Photo courtesy Homewood Mountain Ski Resort.

Think Tahoe in winter and what comes to mind? Skiing at Heavenly? Casinos? Headliner shows?

Ah, but there is another Tahoe … less intense, gentler, slower and yes, more family friendly.

The thing about Tahoe is it’s never been 100 percent about skiing in winter (or hiking, kayaking, whatever in summer). In a way, Tahoe is a bit like Europe, where skiing is only a fraction of the experience with inns on the ski hills and long, leisurely lunches and so much more to do besides keep track of your vertical on your wrist GPS.

So … enter North Tahoe, which is oddly what folks call stuff along the west side of the lake. And Bleu Wave’s yacht ferry. And Homewood. And Granlibakken. And, well, yes, a very special kid-wow run at Alpine Meadows.

Ski Via Yacht

The start of all this was via a slick yacht-ski package started last season by Bleu Wave. We arrived at the dock in South Lake Tahoe to board the ferry, which is actually a rather upscale yacht, at 8 a.m. We were dressed for skiing. As we pulled away, we munched on breakfast, which was a decent continental affair … muffins, fruit, yogurt, hot chocolate, coffee. But the star of the morning was Lake Tahoe’s scenery. Jagged, snow capped mountains rose around us, reflected in the still dawn water of the deep blue lake.

An hour later, we pulled up at the foot … and I do mean very foot … of  Homewood Mountain Ski Resort. The runs seem to spill down onto the beachfront. And actually, they do end just a hundred or so yards away from where you dock.

What's better than a cruise across Lake Tahoe to terrific ski venues?

Though we were transferring to stay on this side of the lake, others were there for the day package, which for $99, gets you a shuttle from your hotel, round trip ferry, lift ticket, and discount on lunch. And though Homewood might seem smallish compared to say, Heavenly, its 1,260 skiable acres and 1,650 vertical, with everything from beginner runs to expert trees,  provides more than enough fun for a day.

Nearly every run offers a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. Photo courtesy Homewood Mountain Resort.

The stunning lake views are what sets this place apart. You’re so busy gawking, it’s almost dangerous. The dropoff along Rainbow Ridge just after Mid Mountain Pavilion (it’s the white tube tent with the picnic chairs) will blow your mind. A friend once said the drop on some of Tahoe’s lake view runs make you think you need to wear a life jacket. This is one of those places.

There are hefty plans for expansion. Some half a billion dollars of condos, base lodges, restaurants and lifts are expected to stretch to 2020. But meanwhile, Homewood is nice and laid back for a day of something different.

Our lodging was at Granlibakken, a resort that meanders up a thickly wooded hill with 200 hotel and condo rooms and a main lodge that reminds you of those family-owned resorts of the Northeast where generations would spend their holidays. The name, by the way, is Norwegian for “a hillside sheltered by fir trees,” and ski history in this area goes back nearly 100 years.

This is about as family friendly as it comes. There’s a small ski hill (300 vertical with two poma lifts), swimming pool, trails through the woods and a treetop adventure with rope bridges and platforms.

From Granlibakken, we day skied at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. Squaw has the reputation, the Olympic history, and the crowds. Alpine Meadows has Hot Wheels Gully.

Don't get carried away by the incredible views while skiing the runs at Homewood Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy Homewood Mountain Resort.

If you are on the west side of the lake you, of course, have to ski Squaw. This is where the big guys go, along with enough waist high future racers to make your head swim. While the Lake Tahoe area has dreams of a new Olympic bid for 2022, it’s interesting to remember a bit about the original one in 1960.

The Olympic venue back then wasn’t supposed to be in Squaw Valley, but while the Olympic committee argued over which European ski hill should be the spot, Alex Cushing, owner of what there was of Squaw, pointed out that maybe, since the Olympics were supposed to be a ‘world’ activity, it was time to hold them in North America.
Those Olympics included an amazing list of firsts … first use of instant replay (courtesy of grainy videotape), first use of skis that weren’t all wood, first athlete’s village, first really blow-out opening ceremony. (Walt Disney, himself, designed it with Disneyland-style statues and fireworks much to the whining from Europeans). Oh yes, and first sale of exclusive broadcast rights … to CBS for $50,000m which led to a young, new hire Walter Cronkite at CBS hosting it.
For those with inquiring minds, London’s 2012 Olympic broadcast rights went to NBC for $1.1 billion … that’s with a B.

Alpine Meadows: Hot Wheels Gully

Okay, now on to Alpine Meadows. It’s smaller than Squaw, a bit more intimate, but definitely one of Lake Tahoe’s ‘big seven’ ski resorts, which include Heavenly, Northstar, Squaw, Alpine Meadows, Mt. Rose, Sierra at Tahoe, and Kirkwood Meadows.
You can get hairy chutes and mellow groomers just about anywhere in the Tahoe area. But only Alpine Meadows has Hot Wheels Gully.

No matter how old (or young) you are, you can learn to ski at Tahoe's GranlibakkenLodge. Photo courtesy Granlibakken Lodge.

I was leaving the base area at the end of the day when a 10-year-old bounced by me, calling to his father.

“We skied the funnest thing of my whole, entire life. The FUNNEST!” he yelled while literally jumping up and down (in skis).

It was called … Hot Wheels Gully!”

The run traces a narrow riverbed that twists and drops through the forest … not for anyone on long skis and, honestly, best enjoyed by someone about 4 1/2 feet tall. You slingshot from side to side like in a mini halfpipe and, at one point, actually hit a short drop. It is, honestly, a pre-teen’s dream run.

Dinner is a pleasure in the main lodge at Granlibakken. Photo by Granlibakken Lodge.

The week we were in Tahoe, it was hot and sunny. Perfect spring skiing. But snow was on the way and within a couple of days, four feet of fresh had fallen. Sigh. We figured we’ll just have to go back.

ALPINE/SQUAW APP
If you want a true giggle on the mountain at Alpine Meadows or Squaw Valley and you have either an iPhone or Android phone, go to your online market and download the free interactive apps for those two resorts. It’s more than just a map, it even shows you where you are on the mountain along with a real time list of what trails are open, where the restaurants are, weather, real-time webcams, some amazing thing that lets you find your friends on the hill and, best of all, a real time record of your own personal stats (speed, vertical, lifts and more). You need to activate your GPS and, as I found out the hard way, if you turn your GPS off at the end of the day to save battery, your personal stats will reset to zero. Just don’t try looking at it WHILE skiing.

– by Yvette Cardozo, RFT Ski Editor

Check out Yvette’s favorite Tahoe after-ski snack, West Shore Café and Inn’s Mushrooms with Dipping Sauce.

Easter egg hunts start in Tahoe City with its annual Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt on the Commons Beach at 10 AM on Saturday, April 7. Truckee will also host their Great Easter Egg hunt at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 7, at Truckee Regional Park.

Northstar will be celebrating Easter in every way this Sunday, April 8. Start Easter off with a tasty Easter brunch from Petra in the Northstar Village 9 AM-1 PM. After brunch be on the lookout for those hidden eggs in the Northstar Village at 10:30 AM when the hunt begins. And don’t miss your chance for a photo with the Easter Bunny from 12:30-2:30 PM. If you’re skiing or riding on Easter you’ll have your chance to celebrate Easter on the mountain as well. The Easter Bunny will be taking ride breaks from 9 AM-4 PM so make sure you find him on the mountain for a fun photo. The Lodge at Big Springs will have Easter specials at the café and bar and you’ll want to search for the hidden Easter eggs that may contain drink coupons and $5 off coupons.

Try to find the Easter Bunny skiing at Northstar on Sunday for an unforgettable picture.

You won’t want to miss the annual On-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt at Squaw on Sunday, April 8. As soon as the lifts open you can start searching for the hidden eggs. One lucky winner will find the Golden Egg containing a 2012-13 Bronze season pass! Make sure to pay attention to Squaw’s Twitter feed, Facebook timeline and smartphone app throughout the day for clues as to where the Golden Egg lies. The Easter bunny will also be hopping around The Village Events Plaza from 10 AM-4 PM.

Alpine is joining in on the Easter fun with an all mountain Easter egg hunt starting as soon as the lifts open on Sunday, April 8. Hundreds of eggs will be hidden across all of Alpine’s 2400 acres, but only one will be gold. The gold Easter egg will contain a 2012-13 Bronze season pass. There will also be two separate Easter egg hunts for the kids. Kids 7 and under can participate in an Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 10:15am at the Kids Camp Magic Carpet. And children 8 – 13 are invited to join the Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 10:15am at the Magic Carpet located off of Subway Chair.

Homewood is tying in an Easter favorite Ghiradelli with their Easter hunt.  Kids 12 and younger can participate in the Little Bunny Ghiradelli Easter chocolate hunt next to the Snow Rangers Academy at the South Lodge starting at noon. Chocolate eggs, chocolate squares and Homewood gifts will be hidden for the kids to discover. But the fun doesn’t stop with the kids. Ghiradelli chocolate eggs and squares will be hidden all over the entire mountain for everyone to find as soon as the lifts start turning. Be on the lookout for the Golden Egg which will contain a 2012-13 season pass.

There will be no shortage of Easter eggs in North Lake Tahoe this weekend.

Easter egg hunts aren’t the only way to enjoy Easter on Sunday. For those not skiing Jake’s on the Lake will be serving an Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $24 per adult and $12 per child age 12 and under. Kids may even find a few Easter eggs. Reservations recommended.

Or relax at a table overlooking the river with brunch at the River Ranch on Sunday from 10 AM-2 PM including traditional brunch items and some lunch favorites from $12.95-$18.95. Reservations recommended.

What are your Easter plans?

There is still plenty of sunshine and a few more weeks left of prime skiing and Granlibakken is offering ski and board packages that start at $139/person weekdays and $156/person weekends. Deals include lodging at Granlibakken, hot breakfast buffets, plenty of resort amenities and lift tickets to your choice of Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA, Sugar Bowl or Heavenly. As an option, tickets can be used at the Tahoe Cross Country Center (equipment, and use of the trails) or the Lighthouse Spa on site at Granlibakken with a $65 credit toward any the spa services offered.

Spring skiing is full of sunshine and fun in Lake Tahoe.

There is also an on-site ski and sledding hill, plus downhill and cross-country skis, snowboards and showshoe rentals available. Rates are per person, per night double occupancy, plus 10 percent room tax. There is a two night minimun stay on weekends. The lodging on the midweek ski package is valid Sunday through Thursday nights and skiing is Monday through Friday. Midweek rate valid weekends from April 1, 2012 through the end of the ski season at the eight resorts. Weekend rates are valid until the end of the ski season. The ski hill at Granlibakken closes April 1, 2012 and the sledding hill closes April 8, 2012.

Are you looking for a place away from your business to hold a retreat? Granlibakken has spring conference packages now through May 31, 2012 that are designed with business and corporate managers in mind. Bring your group of four to 400 to our productive, flexible, comfortable setting on 74 wooded acres of peace, quiet and comfort. Rate includes: Lodging with 3 full meals each day; cocktail reception and coffee service; meeting facilities with audio/visual; resort-wide wireless and scalable Internet; on-site pool, hot tub, spa, gym, sauna, tennis, trails. Call (877) 552-0185 for information or click here.

Planning that special day in advance to make it official and tie the knot? Weddings in Lake Tahoe happen daily and Granlibakken offers the most splendid backdrop in all of Lake Tahoe. The resort’s Executive Lodge is an ideal spot for wedding parties with such amenities as: an outdoor ceremony and reception area; two nights lodging in the 7-bedroom townhouse with breakfast each morning for 14 guests; special bridal dressing area; a living room and kitchen for your rehearsal dinner for up to 40 people. For more wedding information and options click here.

Don’t miss out on these great spring deals at Granlibakken!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Alpine Meadows. Come dressed in your best St. Patrick’s Day costume for a chance to win a CamelBak full of swag! All costumes will be judged at the St. Patrick’s Day Après Ski Party taking place in the Alpine Bar from 2pm to 5pm. Enjoy Irish food and drink specials and live music by the Nibblers! Drink specials include $5 Guinness, Smithwick’s Cream Ale and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.  Food specials available at the Last Chair Bar include $5 Irish Nachos and Shepherd’s Pie.

Homewood Mountain Resort celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a Pot O’ Gold scavenger hunt, green beer and green bull cocktails, corned beef and cabbage in Homewood’s South Lodge starting at noon, selling limited-edition “I Shamrock Homewood” t-shirts ($10 to Homewood season pass holders and $15 to the general public) and a St. Patty’s Twilight Ski, during which guests are invited to hit the slopes from 4-7 p.m. (after the resort typically closes) via the Quail triple chair in addition to daytime skiing and riding. One lucky guest will find Homewood’s “Pot O’ Gold” hidden on the slopes of Homewood. The Homewood Pot O’ Gold will contain treasures such as a lift ticket 3-pack, a 2012/2013 season pass, and a West Shore Café & Inn gift card. Guests will receive hints as to the whereabouts on the Homewood Facebook page on or before St. Patrick’s Day.

You won't want to miss your chance at these limited-edition t-shirts.

Northstar is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with fun and specials for the whole family. The whole mountain is joining in on the fun. Chilly Pepper’s Dos is offering breakfast and lunch specials including corned beef hash and fried eggs and corned beef tacos with a spicy sauerkraut. Join Northstar and EpicMix for the first ever St. Patrick’s Day EpicMix Scavenger Hunt. Join fellow EpicMixers in an on-mountain scavenger hunt, compete in challenges, earn EpicMix pins such as Pot O’ Gold pin (earned for riding any lift or gondola on St. Patrick’s Day), Patroller Pin, Kiss Me I’m Irish Pin, Ripperoo Pin, Puzzle Me Pin, Mystery Lift Pin, Luck of the Irish Pin, Shamrockin’ Pin, Go Team! Pin, Safety first Pin and Chondolier Pin. Solve riddles to unlock special EpicMix virtual pins in various locations throughout Northstar. Register in person from 11:30 am – 1 pm, $10 per person, $15 for a couple and $25 for three to five people. After the big “hunt” head to the Lodge at Big Springs at mid-mountain for an après party where each scavenger hunt participant will receive a free slice of pizza and 14 oz. beer or soda. There will be a raffle and prizes will be given to most visible green outfit and best Irish-themed outfit. While participating in the scavenger hunt try to “catch the leprechaun” from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on the mountain. The Northstar Ski & Snowboard School will have one of their members skiing or snowboarding around the mountain in a Leprechaun costume. If you “catch” them (stop them), the “catcher” will receive a free hot chocolate coupon! After skiing all day check out Baxter’s Bistro featuring live classic Irish folk music starting at 6 pm from The Roundabouts and traditional Irish food and drink specials.

Will you find the Pot O' Gold at one of the resorts this weekend?

Sugar Bowl will be hosting their annual Pot O’ Gold hunt on St. Patrick’s Day. Find clues scattered around the mountain which will lead you to the famous gold pot containing a Midweek pass for 2012/2013.

Don’t stop your partying after a day on the slopes. You won’t want to miss the BARmuda Triangle Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration 2012 which includes drink specials all night and no cover at three different locations. The fun starts at Jake’s on the Lake with traditional Irish food all day, Happy Hour discounts 4:30-6:30pm, live music from Mark Wilson at 6pm. The party continues at Hacienda del Lago with live funk “Terraplane” 9:30pm-2am, and L.A. DJ Dre Tuna at Lakeside 10pm-2am. Bounce around from bar to bar and enjoy music and drink specials all night at all three venues! The Bushmills Shot Girls will be on hand at all three locations all night.

Where will you be wearing green this weekend?

Following a five-day conference at Tahoe South, which includes skiing, concerts, dinners and a cruise on Lake Tahoe, the travel and ski journalists representing national magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs and social media outlets will tour the West Shore of Lake Tahoe and three ski resorts as part of a post trip of the North American Snowsports Journalist Association National Conference. The event designed to generate significant editorial coverage for the area as a leading winter destination.

Jessica Kunzer of Ski Utah poses with the Travelocity gnome on an après cruise on Lake Tahoe.

Members attending this conference represent the Associated Press, SKI Magazine, Snow.com, San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee, Examiner.com, 7×7 Magazine, San Jose Mercury News, LA Daily Breeze, Contra Costa Times, Trenton (New Jersey) Times and NJ.com.

“The West Shore of Lake Tahoe and our world class ski resorts provide for the perfect cap on the NASJA conference,” said Kay Williams, general manager of Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge. “Journalists will learn about the significant changes underway here to share with readers throughout the country.”

In addition to overall destination stories, conference attendees will be provided updates on major plans at Homewood Mountain Resort and capital improvement at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

The West Shore post-trip of the NASJA National Conference includes land, lake and air. Attendees will take the Tahoe Bleu Wave yacht from South Shore, arriving at Homewood Mountain Resort for a tour and skiing. An opening night reception will include an overview presentation of the area and a welcome from the evening’s sponsors. The journalists will ski at Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics on Saturday with a visit to Alpine Meadows on Sunday.

Established in 1963, first as the United States Ski Writers Association, the North American Snowsports Journalists Association is a professional group of more than 250 writers, authors, photographers, filmmakers and broadcasters who report ski- and snowboard-related news, information and features throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, via the various media. Corporate members include media contacts or employees of ski/snowboard-related businesses, such as resorts, convention and visitor associations, equipment and clothing manufacturers, or any others who have a commercial interest in the journalistic coverage of those sports.

To celebrate SnowFest, we’ve picked a few “Must Attend” events through the week. For more information about SnowFest and a complete list of events, visit the organization’s redesigned website here.

Friday, March 2: Opening Night Ceremonies, Laser Show, Torchlight Parade and Fireworks at Squaw Valley USA, which has partnered with World Champion medalist and former alpine ski racer Daron Rahlves. Rahlves and his Olympic buddies will officially kick off SnowFest with the Rahlves’ Banzai Tour at the Opening Night Ceremonies. Channel your inner ski bum around   9 p.m. for the 3rd annual Hot Dog 80s Retro Party at the Cornice Cantina — Olympic Valley. If you haven’t seen Hot Dog the Movie take a night and rent the cult classic. Hot Dog was made at Squaw Valley, and has numerous “local celebrities” in the film. Everyone is encouraged to dress the part of your favorite character from the movie, and come ready to dance the night away in that good old ’80s style we all knew and loved so well. Some “celebrities’ from the film will be on site as guest bartenders so look sharp, and maybe you can catch a picture with your favorites.

Saturday, March 3: Either watch or take the plunge into Lake Tahoe if you dare for the 22nd annual Gar Woods Polar Swim at Garwoods Grill & Pier, 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Annual Gar Woods Polar Swim

Sunday, March 4: The Great Ski Race® begins in Tahoe City, at the Tahoe XC Center and goes over the hill, ending at the Cottonwood in Truckee, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday-Wednesday, March 7-8: A SnowFest favorite, a Tahoe City tradition, the Fastest Bartender Competition, continues in Truckee at the Tourist Club, 7 to 11 p.m. Participants compete in a timed competition making various drinks from the menu. Winners will be awarded prizes for best time.

Contenders can register on the night of the event. Meanwhile, every bartender thinks they make the “Ultimate Bloody Mary”
but Thursday you’ll find out who wins title of “Bloody Mary Master.”
This competition will be coveted by all to try and come up with their special ingredients to claim the title for the North Tahoe Region. Cornice Cantina, Olympic Valley, 4 to 7 p.m.

Thursday,March 9: Enjoy great ribs at the Bridgetender during its 4th annual Rib Fest. This extravaganza of barbecue ribs takes place on the outside patio & bar of the Bridgetender in Tahoe City from 4 to 7 p.m.

SnowFest Kings Beach Parade

Friday, March 10: Bring out your “best pooch” sweaters on Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. to the North Tahoe Events Center in Kings Beach for a howlin’ good time. Go to watch or bring your own pooch and dress them up in their “Saturday best”, “cutest”, “scariest” or other fun costumes. All dogs welcome and will be entered in the must-attend SnowFest Kings Beach Parade, 11:30 to 12:30 at Kings Beach. Afterwards head over to Kings Beach Chevron for the New York Hot Dog Stand Hot Dog Eating Contest. This is not about eating a bunch of steaming dogs but a competition to devour one giant custom-made 5 pound hot dog. Eat it in a record time and you’ll have a chance of winning the cash purse prize. Entry fee is $20 but if you’re not in the mood to eat, you’ll want to watch.

Meanwhile, check-in at Granlibakken for a number of overnight lodging options in time for SnowFest revelry. Enjoy the resort’s comfortable amenities such as its famous hot buffet breakfast, the Lighthouse Spa, heated outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub, and plenty of hills to ski, sled and snowshoe. Accommodations range from cozy lodge rooms to studios with fireplaces and kitchens to one to eight bedroom townhomes.

To celebrate the arrival of fresh powder and the odd calendar day, Squaw and Alpine are offering $29 lift tickets on Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Adults, young adults and kids can all take to the hill and enjoy 5,000 acres and over 30 lifts between Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows – all on a $29 lift ticket. But you will have to act fast. In order to take advantage of the incredible $29 lift tickets, guests must purchase by midnight of Tuesday, Feb. 28. Leap day tickets are available for purchase online at www.squaw.com and www.skialpine.com, or by calling 1-800-403-0206.

Meanwhile, you can check-in at Granlibakken, which offers affordable and luxurious stay and ski lodging packages and the resort’s comfortable amenities such as its famous hot buffet breakfast (optional), the Lighthouse Spa, heated outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub and plenty of on-site hills to ski, sled and snowshoe.

Accommodations range from cozy lodge rooms to studios with fireplaces and kitchens to one to eight bedroom townhouses. (800) 543-3221

Lighthouse Spa offers a menu of wellness packages including therapeutic massage, skin care, spa manicure-pedicures, holistic body treatments, body waxing and health consultations from a staff of professional therapists.

Granlibakken, home to the 1932 Olympic ski jumping trials, maintains its rustic charm delivering a high-tech vacation headquarters for families, groups and travelers: free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and transportation from the Reno-Tahoe airport. Situated on 74 forested acres, the property feels quiet and secluded, yet is located one mile from downtown Tahoe City.

Where are you spending your leap day?

Kick off your weekend at Lakeside Tahoe City tonight with DJs Micah J and Tre Tuna in a President’s Weekend Throw-down.  The battle starts at 9 pm so stop by for some drinks, dancing and fun electronic music.

Looking for specials on ski school this weekend? Mt. Rose Rosebuds Half Day Ski Program is offering a President’s Day weekend price. For $135 your child can receive 4 hours of instruction, a boxed lunch, rental equipment, helmet, all day lift ticket and preferred parking in the main lot front row. The half day ski program runs from 9 am-2pm and space is limited, reservations recommended.

Ski at Squaw Valley in the morning on Fat Tuesday and join in on the Mardi Crawl starting at KT Base Bar at 2 PM.  The Mardi Crawl will continue on to Cantina, Mamasake, Auld Dubliner, 22 Bistro and finish at Rocker.  Each location will be featuring drink and food specials in honor of Fat Tuesday.

Squaw isn’t the only place offering Mardi Gras festivities. Northstar is celebrating on and off the mountain with food & drink specials and live music. Check out TC’s Pub‘s specials — fried shrimp po-boys, jambalaya and hurricanes Saturday, February 18-Fat Tuesday, February 21. The Lodge at Big Springs will have a different food special Sunday-Wednesday including Cajun burgers, a blackened salmon sandwich and continual drink specials of rum punch, hurricanes and razzmatazz drinks.  Summit Deck & Grill is offering food and drink specials Saturday-Tuesday including crawfish gumbo, Cajun stuffed peppers, melon balls and Blue Tahoe’s.  Chili Peppers Dos is offering specials on Cajun seasoned shrimp tacos on Fat Tuesday.

Want to do some ice skating after a day on the mountain? Wear your green, gold and purple turtlenecks for Turtleneck “Fat” Tuesday and enjoy ice skating at the Northstar Village from 6pm-9pm.

And you won’t want to miss out on the live music at Northstar from 2pm-5pm. The Saint Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band will ring in Fat Tuesday with authentic New Orleans-style music on the Northstar Village Stage around the ice skating rink. What better way to finish a day of skiing or snowboarding?

What festivities will you be taking part in this holiday weekend?

Start your day off in the snow with a full day of skiing or snowboarding at Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows. Both of these first class ski resorts are offering a very sweet Valentine’s Day deal of $14 lift tickets. There are a limited of tickets available and they have to be purchased in advance. Squaw Valley – 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic, CA. (530)583-6985. Alpine Meadows – 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, Tahoe City, CA. (800)403-0206.

Snowmen Love

After playing in the snow with your Valentine head back to Granlibakken to enjoy a casual night snuggled up next to the fireplace or by relaxing in the heated pool, hot tub and sauna. Maybe you want to wind down and relaw after your active day with a couples massage or any of the other services offered like a manicure and/or pedicure, a muscle soothing body wrap, or an invigorating facial at Lighthouse Spa.

With the money saved on lift tickets you’ll have some left over to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a delicious dinner right on the Truckee River at River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant. Chef Julia has put together a special Valentine’s Day menu including lobster bisque, ahi tuna, filet mignon and of course chocolate strawberries. Complimentary champagne will be served with your dinner entrée from the holiday menu. The full dinner menu will also be available. Reservations start at 5:30 p.m. 2285 River Road, Tahoe City, CA. (530)583-4264.

Another Valentine’s Day dinner option is Jake’s on the Lake. Sip wine by a romantic lakefront setting and savor a candlelight dinner with your special someone. Chef Scott Yorkey has created a sensational prix fix Valentine’s Dinner Menu of three delicious courses for $79 per couple (Jake’s entire dinner menu will also be served). Reservations strongly recommended. 780 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA. (530)583-0188.

How will you spend your Valentine’s Day?

Kick back and relax in front of one of Lakeside Pizza and Sports Bar’s big screen TV’s or HDTV’s.  Enjoy happy hour from 3-6 pm with $5 off small pizzas, $3/$2 drafts and $3 well cocktails. 850 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City.

Want a chance to win prizes during the game? Why not check out Pete N Peter’s. For every drink purchased during the game you will receive a raffle ticket and entry to win a variety of prizes. Prizes including gift certificate to Jake’s on the Lake, gift certificate to River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant, lift ticket’s to Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows, Titlist golf bag or round of golf at Shaffer’s Mill (formerly Timilick Tahoe). The Bud Lite girls will be helping out from 4-6 p.m. 395 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City.

Extended Happy Hour, anyone? The Blue Coyote Bar & Grill is starting Happy Hour at 12 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.  Stop by for the game plus awesome food and drink specials. 10015 Palisades Dr, Ste. D, Truckee.

Where do you plan on watching the BIG game?