The snow forecast to hit the Lake Tahoe region during the next few days is expected to give the Tahoe Fund's Plate for Powder program a boost along with Sierra ski resorts and businesses. Drivers who purchase a California or Nevada Tahoe vehicle license plate will receive two free ski lift or Nordic tickets to the resort of their choice. New Tahoe plates cost $50 in California and $61 in Nevada.

Ski resorts have long battled the problem of bringing first-time skiers back to the slopes. All too often the expense seems to drive them away. So the resorts teamed up to offer first-time lessons on the cheap, and most Lake Tahoe mountain resorts are taking part. Here's Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows take on it all.

The Tahoe Fund announced today that 12 major Lake Tahoe-area ski resorts are offering two free Alpine or Nordic tickets for every purchase of a California or Nevada Lake Tahoe license plate between December 12 and April 15.

By Sam Bauman
First time I went to Burning Man on the Black Rock playa, I slept in my SUV. Not bad but second and third it was in my tent, a very gritty and uncomfortable week. Fourth I weaseled my way into a friend's a fold-out trailer, which was better. But from then on I teamed up with a retired airline pilot, who had a nice 27-foot Winnebago. Four of us the first three times, just two the last.

LAKE TAHOE — If another La Nina visits the Sierra this winter – all-time records were approached in 2010-11 with more than 700 inches of snow – Tahoe South ski resorts are ready to roll on another epic season.

Gusty winds and rain will develop early this morning for the Carson City region, prompting the National Weather Service in Reno to issue a wind advisory through 5 p.m. this afternoon.

The storm looks as though it will be heaviest in areas outside of Carson City with a winter storm warning for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra and a high wind warning for areas east and south of Carson City, especially in Mono, Mineral and southern Lyon counties, according to CarsonWeather.com.

Recent indicators show tourism at Lake Tahoe South Shore is improving, according to the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

December occupancy was up three percent compared to last year (Smith Travel Research). The No. 1 ski destination in the U.S. (Rand McNally 2011; TripAdvisor 2010) has seen a rise of 1.7 percent through Reno-Tahoe International Airport since July; 14 percent more skiers and snowboarders on the slopes, increased bookings over holiday weekends, and advance reservations for summer.

A week after two storms dropped at least a foot of snow in Carson City and several feet in the Sierra, another storm will move into the area late Thursday into Friday and is expected bring between 3 to 8 inches to the capital city and several feet above Lake Tahoe.

The heaviest snow with the system should be dropping by early Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Reno and Carsonweather.com.

A midnight candy room with collections of sweet and salty treats for late-night creative sessions. A handcrafted ice bar buffet atop the mountain accessible only by snowshoe or ski followed by overnight camping in a snow cave. A chef escorting guests to the local organic grocer to assure specific dietary needs are met. What’s that, gluten free? No problem. Kosher? Got it nailed.
 

Lake Tahoe has been ranked the No. 1 ski destination for the year by Rand McNally, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority announced Monday.

The ranking is based on travel bookings to the destination when compared to other winter locations throughout the United States and Canada. It is the latest recognition given to the region by the nation's top travel writers and publications, according to the LTVA announcement.

Winter is the time of year that seems to go on forever. Shorter daylight hours, cold temperatures and house-bound kids. And if you do go outside you wear so many clothes your knees won't bend.
What type of exercise would tempt you to brave the cold --- Sledding! Remember when you were young and fresh snow was an exciting part of your day? I’ll bet as you aged you lost sight of all that fun. Just imagine the calories you can burn when you force yourself to have fun with a sled!

A handful of Lake Tahoe ski resorts prepare to open for the season this weekend thanks to an early snowfall, snowmaking guns and a fairly large storm set to punch the Sierra.

Around a foot or more of natural snow across the Sierra earlier this month certainly helped get things moving. With this weekend's anticipated storm, which may bring anywhere from 2-4 feet of snow to the Sierra, resorts should get a nice healthy boost just in time for the holiday season.

Here's what we know:

OK, so skiing and riding are pretty much over for the season. But get out your swim suits, 'cause Squaw Valley is holding its annual pond skimming event.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Pencils down at Lake Tahoe. It’s time for Spring Break and outdoor recess is in session (http://www.TahoeSouth.com).

While the temperatures have been erratic recently, with snow on the mountain tops and at least two ski resorts sometimes open - Mammoth and Boreal - there's still some fine hiking out there.