Legally, you have to register your car. So why not get some lift tickets out of the whole ordeal?
California and Nevada residents who either purchase a Tahoe license plate, or renew their previous one, are eligible for a free lift ticket at 11 resorts in Lake Tahoe, or a free season pass at the Tahoe City Sports Park.
The money from the plate sales help support environmental projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. They help protect Tahoe’s waters, beaches, forests, and recreation, a press release from the Tahoe fund states.
Photo: The Tahoe Fund
“Revenue from Lake Tahoe license plates has long been an important funding source for our work to restore and enhance Tahoe’s natural and recreational resources,” said Jason Vasques, Executive Director of the California Tahoe Conservancy. “We are grateful to the contributing ski areas, and we hope the skiers and snowboarders who participate in ‘Plates for Powder’ have a great time on the mountain.”
Riders have until April 1 to redeem their free lift ticket at the following resorts:
Boreal
Diamond Peak
Heavenly
Kirkwood
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Northstar California
Palisades Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Tahoe Donner XC
Tahoe XC.
Photo: Daniel MacDonald/Getty Images
Or, if you’re trying to diversify your winter activities away from just snowboarding, enjoy the Tahoe City Sports Park. You can ice skate, sled, cross-country ski, or snowshoe there, if you for some strange reason, need a break from standing sideways.
More than 96% of the funds raised go right back to projects to help protect Lake Tahoe, the California Tahoe Conservancy says, and the program has been running for more than 10 years.
“For years, the Plates for Powder program has been an easy, effective way for California and Nevada residents to give back to Tahoe,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “With the ongoing support of our local ski areas, there’s added incentive to buy a Tahoe license plate this winter and enjoy a day of skiing or riding in the mountains.”
A new plate costs $50 in California, with a $40 renewal fee each year. In Nevada, it will run you $61 with a $30 annual renewal fee. Personalization is available for an extra fee.
That is a bargain price to ride in the region. A one-day lift ticket at Heavenly is on sale right now for $185, and can get as expensive as $255 during peak season. The low end of prices for Palisades Tahoe is $111, and can get as expensive as $260+.