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North Lake Tahoe – What’s New Winter 2018-19
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. (Winter, 2018-19) — North Lake Tahoe, home to the nation’s largest concentration of downhill ski resorts, invests in new snowmaking equipment, energy-saving technologies, expanded winter events and luxury aprés amenities this winter, furthering its commitment to sustainability, modern luxury, family travel and wellness.
The region’s 12 distinct communities host a series of winter events, including the 4th Tahoe Film Fest, celebrating internationally acclaimed environmental and foreign films; and WinterWonderGrass, a mountain bluegrass festival and craft brew tasting.
Families are invited to Merry Days and Holly Nights at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows; Noel Nights at Northstar California and Northern Lights at Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dinners with Olympians, magical sleigh rides, live music, performing arts and holiday celebrations throughout the region.
For luxury apres and wellness opportunities, North Lake Tahoe’s spas incorporate indigenous stones and natural elements of the Sierra, including Northstar California’s Tahoe Spa & Wellness Center which tailors spa treatments for skiers and riders. Various yoga studios offer diverse classes, including Squaw Valley’s Wanderlust Studio which debuts new AIReal Yoga classes.
See below for a complete list of winter activities, events, ski/ride pass specials and lodging deals.
Ski Resort Passes, Perks and Open Dates (weather permitting)
Auburn Ski Club Training Center: Dec. 1 – XC Season Pass $129
Boreal Mountain Resort: Nov. 9 – Adult Season Pass $329, preseason pricing
Take 3, Ride FREE program offers guests three lessons, three rentals and three lift tickets (per person) for $269 along with a free 2018-19 season pass for $26.
Diamond Peak: Dec. 13 – Adult Season Pass $449, preseason pricing through Oct. 31.
Season pass holders enjoy 72 complimentary lift tickets at 18 partner resorts across the country
Donner Ski Ranch: TBD – Adult Season Pass $299, preseason pricing through Oct. 31
Granlibakken Tahoe Ski and Boarding Hill: Dec. 14 – Guests receive half-priced passes
Homewood Mountain Resort: TBD – Adult Season Pass $669, preseason pricing
3-Pack Lift Tickets can be used any three days of the season, on sale for $219, only available through Nov. 30.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: Oct. 26 – Unrestricted Adult Season Pass $649, preseason pricing
Northstar California Resort: Nov. 16 – The Epic Pass $929, preseason pricing through Oct. 7.
Offers access to 65 mountains through Vail Resorts’ network of resorts
Soda Springs Mountain Resort: TBD – Adult Season Pass $199, preseason pricing
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows: Nov. 16
Ikon Pass $999, preseason pricing through Oct. 11 The Ikon Pass provides access to 36 destinations, globally
Pop-Up Private Ski/Ride Lessons with priority lift line access
Tahoe Super 4-Packs include four lift tickets valid any four days with no blackout dates.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort: Nov. 30 – Adult Season Pass $799, preseason pricing.
The Powder Alliance provides Sugar Bowl Unrestricted season passholders access to 18 participating resorts, spanning four countries and two hemispheres
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park: Nov. 22 (ice rink opens); Dec. 23 (sledding opens)
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort: Dec. 7 – Adult Season Pass $359, preseason pricing
Tahoe Donner XC Ski Center: Nov. 22 – Adult Season Pass $339
Tahoe XC: TBD – Adult Season Pass $249, preseason pricing through Nov.
LODGING SPECIALS
Basecamp Tahoe City partners with Tahoe City Winter Sports Park to offer passes and an array of adventures that can be added on to any stay.
Granlibakken Tahoe offers 25 percent off all-inclusive conference rates this winter.
Tahoe Exclusive Vacations Rentals offers holiday and seasonal specials.
PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn’s Book Now and Save Package offers guests 25 percent off a two night, midweek winter stay through Nov. 16.
Tahoe Biltmore’s Ski & Stay Packages provide discounted lift tickets to select resorts, a one night stay and complimentary breakfast for two.
Tahoe Luxury Properties offers specials throughout the season. Many homes offer the 7th night free. Concierge services area available to all guests
Tahoe Mountain Lodging offers up to $150 savings per night on slopeside, four star lodging.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Diamond Peak is the first ski resort in Lake Tahoe to become STOKE Certified, an award that recognizes its sustainability initiatives. The resort also debuts the Village at Diamond Peak, a new mountain terrain park with features for all ability levels.
Boreal Mountain California introduces the California Cruiser beginner chairlift, expanded snowmaking system near beginner terrain and new parking lot.
Homewood Mountain Resort upgrades its snowcat for the season which provides guided access to over 750 acres of backcountry terrain through Snowcat Adventures.
Mt. Rose, North Lake Tahoe’s highest base elevation at 8260-feet, invests $2 million in mountain facilities, including 17 new snowmaking towers for increased snowmaking capacity.
Northstar California installs 24 new Low-E snowmaking sticks, replacing old equipment to move toward the resort’s commitment to a zero carbon footprint by 2030.
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows completes a $1.4 million renovation at Alpine Meadows Base Lodge. The resort will be powered by 100 percent renewable electricity as early as Dec. 1, reducing its total annual carbon footprint by 49 percent.
Sugar Bowl Resort invests the first $3 million of an $8 million snowmaking system upgrade, doubling its water pumping capacity, reducing energy consumption and increasing snowmaking efficiency by two-thirds.
Tahoe Donner introduces the new Snowbird triple chairlift, providing improved access to beginner terrain.
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Alpenglow Sports hosts free community events this winter, including:
Alpenglow Speaker Series, Nov-Feb, five famous athletes tell stories about their adventures from remote mountain ranges across the globe.
Lake Tahoe Backcountry Demo Event, Jan. 5-6, North America’s largest venue for alpine touring, telemark and splitboard at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows.
Alpenglow Mountain Festival, Feb. 16-24, a collection of various mountain activities, geared toward pro and novice athletes
Diamond Peak Ski Resort introduces The Village at Diamond Peak terrain park and an acclaimed STOKE Certification, in addition to the following seasonal events:
Moonlight Snowshoe Hikes, Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 15, a 1.5-mile hike to Snowflake Lodge (3 miles roundtrip), s’mores and hot cocoa.
Last Tracks Wine and Beer Tastings, Saturdays, Feb. 9 – Apr. 13, fine wines, craft brews and appetizers with a freshly groomed run at sunset.
Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival, Mar. 30-31, a human-powered race to the top of the mountain and back down to the finish line where the fun continues with prizes and live music.
Interpretive Ski Tours, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 9 and Apr. 13, historical and environmental information about the resort and region.
Crystal Bay Club’s seasonal lineup of live entertainment includes D.J.’s, brass bands and single acts.
New Years Eve Party, Dec. 31, performances by the California Honeydrops and Achilles Wheel; after party with Jellybread.
Granlibakken Tahoe hosts family friendly Holiday Parties included with lodging packages. Tickets are available to the public. Additional activities and events include:
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, Dec. 24, a tradition since 1922, skiers and boarders take up a torch and ski down the slopes, followed by drinks, snacks and gifts with Santa.
Christmas Day Buffet, Dec. 25, includes a carving station and full bar.
New Year’s Eve Celebration, Dec. 31, dinner, dancing, a balloon drop and champagne toast.
Granlibakken’s historic Ski and Sled Hill is perfect for beginners, with lessons and rentals available at affordable rates. Through its partnership with Snowschoolers, Granlibakken Ski and Sled Hill has expanded its ski and snowboard lesson program.
Homewood Mountain Resort
Tahoe Fusion, West Shore Cafe’s new food truck, provides on-mountain dining, featuring a blend of Asian and Latin cuisine.
Mt. Rose
Santa Ski Day, Dec. 15, Invites skiers and riders to dress in their finest Kris Kringle attire, or anything else related to the Christmas Holidays.
Northstar California debuts family friendly tubing at the Overlook, featuring fire pits for s’mores and spontaneous snowball fights. Platinum guests can participate in the iconic tōst tradition, with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or cider every afternoon on East Ridge Run. All of this and more can be accessed with the Epic Pass, offering unlimited, unrestricted access to 19 mountain resorts plus additional access to 46 more. Additional Northstar California events and offers include:
Noel Nights, Fridays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 21, The Village transforms into a winter wonderland, beginning with a tree lighting ceremony, Nov. 30. The event features horse-drawn sleigh rides, outdoor ice skating, Santa sightings and fireside s’mores. · · Northstar Silent Nights, Thursdays, Nov. 29 – Dec. 20, ice skating while listening to holiday movies through silent disco headphones.
Mountain Family Dinner, (TBD) Stargazing, warm wine, hot cocoa, followed by dinner and a special s’mores dessert.
Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 24, intimate breakfast, ornament decorating and traditional Christmas stories with Santa.
The Tahoe Spa, Yoga and Wellness studios, classes and treatments designed for skiers and snowboarders.
Stars and S’mores with Tahoe Star Tours at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Dec 21,28, Engaging fireside astronomy session with telescopic viewing followed by s’mores around the outdoor fire pit.
North Tahoe Recreation and Parks
North Tahoe Regional Park offers sledding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
All Weather Soccer Field, The turf soccer field is also plowed all winter long, available for pickup games.
Parks Supporter Pass provides North Lake Tahoe Parks’ benefits to non-residents.
Tree Top Adventure Park, open weekends this winter, features 70 tree platforms connected by bridges and ziplines
Soda Springs
Snowball Festival Dec 15-16; 22-23; 19-30, a family event, including arts & crafts, DIY hot chocolate bar, snow tubing, snow parkour and The World’s Biggest Cup of Hot Cocoa!
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows introduces the Ikon Pass, providing access to 36 destinations, globally. The resort celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Aerial Tram in December. See below for more winter events and additions at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows:
Merry Days and Holly Nights launches signature events, including:
Welcome to Winter Party, Nov. 24, a local Made-in-Tahoe Christmas Bazaar, tree lighting, photos with Santa, fashion show and more.
The Twisted Nutcracker, Dec. 14-16, an upbeat rendition of a classic Christmas story performed by The Truckee Dance Factory.
Reno Jazz Orchestra, Dec. 20, an evening of grand sound and soul, hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides, Dec. 19-23, complimentary rides from Borges Sleigh Rides.
Ice Garden and Train Rides, Dec. 19-24, a mini Polar Express Train, Ice Garden and appearances by Santa.
Tahoe Symphony, Dec. 22, performs George Frederick Handel’s Messiah.
Brunch with Santa, Dec. 23, with locally sourced holiday favorites.
Beyond Merry Wonderland Christmas Eve Holiday, Dec. 24, Guests can take the Aerial Tram to High Camp for a lavish buffet in the Terrace Room.
Moonlit Snowshoe Tour & Dinner, Dec. 26, a snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine Meadows, followed by an intimate Alps-inspired dinner.
Farm-to-Table Dinners with Olympians, Dec. 27, a collaborative effort with Tahoe Food Hub and local farmers, featuring stories and history over a family style dinner.
World’s Largest Torchlight Parade, Dec. 31, skiers and riders of all ages to join together on New Year’s Eve, lighting up the night sky with colorful LED torches as they thread down the 3.2-mile Mountain Run in an attempt to break the record.
Mountain Tours, beginning Dec. 14, complimentary historical tours and legendary stories of the mountain.
Disco Tubing, Dec. 22-Feb. 23 (select days), evening snow tubing, DJ tunes and colorful lights.
AIReal Yoga debuts at Wanderlust Yoga Studio.
Silver Belt Series, Feb – Apr, D-Money’s scavenger hunt (Feb. 2); Banked Slalom (Mar. 2); Quad Crusher (Apr. 9).
Slide, Glide and Ride Sessions, educates teens, ages 13 and over, about their equipment, and teaches how to stop, turn and ride the lifts.
Tahoe Biltmore
Tail & Ale, Dec. 1, a dog-friendly craft beer event.
Jingle & Mingle, Dec. 13, North Shore small businesses celebrate the holidays at North Lake Tahoe’s largest office party.
Christmas Buffet, Dec. 25
Big Game Party, Feb. 5
New Year’s Eve party, Dec. 31
Tahoe Donner hosts an array of family-friendly events. Highlights include:
Light Up the Night, Nov. 24, Caroling, s’mores and a visit from Santa at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub.
New Year’s Eve Snowshoe Tour, Dec. 31, Guided snowshoe hike on the cross country ski trails. Participants can enjoy a drink at the Trailside Bar and watch the fireworks.
Christmas Day Breakfast and Ski with Santa, Dec. 25.
Tahoe Luxury Properties’ winter, apres and holiday concierge services include:
Personal Chef Service, to prepare holiday feasts.
Gourmet Meal Delivery Service
Christmas Tree Delivery Service, includes decorations.
In-Home Spa Services
REGIONAL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Northern Lights, Nov. 30 – Dec. 23, A month-long holiday celebration hosted by Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Events include the Tahoe Film Fest, the TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony, Santa Crawl (Dec. 15), concerts, craft fairs and more.
Tahoe Film Fest, Dec. 6-9, The 4th annual event brings internationally acclaimed films to various venues in Incline Village and Northstar California, focusing on environmental, foreign and independent films.
Holiday Faire at the North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Hosted by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, the event highlights local artisans and businesses just in time for holiday shopping. Crafting for children, food, libations and live music will be available.
Get S’more Saturdays featuring shopping, dining, fire pits and s’mores in Downtown Kings Beach, Jan. 20, Feb. 24, March 10, March 31.
Holiday Tree Lighting at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach, Dec. 7, Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live holiday music performances, cookie decorating and crafts.
Holiday Bazaar at Tahoe Flow Arts, Dec. 8, Fundraiser for the performing arts including live music and local artisan shop.
Brunch with Santa at the Chateau at Incline Village, Dec. 8
Breakfast with Santa at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park: Cross country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and ice skating, Dec. 8.
Holiday Festival at the Chateau at Incline Village featuring crafts, stories, sleigh rides, live music, caroling and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Dec. 15.
Kings Beach Snowfest Parade in downtown Kings Beach, March 9, one-of-a-kind floats, live music and more.
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 more information, visit: gotahoenorth.com.
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