The South Shore kicks off spring with 15 days of shows, competitions and concerts

With the California sun shining down on one of North America’s deepest snowpacks, Heavenly Mountain Resort is gearing up for its 16th annual Spring Loaded festival. The two-week event is a non-stop party, full of concerts, competitions and some of the best spring ski and snowboard conditions at Lake Tahoe.

“Between the great skiing and riding, the most awe-inspiring view in the ski industry, the on-mountain concerts and events, followed by the late-night partying and gambling in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is the perfect place to celebrate spring,” said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly’s general manager. “The all-in, party attitude at Heavenly is unique among ski resorts in the U.S. and really embodies the overall atmosphere of the South Shore.”

Spring Loaded kicks off on Friday, March 30, at 3:30 p.m. with Unbuckle, Tahoe’s ultimate après ski party at Tamarack Lodge. The celebration continues for 15 non-stop days and includes events such as the coveted Gunbarrel 25 hosted by Glen Plake, extreme pond skimming, a Helly Hansen fashion show featuring the Heavenly Angels, a bratwurst-eating contest, and live, outdoor concerts.

With a recent snowfall of nearly five feet, combined with the highest elevation in Tahoe, snow birds and warm weather revelers alike can expect great snow conditions and plenty of fun in the sun.

The festival will conclude on April 15 with the Heavenly Ski Patrol throwing a roof-top party in the Heavenly Village, with all proceeds benefiting local causes and non-profit organizations.

Fridays and Saturdays, March 30-April 15 - Unbuckle at Tamarack après party – 3:30-5:30 p.m.

March 31 - Helly Hansen Fashion Show featuring the Heavenly Angels and a concert with the Red Not Chili Peppers – 1:00 p.m. at Tamarack Lodge

April 1- Steins Bratwurst Binge Battle, 1:00 p.m. at Steins on Patsy’s run

April 6 - EpixMix Rail Jam, 3:00 p.m. at Tamarack Lodge

April 7 – Gunbarrel 25 hosted by Glen Plake, 10:00 a.m. at Gunbarrel

April 14 – Winter Snow Blast, a live on-mountain concert at Tamarack Lodge, followed by Little Feat at 7:00 p.m. in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.

April 14-15 - Lake Tahoe Pond Skimming World Championship, 12:00 p.m. at the top of the Gondola

April 15 - Heavenly Ski Patrol Foundation Concert and Fundraiser, 4:00 p.m. on the rooftop of the Heavenly Village Parking Garage

Buy Early, Save More
The best value in season passes is now available for the 2012-13 winter season. The new Tahoe Local Pass, priced at $419, gives pass holders seven-day-per-week access to more than 10,000 total skiable acres between Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort, marking the most combined terrain in Tahoe. Prices are only guaranteed through April 15, 2012, and can be locked in with a $49 down-payment. Skiers and riders who purchase the new Tahoe Local Pass or the Tahoe Value Pass before April 15 will receive an added benefit of six buddy tickets for family and friends to enjoy next ski season.

Spend Spring Skiing Tahoe’s Best Conditions - $85 per person per night
Enjoy your spring on the slopes under the California sun at Heavenly. For just $85 per person, per night, you can spend three nights and ski or ride two days at Heavenly this spring and get the third night and day free.

Spring Loaded at Heavenly – March 31-April 15
Spend the spring at Heavenly, where you’ll enjoy back-to-back events and great skiing and riding. The annual Spring Loaded at Heavenly combines the best of spring and winter with two weeks of parties, pond skimming, concerts, the Gunbarrel 25, a Ski Patrol Fundraiser and springtime mischief. Prices start as low as $145 per person for three nights lodging and two days of skiing or riding at Heavenly.