North Tahoe takes on a decidedly festive feel every year during March, as thousands turn out to celebrate Snowfest! This annual event has been a Tahoe tradition since the mid-1980s, when it was created to celebrate winter during the spring months - when snow is still falling, but the temperatures are warm and inviting.
Now, in 2020, the spring-skiing secret is out, but Snowfest! remains a signature event in the North Tahoe/Truckee community. Many of the events hosted by local businesses support Tahoe/Truckee-based non-profit organizations and charities, so you can have some fun for a good cause.
This year, Snowfest takes place February 28-March 8, and features daily events-from bar parties to family-friendly festivities. The celebration kicks off at Gar Woods on February 27 with the Snowfest Queen Coronation followed by a party with hosted drinks and appetizers. Next, catch the fireworks show in Tahoe City. A few more adult-only events include a Brewfest hosted by the new Tahoe Tap Haus, après-ski live music at the Hacienda del Lago, and the Bar Olympics, where you can test your skills at shuffleboard, pool, and darts at Pete n’ Peters.
For those travelling with kids, Snowfest offers daily family-friendly activities. On Saturday, the Tahoe City Parade marches down Main Street in Tahoe City. The following Saturday, you can watch the Kings Beach Parade in downtown Kings Beach. Both parades feature floats and post-parade festivities that turn the downtown areas into a winter carnival. Family-friendly events also include ice and snow sculpture crafting at River Ranch, as well as snowman painting on Commons Beach in Tahoe City. Kids and adults alike will be delighted to meet the avalanche dogs of Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows. Meet and greet these courageous pups and their owners as you learn more about mountain safety and the important role that these dogs play on the ski slopes.
Feeling competitive? Snowfest also features competitions ranging from the popular Great Ski Race from Tahoe City to Truckee to a wing-eating eating competition to a cornhole tournament. The ever-popular Polar Bear Plunge at Gar Woods will challenge you with an icy 250-yard swim in Lake Tahoe--yes, in the middle of winter, when lake temperatures are on average between 28° and 49° Fahrenheit.
Let your dog join the fun! Snowfest! is a mostly dog-friendly celebration. Bring your pooch up to the mountains, and maybe enter him or her into one of the playful competitions designed specifically for dogs as a part of Snowfest! Dress up your pup for a costume contest, or test their strength and stamina in the Tahoe Ididarun or the Dog Pull. These events are fun and lighthearted, and cater to dogs of all sizes.
See the full event schedule for Snowfest here.
Plan a trip to Tahoe this March, and take part in some (or all!) of the Snowfest festivities. This winter carnival is fun for all, and is the perfect way to celebrate the beautiful spring weather and spring snow of North Tahoe and Truckee. Book your stay here, and enjoy comfortable accommodations close to the action.