Sierra-at-Tahoe

Travel and ski journalists from national magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs and social media outlets will arrive at South Lake Tahoe next week and be greeted with several feet of fresh snow during the North American Snowsports Journalist Association National Conference.

Extreme snow sports legend and Transformers film wingsuit stuntman JT Holmes has finished shooting promotional TV spots for the Tahoe Fund’s Plate for Powder program, which gives purchasers of California and Nevada

The snow forecast to hit the Lake Tahoe region during the next few days is expected to give the Tahoe Fund's Plate for Powder program a boost along with Sierra ski resorts and businesses. Drivers who purchase a California or Nevada Tahoe vehicle license plate will receive two free ski lift or Nordic tickets to the resort of their choice. New Tahoe plates cost $50 in California and $61 in Nevada.

The U.S. Forest Service and organizers of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month are working together to promote and recognize the event at Lake Tahoe and elsewhere, highlighting the health benefits of winter outdoor activity.

Two of Lake Tahoe's most popular ski and snowboarding icons, Daron Rahlves and Jeremy Jones, have finished shooting public service ads this week for the nonprofit Tahoe Fund's Plate for Powder program (photos).

The Tahoe Fund announced today that 12 major Lake Tahoe-area ski resorts are offering two free Alpine or Nordic tickets for every purchase of a California or Nevada Lake Tahoe license plate between December 12 and April 15.

Lake Tahoe South is New Year’s celebration central with Snow Globe, a three-day outdoor music festival with over 40 world-class musicians on three main stages, firework shows, combined with a myriad of outdoor recreation, entertainment and nightlife, providing action-packed holiday season for kids of all ages.

Tahoe's original ski resort, Granlibakken, near Tahoe City, is lodging central in 2012 with various ski and stay packages for seven area resorts.

“How much more warm weather and sunshine can we take,” laughed Kay Williams, deadpanning over last season’s epic seven-month winter and 700+ inches of snow. “Sure, various ski resorts like to be the first to open or last to close, but we want folks to know that we’re ready with early-season offerings.”

LAKE TAHOE — If another La Nina visits the Sierra this winter – all-time records were approached in 2010-11 with more than 700 inches of snow – Tahoe South ski resorts are ready to roll on another epic season.

Recent indicators show tourism at Lake Tahoe South Shore is improving, according to the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

December occupancy was up three percent compared to last year (Smith Travel Research). The No. 1 ski destination in the U.S. (Rand McNally 2011; TripAdvisor 2010) has seen a rise of 1.7 percent through Reno-Tahoe International Airport since July; 14 percent more skiers and snowboarders on the slopes, increased bookings over holiday weekends, and advance reservations for summer.

Checking in with Sierra-at-Tahoe, bottomless is the word of the day. The resort reports a mountain of new snow, as La Niña has lived up to her name graciously delivering the biggest storm of 2011.

The resort reports up to 8 feet of snow and counting, so make sure you wear you pole straps or you might not find them till the spring.

You'll feel confident when you huck those tricks you weren't brave enough to throw on hard pack. Today is the day with the resort filled with pillow soft landings.

Lake Tahoe has been ranked the No. 1 ski destination for the year by Rand McNally, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority announced Monday.

The ranking is based on travel bookings to the destination when compared to other winter locations throughout the United States and Canada. It is the latest recognition given to the region by the nation's top travel writers and publications, according to the LTVA announcement.

Tahoe is off to its best opening for snowsports in years with most resorts operating on a limited basis, but many offering top to bottom runs. Snow is good, not fluffy but not wet so it's like powder days at many mountain resorts.

Looks like a great snowsport season ahead as Tahoe resorts are opening all over, the latest being Sierra-at-Tahoe on Tuesday.

La Niña has dropped more than six feet of snow since Friday when the storm first rolled in and forecasters are calling for another 2 to 4 feet possible late Monday. It's cold, it's dry, it's white and it's ski time.

A handful of Lake Tahoe ski resorts prepare to open for the season this weekend thanks to an early snowfall, snowmaking guns and a fairly large storm set to punch the Sierra.

Around a foot or more of natural snow across the Sierra earlier this month certainly helped get things moving. With this weekend's anticipated storm, which may bring anywhere from 2-4 feet of snow to the Sierra, resorts should get a nice healthy boost just in time for the holiday season.

Here's what we know:

Skiers and boarders know when it comes to predicting snow at Lake Tahoe, a wing, a party and a prayer never hurts.

Prepare yourself for a snow dance at the alter as the annual “Pray for Snow” party will happen on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Fresh Ketch Restaurant in South Lake Tahoe. There will be live music, dancing, beverages and an avalanche of prizes.

La Nina made its first appearance of the year at Lake Tahoe, blanketing Heavenly Mountain Resort with eight to 12 inches of new snow and more on the way.

Cold weather and scattered snow showers are predicted this week, providing ideal conditions for the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system to create the best snow surfaces at Lake Tahoe for Heavenly’s opening day, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 19, weather and conditions permitting.

Super-cold temperatures have allowed Heavenly Mountain Resort to begin making snow at nights this week.

Signaling that the Lake Tahoe snowsports season is just days away if temperatures continue to cooperate, the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system gives Heavenly’s guests confidence that they will be skiing and snowboarding on Heavenly’s opening day, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 19, weather and conditions permitting.

Northstar-at-Tahoe can now be added to the Vail Resorts ownership roster.

Company officials announced today that a $63 million deal was struck between the Colorado-based ski giant Vail Resorts and Booth Creek Resorts, owners of Northstar-at-Tahoe.

The Sept. 30 deadline for the Double Whammy season pass at Lake Tahoe's Northstar and Sierra resorts is approaching.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Pencils down at Lake Tahoe. It’s time for Spring Break and outdoor recess is in session (http://www.TahoeSouth.com).

Lodging, Breakfast, Snow Play and Gear Free for Children at Family Resort During Easter Break