The Lake Tahoe area has been given a bit of a reprieve from the last few dismal months. Last week's storms have dumped another 6-12 inches of snow on the slopes–just in time for spring skiing and spring lake and mountain events.

Several events are planned for the next few weeks at various resorts around the lake, including the popular Spring Loaded at Heavenly. This year's celebration of spring will be from March 27-April 14, 2013 and will feature apres ski parties, a mogul run marathon with Glen Plake, a Ski Patrol fundraiser at the top of Heavenly Village, music and dancing at the Tamarack Lodge and the very popular Pond Skimming event.

Other spring events around the area this year include another pond skim at Mount Rose on April 6. The entries are first come and you can pre-register by email. Costumes are encouraged. At Alpine Meadows on March 24, come to the Ice Bar Party from noon to 3 pm. There will be snowball battles, live on-snow music, drinks, a barbecue and a hula-hoop contest. For some Irish luck, visit Squaw Valley for the St. Patty's Spring Party on March 17. The KT Sundeck will come alive with cold drinks, funk music from Leche de Tigre and skiing with leprechauns.

Photos courtesy of Squaw Valley, Heavenly and ccliff100