Lake Tahoe, Calif. & Nev. (Thursday, January 5, 2017) - Lake Tahoe ski resorts are in the midst of a potentially historic storm cycle with more than six feet of fresh snow already on the ground and forecasters calling for additional accumulations of more than 3 to 5 feet heading into next week. Perfectly timed for January's Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month, Lake Tahoe resorts are making it easy for guests to stick to their New Year's resolution to hit the slopes this season and elevate their riding to the next level.

Already the snowiest month of the season only five days into 2017, these January storms are being measured in feet rather than inches transforming the slopes into a powder paradise with stellar, mid-winter conditions across the entire destination. Jubilant skiers and snowboarders have been enjoying bottomless turns and nightly freshen-ups as the recent storms have enabled many of the resorts to open 100% of their chairlifts and terrain.

"The storm door has been blown off its hinges with wave after wave of snow-laden storms lined up off the Pacific ready to deliver the goods to Lake Tahoe," said Mike Pierce, President of Ski Lake Tahoe. "With season snowfall totals recently surpassing the 200 inch mark, Lake Tahoe is poised for a huge winter with dozens of toast-worthy powder days already in the books."

January is officially "Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month" with Lake Tahoe resorts offering unbeatable deals and unique experiences for first timers hoping to get into the sports of skiing and snowboarding. Lake Tahoe resorts also offer customized private lessons and multi-day clinics geared toward intermediates aiming to conquer new terrain and experts hoping to hone their backcountry skills.

With new air service from major gateway cities such as New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Long Beach and Orange County, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport makes it easy for travelers to hit the slopes with most major resorts located less than an hour away. Perfectly timed to take advantage of the current conditions, new nonstop flights are set to begin on Southwest Airlines this Saturday, January 7 from Love Field in Dallas with one-way fares as low as $119, adding to the existing nonstop flights already available out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

For a limited time, destination travelers can experience everything Lake Tahoe has to offer by purchasing a Ski Lake Tahoe Six-Pack Lift Ticket at the early season price of $479 including six days of incredible skiing or riding at the region's top-rated resorts for less than $69 per day. To book an unforgettable winter getaway to Lake Tahoe, guests can visit www.SkiLakeTahoe.com to access real-time weather updates, resort overviews and deals on both lift tickets and lodging.

Unbeatable Deals for First-Timers and Beginners

Sierra-at-Tahoe has shortened the learning curve for first-time skiers and snowboarders thanks to its sculpted Smart Terrain, a dedicated zone of gradual slopes and banked turns perfect for gaining confidence on the slopes. The resort also makes it easy on guests' wallets with Learn to Ski or Snowboard Packages available for only $49, valid Sunday through Friday throughout the entirety of the season. This online special includes a two-hour group lesson, limited lift ticket and specialized rental equipment for beginners. Visit www.sierraattahoe.com for complete details.

Alpine Meadows will be attempting to set a new Guinness Book of World Records for the largest multi-venue ski and snowboard lesson ever taught. Alpine is teaming up with ski resorts across the U.S. to teach a massive group lesson at 10:00am on January 6, 2017. The first 25 skiers and the first 25 snowboarders to register at Alpine will receive a free package including group lesson, lift ticket and equipment rental. Log onto www.squawalpine.com for more information.

Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe's Flight Plan Package combines both a First Timer and Next Step lesson over the course of two consecutive days allowing participants to break through the initial first day frustrations. The discounted price includes two days of instruction, lift tickets, equipment rentals and overnight gear storage making it easy to save time and energy for the slopes each day. More details can be found at www.skirose.com.

Northstar California is home to the only Burton Snowboard Academy on the West Coast, a first-of-its-kind learning program designed to welcome new riders to the sport and encourage progression in snowboarding. The program provides a full-immersion experience by specially trained coaches helping with everything from boot fitting to terrain-based teaching, and participants get access to the private Burton Snowboard Academy Village and Mid-Mountain Lodge. Guests can relax in the lounge, test their skills on a balance board and watch videos of themselves on the wall-mounted flat screen TVs. More info can be found on the Burton Snowboard Academy page on Northstar's website.

Blue Lake, Blue Skies, Blue Runs

Boasting views that live up to its name, Heavenly Mountain Resort has unveiled two new lesson options for the 2016-17 season geared toward taking proficiency to perfection. The resort's new on-mountain ski school kiosks allow skiers and snowboarders to request on-demand lessons from locations across the mountain to fine tune their skills on the spot. Similarly, Heavenly's new customizable private lessons focus on a guest's specific requests based upon their input online and consultation with an instructor. Visit www.skiheavenly.com for details.

Northstar California's Primo Private Lesson is a true embodiment of the resort's luxe offerings and laidback vibe. Ideal for a family affair or couple's escape, these personalized private lessons can accommodate up to three people and include six hours of instruction, demo equipment and express lift line privileges. Guests can explore the mountain with their own coach and concierge as he or she shares their local knowledge and secret stashes. These personal guides are more than happy to help book dinner reservations or spa treatments to cap off a perfect day on the slopes. Full details available at www.northstarcalifornia.com.

Alpine Meadows offers an unlimited lessons option at an affordable price that pays for itself after the fifth day. The Alpine Unlimited program builds on each successive lesson developing the skills necessary to confidently tackle all types of terrain including trees, open bowls and off-piste conditions. Additionally, this hassle-free option allows guests to skip the lift line, maximize their time improving on the slopes and transition seamlessly from the groomers to conquer the steeps in a single season. Check out www.squawalpine.com for more information.

Advanced/Expert Offerings and Women-Specific Programs

Kirkwood Mountain Resort is home to some of the steepest and deepest terrain in all of Lake Tahoe and the resort's Expedition: Kirkwood instructional program has been designed to expand the boundaries of mountain exploration. Recognized as the university level of ski and snowboard schools, Expedition: Kirkwood offers the entire gamut of high-end instruction including specialty clinics, private guide service, backcountry awareness courses and guided cat skiing. Visit www.kirkwood.com for the entire story.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadow's North Face Mountain Guides program offers a private mountain tour for up to four people led by the resort's most experienced instructors to explore secret stashes, signature runs and hike-to terrain. Participants get a complimentary North Face ThermoBall Jacket and 20% off demo equipment, a perfect fit for guests who are already confident in their skills but looking for a few pointers and priority lift line access. More info at www.squawalpine.com.

Black Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

Designed expressly for her, Heavenly and Northstar California's Women's Ultimate 4 lessons are taught by the resort's top female instructors with no more than four ladies in a group. The intimate, pressure-free environment allows women to learn at a relaxed pace alongside like-minded individuals to gain the confidence and skills necessary to tackle new, more challenging terrain. Visit www.skiheavenly.com or www.northstarcalifornia.com for details.

Created by women for women, the Women of Winter Clinics at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows are taught by ripping female instructors who blaze their own trails on the mountain. Offered on Wednesdays at Squaw Valley and Sundays at Alpine Meadows, these women-specific offerings blend together group camaraderie and supportive feedback to arm participants with the technical skills and hard-charging attitude needed to conquer the resorts' legendary terrain. Complete details can be found at www.squawalpine.com.

About Ski Lake Tahoe

Surrounding North America's largest alpine lake, the collection of resorts that make up Ski Lake Tahoe are Heavenly, Homewood, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows. Lake Tahoe boasts some of the highest annual snowfall totals in the entire country while still averaging more than 300 days of sunshine each year. The seven resorts, all offering breathtaking lake views and panoramic mountains vistas, are conveniently located near the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. For further information on how to book airfare, lodging, lift tickets and transportation for Ski Lake Tahoe resorts and their travel partners, please visit www.SkiLakeTahoe.com.