With 5 to 9 feet of snow, Lake Tahoe makes for promising spring ski season

Mother Nature and the lucky Leprechaun found powder at the end of the rainbow with a late season storm that dropped 5-9 feet of new snow at Tahoe South resorts this past weekend, which will provide great spring skiing conditions through Easter and beyond. Forecasts predict sunny skies throughout the week.

Meanwhile, recent storms really packed a punch in North Lake Tahoe with ski resorts reporting up to 9 feet of new snow at their upper elevations, making for some of the best conditions of the season.

South Lake Tahoe is one of the ultimate spring skiing/riding destinations for families, party-goers, powder hounds and sun worshipers alike. Heavenly, Sierra and Kirkwood are amped for this last push into spring, combined with unmatched late-season weather, a laid-back Tahoe vibe and a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities help Tahoe South stand out in the crowd.

"This storm sets us up for another unparalleled spring season – powder, corduroy, afternoon corn snow and sunshine," said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. "Party-goers can expect ample amounts of snow combined full slate of events and entertainment on and off the slopes."

The promise of more snow and plenty of spring skiing remains in the window for the next several weeks.

“Mother Nature isn’t done with us just yet,” said Chief Marketing Officer Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association. “North Lake Tahoe traditionally gets some of its biggest snow storms in March and April. Keep your skis waxed as there are still plenty of powder days to come.”

For more information about North Lake Tahoe ski resorts, the best deals on lodging, special events, dining and winter activities, click to www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

A fleet of city and state snow removal vehicles around the Lake Tahoe Basin will be keeping the roads clear and safe for travel. Caltrans has current California road conditions at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or 916-445-7623. For road conditions in Nevada, contact the Nevada Department of Transportation at www.nevadadot.com or 877-687-6237. Travelers can also get up-to-the-minute online road information and more on their smart phones at NV.mobi.

For the most up-to-date information on snowfall, mountain base depths and road conditions in South Lake Tahoe, check area ski resort web sites and cams or call snow phones: Heavenly Web Cams – 775-586-7000; Sierra-at-Tahoe Web Cams – 530-659-7475; Kirkwood Web Cams – 209-258-3000 and Heavenly Village Web Cams.

Special Events/Competitions:
The Stateline Showdown Slopestyle series concludes March 24 at Heavenly's Ante Up Terrain Park. Skiers and riders of all ages are welcome to enter. Plenty of prizes and a huge cash grand prize for the final event. (530) 542-5133.

A one day musical event, High Up Fest, brings together the popular Reggae movement with rock and hip hop. Kirkwood will host a national line-up of musical acts on March 24. Artists include Collie Buddz, The Movement and Kelley James. Tickets are available online at highupfest2012.com.

Sierra will host the all-day Women's Camp Presented by Gnu Girls, March 25, with specially trained female instructors to build self-confidence and skills in a variety of categories: beginners, running gates, park/halfpipe, steeps or backcountry escape. www.sierraattahoe.com

The annual Spring Loaded at Heavenly, March 31 – April 15, combines the best of spring and winter together with two weeks of parties, pond skimming, concerts, the Gunbarrel 25 and springtime mischief. Ski or ride all day and party all night. www.skiheavenly.com/springloaded.

The Tahoe Queen, an authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler, is offering Après Ski Cruise every Wednesday through spring. The Tahoe Queen has brought back its popular Ski Shuttle on Tuesdays and Thursdays through April from Ski Run Marina to Northstar. www.laketahoecruises.com

2012 Showroom Entertainment:
The 2012 Harrah’s South Shore Room lineup includes: Rock Sugar, March 24; Blue Oyster Cult, March 31; Ozomatli, April 7; Little Feat, April 14; Chickenfoot, May 4-5; Rick Springfield, May 12. www.harrahslaketahoe.com

MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa’s 2012 features: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelics, March 22; comedian Rob Schneider, March 24; BANFF Mountain Film Festival, April 2; Yonder Mountain String Band with special guest Bird Brown, April 12. MontBleu is offering its “Buy 2, Get the 3rd Night Free” lodging packages through May 25, book by April 3. www.montbleuresort.com

Illusion Fusion is a new family-friendly, high-energy show in South Shore starring award-winning magician Alex Ramon, nightly (Thurs.-Mon.) in the Golden Cabaret at Horizon Casino. It features mind-blowing illusions, slight-of-hand close-up, audience interaction and never-before-seen magic. Tickets are $24.95, with free tickets on Sundays for kids 12 and under (one free ticket with each paid adult).

For real promotions, packages, conditions and events in Tahoe South, The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TahoeSouth, Twitter: www.twitter.com/SouthShoreTahoe, YouTube: www.youtube.com/LTVA and now the Tahoe South mobile app in the App Store and Android Market. For information about Tahoe South, call 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or visit www.tahoesouth.com.

North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. The North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, work together to promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.