The opening weekend of North Lake Tahoe's Annual Snowfest gets underway Friday, February 28th, with a variety of events, including the opening ceremonies, crowning of the Snowfest Queen, fireworks, the Tahoe City parade, the annual Polar Bear Swim, and the Rahlves Banzai Tour at Palisades Tahoe.

On Friday, Feb 28, the 33rd Annual North Lake Tahoe SnowFest will begin with Opening Ceremonies at Palisades Tahoe. The night sky will be lit up with an amazing laser show, a torchlight parade of skiers, and the grand finale Coors Light Fireworks Display. Live DJ music iat the edge of the Village will run from the afternoon into the evening featuring the one and only Unimog.

On Saturday, March 1st, visitors and locals gather to see Tahoe's wackiest and wildest strut down Tahoe City’s North Lake Boulevard in the annual Tahoe City SnowFest Parade, featuring numerous "eclectic" floats and displays related to life in North Lake Tahoe. This family-friendly event offers something for everyone, from vintage fire engines and big trucks, to musicians, a snow shovel drill team, and a special appearance by the parade’s Grand Marshal. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and park off the main street, Hwy 28/North Lake Blvd. which will be closed during the parade from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Following the parade in Tahoe City, Snowfest revelers head east along the north shore of Lake Tahoe to Gar Wood's Grill and Pier, just a few miles away in Carnelian Bay, to watch the annual Polar Bear Swim. This is a one of a kind event, where daring souls brave the extreme cold temperatures of Lake Tahoe in an 'out-and-back' swim. The swim is followed by a lively party with tons of raffle prizes.

On Sunday, March 2nd, thousands usally gather for the annual Great Ski Race, a benefit race for the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, which has been cancelled this year due to low snow levels.

However, the competitive spirit reigns as Snowfest again welcomes the Rahlves Banzai Tour to its list of events. The finals of the Palisades Tahoe stop of the tour will take place on Sunday off Squaw's legendary KT-22, and are sure to provide incredible ski and snowboard action.

The opening weekend of Snowfest sets the stage for a ten-day series of fun events celebrating North Lake Tahoe's vibrant community and mountain town culture.

For a complete event schedule, click here.