Winter in Lake Tahoe just got a whole lot more wild, and we’re not talking about the ski slopes. 🐻❄️

Meet Charlie, the local black bear who’s decided that holiday ice rinks are totally his new playground. Before the Heavenly Village ice rink could even open to the public, our furry friend waltzed right in and claimed the entire rink as his personal skating domain.

Bear-y Unexpected Skating Debut

According to local reports, Charlie spent a cool ten minutes gliding across the ice like he was auditioning for the next Winter Olympic Games. The Shops at Heavenly Village spokesperson Dreu Murin couldn’t help but chuckle, noting that Charlie has become something of a local celebrity, often prowling through the village during late-night and early morning strolls.

Rules? What Rules?

Surprisingly, Charlie was the model winter sports participant. He followed the unspoken rules: no shoes on the ice, no carrying small humans, and definitely no interrupting his solo skating session. Resort staff were quick to remind everyone: do NOT feed or interact with Charlie, no matter how adorable his ice dancing might be.

A Local Legend is Born

While the Heavenly ski resort officially opens on November 21st, Charlie has already made his mark. This isn’t his first rodeo either - he’s previously been spotted commandeering local ice cream shops, proving that he’s not just a one-trick bear.

So, Bay Area winter sports enthusiasts, take note: in Tahoe, the bears don’t just hibernate - they perform.