For families with young children, there is no better ski area in the Tahoe Basin than Diamond Peak. Located on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, this resort is small, friendly and caters to families by offering special packages and a transferable parents pass. A special mini pass works like a gift card and is also transferable. All runs funnel down to one central base lodge with a large deck where everyone can meet during or after a day of skiing. It is practically impossible to get lost at Diamond Peak.

Because the resort is small, the runs are short in comparison to larger ski areas but there is terrain enough for every level of skier from beginner to advanced, plus a terrain park and tree skiing too. Views of Lake Tahoe from the top of the mountain and the Ridge run are some of the most spectacular in the region. The small Snowflake Lodge, perched on a point at the base of the ridge, has a large sundeck with sweeping lake views.

On the hill:

• The skiing:
Elevation at Diamond Peak ranges from 6,700 at the base lodge to 8,540 at the top. There are six lifts, including one high speed quad to the top of the mountain. Runs are well marked and classified with 18% beginner, 46% intermediate, and 36% advanced. Experts can find their own fun with powder skiing in the trees when conditions allow.

Beginner runs are short, relatively flat, and designed for first time skiers. Intermediate runs range from shorter, more gradual slopes descending from the Lakeview chair to the longer Ridge run from the top of the Crystal Express. Half a dozen advanced runs can be accessed from the Lakeview chair and four black diamond runs peel off from the Ridge, emptying into the narrow Great Flume run. This run, although classified as intermediate from the top, is actually more advanced because of the flume-like pitch and narrowing at the bottom where it intersects with the terrain park.

The vertical drop at Diamond Peak is 1,840 (the fourth longest at Tahoe). But with the exception of the 2.5 mile Ridge, all the runs are relatively short and faster skiers may become bored with arriving back at the lift in a matter of minutes.

• The Lift Time:

Crystal Express and Lakeview are the main chairlifts, servicing 85% of the mountain. Lines move quickly at Crystal Express but Lakeview sometimes backs up when ski schools and kids race teams are using this lift. This is family area so patience is key. There is a reason it’s called Lakeview and the view of the lake from the chairlift is well worth any wait!

• Gotta try runs:
Beginner: There are two chairlift options just outside the main lodge, School House and Lodgepole. Only first-timers and the extremely timid should bother with School House, as it is practically flat. Lodgepole offers a bit more slope and is a good place to practice linked turns before venturing to intermediate slopes.

Intermediate: Popular or Wiggle are two gradual intermediate runs off the Lakeview chair. They’re short and fun and perfect for the next step up from beginner. Skiers with more experience will want to take the Crystal Express to the Ridge and follow it down to Freeway, Penguin or Dusty’s Delight. The view is memorizing as the slope appears to drop right into the lake but, of course, it doesn’t. The top section is gradual and the lower part narrows as it becomes steeper. Another fun option from top to bottom the Great Flume, a long intermediate run that begins to the left when you exit the chair.

Advanced/Expert: A series of black diamond runs peel off from the Ridge and the Lakeview chair. They are relatively short and steep with the exception of the longer Oh God and GS runs, which descend under the Lakeview chair. These runs are lower on the mountain and don’t always have perfect snow but when they do they’re a blast for advanced skiers.

• Runs to steer clear of: Unless you’re an advanced skier, don’t try the black diamond runs off the ridge. While the center of some may be groomed, the snow can be hard packed, icy, and even cruddy, and moguls will show up in odd places throwing off those who don’t have a good rhythm and aren’t comfortable in all conditions.

A word of caution about the Ridge: The slope is west-facing and the snow softens by mid day, so ski there early. The Ridge can become quite crowded on weekends and holidays with some advanced beginners who should not be up there and those who ski or board too fast. But this run is why you come to Diamond Peak, so don’t avoid it. Just be aware of those around you and stop often at the side to enjoy the view.

The Great Flume is another place to be cautious. While it’s labeled intermediate, the run is narrow in places with steep sides requiring quick turning. If the slope is crowded with skiers who like to traverse or boarders who go too fast, accidents can happen. The run empties into the terrain park at the bottom so be sure to stay to the far left side to avoid being unexpectedly launched into the air off one of many manufactured jumps.

Off the hill:

• The food and drinks:
Food at Diamond Peak is standard cafeteria fare – burgers, chili, soups and sandwiches – in the base lodge. At Snowflake Lodge on the mountain, offerings are more limited, mainly sandwiches, but on nice days there is a barbecue going on the deck. What could be better on a sunny day than a fresh, grilled burger and a great view? Aprés ski is upstairs in the base lodge bar where there is sometimes live music and always a lively group of young foreign ski instructors and resort employees. Last Tracks is a popular event at Snowflake Lodge featuring wine tasting, appetizers, and skiing down a gentle slope on fresh corduroy, Saturday evenings from February through the end of the season.

• The staff:
Diamond Peak employees are friendly and helpful. Many have worked there year after year and the feeling among them is one of family. They extend the same courtesy to their guests.

• Retail and rental shops:
A small retail shop is run by the Village Ski Loft, which has a larger retail outlet in Incline Village. The shop opens at 8:30 a.m. and has limited clothing, hats, sunscreen, glasses and goggles. There are no skis or boards for sale and no clothing rentals at the resort.

Equipment rental is available from 8 a.m. on weekends and holidays and from 8:30 a.m. on other days. If you’re taking a lesson and need rental equipment, you should arrive an hour before the class begins. In addition to ski and board rentals, there are demo skis available from Solomon, Rossignol, Atomic and Volkl and boards from Burton.

• Ski school:
The Ski and Snowboard School has more options than you would expect for a resort this size. They offer packages deals for first time beginners; second or third time and intermediate packages. Ticket upgrades are available as beginners progress. In addition to group and private lessons for ages 7 and up, the all-day Sierra Scout program for ages 7 through 12, all levels of levels of ability, includes morning and afternoon lessons, lift ticket, optional equipment, and a supervised lunch.

The Bea Ferrato Child Ski Center offers half day and full day supervision, lessons, and lunch for the little ones, ages 3 to 7. Parents can have full confidence in the care their kids receive at this excellent facility where the instructors are child-centered above all. For group or private lessons at the Child Ski Center, call (775) 832-1298.

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