Tahoe City, CA (Monday, February 20, 2006) - The annual North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival kicks off its 25th year on Friday, March 3, starting a ten-day celebration of winter fun. This year’s festival features over 45 different events taking place at ski and snowboard resorts and other venues around North Lake Tahoe.

The festival, which began as a small grass roots effort in 1982, has grown to include a wide variety of festive events and activities for all ages, attracting visitors from around the globe to North Lake Tahoe’s beautiful spring weather and ski and snowboard terrain.

“All the elements converge perfectly during Snow Festival,” commented Eric Brandt, Festival Director. “The days are getting longer, the snow conditions are optimal, and people are primed and ready for a good time. It’s really a Mountain Mardi Gras.”

Two major on-snow events taking place during the festival this year include the Vans Tahoe Cup at Northstar, and the FIS Pacific Crest races at Squaw Valley USA. In addition, the Festival is welcoming the return of several signature events at well-known North Tahoe locations, including the Opening Night Fireworks and Torchlight Parade at Squaw Valley USA, the Tahoe City and Kings Beach Parades, the Gar Wood’s Polar Bear Swim, the Pierce St. Annex Monster Dawg Pull, the Sunnyside Luau, and many more. New events this year include several live music events, benefit ski days, and a Children’s Science Exploratorium.

Festival lodging packages are available at properties around North Lake Tahoe. A special festival savings card is also available for $20, offering discounts at participating businesses throughout the festival. Visit www.tahoesnowfestival.com for details.