FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contacts:
Stephanie Myers, Senior Account Executive
Robert Nellis, Account Coordinator
The Abbi Agency for North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe Transforms into Holiday Winter Wonderland
North Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. (Dec. 9, 2016) – With 50 chairlifts open across 13,783 skiable acres of terrain, winter has arrived in North Lake Tahoe. Of the twelve ski resorts comprising this picturesque holiday destination, eight are open and reporting up to 31 inches of snow; 10 additional inches are predicted over the Dec. 10-12 weekend.
New for the 2016/17 season, the region introduces more than $4.1 million in updates to snowmaking, grooming equipment and on-mountain safety. A new Ice Skating Rink opens Dec. 10 in the heart of downtown Tahoe City at the Winter Sports Park (Tahoe City Golf Course). The ice rink itself is 4,000 square feet, about the size of a basketball court and will offer winter recreation regardless of what Mother Nature delivers.
Ski resorts and winter villages, rustic lakeside lodges and charming communities across North Lake Tahoe transform for a holiday extravaganza complete with family-friendly events scheduled through New Year’s Day, exquisite dining experiences, fireworks displays and immersive decorations.
See a full list of activities and picture-perfect holiday experiences below. For the best lodging deals, visit https://dev.gotahoenorth.com/lodging/.
Events:
Magical Memories, Resort at Squaw Creek, November 25 – December 31
Resort at Squaw Creek launches daily family-friendly events and activities for the entire holiday season. Families can eat breakfast with Santa on select dates, December 10-11, 17-18 and 23-25 from 8 – 11 a.m. On Dec. 31, children ring in 2017 with the Kids’ Night Out New Year’s Eve Bash from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. with dinner, kid-friendly games, a balloon drop and a late night movie showing.
Santa Ski Day, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, December 10, 11 a.m.
Hundreds of Mr. and Mrs. Clauses takeover Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe as skiers and snowboarders embrace the holidays. Participants dressed as Santa, or a Christmas-related costume like candy canes and elves, receive a discounted $59 full-day lift ticket. A full costume must be worn to receive a discount, a hat only is not eligible.
Northstar Northern Lights Festival, Northstar California Resort, December 10, 12:30 – 9 p.m.
The Village at Northstar illuminates to celebrate all things that glow. Complimentary activities for families are scattered throughout the day and include glow-in-the-dark face painting, s’mores on the skating rink and live music throughout the event. Festivities culminate with a firework display at 7 p.m.
Tahoe City Ice Rink Grand Opening, Tahoe City, December 10, 1 – 6 p.m.
Locals and residents alike rejoice for the first ice rink in Tahoe City history. Local Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley metaphorically “breaks the ice” of the basketball court sized rink. Immediately following the opening ceremony at 1 p.m., families are able to skate free of charge until 6 p.m.
Noel Nights, Northstar California Resort, December 15 & 22, 5 – 8 p.m.
The Village at Northstar transforms itself in celebration of one of the most popular Tahoe holiday traditions. Complete with complimentary horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, hot chocolate and s’mores, and a variety of dining specials, families are immersed in Christmas spirit. Hopeless holiday romantics can take photos in front of the 35-foot decorated tree, sit on Santa’s lap and sing along with carolers. Donate two cans of food to Truckee Community Christmas to help those in need and get $5 off ice skate rentals for use at the Village rink.
Merry Days & Holly Nights, The Village at Squaw Valley, December 18 – 31
The Village at Squaw Valley turns into an “Olde World Christmas” complete with holiday decorations and classic vignette storefronts. Opening ceremonies start the season with a torch light parade, 25-foot-tall Singing Christmas Tree and illuminated ice sculptures. Families enjoy free and ticketed events through the New Year such as parties, horse drawn sleigh rides, handcrafted farm-to-table dinners and special appearances by Santa throughout the event culminating on New Year’s Eve with fireworks, a torch light parade and the Squaw Valley Prom.
The Gingerbread Workshop, Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, December 18 & 20, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Children and families work one-on-one with a Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe pastry chef to create a personalized gingerbread house. This experience enables families to create an edible home fit for the North Pole. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance. Call 530-562-3000 ext. 3051 to reserve space.
Ski with Santa, Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Homewood Mountain Resort, December 21 – 25
Ski with Santa every day from December 21-24 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Homewood Mountain Resort. Then, at Diamond Peak Ski Resort, families join Santa and Penguin Pete December 24-25 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. complete with free holiday treats.
Christmas Torchlight Parade, Granlibakken Tahoe, December 24, 4 – 8 p.m.
Host to the Olympic Ski Jumping Trials in 1932, Tahoe’s history is rich with Olympic athletes. Follow a similar route of the athletes from yesteryear down Granlibakken’s Ski Hill holding a torch to get an Olympic-like experience. The parade is followed with hot chocolate, s’mores and pictures with Santa.
New Year’s Eve Sunset Snowshoe Tour, Tahoe Donner, December 31, 4 – 6 p.m.
Explore the cross-country trails lit by dusty pink alpenglow followed by libations at Trailside Bar. Temperatures drop as the sun sets, meaning warm weather clothing is a must and headlamps are recommended. Snowshoe rentals are available onsite for $10. This adventure can be experienced by adults for $25 and $15 for those under 18. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.
New Year’s Eve Fire & Ice Celebration, Northstar Resort, December 31, 9 p.m.
Celebrate the New Year at The Village at Northstar by warming up next to picture-perfect outdoor fire pits sipping cocoa and libations next to live music on the village stage. A fireworks display tops off the evening at 9 p.m. lighting up the sky.
Dining:
Holiday Dinner & Buffet, Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, December 24 – 25, noon – 7 p.m.
Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe chefs handcraft two holiday-inspired and seasonal ingredient filled feasts December 24-25 from 4 – 10 p.m. at Manzanita and December 25 from noon – 7 p.m. in the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom. The Holiday Dinner at Manzanita is an à la carte priced meal while the Holiday Buffet in the Ballroom is $110 for adults and $48 for children age three – 12. Reservations are highly recommended at Manzanita and required to dine in the Ballroom. Call 530-562-3051 to reserve space.
Holiday Buffet, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino, December 25, noon – 8 p.m.
Lone Eagle Grille offers 12 dining stations, which include traditional fixings and modern alternatives ready to satiate holiday cravings. A make-your-own cookie station is sure to be a hit with children, while a seafood bar and multiple carving stations round out the buffet. The buffet is $75 for adults and $35 for children age five – 12. Children under four dine for free with the family. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 775-886-6899.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve Buffets, Granlibakken Tahoe, December 25 & 31
Fill up for the holidays with handcrafted buffets on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a traditional feast Christmas Day from 4 – 8 p.m. with vegetarian options available. Then, ring in 2017 with dinner, dessert, dancing and a complimentary champagne toast starting at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Non-Granlibakken guests are also invited to dine for either event. Dinner tickets for non-lodging guests are $60 for adults and $20 for children age 10 and under. Granlibakken’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations are included in all room reservations during the relevant time of stay. Reservations are required for both meals and can be made by calling 530-583-4242.
For more information about holiday festivities in North Lake Tahoe visit dev.gotahoenorth.com.
About North Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a crown jewel of the Sierra. Formed approximately two million years ago, it is the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest in the United States. North Lake Tahoe spans two states and boasts two dozen beaches, twelve ski resorts, hundreds of miles of biking trails, half a dozen communities, and a growing number of nationally recognized human-powered events, races and festivals. 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. Visitor information centers are located at 100 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. For the latest deals, check out the Deals tab on dev.gotahoenorth.com.
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