Tahoe South and its destination partners are launching Spring Loaded, a two-week series of winter and spring events with on-mountain activities at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain, and Sierra-at-Tahoe; lodging specials; restaurant deals; happy hour offerings; mid-week entertainment: live music, comedy, burlesque, and loud outfits, March 16 – April 1. www.tahoesouth.com
South Shore is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, spring skiing conditions, sunshine, and 24-hour lifestyle. TripAdvisor recognized South Lake Tahoe as a destination for “Great value spring vacations for group travelers” (April 2017). With new non-stop air service into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, getting to South Lake Tahoe is convenient and affordable. This time of year, South Shore offers options for multi-sport days: morning skiing, afternoon bike ride, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, paddle boarding or slope-side sun bathing.
ON THE SLOPES
Sierra-at-Tahoe Vans Hi-Standards competition pays homage to more than 20 years of Vans heritage in snowboarding, rewarding riders for individual style, creativity and self-expression. The free event showcases the love and pure joy for the sport, March 18.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort welcomes back the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association Tahoe Freeride World Tour Qualifier, March 28-31. Big mountain freeride is a unique discipline of skiing and snowboarding that encompasses riding in natural terrain and snow conditions – no groomed surfaces or man-made terrain features.
The 14th annual Gunbarrel 25 tests participants’ endurance with 25 (or more) laps on Heavenly Mountain Resort’s famous mogul run, Gunbarrel Run, aka The Face, March 31. This tradition challenges skiers/snowboarders to compete for the quickest finishing time and earn their place on the famous Gunbarrel 25 plaque that hangs in Heavenly’s California Lodge.
OFF THE SLOPES
Tahoe’s famed waters are crystal clear but also chilly, especially in March. This year’s annual Special Olympic Polar Plunge fundraiser is St. Patrick’s Day themed at Zephyr Cove Resort, March 17.
Camp Richardson hosts snowshoe competitions with participants balancing a full cocktail tray in one hand through obstacles up and down the beach at the Beacon Bar & Grill. Food, drink specials, costumes, live music and prizes for the fastest (and cleanest) at the obstacle course finish line are all part of the festivities. Two attempts to be champion include Beacon St. Paddy’s Snowshoe Races (encouraged to wear green) March 17; Spring Break “Fully Loaded” Snowshoe Races (suggested attire: gaper costumes) March 31. In between the races family and friends can team up (parties of four of less) and search for hidden treasure while in snowshoes and costumes for the “Spring Break for the Booty” Pirate Snowshoe Treasure Hunt, March 23 at 2 p.m. The after party continues at the Beacon until 5 p.m.
The Shops at Heavenly Village hosts the Wine Walk, March 22 and Brew Fest & IPA Ski Fun Run, March 30-31. The Brew Fest includes live music, beer tasting, 5k run, Tito’s Corn Hole Tournament, Homebrew Contest, and Brewery Speaker Series with tips from regional brewers, as well as major beer companies.
Ridge Tahoe’s 35th Anniversary Spring Carnival is a jam-packed afternoon of events and competitions Sunday, March 25 that celebrates the resort’s attractions, location and family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can ski in the morning and then attend the Spring Carnival, which includes dance, hula hoop, ’80s ski theme costume and snowman making contests; dodge ball and corn hole tournaments, snowshoe relay races and pool party from 12 – 4 p.m.Attendees can fuel up with BBQ and s’mores, and partake or spectate in frisbee, volleyball, badminton and bocce ball games.
MUSICAL MARCH
Locally renowned DJ Chris English who calls Reno, Nev., home will be spinning at Harveys’ Cabo Wabo, March 22.
Harrah’s South Shore Room hosts American rock bands Umphrey’s McGee, March 22 and 38 Special, March 24.
At MontBleu Resort high-energy Celtic punk band, Flogging Molly presents their “Life is Good Spring Tour 2018,” March 23; and Walter Trout, American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter, March 24.
Blackalicious, American hip-hop duo from Sacramento, Calif., made up of rapper Gift of Gab and DJ/producer Chief Xcel perform at Hard Rock’s Vinyl, March 24
Reno/Tahoe based funk jam band Jelly Bread’s founders, Cliff & Dave, will take the stage, March 31 at Kirkwood Village.
Vokab Kompany, American hip-hop and live-electronic band resides in San Diego, Calif., will bring outdoor live music at the base of Heavenly’s World Cup, March 31
MADNESS ENTERTAINMENT
Bets are on as college basketball fans watch all the rival games and elimination showdowns at Hard Rock Hotel as well as Harveys Casino, Thursday – Sundays.
Ever dream of being on “Wheel of Fortune?” Tryouts will be held at the Hard Rock, March 19-21.
Hard Rock’s sultry new resident show, Electrify: Rock N Roll Burlesque at Vinyl Showroom, is every Friday and Saturday evening though March 31.
LAUGH AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
“Bumping Mics” with critically acclaimed comedians Jeff Ross and Dave Artell will be on stage together at MontBleu, March 17. Karaoke comes alive on Thursdays with local host/MC Dreu Murin at MontBleu’s HQ Bar.
The Improv Theatre at Harveys Casino, Wednesdays – Sundays, features comedians Nick Griffen, March 21 and Jackie Flynn, March 28. Live music and dancing are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Cabo Wabo (Harveys) as well as local sensation “Arty the Party” (Harrah’s).
Skiers/snowboarders can test their dance moves in ski boots while at Heavenly with Unbuckle DJ apres ski party at Tamarack Lodge and DJ Cat spinning at East Peak Lodge every Friday and Saturday afternoon.
High-energy night out with friends continues at PEEK Nightclub at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe; MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa’s Opal Ultra Lounge with no cover for ladies every Friday and Saturday; and live music throughout casinos.
ALL THE APRES
The Beacon Bar & Grill’s “Fully Loaded” Happy Hour entails $7 bites, $5 drinks, outdoor fire-pit seating with lake views, Sunday – Friday from 3-6 p.m. Extra bonus for Wild Wednesday with live music during happy hour.
Blue Angel Café provides weekdays lunch specials including cup of soup & 1/2 sandwich or salad $9 and 25 percent off entree size salads from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. along with themes: Taco Tuesday, Two for One Pizza Wednesday, Wine Therapy Thursday and Fish Friday (closed Mondays).
Echo Restaurant inside Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel extends foodies free appetizers with purchase of two entrees.
Apres Ski is rockin’ with a local guitarist every Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe’s Center Bar.
Heavenly Mountain Resort provides specials in Nevada and California lodges daily from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. including LAT38 Tamarack Lodge, California Main Lodge, Stagecoach and Boulder.
Jimmy’s Restaurant at the Landing Resort & Spa delivers happy hour with food/beverage including cheese plates, Greek Nachos, salads, sliders, kataiki wrapped feta, wine, draft beer, margaritas and martinis from 3-5 p.m. daily.
Off the Hook, one of South Shore’s sushi spots, provides rolls from $5-7, $3 Sapporo or Kirin, $3.50 IPA microbrew of the week and free Hot Sake, Monday – Friday from 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Riva Grill is home to Fish Taco Fridays with food (primarily tacos)/drink specials, live music, trivia, and raffle prizes including a snowboard giveaway weekly starting at 6 p.m.
Sidelines Sports Pub located at Beach Retreat and Lodge touts a daily happy hour from 3-7 p.m. with $2 draft beer, $5 beer/shot combo, $5 house wine & margaritas, 20 percent off starters, soups and salads. Boathouse on the Pier offers waterfront deals Fridays – Sundays.
Complete list of current lodging deals, events, visit: Spring Loaded.
For Tahoe South information: 1-800-288-2463 or www.tahoesouth.com.