Buy a Tahoe License Plate and Ski at Any Tahoe Area Resort for Free

With early season snowfall already dusting Lake Tahoe area ski resorts, now is the time to get a free lift ticket to use this winter. California and Nevada drivers who purchase a new Lake Tahoe license plate through the “Plates for Powder” program will receive a free lift ticket to one of 15 participating Tahoe downhill or cross-country ski areas to be used during the 2026-27 winter season, while supplies last.

“Since 2011, the ‘Plates for Powder’ program has generated funds from plate sales and renewal fees that have come back to Lake Tahoe in the form of hiking and biking trails and watershed restoration projects,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry. “It’s a great way for California and Nevada drivers to show their love for Tahoe while also supporting important environmental projects.”

The nonprofit Tahoe Fund has organized the program since its inception, with the proceeds directed by the California Tahoe Conservancy and Nevada Division of State Lands. Some of the projects supported by the program include the demolition of the former Motel 6 in South Lake Tahoe to make way for wetland restoration and recreation improvements, grants to provide outdoor experiences in Tahoe for underserved communities, and the newly completed Tunnel Creek Singletrack Trail on Tahoe’s east shore.

“The generosity of the ski areas, skiers, and snowboarders that make this program possible is incredible,” said Jason Vasques, executive director of the California Tahoe Conservancy. “The funding that the Lake Tahoe license plates generates directly benefits our work to restore and enhance the natural and recreational resources in the Tahoe Basin for everyone to enjoy.”

New Tahoe license plate fees are $50 in California and $61 in Nevada. The annual renewal fee is $40 in California and $30 in Nevada. Personalized plates are also available for additional fees.

Participating ski areas include Boreal Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, Royal Gorge, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Soda Springs, Sugar Bowl Resort, Tahoe XC, Tahoe City Sports Park, and Tahoe Donner Cross Country.

• The California Tahoe Conservancy is a state agency, established in 1984, with a mission to lead California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Learn more at tahoe.ca.gov.

• The Nevada Division of State Lands provides land and land use planning services to the state, its agencies, and its people. The agency is host to the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, which implements the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) on the Nevada side of the Tahoe Basin. Project implementation is focused on water quality, forest restoration, recreation, wildlife, and stream environment zone restoration.

• The Tahoe Fund is a nonprofit founded in 2010 to support environmental improvement projects that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, improve the health of the lake, and make it easier to get around, enjoy, and take care of Lake Tahoe. Through the generous support of its donors, the organization has leveraged $35 million in private funds to secure more than $230 million in public funds for over 250 environmental projects. Learn more at www.tahoefund.org.

Learn more about how to purchase a plate and redeem the complimentary lift ticket or trail pass at tahoeplates.com. Some restrictions apply.