Celebrate North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST and strong beer at Starkbierfest, a lively Bavarian tradition brought to life at The Chalet at Alpine at Palisades Tahoe.

Starkbierfest, which translates to “Strong Beer Festival,” dates back to Bavaria, Germany, where monks brewed rich, high-gravity beers during the Lenten season to sustain themselves through fasting. Over time, the tradition evolved into a festive spring celebration centered around bold brews, hearty food, camaraderie, and good-natured competition. Expect stronger-than-average beers, classic alpine energy, and a vibrant après scene with a nod to old-world beer halls.

Join us on March 8 for mountain après with Bavarian flair, featuring strong beer, festive music, and classic Alpine hospitality at The Chalet.

Please note: A valid lift ticket or Ikon Pass is required to access the Alpine Chalet, as it is located on-mountain.

Starkbierfest Games

🌭 Wiener Toss | 11:30 AM
Grab a friend and partner up for this crowd-pleasing classic. Teammates will toss the wiener back and forth, testing coordination, timing, and teamwork — all while wearing ski or snowboard boots. Equal parts skill, chaos, and comedy. Expect laughs, cheers, and maybe a few fumbled franks.

🏃‍♂️ Bier Slalom | 12:30 PM
No skis required—just your ski boots or snowboard boots. Guests will race on foot through a short obstacle-style slalom course while holding a full stein, weaving through obstacles with speed, balance, and control. The goal is to complete the course as quickly and cleanly as possible with minimal spillage. Penalties may apply for missed obstacles or excessive loss of liquid.

🍺 Stein Holding Contest | 1:30 PM
A true test of strength and stamina. Competitors hold a full beer stein straight out in front of them for as long as possible. Last person standing wins