The timing has been ideal for Diamond Peak ski resort, which planned on an early December opening for the 2015-16 season and received cooperation from the weather, which hasn’t been too kind to the Lake Tahoe region the past three winters.
The early hype about El Niño bringing an abundance of snow to the Lake Tahoe region this winter has proven true thus far with sizable December snow totals. The goal for Diamond Peak, which has all but two of its lifts open this season, was to be fully operational in time for the December school holiday break, weather and conditions permitting.
In addition to 72 inches of natural snow as of Dec. 18, sustained cold temperatures during the months of November and December that allowed Diamond Peak’s snowmaking system to operate for over 380 hours – a total that was not reached until Dec. 29 last season – and to generate 150 percent of the total amount of man-made snow compared to last season.
Families looking for a friendly and approachable Tahoe ski resort this holiday season should consider Diamond Peak, which is located in Incline Village and offers a great mix of value and convenience.
A family with young children can ski or snowboard Diamond Peak for as little as $138 during the winter break (with one-day adult tickets at $69 and kids 6-and-under free). Youth and Senior one-day lift tickets (ages 13-23 or 65-69 respectively) are just $59 during the holidays, while Children and Super Seniors (ages 7-12 and 70-plus) ski or ride for just $33.
Skiers and riders looking for deeper discounts can save even more with a 2- to 7-day Flex Pass, which offers daily rates as low as $42 for adults in a fully-transferrable mini-pass valid all season long (even during the holidays). And for those looking for the ultimate pass, unrestricted adult Diamond Peak season passes are still available for just $449.
Pass holders at some other ski resorts who are blacked out during the holidays or are looking to try something new are encouraged to take advantage of Diamond Peak’s “Bring Your Other Pass” deal – $45 lift tickets during the holidays if you show your other season pass from another ski resort ($35 regularly).
Diamond Peak has slope-side parking available and a free ski shuttle, picking up skiers and snowboarders from various locations around Incline Village and connecting with the Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) busses as well.
Diamond Peak will celebrates the holidays with a visit from Santa and Diamond Peak mascot Penguin Pete on December 24-25, as well as theme days in the Child Ski Center featuring staff in fun costumes during the holiday break.
For full details on any of Diamond Peak’s programs, please visit www.DiamondPeak.com or call 775 832-1177.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel and visit his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com.
