SnowFest kicks off Friday, March 5th with the opening ceremonies at Palisades Tahoe USA. Once the party's started, there are ten days of activities ahead. Tahoetopia offers an inside guide with some thoughts about to where to go and what to do over the first weekend.

Saturday, March 5th
This is one of the week's fullest days, with numerous events and activities to choose from, and some of the Snowfest classics that can't be missed.

Pancake Breakfast in Tahoe City - North Tahoe Firefighter's Association puts on a superb Pancake Breakfast, including pancakes, sausage, fruit, coffee, and juice. 7-11am. And, its only $4 for adults!

Rosie's Parade Watching Party - Rosie's Cafe, right in the middle of town, is a great place to start the parade and the week. 11am start.

Tahoe City Snowfest Parade - The mainstay of the first weekend of Snowfest for many years, the Tahoe City parade will not dissappoint. An array of creative and fun entries will keep all ages entertained. Pick a spot along North Lake Blvd. Two judging/announcer locations are at Rosie's Cafe and the Blue Agave. Both have ongoing parade parties. 11:30am - 12:30pm.

Pete 'n Peter's Post-Parade Party - As the last float passes, head to Pete 'n Peter's, just across from the fire station, for a lively apres'-parade bash. Save some room for the next event, though.

Gar Wood's Polar Bear Swim - Possibly the most well-known of the Snowfest events, the Polar Bear Swim draws a crowd and gives a chill as numerous contestants make an attempt at the quick, out-and-back swim in Tahoe's fridgid waters. Gar Woods serves food, Wet Woodies, and a huge raffle. Note: the water temperature in North Tahoe on March 3rd was around 40 degrees!

Sunday, March 6th
More of the biggest Snowfest events today.

The Great Ski Race - Another internationally known event, the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Great Ski Race, starts at 9am at Tahoe Cross Country, near Tahoe City. Racers of all ages and experience levels will make the 30km/18mile trek from Tahoe City to Truckee. The post-party and finish are at Cottonwood Restaurant, overlooking Truckee on Old Brockway Rd.

Wacky Winter Bowling/Dog Pull - Meanwhile, the Tahoe City Golf Course hosts a pair of fun and exciting spectator events. Wacky Winter Bowling is essentially sledding/bowling hybrid event, and the Dog Pull tests local canine's muscle and tenacity on a sprint course carrying a load of potables. The fun starts at 11am.

Sunnyside Luau - A cornerstone of Snowfest for many years, Sunnyside's Luau offers a Big Island feast to behold, right here in the mountains. Includes a hula-hoop and hula pie eating contest. 4-10pm at Sunnyside Resort, 2 miles south of Tahoe City.  

Check back for a look at the rest of the week's top picks or take a look at the complete event calendar.

There are many more events on the calendar - for all ages and interests. For more information about SnowFest, visit the official website at www.tahoesnowfestival.com.