It’s been going on since 1982, with wacky and wild years of mountain culture, Tahoe Style.

SnowFest is North Lake Tahoe’s 10 day winter carnival.

SnowFest takes place every March throughout North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.  Don’t miss the Tahoe City Snowfest parade, Polar Plunge, Wacky Winter Bowling or the Stand Up Paddle Race.

The wacky and wild strut their stuff at North Lake Tahoe’s 10-day winter carnival and one of the region’s most popular family celebrations. SnowFest! made its first appearance in March of 1982 to show skiers that Tahoe’s legendary snowpack lasts well past the Presidents’ holiday.

Here are a few highlights of the events:

Pull out your bathing suits.  Swimming enthusiasts can take to Lake Tahoe’s 40-degree waters for the Annual Gar Wood’s Polar Bear Swim in Carnelian Bay, where participants race beyond the end of the restaurant’s pier and back, approximately 225 yards.

This Plunge benefits the more than 17,000 athletes of Special Olympics Northern CA & Nevada. Fundraiser and then plunge into Lake Tahoe. Costumes are encouraged. If you raise the minimum of $125, you get a Polar Plunge sweatshirt & an invite to the post plunge party. Plus you will help us continue to have our athletes compete year-round for FREE.

You’ll be able to fly down a “bowling lane” on a snow saucer and take out as many giant, inflatable Bozzo bowling pins as you can at the Wacky Winter Human Bowling at the Tahoe City Golf Course. Each team gets 3 chances to knock them down. Prizes awarded to 1st place in each team categories. Register at the event at 10am. The event, sponsored by the Tahoe City Downtown Association, is popular with families, and helmets are required for sledders under 18 years.

Get on the rink or simply watch rink side at the Resort at Squaw Creek’s “Broomball Tournament” as the teams battle for the championships!

Participants of all ages search on skis for clue caches hidden around the trails of the Tahoe Cross Country Center in Tahoe City at SnowFest’s Geo-Snow Quest Adventure. Guests will also learn how to use GPS, maps and avalanche beacons in this snowbound journey, and will then enjoy hot cocoa in the Winter Discovery Center Yurt afterwards.

A local’s favorite, the Snowfest! Dress Up Your Dog Contest will have several categories including the Pet’s Choice Awards.

Get your chill on at the Ta-Hoe Nalu’s Arctic Stand-Up Paddleboard Race at the Blue Onion Cafe in Kings Beach.  Registration starts day of event at 9am, 2 mile sprint race starts 11am.  After party at Blue Onion Cafe with awards, prizes, lunch, refreshments & live music.

This Donner Party themed dog pull race will pit dogs against the clock while pulling covered wagon sleds over a snow covered track. This is in a beautiful, safe environment and you can either view it from the comfort of the pub or under the heaters on the deck. Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe.

To plan your trip, click here.