Martin Luther King weekend (Jan. 19-21) is a fitting tribute to the life of a remarkable man. For many, it has also become a much-needed break to escape to the Lake Tahoe basin for a few days of post-New Year’s winter fun. If you and friends-or-family think skiing and snowboarding are fine, but not the basis of the entire visit, how else can you enjoy Tahoe this holiday?

Dog sledding
Operated out of both Sugar Bowl and the Resort at Squaw Creek, Dogsled Adventures offers either daytime or sunset tours, which last about an hour. Traveling through the peaceful Sierra woodland, pulled by a team of frisky Huskies could possibly be your adventure of a life time. Get more information at (530)550-8133 or http://www.dogsledadventure.com">www.dogsledadventure.com.

Sleigh rides
Based out of Stateline, NV just across from Mont Bleu casino on the south shore, Borge’s Sleigh Rides pulls riders by impressive Belgian Draft horses on old-fashioned, handmade European sleighs. The loop goes through the forest, with glimpses of Lake Tahoe. Call them at (800)726-RIDE or visit http://www.sleighride.com">www.sleighride.com.

Know where to go on the slopes & don't forget the discounts
If you own a season pass to any basin resort, check beforehand if that pass is blocked for the MLK weekend. Passes aren’t blocked at Heavenly or Squaw, but are at Kirkwood. The ‘Wood does offer a deal on Sundays, when you’ll get two free child’s lift tickets (ages 12 and under), with the purchase of an adult full-price ticket.

Also at Kirkwood is a one-day telemark clinic Jan. 20, which starts at 9 a.m. and runs for six hours. For $160, the seminar includes lift pass, lunch and video (aspirin extra). Call (209)258-7360 to reserve.

And if your weekend includes a visit to Heavenly Resort, plan ahead by purchasing lift vouchers at Northern California Save Mart and Lucky stores. This way, an adult ticket is $66, which is a savings of $15, with price savings for teen and youth tickets also available. You will not find these vouchers once you arrive in Tahoe, so buy them prior to driving up. They are also sold in Reno, but not Carson City.

Soak up the full moon
At Squaw Valley, Tubbs is sponsoring three nights of full-moon snowshoe tours. The guided trips start from High Camp, and can be combined with dinner beforehand at Alexander’s Café, also at mid-mountain. Call (530)452-7123 to register.

Northstar-at-Tahoe is also sponsoring a snowshoe tour, but only on the 20th. Departing the Nordic Center at mid-mountain, at 6:00pm, the guided hike includes a campfire stop, with live music, hot cocoa and S’mores. Yes! Call (530)562-2475 or check the event page at http://www.northstarattahoe.com
">www.northstarattahoe.com.

And for the night owls...
If evening entertainment is more your style, Martin Luther King weekend has plenty to offer. On the north shore, the Crystal Bay Club is hosting a free show in their Crown Room on Jan. 20. Reno band Sol Jibe is the feature performer, blending acoustic rock, jazz and flamenco with afro-Cuban beats. Get more info at (775)831-0512 or http://www.crystalbayclub.com">www.crystalbayclub.com.

Heading back to the south side of the lake, Mont Bleu is showcasing comedian Damon Wayans on the 19th. Kicking off at 9 p.m, the affable comic will be in their Mont Bleu Theatre, and tickets are $35-45. For tickets and info, call (800)648-3353 or log on to http://www.montbleuresort.com">www.montbleuresort.com.

Next door, Harrah’s has legendary Liza (with a z) Minnelli on the 19th and comedian David Spade on the 20th. Both perform in the epic South Shore Room, starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through (800)786-8208 or http://www.harrahstahoe.com">www.harrahstahoe.com.

Another great way to enjoy an evening is to ‘Party with Arty,’ at the casino’s Center Stage. The popular musician has been entertaining guests for years, and blends R & B, soul, disco and dance tunes – and the best news is that Arthur’s shows are free. He performs Jan. 18 and 19, starting at 9 p.m.

And across the street, the younger bunch can enjoy their own style of entertainment, at the Horizon Casino’s Magic Show. With illusions and slight-of-hand by four headliners of television fame, there’s a ‘Kids Free’ matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Other show times are available; call (775)588-6211 for more details or learn more at http://www.tvsmagicstars.com">www.tvsmagicstars.com.

For other evening entertainment, a restaurant guide and the occasional 2-for-1 coupon, pick up the weekly Action guide in South Lake Tahoe or the Tahoe World on the North Shore. It’s free, and a great source for whatever is happening in Tahoe each week. Most of Tahoe’s resorts and lodging properties justifiably consider the Martin Luther King weekend to be high time, so it’s difficult to find lift tickets or rooms at discounts. But as seen here, there’s still plenty to offer to make your days here filled with diverse fun – and there’s always the moon to enjoy!