Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival: Tahoe’s Most Scenic Mountaineering Race Returns March 26!

Diamond Peak’s 3rd annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival 

The Lake Tahoe region’s most scenic SkiMo competition – the Luggi  Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival – returns to Diamond Peak Ski Resort on March 26 & 27, 2022 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. 

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. Racers looking for a less strenuous but still challenging route can tackle the Big Luggi course, consisting of one lap to the top of the mountain for a total distance of 2.6 miles (4.2 km) with 1,840 feet (561 m) of total elevation gain. 

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. 

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. 

Finally, this year Diamond Peak has partnered with local craft brewery Alibi Ale Works and Mountaineering to present the Beer Luggi race – a non-competitive division where participants can choose any of the courses they would like to do. Instead of competing for prizes and podium finishes, Beer Luggi “racers” will receive a  souvenir Beer Luggi pint glass and a 16oz. craft beer from Alibi at the finish line. 

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

In 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 26 from 10 a.m.  – 3 p.m., presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports.

On Sunday, March 27, 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 

Early-bird registration for all Luggi Foeger races is available through March 5 with discounted prices ranging from $35 for the Elite Luggi, $25 for the Big Luggi and Beer Luggi races, and $10 for the Lil’ Luggi division.  After March 5, prices go up, so register early! Registration links can be found on Diamond Peak’s website at:  www.diamondpeak.com/events/details/luggi-foeger-uphill-downhill-festival 

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. 

SkiMo Race Descriptions & Categories 

• Elite Luggi = 4.6 Miles (double lap) – Men’s & Women’s Divisions 
• Big Luggi = 2.6 Miles (single lap – 1.3 miles uphill to the top) – Men’s, Women’s, Men’s Masters (ages  50+), Women’s Masters (ages 50+), and Youth (ages 15 & under) 
• Lil’ Luggi = 1 Mile (short course – .4 miles uphill to mid-mountain) – Adult (16 & up), Youth (ages 11- 15) and Child (ages 10 & under) Divisions 
• Beer Luggi = Non-competitive – choose either the Big or Lil’ Luggi course and have fun. No prizes will be awarded, but registration includes a 16oz. Alibi beer and souvenir pint glass. Cheers! (ages 21+) 

Race Schedule – Saturday, March 26 

• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: On-snow gear demos presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports 
• 2 – 4 p.m.: Race bib pick up and day-of registration 
• 4:30 p.m.: SkiMo race start 
• 6:30 p.m.: Awards ceremony on the Base Lodge Deck 

 

Sign up HERE