Ascent, The Winter Party at Lake Tahoe, will hold its gay-lesbian ski week from February 26 to March 5. The eight-day gay ski week includes drag races, comedy shows, special events, an Oscar night and more. Ant, who has been creating quite a sensation in Los Angeles, will open for Kathy Griffin on Friday, March 3 at Caesars Tahoe. Purchase tickets for $35 through Ticketmaster or Caesars. Across the street at Harveys, Howie Nave and Scott Kennedy will join headliner Judy Gold between February 28 and March 5.

Ascent offers an opportunity for gay and lesbian winter enthusiasts to gather together in one of the nation’s premiere adventure destinations for a week of outdoor recreation and indoor entertainment. During the day, the riches of Lake Tahoe will be available for all – from skiing and snowboarding at Heavenly, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood to cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and snowshoeing in the surrounding forests.

For special room rates, call (800) 455-4770, and mention booking code S02ACNT. There will be free registration for Ascent on the convention center floor at Harveys, in addition to complimentary après ski parties at the Top of the Wheel on March 3 and 4. For more information about Ascent, call (866) 263-4167 or go to www.ascentlaketahoe.com. Proceeds from Ascent benefit eight charities: South Lake Tahoe Women's Center, Sierra Recovery Center, Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation, Tahoe Youth & Family Services, Tahoe Arts Project, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Matthew Shepard Foundation and The Point Foundation.

The 11th annual WinterFest takes place on Lake Tahoe's scenic South Shore March 5-12, 2006. WinterFest is an eight-day celebration with world-class skiing and boarding, nightly receptions, DJ dance parties and more. The event has a well-deserved reputation for friendliness and provides great opportunities to greet old friends and meet new ones.

Lake Tahoe WinterFest provides an atmosphere of camaraderie among skiers and non-skiers alike. With so many winter activities to choose from and daily receptions, everyone experiences a true winter vacation. WinterFest hosts provide great attention to detail so guests can relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Hot casino action teamed with the beauty of Lake Tahoe's scenic South Shore will make Lake Tahoe WinterFest the hottest winter party. VIP packages are available to guarantee admittance to all events.

Visit www.laketahoewinterfest.com for more information.

Access to Blue Lake Tahoe:
The Reno/Tahoe International Airport provides 180 daily flights with nonstop service to 18 destinations including Atlanta, Boise, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Oakland, Orange County, Las Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Salt Lake City. An additional 20 destinations are serviced via direct, one-stop flights from RTIA. The airport is just 55 miles from South Lake Tahoe and is accessible via the South Tahoe Express, a luxury shuttle service.

About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority:
The South Shore area of Lake Tahoe sits at the edge of one of the most stunningly blue lakes in the world, set high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Visitors come year-round to experience the best in outdoor recreation including world-class snow skiing and riding, boating, golf, hiking, mountain biking, and snowmobiling, as well as enjoy the dynamic Nevada-style nightlife and entertainment. For more information about lodging, recreation and family packages at Lake Tahoe, call the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or visit the Web site at www.bluelaketahoe.com.