SnowFest 2016 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival

It’s here! SnowFest 2016 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival will start its 35th year of ten crazy days of winter fun here in North Lake Tahoe, California area this Thursday, March 3, 2016 .

This is my favorite winter event in the Lake Tahoe – Truckee area, and I’m not alone on this as SnowFest has been voted as one of the best annual events up here. It’s one you won’t want to miss out on.

This annual event, which began back in the spring of 1982, has become the place to be in the North Lake Tahoe area with ten days and nights of exciting fun winter events, and activities for everyone!

You may not know that Tahoe’s SnowFest has become one of the largest winter carnival events in the western United States.

The North Lake Tahoe snow festival event planners are busy all year-long to make this winter experience that keeps bringing people back to the North Lake Tahoe area year-after-year.

This year SnowFest 2016 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival has made a few changes to the schedule and you’ll find that the fireworks show is now on Saturday night instead of being done on Friday night, which I think is great for our second home owners and visitors that are coming up for the SnowFest Saturday and Sunday events.

You’ll find that there are fewer multiple events occurring at the same time allowing everyone to be at just about every event without having to miss out on another scheduled event.

SnowFest will begin this year on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay. Tickets are $35 at the door, gets you into this SnowFest Opening Ceremonies and Queen Coronation. There will be live music, auction, and more for a fun evening to kick off the SnowFest week of activities!

If you’ll be up in the greater Tahoe City – Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, California area you’ll want to take advantage of all of the fun events that are scheduled for this week.

Some of my favorite events during the ten days are the annual Tahoe City Parade, which will happen on Saturday, March 5, 2016.

This is small town living at its very best and it a great reminder that a sense of community is often found in the local traditions it celebrates like the annual SnowFest parade in downtown Tahoe City.

A couple of parade watching tips – bring your own folding chairs and arrive early so you can get yourself a good parade watching spot.

Wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Wear layers so you can adjust to meet the sunshine, shade, and a breeze. Bring water, and if you bring Fido, be sure they are on a lease, bring plastic bags to pick up after them, and be prepared for loud noises. If your pet does not do well in a crowd, or around other animals, leave them in the car, or at home.

If you are still up for more fun after the parade you you’ll need to check out the 27^nd Annual classic Polar Bear Swim at Gar Wood’s in Carnelian Bay. This is an event that you won’t believe until you’ve been there to watch those brave souls that will actually wade into Lake Tahoe and try to swim that race, let alone finish it. It’s crazy to watch, and you’ll be impressed with those swimmers that actually finish the race. A must see SnowFest event.

This year you’ll end your Saturday with the fireworks show at the Village at Squaw Valley, which will start at 7 p.m. My advice on this event is to dress warmly, get there early, and bring along a folding chair so you’ll have seating where ever you end up watching this event. We’ve watched it in the Village, in the Village Parking lot, and from other location in the Olympic Valley area and it’s a beautiful sight to see those exploding colors over the snow-covered ground.

Pacing is the key to success in attending as many SnowFest events as possible, so on Saturday, March 5 you’ll need to pace yourself so you’re ready for more fun on Sunday, March 6, 2016 with the Dog Pull Contest, and the annual Sunnyside Luau at the Sunnyside Resort on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.

During the week there are a number of fun SnowFest events like the Truckee River Winery Wine and Ice Competition (Wine N’Ice), BINGO at Rosie’s Cafe, or the Girl’s night out Bunco Bash on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, which is always a sell out.

If you can’t be in North Lake Tahoe on the opening weekend of SnowFest 2016, you’ll get a second chance the following weekend to enjoy the NTPUD pancake breakfast, see another SnowFest parade in downtown Kings Beach on Saturday along with checking out the Homewood Winter Wonder Film Festival (new this year) on their big outdoor movie screen.

On Sunday, March 13, 2016 SnowFest will come to an end so close the week out with the River Ranch Snow Sculpture Contest in Alpine Meadows, or enjoy an afternoon of skiing, dinner and a movie with the premiere of the Skidafilmiddag event in Tahoe City on Sunday, March 13, 2016.

There is so much fun just waiting for you here in North Lake Tahoe and SnowFest 2016 is just one of our annual events that keeps bringing people back to our area year-after-year!

Check out a few of the SnowFest Lake Tahoe Snow Festival Event highlights here in this video with Laura Allen, Tahoe REALTOR:

Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming SnowFest 2016 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival Events Schedule:

Thursday, March 3, 2016

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Opening Ceremonies & Queen Coronation at Gar Wood’s in Carnelian Bay, CA (5000 North Lake Blvd.) $35 at the door. Queen coronation, live music, and more!

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. North Tahoe Visitor Center (100 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City) Meet the 4-Legged Heroes of Winter: Squaw Valley Rescue Dogs – Come meet the dogs, take a photo and donate $5 each to support the Squaw Valley Avalanche Rescue og and Education Fund.

Friday, March 4, 2016

4 p.m. Willards (170 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA) Wine, Cheese, & S’mores – Stop by before heading to the Rib Cook Off at the Bridgetender.

5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Bridgetender Rib Fest (65 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City) – This event sells out every year, so get their early if you love to eat ribs. Pricing available at the event.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Pancake Breakfast by the Tahoe City Fire Department (North Tahoe Firefighter’s Association) – 159 Observation Drive (North Tahoe Fire Station 54) Dollar Point, Tahoe City, $15 per person

11 a.m. – 12 noon Paint the Bear Paint the Bear (Crafts) – North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, CA, Free

11 a.m. – 12 noon Parade Watching Party at Blue Agave, or Rosie’s Café, downtown Tahoe City, CA

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tahoe City SnowFest Parade – downtown Tahoe City, CA – Free

Parade Day Tip – Get to the parade early as parking and access to the downtown area becomes a challenge the closer to it gets to parade time and you know you don’t want to miss a minute of the fun. Bring folding chairs, dress in layers, and wear sun screen so you’ll enjoy the event!

12 noon – 1 p.m. Pete ’n Peters Post Parade Party, downtown Tahoe City, CA

12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Mobility Rock Bank in the parking lot of Pete ’n Peters, part of the Post Parade Party, downtown Tahoe City, CA. The Mobility Rock Band is from Travis AFB, so come out and have some fun.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 27th Annual Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim, Gar Woods (5000 North Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay, CA.) Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. with swimmer registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. Race at 2:30 p.m. Call 530-546-3366 for cost to enter the race, or more information. Must be 18+ or older to race.

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. SnowFest Cocktail BINGO-Truckee, Truckee Community Arts Center (10046 Church Street, Truckee, CA.) Contact Cassie Hebel 530-277-1302 for more information and cost.

7 p.m. -8 p.m. SnowFest Fireworks Spectacular 2016 This event has taken place on Friday evenings, so I’m excited to that event organizers have moved to Saturday night when so many of our SnowFest event goers and visitors are here to see it! You’ll be able to see the fireworks anywhere you can see the mountain, but the best viewing area will be at the Base of Squaw Valley at the KT-22 Deck Area at the Village in Squaw Valley. This event is Free, but be on time, so you don’t miss anything.

Sunday, March 6, 2015

9 a.m. The Great Ski Race Returns -The Great Ski Race, will begin at the Tahoe XC Center (925 Country Club Drive) in Tahoe City, CA and ending up in Truckee, CA. This has been the largest fund-raiser in the past for the Tahoe Search and Rescue organization, so even if you don’t cross country ski, you can still donate. Arrive early to see this sight as they take off, or arrive at the finish line to cheer the skiers as they complete the race!

10 a.m. – 12 noon Wacky Winter Bowling Tahoe City Winter Sports Park (Tahoe City Golf Course – downtown Tahoe City) Cost $15/person.

12 noon – 1 p.m. SnowFest Dog Sled Pull Tah0e Winter Sports Park (Tahoe City Golf Court 251 North Lake Blvd. behind BofA Building) – Sign-up’s start at 11 a.m. and dogs of all breeds, size, and shapes are encouraged to pull the sled across snow (or grass). Cost is $10 per dog.

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Granlibakken’s Gone “Bonkers” Ski & Board Race – Any Age Entry fee $20/advance $25/day of Race. Competition at the Granlibakken Ski Resort (725 Granlibakken Road), Tahoe City, CA. If there is no snow, they will have an alternate family fun event for all ages. Prices will be adjusted if there is no snow.

4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunnyside’s Hawaiian Pig Roast – Sunnyside Resort, 1850 West Lake Blvd.,, Tahoe City, CA. Wear your Hawaiian outfits and come out and enjoy a Hawaiian inspired cuisine and cocktail menu. Sign up for the Hula Pie Eating and Hula Hoop Contests. Additional food and drink fees will apply depending on what you order. Nothing feels like SnowFest than wearing Hawaiian shirts, sipping on beach inspired drinks while the snow flakes fall outside. Bring on the winter fun!

Monday, March 7, 2016

Deadline for Video Submission for the Homewoood Winter Wonder Festival Calling all film makers – here’s your chance to submit your own video for your chance to win cash prizes and have your film shown on Homewood’s large outdoor airscreen on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 6 -8 p.m.. All films must be 3-5 minutes long and have a winter theme such as sledding, ice skating, dog sledding, skiing, well you get the idea. Submissions are being accepted between Feb 1 through March 7 and all entries must be filmed in the Lake Tahoe Region.

There will be two categories 17 and under in age, and 18 and over in age. Great prizes with 1st place taking home $500! Cost: $40 early bird regristration until 2/29 and $55/regristration fee 03/01 – 03/07 There are additional film entry details so call for more information at 530-525-2922, which is the main menu and talk to guest services or email them at guestservices@SkiHomewood.com

5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Second Annual Za’s Clam Bake – Za’s, 395 North Lake Blvd., downtown Tahoe City, CA A traditional East Coast Clam Bake including clams, chicken, potatoes, and corn. Call for pricing.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pete ‘N Peter’s Bar Game Olympics – Pete ‘N Peter’s, age 21+, $10 Entry Fee, downtown Tahoe City, CA, Sign up Early as space is limited 530-583-2400

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

1 p.m. – 7 p.m. 2014 Wine ‘n Ice Competition – Truckee River Winery’s Ice Carving Extravaganza – Truckee River Winery, 11567 Brockway Road, Truckee, CA Cost: $10 Cover (souvenir wine glass, Marti Gras beads, etc…) Proceeds benefit the High Fives Foundation

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. SnowFest Bunco Bash – Girls Night Out North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, CA $25 on-line at get tickets on-line, or cash only sales at Truckee Visitor Center, The Store in Tahoe City, or Rockwood Tree Service in Kings Beach. If there are any tickets left (this has been a sell-out event) $30 at the door, must be 21+ or older.

All proceeds go to the Tahoe Forest Cancer Center patient programs.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

9 p.m. 11 p.m. Rosie’s Bingo Night – Rosie’s Café, downtown Tahoe City, CA Cost $5/per card to play at the door, and you can play more than one card! Great prizes!

Friday, March 11, 2016

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tahoe Community Nursery School 50th Reunion Boatworks Mall 760 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. Event is Free

Saturday, March 12, 2016

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) Pancake Breakfast – North Lake Tahoe Event Center, downtown Kings Beach, CA Pricing available for Adults and Children at event.

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Dress up your Dog Contest – North Tahoe Events Center, downtown Kings Beach, CA There is a fee per entry $10/pet proceeds to benefit Pet Network For more information Julia at Juliatma@Gmail.com

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. SnowFest Kings Beach Parade, downtown Kings Beach, CA The parade will move along Hwy 28 in downtown Kings Beach! Over 30+ local businesses and non-profit groups will have parade entries.

12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Snow What? Snow Building and Chili Cook Off – Kings Beach Library, 301 Secline Beach, Kings Beach, CA Minimum donation of $5 requested.

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Queen Raffle Party – Steamers Beach Side Bar & Oven 8290 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, CA Come out and find out who the lucky winners were from the SnowFest Queen Raffles.

6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Homewood Winter Wonder Film Festival, Homewood Mountain Resort – North Lodge – 5145 West Lake Blvd., Homewood, CA 530-525-2992 New this year! Watch local 3-5 minute movies made in the Lake Tahoe area on the big outdoor movie screen at Homewood. This is a new event and contest this year to the SnowFest 2016 schedule, and it should be a lot of fun!

Sunday, March 13, 2016

12 noon – 1 p.m. Tahoe Donner Ididarun – Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area – 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA – Event sign-ups start at 12 noon and the race starts at 1 p.m. Event takes about 2 hours. Raffle proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Tahoe-Truckee – all ages are welcome – different dog categories.

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. River Ranch Annual Snow Sculpture Contest, River Ranch, Hwy 89 South at the entrance to Alpine Meadows, CA BBQ an DJ on the patio. Free Admission, but cost on any food or beverage items.

2:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Skidafilmiddag, Skiing at Winter Sports Park, followed by dinner and then Movie at Art Haus Cost $39/adults and $21/kids

Get ready to have a lot of fun regardless of the weather conditions. SnowFest only happens once a year, and this is one of my favorite events that happens here in the greater Lake Tahoe area! Have some fun, make some memories, come to Lake Tahoe!

To check for updates, or more information on events check out the SnowFest 2016 schedule here, or better yet plan to be here in Lake Tahoe and have some winter fun!

See you at some of the SnowFest 2016 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival events this year!

Thinking about making Lake Tahoe, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Lake Tahoe? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

SnowFest 2016 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival