Every spring since 1982, North Lake Tahoe comes alive with 10 fun-filled days and nights, jam packed with activities and events for all ages. This year, the annual favorites will be back, along with a host of great new ones! On and off the mountain, at North Tahoe’s numerous resorts, and vibrant lakeside neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy on-snow events at resorts like Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows, Homewood, Diamond Peak, and Northstar-at-Tahoe; Participate in special events, parades, races, parties, concerts, theater; and of course, there’s plenty of wining and dining to be had at North Lake Tahoe’s fine restaurants and lively establishments. The Snowfest! event calendar is jam-packed with fun events and activities. From on-mountain competitions, to dining, parties, live music, and parades, there’s something for everyone.

Kym Fabel, of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, rides a float during the Tahoe City parade.

Snowfest begins today, Feb. 27, and concludes on Sunday, March 8. Some of the highlights are opening ceremonies in Squaw Valley tonight with the queen coronation at 6 p.m. followed by the laser show, torchlight parade and fireworks at 7 p.m. There will be pancake breakfasts and parades on Saturday, Feb. 28, in Tahoe City and Saturday, March 7, in Kings Beach. Look for the Sierra Nevada College float. The events are too many to list and range from family friendly ice cream eating contests, to pet lover activities such as the Dress-up-your-dog contest, to adult only bar parties. Check the Snowfest! web site at www.tahoesnowfestival.com for a complete event schedule. 

Some of the events of interest to Incline Village include:

Friday, Feb. 27
4th Annual 2009 Science Expo

The Science Expo is from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, and will feature interactive science experiments for children ages 6-12 and their families on the themes of “Snow, Water, Ice & Earth.” In addition, this year, many of the activities will pertain to climate change / global warming and the local impacts here at Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and includes an ice cream cone! Hosted in part by the nonprofit Organizations UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Sierra Nevada College and Lake Tahoe School. http://terc.ucdavis.edu

Saturday, Feb. 28
Tahoe Comedy North Presents ‘SnowFest Magic & Comedy’

Get the kids together and come enjoy an incredible magic show, lakeside! Hosted by the North Tahoe Business Association, this fun filled evening will kick off with the family friendly magic show at 5 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. with a hilarious comedy show put on by Tahoe Comedy North. Headlining the night’s event is the hilarious Jim Giovanni, featuring Stephen B with host Sean Peabody. Filling the guest spots are locals Rowe and Aaron Wilson. Doors open at 7 pm and show starts at 8 pm. Tickets for purchase at Incline Cleaners, Grog and Grist Deli in Incline Village, Noah’s Video in Kings Beach, C B’s Pizza in Carnelian Bay, and New Moon Natural Foods in Tahoe City and Truckee. For more info on the event go to www.NTBAMainstreet.org, or www.tahoecomedynorth.com

Sunday, March 1
Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue’s “Great Ski Race”

Cross Country Ski Racers from all over the world will embark on the 33rd Annual Great Ski Race at 9 a.m. The 30 km race begins at the Tahoe Cross Country Center in Tahoe City, and goes up andOver the ridges to end at the Cottonwood Restaurant in Truckee. The Great Ski Race is one of theLargest Nordic ski races west of the Mississippi! It is the main fundraising event for the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, a non-profit organization.

Sunday, March 1
Snowbomb Presents the Toyota Sick & Twisted Freestyle Tour-Slopestyle
at Diamond Peak Ski Area

Check out this SnowBomb Competition, and see who’s got the best moves in this Slopestyle competition. This Tour showcases local talent in over 12 events per season and awards more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. Sponsors include: Under Armour, Volkl, Burton & BernReg: Registration is from 9-10:30 a.m. with the contest beginning at 11 a.m.

Thursday, March 5
A Day at the Hyatt

Come on in and check out the Hyatt at Lake Tahoe personally from 3 to 11 p.m.! Check in as a SnowFest participant at the “Concierge” desk to find out more about the “Winter Deal Duo” in the Stillwater Spa, and the promotions in the Casino, as well as the Lone Eagle Grill for some incredible food and drinks! Call ahead to book discounted Stillwater Spa treatments for the day @ (775) 886-6745. More info on the “Day at the Hyatt”at www.laketahoe.hyatt.com