By Cris Alarcon, Ski Enthusiast and Environmental Advocate
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It’s that time of year again, when hitting the slopes in Lake Tahoe becomes an even more exhilarating experience. ‘Plates for Powder,’ the annual initiative that lets you ski or ride for free in the picturesque Lake Tahoe region, is back for the 2023-24 winter season. What’s the catch? All you need to do is purchase a Lake Tahoe license plate, and you’re in for a snowy treat.
This fantastic program not only offers a dreamy escape to Tahoe’s renowned ski resorts but also contributes to vital environmental projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. For over a decade, ‘Plates for Powder’ has been the bridge connecting winter sports enthusiasts, environmental stewards, and the breathtaking Sierra Nevada.
Adam Acosta, the Chair of the California Tahoe Conservancy Board, expresses his gratitude, saying,
“Funds raised through the sales and renewal of Lake Tahoe license plates have helped support us as we manage projects like the Dennis T. Machida Memorial Greenway and recreation sites like Van Sickle Bi-State Park, in addition to our environmental restoration projects.”
So, how does it work? It’s simple. If you’re a California or Nevada driver and you purchase a new Lake Tahoe license plate before April 1, 2024, you will receive a complimentary lift ticket or trail pass, while supplies last. This pass is valid at one of the 14 remarkable Tahoe-area resorts. There’s one condition – you must use the ticket during the 2023-24 winter season (with a few restrictions that apply).
The list of participating resorts reads like a skier’s paradise: Boreal, Diamond Peak, Heavenly, Homewood, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, Royal Gorge, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Sugar Bowl, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe XC, and Tahoe Donner. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time skier, there’s something for everyone in this remarkable winter wonderland.
The Tahoe Fund is the driving force behind the ‘Plates for Powder’ program, acting on behalf of the California Tahoe Conservancy and Nevada Division of State Lands. What makes this program even more exceptional is that over 95% of the funds generated from plate sales and renewals directly support new hiking and biking trails, watershed restoration projects, and the preservation of Lake Tahoe’s pristine beaches and its crystal-clear waters.
Amy Berry, the CEO of Tahoe Fund, notes the significance of this initiative, stating, “Since 2011, the Plates for Powder program has been an increasingly popular and unique way for California and Nevada residents to give back to Tahoe. Not only are license plate purchasers helping to fund environmental projects in the Tahoe Basin, they’re rewarded by Tahoe area ski resorts with a day of play in the mountains.”
So, whether you’re a seasoned skier, a snowboarder, or just looking for a remarkable winter getaway, the ‘Plates for Powder’ program provides an excellent opportunity to combine your passion for winter sports with a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. Get your Lake Tahoe license plate, enjoy the slopes, and leave a lasting impact on this magnificent alpine region. It’s a win-win for both adventure seekers and the environment.
New Tahoe license plates cost $50 in California, with a $40 annual renewal fee, and $61 in Nevada with a $30 renewal fee. Personalized plates are also available for an additional fee. Find information on how to purchase a plate and redeem the free lift ticket at tahoeplates.com
