Luggi Foeger: Tahoe’s most scenic SkiMo race and party returns March 25-26

Diamond Peak’s 4th annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival has races for all ages and skill levels

The Lake Tahoe region’s most scenic SkiMo competition – the Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival – returns to Diamond Peak Ski Resort on March 25 & 26, 2023 for another weekend of human-powered fun and friendly competition.

Named in honor of Luggi Foeger – the founder and original general manager of Diamond Peak ski resort when it opened in 1966 (then named Ski Incline) – the Uphill/Downhill Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates mountain culture, human-powered sports and springtime in the Lake Tahoe region.

Race Description

Competitors race up the mountain using whatever human-powered method they prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or run back down to the finish line. Competitive SkiMo racers looking to challenge themselves are invited to take on the Elite Luggi course, consisting of two laps to the top of Diamond Peak Ski Resort for a total distance of 4.6 miles (7.4 km) with 3,315 feet (1,010 m) of total elevation gain.

For those looking for a less-challenging, family-friendly route, the recreational Lil’ Luggi course goes up to mid-mountain and features 1 mile (1.6 km) of total distance with 450 feet (137 m) of total elevation gain.

The Beer Luggi is for those who are just in it for the fun. Participants register as non-competitive in either the Big of Lil’ Luggi and go out there to have fun and earn their beer. Beer Luggi participants are only eligible for the raffle and costume awards. Awards are designed by local artists at Tahoe Burl Theory.

Schedule of events

Saturday, March 25, 2023

• On Snow Gear Demos presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports – 10:00am – 3:00pm  (Base Lodge “Beach” by the trail map)
• Race bib pick up and registration – 2:00pm – 4:00pm (Base Lodge Deck)
• Uphill/Downhill Race – 4:30pm (registration coming mid-February)
• Award Ceremony – 6:30pm approximately (Base Lodge Deck)

Saturday, March 25, 2023

• Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Hike, presented by Tahoe Institute for Natural Science – 7:30am (Meet on Base Lodge Deck for a 1 mile hike followed by a presentation in the base area), register online
• On Snow Gear Demos – 9:00am – 3:00pm  (Base Lodge “Beach” by the trail map)

Costumes are highly encouraged in all divisions, with prizes available to competitors who show up decked out in their best outfit.

The sport of SkiMo racing – aka Ski Mountaineering – has been growing at exponential rates as people discover the joy of human-powered uphill ascents in a resort setting. And few mountains offer as scenic a backdrop for a SkiMo race as Diamond Peak, which features panoramic Lake Tahoe views from both courses.

n addition to the races at the heart of the Uphill/Downhill Festival, there will be on-snow backcountry/alpine-touring/SkiMo demo gear available to try for free at the resort on March 25 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports.

On Sunday, March 26, the fun continues with a Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Hike presented by the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science at 7:30 a.m. All are welcome to meet at the Base Lodge deck for a 1-mile interpretive snowshoe hike and presentation in the Base Area about the local ecosystem.

More than just a race – it’s a party!

While the focus of the festival is certainly on getting up and down the mountain, the atmosphere in the Base Area will be festive, with spectators enjoying beautiful views, music, and food and drink specials on the outdoor sun deck at Diamond Peak.

Registration is open now

Register here: https://shopdp.yourtahoeplace.com/luggi-foeger-skimo

Volunteers needed

Diamond Peak is actively recruiting volunteers to help ensure the SkiMo races run smoothly. We are looking for course marshals, on-course photographers, and finish-line attendants/timekeepers on the afternoon of March 26. Please reach out to marketing@diamondpeak.com if you can volunteer at the event.

About Diamond Peak Ski Resort

Since 1966, Diamond Peak Ski Resort has been North Lake Tahoe’s hidden gem. Located in Incline Village, Nevada, the affordable, family-friendly resort offers 655 acres and 1,840 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding, with incredible views of Lake Tahoe, terrain for all levels, and some of the best tree skiing in the Tahoe Basin. For more information or to check the snow report, visit DiamondPeak.com or call (775) 832–1177.

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