This 10-day winter extravaganza started in 1982 and has expanded to include 50-plus events throughout North Lake Tahoe’s towns, from a frozen pickleball tourney and polar bear swim to snow golf, an ice cream–eating contest, and a snow-themed street party.
What Is SnowFest?
Celebrate the waning days of winter on the north side of turquoise-blue Lake Tahoe with SnowFest’s 10 days of activities: Watch the Snow King & Queen parade, dress up your dog for the pet costume contest, or soak up the energy from the area’s festive bars and restaurants.
The annual late-February/early-March festival first launched in Tahoe City in 1982, as a way to show people that the Tahoe area’s good ski conditions last well past February. Over the years the late-winter festival steadily grew, and today the self-proclaimed Mountain Mardi Gras kicks with off four big events in three days: the crowning of this year’s queen, fireworks at Commons Beach, a parade (look for entries like the Unicycling Unicorn), and the Polar Bear Swim—a 250-yard jaunt in the 39-degree waters of Lake Tahoe, followed by reviving snacks and libations at the nearby Gar Woods restaurant and bar.
At the end of the festival, watch the annual Tahoe City Dog Pull (formerly the Ididarun), where a variety of dogs compete in a wagon-pulling race on a snow run. In between there are dozens of events, typically including a torchlight parade, concerts, pancake breakfasts, bar parties, a hot wings eating contest, ice-carving, milk-jug curling, and even a luau. While most activities—check out the schedule—are centered around Tahoe City, some of the festivities are also staged at nearby ski resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, Homewood Mountain Resort, and Northstar California. All of them also provide venues for fundraising and educational events for non-profit organizations in the area.
How to Get Tickets for SnowFest
Tickets for SnowFest can be purchased directly through the official website and individual event pages as they become available ahead of the festival dates. Many events, like the kickoff party, offer advance purchase discounts and often sell out, so buying ahead of time online is recommended; some smaller activities remain free or donation-based but still benefit from event registration.
What to Do While You’re at SnowFest
Beyond the festival events, North Lake Tahoe offers plenty of ways to round out a SnowFest getaway. Pedal a fat-tire bike across snow-covered trails at Northstar California, then refuel with cheesy comfort food at Rubicon Pizza Company.
For a quieter pace, glide through Tahoe Donner’s 2,800 acres of snow-blanketed meadows on a network of expertly groomed cross-country ski trails. You can also ride the gondola to High Camp at Palisades Tahoe and enjoy a smashburger at Terrace Restaurant & Bar, where wall-to-wall windows frame sweeping alpine views. Cap the day with a stroll through Truckee, browsing rustic-chic shops, dining out, or settling in for après-ski nightlife.
For more, see 5 Amazing Things to Do in Lake Tahoe.
Where to Stay for SnowFest
Check out the lodging options in Tahoe City and learn more about the North Lake Tahoe area.