Snowglobe Music Festival is returning to Tahoe for it’s third year and it’s not too late to join in on the fun.  Three day passes and single day tickets are still on sale.   If you haven’t made your plans yet, here are my recommendations to make the most of your Tahoe South experience.

STAY

  • $$$ The Stardust Lodge is always a favorite recommendation of mine, not just for it’s quirky lovable retro sign: it’s striking distance from the casinos, but it’s not a casino itself, allowing guests the value and location of staying in our nightlife corridor, but not sleeping with it.
  • $$$ Basecamp Hotel in Tahoe South is a new boutique hotel built for exploring the incredible lakes, trails, and mountains in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Located in the heart of the casino corridor, it’s a short 5 minute walk to the lake and an even shorter 4 minute walk to the Heavenly Gondola. Their 50 stylish rooms are designed for adventure and relaxation seekers alike, with the amenities and style of a modern resort, but at more affordable motel or inn-like prices.   At the time of this posting they still had one room left!
  • $$ Montbleu Resort Casino and Spa still has a handful of rooms left for you to ring in the New Year.   It is the official location for the Snowglobe Afterparties as well as the drop off and pick up location for the Snowglobe Shuttle, which will make your visit to Tahoe South and to Snowglobe a breeze.
  • $$ The Park Tahoe Inn is a fantastic choice if you are bringing fido along. It’s one of Tahoe South’s premier pet friendly accommodations.  The Inn is walking distance from the Heavenly Gondola, one block from Nevada casinos and two blocks from Lake Tahoe and offers the best in amenities, including Tempur-Pedic Beds and two outside terraces with fire-pits.

EAT

  • The Keys Cafe is my go-to to-go breakfast joint: their breakfast burritos and sandwiches are to die for, they have quality coffee, and an extensive menu of inventive smoothies (to rehydrate you after a late night of too much fun) or one of their fresh hot soups made daily (to keep you warm).  For those of you with a sweet tooth, make sure you try one of their Swedish Snowballs, a family recipe brought out just for this event.  On Hwy 50 at Keys Blvd.
  • Simple Bliss Vegan Cafe in the Swiss Chalet Village is open daily from 6 AM to 4 PM, and is Tahoe’s only vegan restaurant, offering locally grown organic produce.  Hwy 50 and Sierra Blvd.
  • Sprouts Natural Food Cafe near Lakeview Commons on Harrison Ave offers organic, delicious and affordable food and juices. The Classic Burrito and the A.T.O.M. Bagel are my personal favorites. Don’t forget to bring cash because your plastic won’t work here!

Basecamp Pizza has great service, fun and lively atmosphere and the best pizza in Tahoe South.

  • Basecamp Pizza in the Heavenly Village has a pie that will please every palette and a variety of beers on tap.   If it’s sunny and warm, sit on the patio and enjoy a meal or play a game of cornhole while you wait!  The

PLAY

Wait, you don’t like skiing?  If Snowglobe brought you to Tahoe but shredding it up on the mountain isn’t on your list of must-do’s, here are some alternative ways to spend your day in Tahoe South if you managed to actually wake up at a decent hour feeling marginally sparky.

  • Snowmobiling is available from a number of different vendors and your options include both self-guided tours and scenic back country adventures.
  • Zip Tahoe offers Tahoe’s only canopy zip line tour and is located at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
  • Snowshoe rentals are available on site at most of our most popular and scenic snowshoe areas. You may also rent snowshoes at most of the local ski and snowboard rental shops in town.
  • Shop like a local at Gaialicious, a global gifts boutique, which offers an eclectic fusion of gifts, clothing, body care products, music and books. The store supports fair trade and eco friendly products and offers the widest selection of goods from local Tahoe artisans of any other shop in town. 987 Tallac Ave at Harrison Avenue.

Ring in the New Year with friends in Tahoe South!

SURVIVING THE FEST

  • DO NOT DRIVE to the festival.  There is NO PARKING on site.  There is NO PARKING in the adjacent neighborhood.  You must purchase a shuttle pass and take a shuttle from the various locations around South Lake Tahoe or call a cab. The shuttle will be running exclusively from MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa to the fest this year.

  • Dress warm. No seriously. This isn’t the Black Rock Desert and we aren’t at burning man.  Snowsuits optional.  If you must wear a ridiculous skirt, make sure you put some polypropylene base layers under those tights.  Buy those super cheap disposable hand and toe warmers at the grocery store.  You’ll be the only person there with warm toes and you won’t regret it.
  • Drink water. You’re from sea level? Drink three times as much water as you think you need. Those of us who live at altitude love to watch those of you from sea level get tipsy on one beer. It happens.
  • Look around you. Holy snow covered peaks Batman!  It’s gorgeous in Tahoe and you’re at an outdoor music fest with thousands of excited people to ring in the New Year.  You made a wise choice my friend. Haven’t bought your ticket yet?  Better snap that three day pass up quick like!  It will sell out and you’ll be left out in the cold with no music.  Instead of in the cold with music.  See what I did there.