(NORTH LAKE TAHOE, California/Nevada) – It just keeps coming down in North Lake Tahoe, with ski resorts reporting up to 8.5 feet of new snow at their higher elevations from a recent five-day storm. A new storm started pounding the region today, with a possible 2 more feet of new snow to fall by this weekend.

 “We’re celebrating the best winter in decades,” said Andy Chapman, director of tourism with the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “Our ski conditions are outstanding, and with Easter falling later in the calendar this year, we expect many guests will be choosing Tahoe to take advantage of all that snow. Some resorts have even extended their closing dates to better accommodate spring visitors.”

Northstar-at-Tahoe is celebrating its biggest winter in 25 years, more than 500 inches of snowfall, surpassing its season average (350 inches) by almost 150 percent. The resort has extended its closing date from April 17 until Sunday, April 24.

Squaw Valley USA is also reporting record numbers, 600 inches of snowfall for the season, the third time in the last 40 years that the resort has hit this mark. Squaw Valley’s snowpack stands at 250 inches, the deepest its ever been since 1952.

Other ski resort closing dates are as follows (and are tentative): Mt Rose – Ski Tahoe, Sunday, April 24; both Squaw Valley USA and Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Sunday, May 8; and Donner Ski Ranch anticipates staying until the snow is gone (last year the resort closed the first day of summer). All other ski resorts are TBD.

North Lake Tahoe visitors can also take part in a bevy of ski events scheduled for this spring. Diamond Peak Ski Resort opens the gate to high-flying, speed demons of every shape and size for their annual Dummy Downhill Saturday, April 2. Dummies, created out of every conceivable material, are sent down the hill with many crashing and burning after taking flight. Event categories include Longest Jump and Most Creative.

Northstar-at-Tahoe bids goodbye to Old Man Winter with Spring It On! Saturday, April 2 when participants attempt to ski across the resort’s pond on skis or boards without falling into the bone chilling waters. Costumes are encouraged.

Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe has the Spring Bash & Pond Skim, Saturday, April 9, when costumed participants show off their skimming skills at this annual spring tradition.

Break out the rear entry boots, swanky sweaters and all the neon you can find for the annual Retro Ski Day & Pool Party at Squaw Valley USA Saturday, April 16. It all takes place at the High Camp Lagoon & Spa with a DJ party that brings guests back to the days of straight skis and Hot Dog the Movie (1984).

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort hosts their Annual Snow Golf Tournament Saturday, April 23. The nine-hole course starts at the top of the Summit Express chair and meanders its way down the mountain with the last holes bringing competitors back to the base lodge. An annual cult favorite, the Mad Cow Downhill is Sunday, May 8 with its mass start, marked by ski patrol detonating an avalanche charge. Racers choose whichever descent route they deem fastest, with the first skier or snowboarder reaching the base lodge declared the winner. Both events are free.

For current ski conditions, videos, lodging, dining and more, click to the North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus’ website at www.GoTahoeNorth.com. The site is also home to Cool Deals; updated daily, the page offers the best deals and savings in the region.

North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. The North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, work together to promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.