The 29th Annual Snowfest runs March 5 -14 The North Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas have been celebrating their rich Alpine traditions for 29 years in an event called, Snowfest, and you're invited.  

Whether you're an Olympic skier, veteran, expert, beginner or noob, there's something for you.  Maybe you don't even ski or snowboard, but love being in the great outdoors, the recent storms have piled several feet of new snow all around the mountain tops just in time for this celebration. 

Events are scheduled and stacked all through the week starting today and there really is something for everyone and everydog.  Resorts and dozens of restaurants throw their unique spin on the event and the event organizers host several main events including the Tahoe City Snowfest Parade, a Paint the Bear hands-on art  show for the kids, a Firefighter's pancake breakfast and Ice Cream eating contest at the Tahoe City Firestation, the 20th Annual Garwoods Polar Bear Swim, and for the adults, a Snow Down Party Apres Ski San Francisco style party with the Space Cowboys at Tahoe City at Lakeside Pizza (behind Safeway), Human Bowling, a Dog Pull, and an authentic Hawaiian luau features and all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet at Sunnyside (next to Homewood on the West Shore).

And those are just a few of the events scheduled for this weekend.  The event runs every day through next Sunday, March 14. Of course there are plenty of events for skiers and snowboarders and fans including the Opening Night Ceremonial laser show, fireworks and torchlight parade at Squaw Valley with music by the Space Cowboys held at the sundeck at KT-22.  This event is followed by the 1st Annual 80's  Retro Dance party at 9pm (21+ only). Other skier and snowboarder events:

 Toyota's Sick n Twisted Freestyle Rail Jam at SugarbowlAll ages and abilities are invited to come out and compete for top-of-the-line gear and cash prizes! Registration will run in the Jonas lodge from 9-10:30am. Amateur division will compete fro new snowboard or skis and open division competes for cash! Registration fees are $10 and $20 respectively. $10 jersey deposit and helmets are required. www.SnowBomb.com 

Tahoe Nordic Search and resuce "Great Ski Race"Cross Country Ski Racers from all over the world will embark on the 33rd Annual Great Ski Race. The 30 km race begins at the Tahoe Cross Country Center in Tahoe City, and goes up and over the ridges to end at the Cottonwood Restaurant in Truckee for an incredible after party! The Great Ski Race is one of the Largest Nordic ski races west of the Mississippi. 

Cantina "Sundeck Ski Race"Come put on the "One piece ski suit" and strap on the "sample skiis" so you can join in the whirlwind of the Sundeck Ski Race! Contestants will go around the Sundeck course to see who can finish first in this crazy non ski hill race. Portion of the proceeds to benefit the High Fives non-profit! 

Alpine Meadows "Flaik" Vertical ChallengeThe course consists of a series of check points throughut the resort that participants must traverse with different sourses for different ability levels. The all Mountain event uses "flaik" to track exactly where skiers & riders are, have been, their vertical feet, speed, runs completed, and checkpoints traversed throughout the event.Prizes will be awarded for each ablility level! Proceeds to benefit Flaik & Alpine Meadows. 

Silver Belt Banzai at Sugar Bowl (gives even the  best skiers the chills - ain't no joke)
Superb videoThis is one of the most insane races of the event with Olympians including Daron Rahlves and Errol Kerr included in last years downhill skie cross event.  Racers line up should-to-shoulder in what has become one of the most aggressive and  popular new sports to hit the ski world. (more) 

Tahoe Cross Country Gourmet Ski TourX-country skiing or snowshoeing along the trails while sampling food from the finest North Shore Restaurants! This fabulous event finishes off at the Day Lodge with Live Music until 5pm.Proceeds to benefit the Tahoe Cross Country SKi Education Association.

 LODGING SPECIALS: 

Ski Squaw for FreeGet 2 free lift tickets to Squaw with any 2+ night stay at the Village at Squaw.  March 4 - 14, 2010.  This special package is available for 1 bedroom condos and larger. Offer subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply.  (877) 846-7642.

 Ferrari's Crown in King's Beach10% off plus good discounts for ALL ski resort lift tickets.Indoor jacuzzi, kitchenettes, good continental breakfasts, great Japanese food across the street, best coffee in Tahoe next door and super friendly family owned and operated. Code:  Snowfest.(800) 645-2260 

Website:  SNOWFEST