1. What Blackout Weekend Actually Is

• Ski, snowboard, party, lounge, repeat
• You do not have to ski or snowboard to enjoy it
• No two people’s schedules look the same and that’s intentional

Blackout Weekend is a winter escape that blends mountains, music, nightlife, and community into one unforgettable long weekend in Lake Tahoe.

By day, it’s snow-covered views, ski and snowboard sessions, cozy lounges, and daytime social energy. By night, it shifts into curated parties, après moments, and late nights surrounded by people who came for the same reason you did: to unplug, reset, have fun, and celebrate melanin on the mountain.

You choose how your weekend flows.

Go hard on the mountain. Sleep in and hit brunch. Catch a party, skip one, find a new crew in between. Every version counts.

Whether you’re coming with friends, solo, or somewhere in between, Blackout Weekend has a way of turning a few days in Tahoe into stories you’ll still be talking about long after the snow melts.

2. Wristbands = Your Access

Your wristband is your access to official Blackout Weekend events.

• Options include 3-Day or 4-Day
• GA or VIP
• 4-Day wristbands include Thursday and early Friday
• 3-Day wristbands begin Friday evening and may not include early Friday activities

Pro tip: Presale pricing is always lower than onsite. Booking early is always your best bet.

3. GA vs VIP: What’s the Difference?

Both are great options. It really comes down to how you like to move through the weekend.

GA (General Admission)

• Access to official Blackout Weekend events
• Access to the official Blackout Weekend App
• Perfect if you like flexibility and building your own vibe

VIP

• Includes everything GA offers
• Plus elevated perks like:

• Extra comfort and convenience
• Exclusive moments or spaces
• Shared bottle service at Peek

GA is the core experience.
VIP is the upgrade for guests who want a little more ease and exclusivity.

Snow activities, rooms, and travel are not included in the wristband price for either.

There’s no wrong choice here, but VIP always sells out, so book early if you’re interested.

4. Hotels Matter More Than You Think

Where you stay affects your entire weekend.

• Blackout Weekend offers an exclusive Blackout Rate at our two host hotels
• Staying at a host hotel keeps you close to:

• Events
• Shuttles
• Meetups
• Other attendees

• Hotels do sell out
• Blackout Rates have a cutoff date

Harrah’s and Caesars Republic are connected host hotels:

• Caesars Republic is newly remodeled
• Harrah’s has two bathrooms (great for shared rooms) and is closer to more events

5. Transportation: Plan This Early

From Sacramento or Oakland

• The Blackout Weekend Party Bus is the easiest option
• It’s popular and usually sells out early

From farther away

• Fly into Reno Airport (RNO)
• Take the South Tahoe Airporter directly to host hotels
• Book flights around the Airporter schedule (it does not run all night)
• Book tickets early

Blackout Weekend events are scheduled so that you do not need a car once you’re in Lake Tahoe.

6. Weather Is a Variable, Not a Vibe Killer

Tahoe changes every year.

• Some years are warmer, some are colder
• Snowfall can slow mountain travel
• Your plans affect what you should book and pack

This is not a dealbreaker. It’s just part of the experience.

👉 The Blackout Packing Guide offers helpful tips.

7. Activities Are Optional and Customizable

Important first-timer note:

• Skiing and snowboarding are not automatically included
• Lift tickets, rentals, and lessons are booked separately

This setup works for:

• Advanced riders
• Beginners
• Guests here mainly for après, parties, and social events

No pressure. No forced schedule.

8. Add-Ons: How Customization Works

Some experiences are offered as add-ons, and that’s a good thing.

• Activities (skiing, snowboarding, lessons, rentals)
• Brunch experiences
• Select specialty events

Making these add-ons allows each guest to customize their Blackout Weekend with the flavor they prefer.

9. Overlapping Events Are Intentional

• Some activities happen at the same time
• This gives you options
• You choose your pace
• You won’t “miss the weekend” by missing one thing

There’s no single right way to do Blackout Weekend.

10. Coming With Friends? Group Packages Available

If you’re planning to come with your crew, there are group packages for parties of 8 or more.

• Ideal for friend groups, birthdays, and milestone trips
• Helps keep everyone organized under one booking
• Makes coordinating wristbands, hotels, and add-ons easier

Group packages are built to simplify planning so you can focus on the fun.