South Lake Tahoe, CA…With the early season snowfall blanketing the slopes, Tahoe South is poised for a season complete with skiing/snowboarding, live entertainment, outdoor recreation, family adventures and holiday cheer. (www.TahoeSouth.com). A litany of events to celebrate are planned:

HEADLINER ENTERTAINMENT

Winter Ignite rings in the ski season at the Heavenly Village with a high-energy performance from Cold War Kids, an American indie rock band from Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The free concert by Heavenly Mountain Resort serves as a celebration for winter adventures on the mountain combined with 24-7 nightlife and entertainment. The after party is at Vinyl at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe with dancing, live music and drink specials (www.skiheavenly.com).

Heavenly Holidays kicks the season into high gear, a two-week adventure Dec. 19-31 at Heavenly Village. The family festival entails ice sculptors, DJs and live music, magicians and a visit with Santa. The event ends with a New Year’s Eve celebration, including a live outdoor concert at Heavenly Village and countdown to the brightly-lit gondola ball-drop with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. (www.skiheavenly.com).

The highly anticipated SnowGlobe Music Festival returns, Dec. 29-31, with electronic sights and sounds leading into the New Year. The three-day dance party outside at Lake Tahoe Community College features nationally renowned headliners The Chainsmokers, Flume, Major Lazer and many more. SnowGlobe will also feature dynamic fireworks displays and “big air” snowboarding and skiing demos between main stage sets (www.snowglobemusicfestival.com).

PRAY FOR SNOW GATHERINGS

Duck, dive and dodge at Sierra-at-Tahoe’s annual Sierra Snowball Fight: A Dodgeball Tournament at Steamer’s Bar & Grill, Nov. 10, to celebrate the upcoming ski season with live music, drink specials, giveaways and a dodgeball tournament. Teams of six individuals sign up in advance: www.sierraattahoe.com and compete elimination style for the coveted title.

The second annual Blizzardfest at Beach Retreat and Lodge will summon the snow gods to provide precipitation early and often. The “Pray for Snow Party” hosts games, vendors, raffle contests and live music from jazz funk artist Scott Pemberton, Nov. 19. Raffle proceeds go to the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (www.tahoebeachretreat.com).

Barton Health’s Festival of Trees and Lights kicks off the holiday season with the spirit of giving back to the community, Dec. 1-4. The 8th annual fundraiser at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa includes Christmas tree and wreath decorations, local entertainment, a gift auction and a visit from Santa Claus. This year’s proceeds will benefit Barton Health’s Cancer Wellness Programs (www.festivaloftreeslaketahoe.com).

FILMS AND MUSIC

The annual Tahoe Adventure Film Festival fuels outdoor passion by premiering short edits from the industry’s best adventure sports films at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa, Dec. 10. The festival captures the intensity and thrill of outdoor activities ranging from skiing/snowboarding, climbing, biking, surfing, along with a night of DJs, break-dancers and giveaways (www.laketahoefilmfestival.com).

Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus hosts its 11th annual production of Handel’s Messiah at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Dec. 16. The TOCCATA production is a celebration of the holidays and includes favorite selections from Messiah Parts One and Three, as well as classic carols (www.toccatatahoe.com).

The enchantment of the holidays extends to the stage with the Magic of Rob Lake at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Known for his original grand illusions and elaborate theatrical interactive performances, Rob brings his renowned performances to Tahoe South for two weeks, Dec. 22-23; Dec. 26-28; Dec. 30; Jan. 1; Jan. 6-7 (www.caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe/shows).

SAFE TRAVELS

During snowfall, a fleet of city and state snow removal vehicles work around the Lake Tahoe Basin to keep 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 http://nvroads.com or 877-687-6237.

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: 775-586-7000; Sierra-at-Tahoe: 530-659-7475; Kirkwood: 209-258-3000.