The snows came; now we can frolic

Last weekend's ski scene was fine, with even the Slide Mountain side of Mount Rose open Friday. Saturday was balmy, sunshine and lots of snow stillhanging in there. Then Monday the snow really came, 61Ú2 inches in my patio Tuesday morning.

That means this weekend is time to really ride the hills with stashes of fresh powder around. That's particularly true at Kirkwood and Homewood. Both get extra snow thanks to their geographical situations. The top of Olympic at Heavenly also ought to have some fine tree skiing in powder. But it's got to be fine riding everywhere. Much going on:

JIB DAYS

The third annual Vans Cup at Tahoe will bring some of the world's best snowboarders to Northstar-at-Tahoe this weekend, with a field including former Olympians Danny Kass, Mason Aguirre, Kelly Clark, Elena Hight, Ross Powers and J.J. Thomas. Also Todd Richards, Andreas Wiig, Andy Finch and Hana Beaman, as well as Tahoe locals Jamie and Joanie Anderson. Real bucks here with a total prize purse of more than $200,000.

For the first time ever, Vans and Studio 411 will team up to present live Web casts of the event at www.vans.com.

Friday night, it's defending Rail Jam champs from the past two years, Mike Casanova and Wyatt Caldwell. Action continues Saturday with the Slopestyle comp and winds up Sunday with the Superpipe finals.

Those who are not riding or skiing can stop by the event office for a free gondola pass. Call (800) GO-NORTH (800-466.6784) or visit NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

SNOW FEST TIME

The North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival, today through March 11, hosts fireworks, parades and more. The Dog Pull is at a new location this year, Cobblestone Center in Tahoe City, where dogs of all shapes and sizes pull barrels down a snow-covered track. Dog lovers will also enjoy the new Lake Dog Agility Course presented by Tails by the Lake in the Village at Squaw Valley.

The Village will host the Tricycle Races, as well as a Mamasake Sushi and Wasabi-Eating Contest. Homewood Mountain Resort, on the West Shore, will again host its Professional Ski Patrollers Race and popular Taco Feed. See www.TahoeSnowFestival.com

ANYONE FOR SLEDDING?

Locals' secret: Sledding is a popular North Lake Tahoe snow play activity, especially for kids. Nestled amidst 74 acres in a secluded valley, Granlibakken Resort, just outside of Tahoe City on the West Shore, offers a safe, legal sledding area as well as a rental shop and warming hut for hot chocolate breaks, all just a snowball's throw away from many ski resorts. Call (530) 581-7333.

WATERY RAIL SLIDE

The 35th annual Reno Boat, Sport and RV Show opens this weekend in the Reno/Sparks Convention Center with in-your-face, big-time, no-foolin'- around, hard-core toys.

Distinguishing this show will be the addition of a Pro-wakeboard Rail Slide. What's a rail slide? Glad you asked. Two pros will take to a 30-foot rail after being launched into the entry pool, being pulled in full gear, and rocking some front and back side tricks across the rail. Call 747-7722 for ticket info and hours.

UPHILL CHALLENGED?

Ski your way to a free season pass at Diamond Peak's second annual Vertical Challenge Saturday. The contestant that skis the most vertical feet, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will receive a free season pass. Visit www.diamondpeak.com.

• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or sbauman@nevadaappeal.com