This just in from the folks at Ski Lake Tahoe. Wish I was there!

                      ***
The seven resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe were blanketed by more than three feet of fresh snow over the course of this last weekend treating skiers and snowboarders to textbook Lake Tahoe spring conditions of deep snow and great temperatures. This classic Sierra storm system dropped close to three feet of snow in less than 24 hours with cooler than average temperatures providing for light, dry snow quality and bottomless powder turns.

Lake Tahoe resorts are currently reporting the deepest snow pack levels in the country with base depths now approaching 200 inches and year-to-date snowfall totals rapidly nearing the 500 inch mark. The high snowfall totals, nearing twelve feet amassed at the Ski Lake Tahoe resorts in March nearly match the twelve feet of snow that fell throughout the month of February.

This cycle of powerful, cold winter storm systems from the Pacific is expected to give way to sunny skies and comfortable temperatures this next week with an occasional snowstorm in the forecast to freshen up the slopes. This weather pattern should serve as ideal setting for the annual migration of revelers headed to Lake Tahoe to soak up the legendary skiing scene in the Sierra including poolside parties, snow volleyball, pond-skimming, live music and 24/7 nightlife and entertainment options.

In order to take advantage of the longer days, many Lake Tahoe ski resorts have extended their scheduled hours of daily lift operations. Additionally, skiers and snowboarders headed to Lake Tahoe can expect to make turns well into May with this season’s plentiful snowpack allowing for the possibility of chairlifts still turning into the summer months. Lake Tahoe ski resorts stay open for skiing and snowboarding longer than many of America’s ski destinations, offering the world-class spring ski experience that culminates great snow conditions, warm temperatures and non-stop fun.

In addition to incredible skiing and snowboarding conditions, destination travelers heading to Lake Tahoe can take advantage of the most affordable ski/stay packages in the entire country with rates starting as low as $59 per person. Spring season passes are also an incomparable value for guests planning extended visits to the region with prices as low as $99 valid for unlimited skiing and snowboarding the remainder of the 2008-09 season.

For snow conditions, some of the best ski deals available, and to book travel, please visit www.skilaketahoe.com. Additionally, contact each of the seven Ski Lake Tahoe resorts below:

Alpine Meadows - www.skialpine.com - 530.583.4232
Heavenly Mountain Resort - www.skiheavenly.com - 1.800.HEAVENLY
Kirkwood Mountain Resort - www.kirkwood.com - 209.258.6000
Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe - www.skirose.com - 800.SKI.ROSE
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort - www.northstarattahoe.com - 800.GO.NORTH
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort - www.sierraattahoe.com - 530.659.7453
Squaw Valley USA - www.squaw.com - 530.583.6985

About Ski Lake Tahoe
Surrounding North America’s largest alpine lake, the seven resorts that make up Ski Lake Tahoe are Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and Squaw Valley USA. Lake Tahoe boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, and the region has some of the highest annual snowfall amounts in North America. The seven resorts, all offering unparalleled scenic vistas of panoramic mountain and lake views, are located less than an hour from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. For further information and to directly book travel, lodging and transportation for Ski Lake Tahoe resorts and its travel partners, visit www.skilaketahoe.com.

Contact: Eric Doyne, Dispatch Marketing Communications, (415) 829-2575, eric@d.ispat.ch