Looking for a challenging, fun activity in the snow this winter? Diamond Peak ski resort in Lake Tahoe may have the perfect challenge.
Diamond Peak will hosting the adventurous and scenic SkiMo competition – the sixth annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival – March 22-23 for a weekend of human-powered adventure and friendly competition.
Named in honor of Luggi Foeger – the founder and original general manager of Diamond Peak when it opened in 1966 (then named Ski Incline) – the Uphill/Downhill Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates mountain culture, human-powered sports, local craft beer and springtime in the Lake Tahoe region.
Competitors race up the mountain using whatever human-powered method they prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe or run back down to the finish line.
Located in Incline Village, Nev., Diamond Peak is a family-friendly resort offering 655 acres and 1,840 vertical feet of skiing and riding, with incredible views of nearby Lake Tahoe.
Early-bird registration for all Luggi Foeger races is available through March 8 with discounted prices ranging from $35 for the Elite Luggi and Beer Luggi divisions, $30 for the Big Luggi race, and $15 for the Lil’ Luggi division.
The cost to register ranges between $15 and $35. After March 8, prices go up. Register now and save more than 40% off the day-of prices!
Racers looking for a less strenuous but still challenging route can take on the Big Luggi course, consisting of one lap to the top of the mountain for a total distance of 2.6 miles (4.2 km) with 1,840 feet (561 m) of total elevation gain. The Big Luggi race also offers a Masters division for competitors 50-older.
For those looking for a less-challenging, family-friendly route, the recreational Lil’ Luggi course goes up to mid-mountain and features 1 mile (1.6 km) of total distance with 450 feet (137 m) of total elevation gain.
Race Schedule – Saturday, March 22
- 8 am to Noon: Day-of registration for Beer Luggi division only (Ticket Windows)
- 10 am to 3 pm: On-snow gear demos presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports
- Noon to 4 pm: Race bib pick up (Base Lodge Deck)
- 4:30 pm: SkiMo race start
- 6:30 pm: Awards ceremony (Loft Bar)
In addition to the races at the heart of the Uphill/Downhill Festival, there will be on-snow backcountry/alpine-touring/SkiMo demo gear available to try for free at the resort March 22 from 10 am to 3 pm, presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports.
On Sunday, March 23, there’s a Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Hike presented by the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science at 7:30 a.m. All are welcome to meet at the Base Lodge deck for a 1-mile interpretive snowshoe hike and presentation in the Base Area about the local ecosystem.
Volunteers Needed: Diamond Peak is actively recruiting volunteers to help ensure the SkiMo races run smoothly. The resort is looking for course marshals, on-course photographers, and finish-line attendants/timekeepers on the afternoon of March 22. Please reach out to [email protected] if interested in becoming a volunteer.
