Two-week Heavenly Spring Loaded 2012 festival continues

UPDATE, APRIL 6: With the California sun shining down on one of North America’s deepest snowpacks, Heavenly Mountain Resort is gearing up for its 16th annual Spring Loaded festival. The two-week event that began March 30 continues this weekend as a non-stop party full of concerts, competitions and some of the best spring ski and snowboard conditions at Lake Tahoe. This weekend's events include the Gunbarrel 25 hosted by Glen Plake.

“Between the great skiing and riding, the most awe-inspiring view in the ski industry, the on-mountain concerts and events, followed by the late-night partying and gambling in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is the perfect place to celebrate spring,” said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly’s general manager. “The all-in, party attitude at Heavenly is unique among ski resorts in the U.S. and really embodies the overall atmosphere of the South Shore.”

Spring Loaded includes events such as the coveted Gunbarrel 25 hosted by Glen Plake, extreme pond skimming, a Helly Hansen fashion show featuring the Heavenly Angels, a bratwurst-eating contest, and live, outdoor concerts.

With a recent snowfall of nearly five feet, combined with the highest elevation in Tahoe, snow birds and warm weather revelers alike can expect great snow conditions and plenty of fun in the sun.

The festival will conclude on April 15 with the Heavenly Ski Patrol throwing a roof-top party in the Heavenly Village, with all proceeds benefiting local causes and non-profit organizations.

Fridays and Saturdays, through April 15 - Unbuckle at Tamarack après party – 3:30-5:30 p.m.

April 6 - EpixMix Rail Jam, 3:00 p.m. at Tamarack Lodge

April 7 – Gunbarrel 25 hosted by Glen Plake, 10:00 a.m. at Gunbarrel

April 14 – Winter Snow Blast, a live on-mountain concert at Tamarack Lodge, followed by Little Feat at 7:00 p.m. in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.

April 14-15 - Lake Tahoe Pond Skimming World Championship, 12:00 p.m. at the top of the Gondola

April 15 - Heavenly Ski Patrol Foundation Concert and Fundraiser, 4:00 p.m. on the rooftop of the Heavenly Village Parking Garage

For more spring events at Tahoe South go here.