Lake Tahoe Winter Events

The skinny on what's happening in Tahoe this winter.

 

 

South Lake Tahoe 

 

November 2008

November 13

Pray for Snow Party, Sierra-at-Tahoe
The resorts’ annual season kick-off party, held at Murphy’s Irish Pub, features Sierra’s famous snowcalling contest and other contests to entice the snow to fall.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

Nov 14–15

Heavenly Ski & Snowboard Foundation's 20th Annual Ski & Snowboard Swap, MontBleu Convention Center
(775) 883-7315
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

November 21

Opening Day at Heavenly (weather and conditions permitting)
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

Late November-Early December

Opening Day for Kirkwood (weather and conditions permitting)
www.kirkwood.com  877-KIRKWOOD

 

December 2008

 

December 5

Community Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting, LTVA Visitors Center
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves for this Annual Community Holiday Celebration
www.bluelaketahoe.com  (530) 544-5050

December 5–6

Warren Miller Presents "Children of Winter" Movie Premier, MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
www.montbleuresort.com  (775) 588-3515

December 6

Valhalla Holiday Gala, Valhalla Grand Hall
Tahoe Tallac Association's 2008 Holiday Gala supporting the Valhalla Arts, Music, and Theatre Festival
www.valhallatahoe.com  (530) 541-4975

December 7

Kirkwood Cross Country 10K Race, Kirkwood
Get in shape for ski season with this easy 10 kilometer cross country race, open to all ages and ability levels.
www.kirkwood.com  877-KIRKWOOD

December 13

Tahoe Adventure Film Festival, Mont Bleu
This fun high-energy festival highlights the best adventure sports films of the year, while off-screen action includes guest speakers, action photo displays, break-dancers, DJs, and a few surprises.
www.laketahoefilmfestival.com  (530) 318-1688

December 13

3rd Annual Heavenly Village Holiday Party
This family-friendly party, featuring live music, a “wheel of swag,” and other events, is thrown to celebrate the winter conditions prior to the holidays.
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

December 20–21

Reno Dance Company Presents The Nutcracker, MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
www.montbleuresort.com  (775) 588-3515

December 21–24

Holiday Festivities, Sierra-at-Tahoe
Santa’s on the slopes to celebrate the season with holiday music, Jingle Bell Limbo, snowman decorating, carolers, and a hot chocolate farewell.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

December 26–27

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Holiday Party, Harrah's Lake Tahoe
www.harrahslaketahoe.com  (775) 588-6611

December 29, February 15

Pints & Paddles Cruise Aboard The New Tahoe Queen
www.zephyrcove.com  (530) 543-6190

December 31

Midnight Blu New Years Eve 2009, MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
Montbleu Resort presents Midnight Beu, New Years Eve Celebration 2009.
www.montbleuresort.com  (775) 588-3515

December 31

Annual Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Show, Kirkwood
Usher in the new year with an on-mountain torchlight parade open to the public and a dazzling fireworks display.
www.kirkwood.com  877-KIRKWOOD

 

January 2009

 

January 3

Volcom Peanut Butter and Rail Jam, Sierra-at-Tahoe
Volcom’s amateur snowboard contest series designed for the kids with free entry and true jam format.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

January 3-4, Jan. 17–18, February 7–8

SouthShore Soldiers Mini-Camp, Heavenly
Designed for any level of skier or rider who would like to improve their park skills, these mini camps can teach you the basics or help you spin the 540 you’ve been working on.
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

January 5-11, 24–30, March 16–22, 23–28, April 6–12

College Week, Sierra-at-Tahoe
Break out of the library and hit the hill with a $51 ticket available for college students.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

January 10

Winter Trails Day, Kirkwood Cross Country and Snowshoe Center
Kirkwood and REI team up to host Winter Trails Day with free cross country skiing lessons, free snowshoe demos, and REI Outdoor school seminars.
www.kirkwood.com  877-KIRKWOOD

January 11, February 1, March 15

Kinder Kup Series, Heavenly
Skiers and snowboarders under six-years-old can experience the thrill of racing.
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

January 17-18

Cal Big Band, Sierra-at-Tahoe
UC Berkeley’s band hits the slopes for big live sound during this holiday weekend.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

January 23–24

Don Rickles standup performance, Harrah's Lake Tahoe
www.harrahslaketahoe.com  (775) 588-6611

January 25-27, February 22–24, March 22–24

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort’s 3-Day Women’s Camp
Open to women skiers and snowboarders who want to improve their confidence and ability in all terrain types.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

 

February 2009

 

February 9-12

Snowsports Week
Fundraiser event for community non-profit organizations. Discounted lift tickets will be available at select South Lake Tahoe retailers and restaurants beginning in December and are redeemable during these days.

February 14

Valentine’s Day, Sierra-at-Tahoe
Love is in the air at Sierra with heart-felt family activities.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

February 16

President’s Day Flag Hunt and Holiday Activities, Sierra-at-Tahoe
Family fun in the theme of red, white, and blue.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

February 21

Rip Curl Grom Search, Kirkwood
This contest is designed to search for the nation’s most talented skiers and snowboarders ages sixteen and under.
www.kirkwood.com  877-KIRKWOOD

February 22

U.S.S.A. Superpipe Contest, Sierra-at-Tahoe
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

February 28, March 14, 21

JackPot Rail Jam Series, Heavenly
Watch as Tahoe’s top ski and snowboard competitors compete for a $1,000 grand prize.
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

 

March 2009

 

March 6-8

Special Olympics Celebrity Winterfest, Heavenly
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

March 9-13

Northern California Special Olympics, Kirkwood
Kirkwood will once again serve as the host resort for the Northern California Special Olympics.
www.kirkwood.com  877-KIRKWOOD

March 14

Nitro/VZ Highlander Rail Jam, Sierra-at-Tahoe
Snowboard contest where riders duel one-on-one. Cash and prizes for top riders.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

March 17-20

SouthShore Soldiers Camp, Heavenly
This camp is the top ski and snowboard school in North America (according to Skiing Magazine) and is dedicated to providing an exciting on-hill environment with personalized instruction from top pros and coaches in the private Soldiers Terrain Park.
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

March 27-29

Kirkwood Jammin’ XVI, Kirkwood
Spring Festival takes over the slopes at Kirkwood with pond skimming, contests, giveaways, live music and more.
www.kirkwood.com  877-KIRKWOOD

March 27-April 12

Spring Loaded ’08, Heavenly
The resort’s annual spring break skiing and riding celebration is filled with warm spring skiing and boarding conditions. Off the mountain there’s world-class entertainment, après-ski parties, pub crawls, and the South Shore’s 24-hour nightlife.
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

 

April 2009

 

April 4

Gunbarrel 25, Heavenly
Ski-icon Glen Plake will host Heavenly’s sixth-annual Gunbarrel 25 mogul marathon on North America’s toughest black-diamond bump run—Gunbarrel.
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

April 4-5

6th Annual Telegrass Festival, Sierra-at-Tahoe
Celebrate spring with Bluegrass music and telemark equipment demos and clinics.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

April 11

Pond Skimming Championships of Tahoe, Heavenly
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

April 12

Easter Holiday Celebration, Sierra-at-Tahoe
The Easter Bunny himself, egg hunt, and egg toss will entertain families.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

April 19

Salsa Showdown, Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra’ crowning of the homemade Salsa King or Queen and taco eating contest. Food and drink specials, live music, and a chance to win a 09/10 season pass.
www.SierraAtTahoe.com  (530) 543-3139

April 19

Heavenly Closing Day
www.skiheavenly.com  800-HEAVENLY

 

North Lake Tahoe

November 2008

 

November 22

Opening Day at Northstar-at-Tahoe (weather and conditions permitting)
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

November 22

Winter operations begin at Squaw Valley USA (weather and conditions permitting)
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

November 26

Opening Day at Alpine Meadows (weather and conditions permitting)
www.skialpine.com  530-583-4232

November 29

Coogan Kelly Memorial Rail Jam, Squaw Valley
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series
www.snowbomb.com

November 29–December 24

Festival of Lights, Village at Squaw
The Squaw Valley Festival of Lights rings in the holidays with lights galore and visits from Santa.
www.thevillageatsquaw.com  866-818-6963

 

December 2008

 

November 29 - December 24

Festival of Lights, Village at Squaw
The Squaw Valley Festival of Lights rings in the holidays with lights galore and visits from Santa.
www.thevillageatsquaw.com  866-818-6963

December 2, 9, 16

Noel Nights, Northstar-at-Tahoe
Free ice skating, hot cocoa, shopping specials, music, caroling, photos with Santa and tree lighting.
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

December 5

Tahoe City Town Tree Lighting, Tahoe City’s Heritage Plaza
Holiday lighting festivities, refreshments and family activities
www.visittahoecity.com  530-583-3348

December 5

Holiday Fair & Tree Lighting, Kings Beach’s Community Conference Center
Annual holiday fair and tree lighting ceremony.
www.ntbamainstreet.org  530-546-9000

December 6

Family Winter Wonderland, Tahoe City’s Heritage Plaza
Pictures with Santa with Lake Tahoe as the backdrop. www.visittahoecity.com
530-583-3348

December 7

Pinball Rally Jib Contests, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A Sunday afternoon open freestyle event series.
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

December 11

Opening Day at Diamond Peak (weather and conditions permitting)
www.diamondpeak.com  775-832-1177

December 12

Opening Day at Homewood Mountain Resort (weather and conditions permitting)
www.skihomewood.com  530-525-2992

December 13-14

Learn to Ski Weekend, North Lake Tahoe Resorts
Beginner packages with all-day beginner ticket, group lesson and gear rental for only $25 at Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak, Granlibakken, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl. Participants should arrive early.
www.GoTahoeNorth.com

December 20

17th Annual Snow God’s Ball, Squaw Valley
A tribute to the Snow Gods and benefit for the Squaw Valley Avalanche Awareness Education Fund.
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

December 20

Squaw Valley High Camp and Cable Car Open
Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and dining at High Camp until 9 p.m.
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

December 21 - 25

Santa and His Elves Hit the Slopes at Squaw
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

December 22-24

Holiday Festivities, Northstar-at-Tahoe
Visits and photos with Santa, caroling and live music in the new Village at Northstar.
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

December 23-25

Santa Visits Diamond Peak
www.diamondpeak.com  775-832-1177

December 24

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, Squaw Valley
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

December 31

Gold & Silver New Year’s Eve Party at High Camp, Squaw Valley
Revelers of all ages don their finest gold and silver outfits for this holiday extravaganza.
www.squawshop.com  530-452-7278

 

January 2009

 

January 4

Pinball Rally Jib Contests, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A Sunday afternoon open freestyle event series.
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

January 4

Alpine Meadows Big Air Festival
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series.
www.snowbomb.com

January 8-9

Moonlight Snowshoe Tours, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A five-kilometer trek under the stars with a guided naturalist, live acoustic music, bonfire, s’mores and hot chocolate.
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

January 12-16

Learn to Ski and Ride Week, Diamond Peak
Learn to ski or ride for $29. First timers get lift ticket, lesson and rentals.
www.diamondpeak.com  775-832-1177

January 23

Boreal Friday Night Bag o’ Tricks Battle
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series.
www.snowbomb.com

January 31

Mt. Rose Slopestyle
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series
www.snowbomb.com

January 31 – February 1

Jeep King of the Mountain/48 Straight, Squaw Valley
Billed as the “Loudest Show on Snow,” 48 Straight is a jam-packed weekend of on-and-off-snow activities designed to celebrate the mountain culture.
www.48straight.com

 

February 2009

 

February 7 (Saturdays through April 11)

Last Tracks, Diamond Peak
Enjoy appetizers and wine tasting at Snowflake Lodge, then carve down freshly-groomed slopes with astounding views of Lake Tahoe
www.diamondpeak.com  775-832-1177

February 7

Alpine Meadows Lil’ Air Festival
Geared for kids and part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series
www.snowbomb.com

February 8

Pinball Rally Jib Contests, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A Sunday afternoon open freestyle event series
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

February 8

Squaw Valley Learn to Ski and Ride Day
First-time skiers and riders are eligible for $35-beginner packages, which include lift ticket, lesson and rentals.
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

February 8

Homewood Big Air Festival
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series.
www.snowbomb.com

February 8-9

Moonlight Snowshoe Tours, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A five-kilometer trek under the stars with a guided naturalist, live acoustic music, bonfire, s’mores and hot chocolate
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

February 14

Where’s the Love Scavenger Hunt, Squaw Valley USA
A fun-and-love-filled hunt for prizes and discounts on food and lift tickets.
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

February 27

Snowfest Opening Ceremonies, Squaw Valley
The 10-day festival kicks off with a torchlight parade and fireworks show.
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

February 27 – March 8

28th Annual Snowfest, North Lake Tahoe
This wildly popular event celebrates Tahoe’s signature season with a week of festivities, including a polar bear swim, parties, parades, ski and boarding challenges, wacky competitions, concerts and special outings and activities.
www.tahoesnowfestival.com

February 27 – March 5

Freeride World Tour – Tram Face Squaw Valley
Some of the world’s best freeriders will have their shot at conquering Squaw’s daunting (and usually off limits) “tram face” at the World Tour’s only North American event.
www.freerideworldtour.com

February 28

Boreal Halfpipe Battle
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series.
www.snowbomb.com

March 2009

 

February 27 – March 5

Freeride World Tour – Tram Face Squaw Valley
Some of the world’s best freeriders will have their shot at conquering Squaw’s daunting (and usually off limits) “tram face” at the World Tour’s only North American event.
www.freerideworldtour.com

March 1

33rd Annual Great Ski Race, Tahoe City and Truckee
More than 1,000 cross-country skiers trek from Tahoe City to Truckee in one of the largest Nordic ski races west of the Mississippi.
www.thegreatskirace.com

March 1

Diamond Peak Slopestyle
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series.
www.snowbomb.com

March 7 (Saturdays through April 11)

Last Tracks, Diamond Peak
Enjoy appetizers and wine tasting at Snowflake Lodge, then carve down freshly-groomed slopes with astounding views of Lake Tahoe
www.diamondpeak.com  775-832-1177

March 8

Sierra Summit Rail Jam
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series.
www.snowbomb.com

March 8

Pinball Rally Jib Contests, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A Sunday afternoon open freestyle event series. www.northstarattahoe.com
800-GO-NORTH

March 8-9

Moonlight Snowshoe Tours, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A five-kilometer trek under the stars with a guided naturalist, live acoustic music, bonfire, s’mores and hot chocolate
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

March 14

Transworld Am Snowboarding Series, Northstar-at-Tahoe
Mini-slope style competition series for amateur snowboarders
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

March 14

Sessions Lumberjack Log Jam, Squaw Valley
Sessions presents the 4th annual event for amateur skiers and snowboarders, which promises to deliver one of the most inspiring slopestyle courses ever.
www.sessions.com

March 15

Sugar Bowl Rail Jam
Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series.
www.snowbomb.com

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Catch Lenny the Snowboarding Leprechaun, Squaw Valley
Celebrate the holiday with green slopes, Irish music and festive drink specials. Guests who can catch Lenny the Leprechaun get a free lift ticket.
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

March 21

Squaw Valley’s High Camp and Swimming Lagoon Open for Spring
Celebrate spring with a festive pool party.
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

March 28-29

Season Finale Halfpipe or Slopestyle Contest (invite only, cash purse prize), venue TBD Part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series
www.snowbomb.com

March 29

Diamond Peak Dummy Downhill
The 8th annual event showcases dummies on skis or snowboards getting launched off a big jump. The event is open to the public and creativity is encouraged.
www.diamondpeak.com  775-832-1177

 

April 2009

 

April 3

Ultimate Boarder, Squaw Valley
A one-week competition to find the athlete who can conquer the art of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding.
www.ultimateboarder.com

April 4 (Saturdays through April 11)

Last Tracks, Diamond Peak
Enjoy appetizers and wine tasting at Snowflake Lodge, then carve down freshly-groomed slopes with astounding views of Lake Tahoe
www.diamondpeak.com  775-832-1177

April 5

Diamond Peak Lil’ Air Festival
Geared for kids and part of the Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Series
www.snowbomb.com

April 6-7

Moonlight Snowshoe Tours, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A five-kilometer trek under the stars with a guided naturalist, live acoustic music, bonfire, s’mores and hot chocolate
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

April 12

Pinball Rally Jib Contests, Northstar-at-Tahoe
A Sunday afternoon open freestyle event series. www.northstarattahoe.com
800-GO-NORTH

April 19

Closing Day at Northstar-at-Tahoe
www.northstarattahoe.com  800-GO-NORTH

April 25

7th Annual Push, Pull or Pedal Eco Parade, Squaw Valley
Competitors create floats out of primarily recycled materials then push, pull or pedal their masterpieces through the village
www.squaw.com  530-583-6985

April 25

North Tahoe and Truckee Earth Day Celebration, Squaw Valley
World class entertainment and a plethora of educational and informational booths.
www.tahoetruckeeearthday.org

 

List compiled by Susan Safipour and Ethan Fletcher