There's been a pretty minimal amount of Sierra snow that's fallen over the past many weeks (with no change in sight) and conditions in Tahoe have been less than stellar (more like frozen granular, or soft corn snow if you happen upon a 50 degree day). As a result, resorts are implementing some sweetened measures to tempt the Bay Area naysayers to head east. Northstar, for one, will be handing out free weekend getaways over the next six weeks.

All you have to do to get in on the freebie -- which includes two nights lodging and lift tickets for up to four people, complimentary parking, priority lift-line access, a dining voucher for Tavern 6330 and a GoPro Hero 3 package -- is to post a picture to Instagram (use hashtag #rackedandready) of your car racked with skis and/or snowboards and ready to drive to the mountains.

Each week until March 29, Northstar will select, at random, four finalists from the submitted posts and ask them to meet resort representatives at a specific spot and time in the Bay Area. The finalists must meet at the rendezvous point on time to continue with the giveaway.

One of the four finalists will get the getaway package -- the longest straw drawn will determine the winner -- while the three runners-up will receive vouchers for 20 percent off on lift tickets or lodging at Northstar for the remainder of this season.

Further information on the "Racked and Ready" promotion can be found at northstarrackedandready.com.