If the only reasons holding you back from planning a weekend in Tahoe for snow, friends and parties are money and having to actually plan it yourself, no need to fret: SWAT up! For those not in the know, every year during Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, hundreds of college students make a trip up to the Reno/Tahoe area for SWAT, which is called “the largest college party of the year.”

SWAT is an anticipated annual event for students from colleges all over the west coast. You probably have seen student representatives for SWAT around campus, and for those who have never been, you can probably get a good idea about the excitement that awaits you by talking to the reps.

“Tahoe is so much fun, and I would never miss the trip!” says Annie Gillman, a SWAT rep at USC. “Some of my favorite memories from college and closest friends were made on SWAT!”

The all-inclusive trip package that SWAT offers is extremely well priced, even for those on a college budget. For $299, you get three nights at the Sands Regency or Circus Circus, a two-day lift pass at Squaw Valley USA, shuttles to and from the resort and a SWAT wristband for exclusive parties. For an additional cost, there’s optional round-trip, luxury bus transportation from your city of departure up to Tahoe.

If you don’t ski or snowboard, or you want to book your own hotel, they offer modified packages to fit your needs, so everyone is guaranteed to have a fun time. But for those who do hit the slopes, Squaw Valley offers endless hours of outdoor entertainment. With 33 lifts and 2,850 vertical feet of terrain, it’s definitely a winter playground for all ages.

SWAT also provides activities for the time spent off the slopes as well, with a promise of “72 hours of non-stop action.” This year, plan on exclusive parties with SWAT DJs Loczi and DeeJay O, a rockstar ’80s theme party and even après ski parties. There will also be live entertainment by Living Legends and Power Serge.

Overall, just get ready to have a good time with friends both old and new. With students from all over, you’re bound to run into high school friends and expand your social circle with new pals.

“SWAT is a great weekend that brings together college students from universities across the west coast,” raves Gillman. “My high school friends and I use it as a chance to have a mini reunion and snowboard at the same time!”

Now the only thing left to do is book what is sure to be a seriously entertaining and unforgettable weekend.

For more information, visit swatup.com.