April 13, 2011 (South Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev.) – Another round of significant late-season snow has dropped on Tahoe South (http://www.tahoesouth.com), reinforcing its reputation as the country’s leading spring skiing destination. Area resorts received 1-2 feet in the past 48 hours with another 1-2 feet expected through Saturday. Forecasts are calling for temps in the 50s and sunny skies for Sunday and beyond.

Families, powder hounds, party-goers and sun worshipers alike can take advantage of the conditions and the famous laid-back Tahoe vibe. Resorts have extended their seasons: Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood will remain open daily through April 22; while Heavenly and Kirkwood will operate Friday – Sunday until April 29, weather and conditions permitting.

“We’ve had a ‘Miracle-March’ followed by an ‘Amazing-April,’ setting us up a great season finale,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “The recent snowfall combined with festivals, parties and events has us positioned as the spring break headquarters.”

A fleet of city and state snow removal vehicles around the Lake Tahoe Basin will be keeping the roads clear and safe for travel. Caltrans has current California road conditions at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or 916-445-7623. For road conditions in Nevada, contact the Nevada Department of Transportation at www.nevadadot.com or 877-687-6237. Travelers can also get up-to-the-minute online road information and more on their smart phones at NV.mobi.

For the most up-to-date information on snowfall, mountain base depths and road conditions in South Lake Tahoe, check area ski resort web sites and cams or call snow phones: Heavenly Web Cams – 775-586-7000; Sierra-at-Tahoe Web Cams – 530-659-7475; Kirkwood Web Cams – 209-258-3000 and Heavenly Village Web Cams.

Special Events/Competitions:

The second annual Springfest at Kirkwood celebrates spring skiing, live music during the day, DJs at night with drinks specials, lift ticket deals, April 13-15. In addition, the Twisted Sisters Freeride Competition, a big mountain and freeride competition wrapped in one, returns this weekend to test the riders’ skills in steep terrain as well as their confidence on man-made features.

The 6th Annual Buckle Up Big Air slopestyle event in remembrance of Sierra Resort Team rider Greg Taylor Smith is Saturday, April 14. The competition helps to spread seat belt safety awareness and a $1,800 cash purse is up for grabs for open divisions with prizes and swag for amateur divisions. The 5th Annual Salsa Showdown is April 15. A fun fiesta filled with jovial spirit and lots of tacos and salsa sponsored by Maui Jim. To compete bring two cups of your home made salsa to West Bowl by 10 a.m. to be entered into the Showdown.
www.sierraattahoe.com

The annual Spring Loaded at Heavenly concludes this weekend with parties, pond skimming, concerts and springtime mischief. Ski or ride all day and party all night. www.skiheavenly.com/springloaded.

The 18th annual Kirkwood Banked Slalom is open to skiers, snowboarders and snowskaters of all abilities ages 5 and up. A local’s favorite event takes participants through Snowsnake Gully, April 21. It’s also Passholder Appreciation Day with free BBQ lunch and wine tasting in the Village Plaza.

The Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II, authentic paddlewheelers, offers daytime Emerald Bay scenic sightseeing cruises. www.laketahoecruises.com

Season Pass Deals:

New for 2012-2013, the Tahoe Local Pass™ offers skiing and riding seven days a week to Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood resorts for $419 and includes access on Saturdays at all three Tahoe resorts with limited holiday restrictions. www.epicpass.com.

Sierra-at-Tahoe continues to keep it real by offering an unrestricted Adult Season Pass starting at $249, limited quantities. Guests who purchase 2012-13 season pass can ski free for the remainder of the 2011-12 season.

2012 Showroom Entertainment:

The 2012 Harrah’s South Shore Room lineup includes: Little Feat, April 14; Los Lobos, April 21; Puddle of Mudd, April 28; Chickenfoot, May 4-5; Rick Springfield, May 12; Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Shootout, May 19; Elvin Bishop, May 26. www.harrahslaketahoe.com

MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa’s 2012 spring line-up features: Lotus, April 20; Bass After Party ft. Minnesota, Love & Light & Griz, April 20; Vokab Kompany, May 5; Cinco De Mayo, May 5; DEV w/ The Whitney Myer Band (NBCs The Voice) Young L & Star, May 12 and The Academy of Dance Arts: A Spring Celebration, May 18-19. www.montbleuresort.com.

Illusion Fusion is a new family-friendly, high-energy show in South Shore starring award-winning magician Alex Ramon, nightly (Thurs.-Mon.) in the Golden Cabaret at Horizon Casino. It features mind-blowing illusions, slight-of-hand close-up, audience interaction and never-before-seen magic. Tickets are $24.95, with free tickets on Sundays for kids 12 and under (one free ticket with each paid adult).

For real promotions, packages, conditions and events in Tahoe South, The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TahoeSouth, Twitter: www.twitter.com/SouthShoreTahoe, YouTube: www.youtube.com/LTVA. For information about Tahoe South, call 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or visit www.tahoesouth.com.