North Lake Tahoe This March: Your Ultimate ‘Go To’ for Slopes, Snow-Play and Beyond!

Straddling the state border between California and Nevada, high in the Sierra Nevada, North Lake Tahoe is where you come for the ultimate year-round vacation destination.  Where early spring means epic snow-play,  adventure and family fun. With downhill ski parks, dozens of snow-play adventures, indoor sports, and off-beat spots to wander, there’s an activity for everyone, of all ages. So grab your sense of adventure and your snow gear, and get the up-to-date inside scoop on all North Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, your basecamp for year-round adventures, is at the epicenter for all seasonal sports and activities. The ideal “stay and play” resort for fun, friends and family. Whether you’re in pursuit of thrilling snow adventures or simply looking to unwind in the cozy warmth of our lakeside resort, MLRTahoe offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable winter vacation…where you can do it all nothing at all. Check it out all here. 

Spring On the Slopes

The first signs of spring start to appear in March in North Lake Tahoe. Although the temperatures begin to creep upwards, the mountain pack remains for downhill skiing and boarding.  And, fresh powder keeps coming with an average of 11-12 days of snowfall during the month. Plus, most of our 11 North Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts expect to operate well into April with snowmaking equipment keeping the slopes packed and powdery.  

March can also be a good month to take advantage of lower prices for passes. The days get a bit longer with a full 9 hours of daylight; temperatures reach highs of 46°F (8°C). Maybe shed a few layers and enjoy some unbeatable mountain sun—with a little sunscreen, please!

Did you Know? The lake’s high elevation (approximately 6,225 feet above sea level) contributes to its snowfall and cold temperatures during the winter months—part of a phenomenon known as “lake-effect snow,” where cold air masses passing over the warmer waters of the lake pick up moisture and deposit it as snowfall on our surrounding mountains. This results are deep snowpacks offering excellent skiing, snowboarding, and snow-play opportunities well into the spring months. 

This Spring’s Mountain-Side Festivals and Events

Many of our communities and ski resorts host fun events and festivals during the early spring season, adding an extra layer of excitement. From parades and costume parties to live music concerts and beer festivals, there’s always something happening on the mountain in the spring. 

North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST. Thursday, Feb 29th thru Sunday, March 10, 2024. Not to miss! This 42nd annual celebration is one of the largest winter mountain festivals on the west coast. Here you will find forty different family-friendly mountain-town events all around Tahoe City and Kings Beach. 

Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations. Wednesday, March 17th. Don’t forget to spread some Irish cheer while celebrating St Paddy’s Day at Auld Dubliner at Palisades Tahoe with over 100 whiskeys, Irish beer on draft, live music and good-old Irish fare. 

Diamond Peak’s Last Tracks. 12:30pm thru Mar 27 2024. As one of the most popular and unique on-mountain events, Diamond Peak hosts an awesome wine/beer-tasting event every Wednesday afternoon through the end of ski season on their Snowflake Lodge Deck. Tickets for this event include a half-day lift ticket leading up to the actual wine and beer-tasting event. 

WinterWonderGrass. The beginning of April (April 5th – 7th) brings WinterWonderGrass to Palisades Tahoe, an annual music and beer festival that combines bluegrass and acoustic music with craft beer tasting.

Conquer Your ‘Snow-Play’ in Lake Tahoe

Who says snow-play is just for kids? It’s time to unleash your inner child and let those snowballs fly.

From epic sledding to crafting the ultimate snow sculpture, there’s no shortage of family-friendly snow-play options in North Lake Tahoe. Just remember to check weather conditions, pack plenty of water, snacks, beanies, gloves, warm layers, and waterproof footwear for your adventures. Be sure to take a buddy for fun and safety. Always try to stay within boundaries so that you don’t wander too far in the elements. 

The Best Sledding Hills. Grab your sleds and prepare for some serious downhill action! Many resorts and parks offer groomed sledding hills perfect for families, with varying levels of steepness to accommodate all ages and skill levels. We’ve compiled a list of the coolest sledding areas in North Lake Tahoe. Don’t forget to bring some hot cocoa. You might need it after wipeout #3;). 

• North Tahoe Regional Park: Our favorite! This park, situated in Tahoe Vista, is literally out the backdoor of Mourelatoes Lakeshore Resort and offers open snow terrain for the entire family and every level of activity. The park itself is free to enter, but there may be fees for parking.

• Tahoe Donner Snow-Play Area: Located in Truckee, this area offers sledding and tubing fun for all ages. It’s part of the Tahoe Donner Association and typically requires a fee for access, but it’s a popular choice for families looking for a safe and enjoyable snow play experience. The terrain is a mix of gentle and moderately steep slopes suitable for families and children.

• Tahoe City Winter Sports Park: This park in Tahoe City offers ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snow play opportunities. While there might be fees for certain activities like ice skating, the snow play area is often free to use. It’s a great option for families looking for a variety of winter activities in one location.

• Truckee Regional Park: Similar to North Tahoe Regional Park, the gradient of the snow play areas at Truckee Regional Park will depend on the natural terrain and where visitors choose to sled within the park.

Friendly Snowballs, Frosty Creatures, Indoor Sports and Off-Beat Adventures

• Snowman Building: Embrace your creative side and build the ultimate snow creature with your family! March snow in Lake Tahoe is typically perfect for packing, making it ideal for building snow sculptures. Bring along accessories like scarves, hats, and find natural elements for other features, giving your snowman personality. Don’t forget to snap a family photo to commemorate the moment. Check out Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort’s ‘Snowman Snowdown’ Contest with great prizes, running through March 31st.

• Snowball Fights: What’s winter without a friendly snowball fight? Gather your family members for an epic battle in the snow, dodging and weaving through snow-covered trees and forts. Just remember to set some ground rules to keep the fun safe and enjoyable for everyone, and consider designating a safe zone for non-combatants to watch the action unfold.

• Ice Skating: Lace up your skates and hit the ice at one of Lake Tahoe’s outdoor ice skating rinks! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, ice skating is a timeless winter activity that the whole family can enjoy. Head up to Northstar Calfiornia for some ice skating in the village. Or, check out Tahoe City’s Winter Sports Park for a great day or evening of slipping, sliding and blading. 

• Winter Wildlife Viewing: March is an excellent time for wildlife viewing in Lake Tahoe, as many animals are active in the snow-covered landscape. Bundle up and venture into the wilderness with your family to spot native wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and birds. Bring binoculars and a camera.  And, please remember you will be in their natural habitat; although we mentioned that it’s ok to feed the chickadees, please do not leave food and always keep your distance. 

Winter Picnics: Pack a thermos of hot soup or cocoa, along with snacks and sandwiches, and venture out for a winter picnic with your family. Find a scenic spot to relax, picnic and have some fun such as North Tahoe Regional Park and Kings Beach State Beach. Or, for guests staying at Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, enjoy the 275 foot private beach with panoramic views.

• Snow Yoga: Who says yoga is just for the studio? Take your practice to the snow-covered shores of North Lake Tahoe and experience the serenity of snow yoga! Bundle up and a find tranquil spot where you can strike a pose and find inner peace amidst the winter landscape. Embrace the challenge of balancing on uneven terrain, feel the soothing sensation of snowflakes falling gently around you.

Getting Around for Free

Like a “Mountain Uber” but free, TART Connect is North Lake Tahoe’s free curb-to-curb, on-demand shuttle service that follows a shared ride model and promotes sustainable transportation within the destination. Its the way to travel in North Lake Tahoe! To find a ride, download the TART Connect app or call (530) 553-0653.

The Ultimate Stay and Play Destination

at Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort

Time to make lasting memories and enjoy the magical winter wonderland of North Lake Tahoe in March. It all starts with a stay at Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, a cherished destination where families return year-after-year for the beauty of Lake Tahoe, personalized service and a big serving of Greek hospitality! So bundle up, venture out, and let the adventures begin! Use this booking code for the best discounts of the season: MLR2024.

-Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort Your Tahoe Home – Your Basecamp for Tahoe Adventure.