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The Inside Guide to Spring Break in North Lake Tahoe

Last updated: August 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Inside Guide to Spring Break in North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. (February 23, 2017) – With daylight savings time around the corner and seasonal snow totals continuing to rise—over seven feet in the past week—spring skiing in North Lake Tahoe promises to be the best it’s ever been in over 20 years. Following the most recent storm cycle, base depths at many resorts surpassed 200 inches, prompting extended season closure dates from several mountain properties. With record-breaking snowpack depths and twelve downhill and cross-country resorts to explore, travel to North Tahoe is a must for the snow enthusiast this spring.

Beyond the countless outdoor adventures to be had, North Tahoe is also host to an incredible line-up of spring events, festivals, and culinary experiences. Easily accessible from 17 non-stop flight routes, spring breakers will find a perfect blend of convenience, affordability, excitement, and of course, fresh powder.

Let this guide assist in the planning and must do’s in North Tahoe this spring; grab your pen and your calendar.

Events

Audio FIS World Cup, Squaw|Valley Alpine Meadows, March 9 – 12 – Participate in ski history as the World Cup returns to California for the first time in 19 years, to the same place that played host to the 1969 World Cup and 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley USA. Olympic champions like Julia Mancuso and Mikaela Shiffrin will compete in a Women’s Giant Slalom on Friday, March 10 and Women’s Slalom on Saturday, March 11.

Gold Rush Festival, Royal Gorge XC, March 18 – 19 – The California Gold Rush is of the most scenic, exciting and challenging Nordic ski races in the country. With three separate race distances, there is an event suitable for any cross-country ski racer. Hone your skills and strive for the podium with the 5k and 10k Classic Race on the 18th or go really big with the 15k, 30k or 45k freestyle race on the 19th.

WinterWonderGrass, Squaw | Valley Alpine Meadows, March 30 – April 2 – A sustainable, community-focused, lifestyle-driven bluegrass and craft brew experience, returns to Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows for its third year. WinterWonderGrass has established itself as the premier winter bluegrass music and brew festival in the nation, featuring 25 bands performing on four stages over three days.

Amgen Tour of California, North Lake Tahoe, May 11 – 12 – The world’s top female cyclists will kick off this multi-day race with two challenging days in Lake Tahoe. Competitors of the Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women’s Race will circumnavigate the 72-mile shoreline of Lake Tahoe and be rewarded with panoramic views of the iconic vista points, like the east shore and Sand Harbor State Park. Fans will have a front row view from many restaurants and cafes that line the race route, including the decks of Tahoe Mountain Brewing Co., and West Shore Cafe.

Activities

Sunset Snowshoe Tours with Tahoe Adventure Company – Take your time soaking in the Sierra alpenglow while trekking through Tahoe’s serene forest. Perfect for families or those looking for a more laid-back adventure, this snowshoe tour will teach you all about local natural and human history. Offered every Friday until April by the experts at Tahoe Adventure Company.

Find untouched powder with Snowcat Adventures at Homewood – Advanced level skiers and riders, in groups of up to 10, can enjoy guided access to over 750 acres of tree runs, steeps, glades, backcountry bowls and fresh snow. Day packages are all-inclusive, including lift access at Homewood, the snowcat tour, backcountry gear and professional instruction related to mountain safety practices.

Explore the backcountry with Alpenglow Expeditions – Perfect for thrill-seekers, enjoy lift-accessed guided backcountry skiing and snowboarding on terrain that surrounds Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows. Experienced guides at Alpenglow Expeditions are trained and certified by the American Mountain Guides Association. They are able to expertly lead groups into and out of the backcountry.

Dance the night away at Crystal Bay Club – Set inside an iconic rat-pack era hotel and casino, the Crystal Bay Club is your late-night spot for music, dancing, and perhaps a bit of gambling. The lineup for March and April is filled with everything from Mardis Gras funk to sultry jazz to groove-inducing jam bands.

Indulge and relax at a Lake Tahoe spa where mountain luxury captivates the senses. Try the Après Adventurist Winter Package at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe or the Couples Fireside Romance package at Stillwater Spa in the Hyatt Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino.

Enjoy a day of sledding, ice skating, fat-tire biking and cross-country skiing all at one location, the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park! While you’re there, check out the newly opened Cafe Zenon.

Dining

Mountain Table Dinner Series, Northstar California, March 17 – A unique adventure dining experience set in Northstar California’s iconic Zephyr Lodge, the Mountain Table Dinner Series on March 17 will showcase Merryvale Vineyards and a chef-inspired five-course meal. Guests will relish in the views, savor in the live music, and walk away knowing that a portion of the cost went to combat hunger in the Tahoe Basin.

Last Tracks Wine/Beer Tasting, Diamond Peak, Every Saturday – Breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, paired wine or craft beer await those who end their Saturday’s at Diamond Peak in Incline Village. A ticketed event for $44 that rewards guests with a private groomed run back down the base, this is one of the most unique on-mountain dining and drinking events around.

BrewSKI, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, March 25 – Take part in the local craft brew fest where 12 breweries will showcase their most glorious hops on an outside deck at the Winters Creek Lodge at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., but don’t be late because the party stops when the beer runs out.

Love wine? Uncorked in Tahoe City offers boutique wines, hard to find labels and limited case productions from around the world. Every Thursday, PlumpJack Bar & Cafe takes guests on a wine voyage through their extensive cellar. Enjoy different wine regions from around the globe while learning about wine varietals.