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Next Thursday marks the spring equinox, officially bringing an end to winter. Does that mean your ski and snowboard season is over? Absolutely not! The days are longer, the crowds have reduced to a trickle and the winter storms have given way to sunshine and warm temperatures. If you haven’t taken a trip to the California High Sierra this year, now is the time! The Sierra Nevada are home to some of the best spring skiing on the planet and amazing outdoor events.

WinterWonderGrass & Alpine Meadows Music Series

WinterWonderGrass Tahoe
Winter Wondergrass Tahoe | Photo by Dylan Langille © WWG All Rights Reserved 2016

Spring ‘dual days” are king in North Lake Tahoe from spring skiing to outdoor festivals, the activities are endless. Enjoy bluegrass, brews and brisk mountain air? Then the WinterWonderGrass Festival from April 1st – 3rd is right up your alley. Want to do some spring skiing AND hear a bit of music? The Spring Music Series returns this year with five music-filled weekends at Alpine Meadows running through May 25th. Talented musicians take center stage not only at Alpine Meadows, but all around North Lake Tahoe, to create a spring experience filled with great skiing and exceptional FREE live music.

Spring Loaded

Image appears courtesy: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

Spring means Sun, Snow & Good Times with Friends & Family in Tahoe South. For 2019, Spring Loaded is returning yet again to the shores of Lake Tahoe. Occurring from March 14th through April 7th, it features amazing lodging specials and one of a kind events like the Gunbarrel 25. Taking place on Heavenly’s legendary mogul run “The Face”, it’s set for March 30th. This long-time tradition challenges participants to lap the run 25 times in one day! More of an “après” person? No problem, there’s fun off the slopes too like the Spring Loaded 5K Run & Brewfest where you can enjoy libations from over 30 breweries. Be sure to see the full schedule for the entire list of events going down all over town.

Owens Lake Bird Festival & Mammoth Lakes Film Festival

Mammoth Lakes Film Festival
Image appears courtesy: Visit Mammoth

Love nature? Join Friends of the Inyo and their partners over the weekend of April 26th for the annual Owens Lake Bird Festival in Lone Pine, CA. This festival celebrates migrating shorebirds as they move between hemispheres. More a film buff? The five-day Mammoth Lakes Film Festival showcases 50 films that will unlock your creative mind and get you thinking bigger than ever before.

Spring means your opportunities for a multi-sport day of adventure & fun in the California High Sierra are boundless. Start the day on the slopes followed by a warm bike ride & finish it off with any one of these amazing festivals. How’s that for well-rounded awesomeness?

Author: Alex Silgalis

Alex Silgalis is an outdoors travel writer who enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, or having a cold one from a local mountain brewery. See more of Alex’s work at https://localfreshies.com

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Lake & River Cruises In The High Sierra

Lake & River Cruises In The High Sierra

Enjoy water or just want to experience something different, look no further than a lake or river cruise in the High Sierra. These will create memories that will last a lifetime!
Concerts in the Pines High Sierra Music Festival

High Sierra Summer Music Festivals

Regardless of your favorite live music or the food you enjoy most, we've got you covered. After you finish your day, pull up an Adirondack chair, lay back and take in the easy summertime vibes the High Sierra has to offer while listening to some live music.
Van Sickle Bi-Sta

Visit The Only Bi-State Park, Dive Into Truckee’s Wild History, & Peek At California’s Mining Heritage

Here's three state parks in the High Sierra that showcase all the adventures you can have year-round
Bass Lake Fishing Derby

Best Fishing Derby In The High Sierra

Make this fishing season one for the history books by entering a fishing derby in the High Sierra.

Four Cycling Adventures in the High Sierra

From road cyclists to avid mountain bikers, the High Sierra is home to an amazing assortment of trails. These are just four of the more unknown trails existing throughout the range. Stay tuned as we explore a few more cycling adventures across the wide ranging High Sierra country.
Webber Lake High Sierra Lake Fishing

Come Back With A Legendary Fish Tale

Be the one that comes home with grand tales of the “monster” you caught and the envy of all your pals. When it comes to fishing, the lakes in the High Sierra offer you some of the best in the world.
Calaveras Frog Jumping Contest

3 Amazing Bucket List Festivals In The High Sierra

From the crazy pack scramble to hot power sawing and even leaping frogs, these three High Sierra festivals showcase what makes this region so special.
Parker Lake Fishing in Mono County

Merry Fishmas – Trout Fishing Season in the High Sierra is Upon Us

Catching the “Big One” is a relaxing way to get away from the stress of everyday life and a picturesque way to get to know the California High Sierra. All you need is a little bait, maybe a boat and a love of the great outdoors to fish the High Sierra.
sequoia national park big trees hike

Kid Friendly Activities In The High Sierra

Don’t let another weekend or vacation pass by without exploring one of these many kid friendly activities in the High Sierra.
Majestic Yosemite Hotel Historic Lodges In The High Sierra

Historic Lodges In The High Sierra

Historic lodges in the High Sierra are more than just a place to rest up between experiences. They qualify as destinations in their own right. Here's a glimpse into some of the most legendary.

California High Sierra – April & May is the “Secret” Ski Season

With ski season slated to last through Memorial Day and a bright warm sun returning, spring is the season of adventure in every shape and size in the High Sierra.
off roading in the High Sierra

Pavement – Shmavement – Off Roading In The High Sierra

Get off the beaten path & explore the rugged side of the Sierra Nevada. You won’t regret it!
Christmas festivals in the high sierra

Christmas Festivals In The High Sierra

Get in the holiday spirit by checking out one of the many Christmas festivals in the High Sierra. From one-of-a kind experiences like the Bracebridge Dinner to festive parades.
Halloween in the High Sierra

Spook-tacular Fun For Halloween In The High Sierra

Make this year's holiday a special one by heading into the High Sierra for some Halloween fun. Here's a snippet of the fun you can find this “spooky” season.
Thunder Bird Lodge

High Sierra Museums – Tell A Story

High Sierra museums offer a unique glimpse at the history that exists in the Sierra Nevada. Both residents and visitors alike, will come away learning & truly appreciating the region that much more.
Cougar Rock Guided Hikes in the High Sierra Arnold Rim Trail

Epic Guided Hikes Of The High Sierra

Maximize your time & get an insider’s look at the majestic mountain range in a whole other way by checking out one of these guided hikes.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Railroading Family Vacation Ideas in the High Sierra

One Last Family Fun Extravaganza To Finish The Summer Right!

Don't let the last glimmer of summertime pass you up without one more family trip to the High Sierra. Here are 3 family vacation ideas that will make everyone happy!
Resort at Squaw Creek golf course

Golfing In The High Sierra

Perhaps it’s the quaint towns, invigorating mountain air or maybe the elevation. Who knows exactly... but it makes the perfect recipe for your next golfing adventure.
Bristlecone Pine Forest

4 Must-See Natural Attractions In The High Sierra

Looking for a bucket list of natural wonders to see? Here's four worth exploring from the well-known to some hidden gems that exist deep in the High Sierra.
Kayaking Lake Tahoe Sunset

From Adrenaline-Pumping to Serenity – Here’s 3 Kayaking Adventures In The High Sierra

While there are always new fitness fads out there, why not try a classic – Kayaking! It’s one of those activities that puts you right in the center of nature and provides an excellent workout. We love paddling & think kayaking in the High Sierra is some of the best in the world.

Camping In The High Sierra

The Sierra Nevada gives the BEST of both worlds. It cools off at night, letting you sleep comfortably while warming up during the day for activities like fishing and hiking. Remember... summer is only so long so get out there and enjoy it!
Travertine Hot Springs Mono County

Soak Your Way To Health On A Hot Springs Adventure

The High Sierra hot springs run the full gambit of amenities when it comes to rest and relaxation. From amenity-free to luxurious, you’ll find the pool that fits your needs. Come visit for a soak and create an adventure of your own.

Three Family Adventures in the High Sierra

The High Sierra is a great, big, wonder-filled playground perfect for families. These family adventures are just waiting to engage, inspire and entertain everyone - and make you healthier and happier.

Sampling Of What Mountain Biking High Sierra Has To Offer

From first-timers to seasoned mountain bikers, these are just a sampling of the best lift-served / shuttle accessed mountain biking High Sierra has to offer. So, go ahead and plan a getaway to let yourself breathe the fresh air and melt your cares away along one of these epic trails.
Tuolumne Grove Giant Sequoia - Kim Carroll

Sequoias – Modern Day Equivalent of Jack and the Giant Beanstalk

The California High Sierra is famous for its soaring mountains, deep canyons, roaring waterfalls and the only NATURAL home of the giant sequoias. Existing only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, these groves of giant redwoods must be seen in person to really capture their grandeur.
Columbia State Historic Park Dog Friendly Trip Ideas in the High Sierra

Pet Friendly Trips in the High Sierra

These are just a few of the adventures you can have with your pup in the High Sierra. The opportunities are endless and each region is host to a large assortment of places to stay and eat. So, the next time your thinking of an adventure with your furry friend, come visit the California High Sierra.
Tahoe Mountain Brewing Truckee Tahoe City Microbrewery High Sierra Apres Skiing

Apres In The High Sierra From Craft Beer To Organic Cocktails

Après & skiing have been intertwined since the advent of sliding down a mountain was perfected. Here's a few places you can enjoy a locally made brew, or for the less beer-inclined, a handcrafted organic cocktail as part of your Apres in the High Sierra.

Romantic California Mountain Getaway

Indulge in the luxurious side of the High Sierra with fine dining, spa packages and of course, the best wines California has to offer. From sightseeing and stargazing to golf and sunbathing, couples are sure to find something to bond over while exploring the best of California.

East Side Adventures

Bike, ski, climb and paddle your way through the High Sierra during this epic weeklong road trip. Experience a night under the stars followed by a day discovering California’s unique dining options. Pack some camping gear and don’t forget to bring the camera on this east side adventure.

High Sierra Sampler

For those who like to play as hard as they work, the High Sierra offers plenty of opportunity. From late nights and live music in South Lake Tahoe to backcountry adventures in Yosemite National Park the adventure doesn’t stop until you throw in the towel.

Outdoor Excursions in the Southern Sierra

Giant sequoias, raging waterfalls and Yosemite Valley vistas are just a few of the adventures to enjoy in the Southern Sierra. Families, couples and explorers of all ages will find plenty to discover during this weeklong adventure.

A High Sierra Playground

An adventure for families and the young at heart, this trip explores California’s rich history while taking explorers from the Tahoe Basin to the Central Valley. Discover local cuisine and outdoor recreation in all seasons with the whole family. The Reno-Tahoe airport is the gateway to the region and offers daily shuttle services to Truckee, North and South Lake Tahoe.

A Cultural Tour of the High Sierra

Explore the culinary adventures, art and history in California’s High Sierra with this 6-day trip.

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