It’s easy to call Lake Tahoe the last unforked pea on the plate of American snow riding. More and more Tahoe resorts might be mirroring the mainstream, painting a canvas of haves and haves more, but don’t kid yourself: No other resort destination in North America encompasses such a wide array of world class slopes, abundant snowfall, pristine vistas and sparkling amenities. Moreover, there are more chair lifts to ride in the Tahoe Basin than in the entire state of Colorado and four out of five days are sunny. Winter temperatures average around 29 degrees, and when it snows, which is often this early season, the flakes fall thick and fast, piling into soft mounds on the upper portion of discolored mountain peaks and setting the stage for exceptional skiing and snowboarding.
 
Diamond Peak
(775) 832-1177
Snow Phone- (775) 831-3211
www.diamondpeak.com
655 skiable acres
 
Incline Village occupies the most northern niche of Lake Tahoe. Originally, the town received its name from the grade that was used to carry timber nearly 1,400 vertical feet into the lake during the 1800s. A century later, the same grade is being used to carry skiers up and down its slope after the Boise-Cascade corporation developed the golf course and ski resort now called Diamond Peak. With stunning views of sylvan landscapes, affordable pricing, special programs for kids, and a variety of terrain Diamond Peak is one of Tahoe's premier family resorts. Off the Crystal Quad chairlift advanced riders and skiers enjoy dropping into Golden Eagle Bowl, a series of four natural glades strung together down the canyon. Others scream down Lightning, a black diamond run comparable in steepness to Palisades Tahoe's Headwall. More natural glades and wind-dwarfed pines can be discovered in Solitude Canyon, 20 acres of advanced terrain reached also from the top of the Crystal quad. Almost 50% of Diamond Peak's terrain is intermediate. Crystal Ridge Run is over a mile of smooth and wide cruising with magnificent views of Lake Tahoe. Diamond Peak loves kids. At the Bee Ferrato Child Ski Center, children, Sierra Scouts ages 7-12 build a strong ski foundation participating in an assortment of special on-snow programs. Children 6-and under and seniors 60 plus ski for  only $14. The mid-station SnowFlake Lodge offers casual fare and outstanding views of the lake in a relaxed sunny setting.
 
What’s New: The resort has completed a new $4.5 million skier services building that includes two ski schools highlighted by the Child Ski Center, new ticket windows and administration offices.
 
A Good Deal: The resort’s mini-pass works like a gift card. You choose how many days you want on the card. The first day is $49 then every day after that is just $39 per day. Each time you ski, present your card at the ticket window in exchange for a lift ticket and 1 day is subtracted from the card
 
Best Event:  The 11th Annual Dummy Downhill takes place in April.
 
Don’t Miss: Enjoy “Last Tracks” every Saturday from February through April at the mid-mountain Snowflake Lodge.  It’s an afternoon wine tasting with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.  While you relax and enjoy fine wine and appetizers, the mountain staff goes out and grooms a run to ski or snowboard down (just before sunset) for the last run of the day. Now, Last Tracks fans can purchase a Last Tracks Season Pass for $200.  It’s good at every Last Tracks event this season.  
 
Insider Tip: Natural glades and wind-dwarfed pines can be discovered in Solitude Canyon, 20 acres of advanced terrain reached also from the top of the Crystal quad.

More of Tahoe Resorts: A-to-Z

Alpine Meadows
Boreal
Diamond Peak
Donner Ski Ranch
Granlibakken
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Mt. Rose
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Soda Springs
Sugar Bowl
Squaw Valley USA
Tahoe Donner