Diamond Peak offers a scenic alternative to Lake Tahoe’s mega ski resorts

Community-owned, fiercely independent and community-driven – those are the key differentiating factors that make Diamond Peak distinct in the crowded Lake Tahoe ski resort scene.

“Small but mighty” would be another apt description, because with 1,840 vertical feet of skiable terrain packed into 655 scenic acres just a mile from Lake Tahoe, Diamond Peak offers the 4th most skiable vertical in the Tahoe Basin (according to the independent website mountainvertical.com).

Image of fresh corduroy on Crystal Ridge.

Fresh corduroy on Crystal Ridge. Photo by Ryland West

Add in panoramic Tahoe views from nearly every run on the mountain, incredible glades for tree skiing/riding, and Tahoe’s most progressive terrain park (The Village), and it’s no wonder locals know Diamond Peak to be Tahoe’s “hidden gem.”

As a community-owned ski resort, Diamond Peak stands out in the Tahoe Basin and greater U.S. ski industry as a beacon to skiers and riders looking for a friendly, non-corporate vibe. What’s more, as the only Lake Tahoe resort to achieve STOKE Certified status, it’s a great choice for skiers and riders concerned about supporting environmentally sustainable resorts.

Here is what is on tap at Diamond Peak this year

March 26-27: Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival & SkiMo Race:

The Lake Tahoe Basin’s friendliest SkiMo competition and an incredibly family-friendly event. Luggi Foeger competitors race to the top of the mountain using whatever human-powered method you prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or run back down to the finish line. For families and/or those of a less competitive nature, a recreational course to mid-mountain will be available. All competitors are encouraged to wear costumes, with prizes awarded for top finishers and best costumes. New this year, beer enthusiasts can enter the “Mountainbeering” division and enjoy a couple locally-brewed Alibi Ale Works craft beers in a souvenir pint glass after the race. The event will also include fun activities in the base area including ski boot races, live music, an awards ceremony, and more! For those less competitive, join us for a winter wildlife snowshoe hike Sunday morning. Full details on the Diamond Peak website.

Image of snowboarder in fresh powder at Diamond Peak

A rider explores the fresh powder in Diamond Peak’s Solitude Canyon. Photo by Ryan Salm

Newly named glade zones:

Diamond Peak’s gladed tree skiing zones are the place to be on storm days. This advanced terrain is a playground for experts filled with natural obstacles like pillows, rock drops and more. Diamond Peak offers 655 skiable acres, and almost 500 acres of that is off-piste tree runs. Thanks to a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, local fire crews and our summer maintenance staff, we’ve cleared out many of the smaller trees and brush in these zones, making them healthier forests, less prone to wildfire, and as an added bonus, incredibly fun for skiers and riders. During the 2020-21 ski season, Diamond Peak asked our community of skiers and riders to help us name some of these iconic zones on the mountain, with hundreds of creative suggestions flowing in. This winter, we’re excited to announce the new names for these zones, which skiers and riders will see on new trail maps and on the Steeps & Stashes page of the Diamond Peak website.

Uphill access at Diamond Peak:

Uphill access by self-powered means of skinning, snowshoeing and hiking has gained popularity at Diamond Peak in recent years and we welcome and support individuals seeking to exercise and enjoy the quiet mountain setting during designated hours before and after the resort’s normal operating hours. This season, Diamond Peak season pass holders will be able to purchase an Uphill Access pass to access the mountain under their own power. For pricing, rules and restrictions, please see diamondpeak.com/mountain/uphill-use-policy.

Guided after-hours snowshoe hikes:

Join guides from the Incline Village Parks & Recreation Department for Moonlight Snowshoe Hikes to Diamond Peak’s Snowflake Lodge. The snowshoe hikes offer non-skiers the chance to enjoy the slopes of Diamond Peak in wintertime and encourage exercising in a social setting. The 1.5-mile (3 miles round trip) hike includes guides, exclusive after-hours access to Diamond Peak and Snowflake Lodge, s’mores and hot cocoa. There will also be light fare available for purchase at Snowflake Lodge. Dates include Fridays,  Jan 21, Feb.  18, March 18, 2022. See DiamondPeak.com/events for reservations and more information.

Photo of a mother and son boarding and skiing at Diamond Peak

A family cruises down Crystal Ridge on a spring day. Photo by Ryan Salm

Diamond Peak deals:                                                                  

  • BYOP (Bring Your Other Pass) Deal– Have a season pass at another ski resort? Purchase the discounted BYOP lift ticket online and then simply show your 2021-22 season pass from any other ski resort at the ticket windows – you’ll save $20 off the online lift ticket rate (excluding peak dates). Click here for full details.
  • Kids 6 & Under, Seniors 80+ Ski Free– Children ages 6 and under and seniors 80 and over always ski free at Diamond Peak.
  • Interchangeable Parent’s Pass– The interchangeable Parent’s Pass is a transferable lift ticket that allows parents to take turns skiing while the other watches the little ones. Simply purchase a regular adult lift ticket online and ask for a Parent Interchangeable lanyard when you pick up your tickets.
  • Beginner Lift Tickets– Diamond Peak offers a beginner lift ticket valid for the Lodgepole and Schoolhouse chairlifts and the beginner terrain they access for a discounted rate. Skiers and snowboarders can also upgrade their beginner lift tickets to an all-mountain ticket at any time by paying the difference in cost.

See DiamondPeak.com for full details on all of these offers.

Photo of snowboarder in Diamond Peak's Village Terrain Park

Diamond Peak’s Village Terrain Park offers progressive freestyle terrain features for all levels. Photo by Ryland West

Image of skier in Diamond Peak's Golden Eagle Bowl. Lake Tahoe in the background

Find your own powder stashes in Diamond Peak’s Golden Eagle Bowl. Photo by Ryan Salm

Woman skiing fresh corduroy at Diamond Peak with a view of the lake in the background

Fresh corduroy and panoramic Lake Tahoe views from Diamond Peak’s Crystal Ridge run. Photo by Ryan Salm

Image of first ski tracks on Diamond Peak's Crystal Ridge run from the top of the mountain, with Lake Tahoe in the background.

First tracks on Diamond Peak’s Crystal Ridge run from the top of the mountain, with Lake Tahoe in the background. Photo by Jake Pollock

 

See DiamondPeak.com for more up to date information.