Independence Day: Tahoe's True Summer Start

In most areas, the June Solstice marks the start to summer. The school year has finally ended, temperatures rise as flowers bloom, lawn sprinklers are out in full effect, and suddenly; the seasons have changed.

That's not the case in Tahoe. There are years when locals endure snowstorms into late June, perhaps even July. If there were many snow days for local schools, then children study away as June passes by. The air feels different; it should be summer; it should be warm. They why is town still so quiet? The crowds have yet to descend.

And then it happens in a flash. 4th of July weekend — Tahoe comes alive! The grocery stores are packed. Donner Pass Road, Highway 89 and North Lake Tahoe Boulevard become LA thoroughfares. Bumper to bumper traffic of cars, vans, and trucks packed with rafts and bike racks. Aw, summer in Tahoe. You have returned in full force.

Whether you flock here for the premier golfing, or the emerald green waters; to ski Squaw in July or sip a pint at the Auld Dubliner; to hike or boulder; to lounge by the Donner Docks or ride The Tahoe Queen; Tahoe is definitely the place to be for 4th of July. And this year, Squaw Valley is serving up The Ultimate Independence Day Weekend!

Here is a lowdown of what's lined up at Squaw this weekend, and how to squeeze out every last bit of fun! (Don't forget to pack your winter gear! You'll need it for skiing/riding Saturday-Monday).

• How about a stroll through the 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, grab a glass of vino at Uncorked, a bite to eat Twenty-Two Bistro and Bar, and round out your evening at the KT Concert Series? Now that's just Friday.

• Because of the killer winter season, there's still great snow to be enjoyed. This is the fourth time in Squaw Valley USA' s history to open for Independence Day. Take a few runs in the morning, and hit up High Camp in the afternoon for a swim, or relax poolside while the DJ spins. You could also check out Gold Coast from 12pm-2pm for some live music – still a chance to kick back.

• Easy like Sunday morning, enjoy brunch in the Village and head over to The Cushing Pond for the 21st Annual Cushing Crossing.  This is the first ever summer pond-skim, opposed to spring, so it should be lots of fun to not shiver in the cold like years past. Also on the docket is Big Head Todd and the Monsters before the big show at 9:15pm.

• Don't fight the traffic or the crowds, and catch the Squaw Valley Fireworks Show at 9:15pm from anywhere in the Village!  Lounge by the pool at the Lodge and take in the brilliant sight.

We promise you won't be disappointed at Tahoe's true start to summer!