Featured Article
Brought to you by Diamond Peak
Let’s face it, as great as they are, family ski vacations are not always as easy as they seem. Dad wants to ride groomers, mom wants to ski the steeps, the kids want to rip the park, and the little one still needs a lesson or two to get their ski legs under them. With everyone pulling in different directions, finding the right mountain is tough. Pretty soon, the budget has been blown on lift tickets at a mega-resort, and you’re on an epic ski shuttle ride from the parking lot to the massive line at the base of the lift. Whatever happened to that relaxing winter getaway?
But you know what? This doesn’t have to be your ski vacation reality. From corduroy groomers to the steep and deep, and from progressive parks to gentle bunny slopes (& cocoa at the lodge!), Diamond Peak Ski Resort in North Lake Tahoe offers an unforgettable and affordable family mountain experience like no other.
Though not the largest resort in Tahoe, Diamond Peak strikes the perfect ‘goldilocks’ balance between overwhelmingly huge and underwhelmingly small. Boasting 655 acres of skiable terrain and 41 named runs, this mountain finds that ideal ‘just right’ size where there’s something for everyone. For beginners, trails like Lodgepole, Freeway, and School Yard are the perfect place to safely build confidence linking turns and have a great time while doing so. For the ex-ski racers out there (looking at you, dad) or those who love the sensation of gliding down freshly groomed corduroy, runs like the Great Flume and Crystal Ridge offer both a literal and metaphorical, breathtaking descent. These runs will make your quads burn, and as you stop to breathe in the fresh mountain air, you’ll be treated to absolutely stunning views of Lake Tahoe that you’ll find nowhere else.
If off-piste is your style, then exploring the advanced and expert-gladed zones should be at the top of your list. You’ll hoot and holler your way down with powder turns so good you’ll have no choice but to lap it again. And finally, Diamond Peak offers three progressive terrain parks complete with jumps, jibs, rails, and boxes so that whether you’re a beginner or park pro, you’ll have ample inspiration to unleash your creativity on the slopes. Diamond Peak’s uncrowded and laid-back atmosphere, no matter where you ride, ensures you’ll never wait long to take the lift back up and do it all over again.
Not only does Diamond Peak host an incredible amount of terrain variety, but getting to the mountain is easy. Only three hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and 30 miles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Diamond Peak’s location makes skiing and riding more accessible than ever. Plus, once you arrive, finding good parking is straightforward and free. If you’re staying in Incline Village, a free ski shuttle makes multiple stops around town and drops families right next to the resort ticket office. This is a great option to go green and leave your car wherever you stay.
Diamond Peak also offers some of the most competitive lift ticket prices in the Tahoe Basin, so whether you’re just skiing for the day or taking a long weekend, getting the whole family on the mountain is affordable. Plus, kids six and under always ski for free! And better yet, parents can purchase a transferable lift ticket, meaning mom and dad can trade turns sipping cocoa in the lodge and taking runs out on the hill.
If you need lessons for the little ones or yourself (hey, we all have room to improve, right?) Diamond Peak has a variety of group, and individual lessons with top-notch PSIA/AASI certified ski and snowboard instructors. Most lessons can even be bundled with lift ticket packages online, which allows you to save time and money and enjoy those well-deserved turns on the mountain.
Your next ski trip doesn’t have to be a hassle. Diamond Peak has everything you need, from expansive terrain choices to affordable lift tickets and accessibility. There’s a reason why people who know about this place keep coming back. Without a doubt, your time at Diamond Peak will provide fun for the whole family as you share unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime. Come make a trip and see why the locals call it a “hidden gem.”
