west shore of Tahoe, Homewood has the hands-down best views of the lake, and with a top-to-bottom beginner run, the view can be enjoyed by skiers of any ability.
Distance; 35.7 miles / 47 min Despite its relatively modest size, Diamond Peak has a devoutly loyal following amongst the many vacation property owners of Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Located lakeside just across the state border in Nevada, Diamond peak offers guests beautiful vistas of North Tahoe from its Lakeview Quad chairlift. With much less name recognition as many of North Tahoes' other resorts, crowds are rarely seen at Diamond Peak, and with ample and affordable lodging available in Incline Village, it's a great choice for families on a budget.
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Diamond Peak Ski Resort
1210 Ski Way
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Distance; 35.7 miles / 47 min Despite its relatively modest size, Diamond Peak has a devoutly loyal following amongst the many vacation property owners of Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Located lakeside just across the state border in Nevada, Diamond peak offers guests beautiful vistas of North Tahoe from its Lakeview Quad chairlift. With much less name recognition as many of North Tahoes' other resorts, crowds are rarely seen at Diamond Peak, and with ample and affordable lodging available in Incline Village, it's a great choice for families on a budget.

Tubing, Sledding, Snowshoeing and XC Ski

For the non-downhill skiers and snowboarders, there is still plenty of winter fun to be had in Soda Springs and the surrounding area.
Distance: 5.5 miles / 9 min Excellent spot for winter wandering, with great hills for sledding and paths for traversing. Lots of kids (and adults) having fun in the snow, with rolling hills begging to be hiked up and sled down. It's easy to wander with just your snow boots, but this is also a great launching spot for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Parking permits are $5 and available for purchase on site. You can also find more info and buy permits in advance at this website: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233#passes
7 molta ag muintir na háite
Donner Summit California State Snopark
19455 Bunny Hill Dr
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Distance: 5.5 miles / 9 min Excellent spot for winter wandering, with great hills for sledding and paths for traversing. Lots of kids (and adults) having fun in the snow, with rolling hills begging to be hiked up and sled down. It's easy to wander with just your snow boots, but this is also a great launching spot for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Parking permits are $5 and available for purchase on site. You can also find more info and buy permits in advance at this website: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233#passes
Distance; 4.6 miles / 9 min The largest cross-country ski area in North America, Royal Gorge is known for its sweeping views of the Northern Sierra and eight distinct trail systems. Featuring 92 trails with over 140km of groomed, tracked trails for human-powered outdoor recreation spread across 6,000 acres, guests of all ages and ability levels are invited to try classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. Eight different warming huts offer respite from the elements and a chance to take a break and soak in the peaceful tranquility of the mountains. Make your way to Royal Gorge this winter to stride through towering pines, expansive meadows, and enjoy stunning vistas that include some of the most majestic peaks in Tahoe. Recommend purchasing tickets in advance online, though limited day-of walk ups may be available: https://www.royalgorge.com/dailypass
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Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
9411 Pahatsi Rd
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Distance; 4.6 miles / 9 min The largest cross-country ski area in North America, Royal Gorge is known for its sweeping views of the Northern Sierra and eight distinct trail systems. Featuring 92 trails with over 140km of groomed, tracked trails for human-powered outdoor recreation spread across 6,000 acres, guests of all ages and ability levels are invited to try classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. Eight different warming huts offer respite from the elements and a chance to take a break and soak in the peaceful tranquility of the mountains. Make your way to Royal Gorge this winter to stride through towering pines, expansive meadows, and enjoy stunning vistas that include some of the most majestic peaks in Tahoe. Recommend purchasing tickets in advance online, though limited day-of walk ups may be available: https://www.royalgorge.com/dailypass
Distance: 3.5 miles / 7 min Don't let the name fool you, Soda Springs Ski Resort main claim to fame is not the skiing, but the tubing! Soda Springs offers Mountain Adventure access to Planet Kids, a dedicated snowplay area designed for children ages 8 & under (although, big kids can play too!) Planet Kids is best described as a snow playground featuring tubing carousals, snow-tubing lanes, ski/snowboard specific learning areas, snow volcanoes to climb and more. If you’re looking to speed things up a bit, Tube Town is Tahoe’s premier snow tubing area with up to 20 runs and a 400ft. surface lift.
24 molta ag muintir na háite
Soda Springs Mountain Resort
10244 Soda Springs Rd
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Distance: 3.5 miles / 7 min Don't let the name fool you, Soda Springs Ski Resort main claim to fame is not the skiing, but the tubing! Soda Springs offers Mountain Adventure access to Planet Kids, a dedicated snowplay area designed for children ages 8 & under (although, big kids can play too!) Planet Kids is best described as a snow playground featuring tubing carousals, snow-tubing lanes, ski/snowboard specific learning areas, snow volcanoes to climb and more. If you’re looking to speed things up a bit, Tube Town is Tahoe’s premier snow tubing area with up to 20 runs and a 400ft. surface lift.
Distance; 6.1 miles / 11 min Though not as extensive as Soda Springs tubing options, Donner Ski Ranch has a nice tubing hill for those who prefer to skip the skiing!
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Donner Ski Ranch
19320 Donner Pass Rd
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Distance; 6.1 miles / 11 min Though not as extensive as Soda Springs tubing options, Donner Ski Ranch has a nice tubing hill for those who prefer to skip the skiing!
Distance: 5.3 miles / 9 min Another ski resort with a fun tubing option for the non-snowboarders!
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Boreal Mountain California
19749 Boreal Ridge Rd
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Distance: 5.3 miles / 9 min Another ski resort with a fun tubing option for the non-snowboarders!
Worth mentioning because it's right next door, but we haven't visited yet. Most reviews suggest it's overpriced and poorly managed.
Kingvale Tubes R US
53010 Donner Pass Rd
Worth mentioning because it's right next door, but we haven't visited yet. Most reviews suggest it's overpriced and poorly managed.
Distance: 30.6 miles / 37 min Tahoe XC is a year-round, nonprofit, recreational area offering 50+km of groomed Nordic ski and snowshoe trails in the winter and access to hundreds of miles of mountain biking, hiking and trail running in the summer. They are located 2 miles north of Tahoe City just off Highway 28. Since 1999, the community-based nonprofit has upheld their mission to promote a healthy, outdoor-oriented lifestyle for children and adults through education, cross-country skiing, and other self-powered recreation. With affordable and free passes and rentals, weekly clinics and lessons, and a friendly and supportive staff, Tahoe XC is the perfect access point for exploring Tahoe's vast backyard. More info on the website: https://tahoexc.org/
52 molta ag muintir na háite
Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area
925 Country Club Dr
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Distance: 30.6 miles / 37 min Tahoe XC is a year-round, nonprofit, recreational area offering 50+km of groomed Nordic ski and snowshoe trails in the winter and access to hundreds of miles of mountain biking, hiking and trail running in the summer. They are located 2 miles north of Tahoe City just off Highway 28. Since 1999, the community-based nonprofit has upheld their mission to promote a healthy, outdoor-oriented lifestyle for children and adults through education, cross-country skiing, and other self-powered recreation. With affordable and free passes and rentals, weekly clinics and lessons, and a friendly and supportive staff, Tahoe XC is the perfect access point for exploring Tahoe's vast backyard. More info on the website: https://tahoexc.org/

Dining and Shopping

Distance: 3 mi / 6 min While we recommend bringing most of your own groceries with you from home, if you realize you forgot or run out of something, the Soda Springs Store is a great nearby option, with snacks, wine & beer, staples like bread and milk, and a well stocked assortment of pantry items.
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Soda Springs Store
21784 Donner Pass Rd
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Distance: 3 mi / 6 min While we recommend bringing most of your own groceries with you from home, if you realize you forgot or run out of something, the Soda Springs Store is a great nearby option, with snacks, wine & beer, staples like bread and milk, and a well stocked assortment of pantry items.
This is our go-to spot for lunch and dinner when we make a trip into town. Everything is excellent, and they have ample options for vegetarians and vegans. Even our toddler enjoys the food!
The Station - A Truckee Eatery
10130 W River St
This is our go-to spot for lunch and dinner when we make a trip into town. Everything is excellent, and they have ample options for vegetarians and vegans. Even our toddler enjoys the food!

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Book lift tickets in advance!

With Covid restrictions in place, many ski resorts have started requiring all lift passes be purchased online at least one day in advance. Book as far in advance as possible, since they are also limiting the amount of tickets available each day, especially for weekends and holidays.
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Bring slippers and warm clothes for lounging around

The wood floors can be a bit chilly underfoot so come prepared with thick socks or slippers, no outdoor shoes in the house, please!