Holiday Season Tips
We are looking forward to welcoming many of you back to the slopes of Diamond Peak this holiday season. We’ve recently received almost 3 feet of new snow and the conditions are amazing! If you’re planning on coming up this holiday season, continue reading for a few tips to navigate what is traditionally one of the busier periods of the winter.
Tip #1: On holiday periods, avoid the big resorts
If you’re still undecided about where you’ll ski/ride this winter break, consider Diamond Peak. You can expect smaller crowds, bigger views, and great values. Purchase a 3-day Flex Pass for the best deal or buy single-day tickets online in advance to save money.
Tip #2: Give yourself extra time and arrive early
Plan to give yourself extra time to get to the slopes. Arriving early will also give you the best chance at getting a close parking spot. If you can’t make it out the door super early we do have a Preferred Parking Zone with paid parking up front or trams/shuttles to transport you from the further spots. New for 2024-25, you can now reserve a spot in the Preferred Parking Zone online in advance (while supplies last!). Diamond Peak also has two Community Ski Shuttles that stops at designated locations around town. For those hanging out at the Loft Bar past our last shuttle, check out the free TART Connect micro transit for a ride home.
If our main parking lots fill up, you can utilize the 5-minute drop-off zones to unload your family before heading to the designated off-site parking lots. We have a few 5-minute drop-off spots in the lower and upper parking lots. Just make sure someone stays with the vehicle and don’t go over the 5 minute time limit please.
Tip #3: Be prepared and arrive early for lessons
If you booked a lesson you definitely want to arrive early to ensure you make your lesson, especially if you have to pick up rentals. Group lesson packages for ages 7+ do not come with rentals so make sure you purchase those online now if you forgot to add those when you booked your lesson. The rental shop open at 8:00 a.m. and Base Lodge Provisions opens at 8:00 a.m. so we recommend getting to the rental shop early and then grabbing a quick breakfast if you have time to kill before your lesson…versus stressing to get through the line and cutting it close. Check out the new selection of breakfast pastries and bagels – pairs well with a hot coffee or canned cold brew latte. Visit the Lesson FAQ page for more lesson tips and pre-arrival information and the Dining page for menus.
Tip #4: Purchase gift cards or load PassCash onto your pass or ticket
Diamond Peak is now cash-free: Since cash is no longer accepted, Diamond Peak Gift Cards are a great alternative way to allow kids and others to purchase snacks without a credit card. Plus, they obviously make great gifts given the name. Gift cards can be purchased online for $25/$50/$75/$100 increments, or at the Ticket Windows for any amount. Pickup will be at the Ticket Windows (we can not mail them to recipients). “PassCash” (aka Stored Value) is another convenient option for children skiing independently or those who don’t like to carry their credit card with them on the slopes. With a credit card, you can load funds onto your season pass or the ticket of any dependent children in your household via your online account or at the ticket windows. Visit the FAQ page for step-by-step instructions on loading PassCash.
The North Tahoe egift card is also a great option and can be used at participating locations throughout North Tahoe. Shop local to support our community!
Tip #5: Get a selfie with Santa & Pete
Santa and Penguin Pete will be at Diamond Peak handing out treats, stickers and taking selfies with all the kids (and kids at heart) on Dec. 24 & 25. Look for them on the slopes and in the Base Area.
Tip #6: Drink Tahoe Tap
High altitude, exercise and the sun all pull water out of your body. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Plastic water bottles are not necessary at Diamond Peak since reusable containers are available for purchase if you did not bring your own. Clean, fresh and healthy water is delivered to refill stations conveniently located inside the base lodge. The world’s best water is right at your fingertips. Go ahead, Drink Tahoe Tap®.
Tip #7: Ski during lunchtime
Maximize your time on the slopes by eating outside the busiest 12-1:30pm window. Grab an early or late lunch – or fuel up in the morning with one of our huge breakfast burritos from Base Lodge Provisions and grab a Tahoe Trail Bar for an afternoon snack. If you want something quick there is also grab-and-go cooler with tasty salads, sandwiches, and more right as you enter Base Lodge Provisions. The new Winter Kale Salad is delish!
For more tips and frequently asked questions ask our new Virtual Penguin Pete (located in the chat on the bottom of our website) and read the FAQ pages (Visit FAQ / Lesson FAQ).
