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When To Go

High season is, of course, Christmas week, February-March (non-stop special events from free concerts to exciting World Cup and Freeride competitions), Spring Break, and June through September. Low season is "mud season" from late-May to mid-June and again from November to mid-December. January ("low" high winter season) offers the best bang for your buck thanks to generally excellent snow and fewer crowds, while April "corn" snow is ideal for spring skiing in shorts. Rates dip in October, but several fun fests and pyrotechnic turning colors make fall a great time to visit. Still, no matter when you visit, you're likely to arrive during a major festival or sporting event; indeed, Tahoe's calendar is filled with year-round activities that are draws in themselves.

In winter, Squaw Valley, Heavenly, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Kirkwood, and Sierra-at-Tahoe host numerous major ski competitions in everything from rail jams to tele-marking to free-riding throughout the winter season. The 10-day March Snow Festival (www.tahoesnowfestival.com) is a "Mountain Mardi Gras" featuring nearly 50 events around North Lake Tahoe including torchlight parades, Snow Sculpture contest, live music, and such prestigious competitions as the Vans Tahoe Cup. Spring break is huge, especially at Squaw (www.squaw.com) and Heavenly (www.skiheavenly.com).

Spring fests include April's Telegrass Festival (www.sierra-at-tahoe.com) at Sierra-at-Tahoe, combining stomping bluegrass with free-heeling clinics. May stages the equally jammed – and jamming – Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival (www.laketahoejazzfestival.com). Late June's popular three-day Tour de Nez (www.tourdenez.com) peddles live music, belly dancing, equipment demos, mint juleps, bike decorating contests, face painting, clinics, and pro and clunker races.

Summer is equally packed, with Truckee River Regional Park's (www.tdrpd.com/regional_park.htm) Wednesday Night Summer Music Series from mid-June to late-August; Sand Harbor State Park hosts the month-long mid-summer Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (www.laketahoeshakespeare.com); late-August sees the Tahoe Reno International Film Festival; while historic Tallac holds the Valhalla Arts & Music Festival (www.valhalla-tallac.com) from August through September. Other festivals to consider include the synergistically sybaritic Art, Music & Wine Fest (www.squaw.com) in late July; mid-August's Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest (www.squaw.com); and mid-September's Animal Wine & Art Bark Festival (www.thebarkfestival.com) showcasing abstract watercolors by Cholla the horse, wines such as Rosenblum's Côtes du Bone Blanc – and serious stuff too, including kick-ass music.

Autumn events include the respected Lake Tahoe Food & Wine Festival (www.puertahoenorth.com) in September followed by the boisterous beer-and-brat Village Oktoberfest Brew Ha Ha (www.squaw.com). Check the various visitors bureau and resort websites for details and more options.

When To Go

High season:
Christmas week; February-March; mid-June to September

Low season:
Late-May to mid-June; November to mid-December

Best bang for your buck:
January, April, and October