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 Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival – March 23-24 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, Nevada, Diamond Peak is a family-friendly resort offering 655 acres and 1,840 vertical feet of skiing and riding, with incredible views of Lake Tahoe.
Participants will save 40% off the full price of race registration by signing up by Saturday, March 9. Slots in the non-competitive Beer Luggi division are limited, so all beer enthusiasts should lock in their spot early.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Competitive SkiMo racers and experienced uphillers looking to challenge themselves are invited to take on the Elite Luggi course, consisting of two laps to the top of Diamond Peak for a total distance of 4.6 miles with 3,315 feet of total elevation gain.
Racers looking for a less strenuous but still challenging route can tackle the Big Luggi course, consisting of one lap to the top of the mountain for a total distance of 2.6 miles with 1,840 feet of total elevation gain. The Big Luggi race also offers a Masters division for competitors 50-older.
For those looking for a less-challenging route, the recreational Lil’ Luggi course goes up to mid-mountain and features one mile of total distance with 450 feet of elevation gain.
The most popular category is the Beer Luggi – a non-competitive division where participants can choose any of the courses they would like to do. Instead of competing for prizes and podium finishes, Beer Luggi “racers” will receive a souvenir Beer Luggi stein and a 16-oz. craft beer from local brewery Alibi Ale Works after they finish.
PARTY ATMOSPHERE: The event is more than just a race – it’s a party.
While the focus of the festival is certainly on getting up and down the mountain, the atmosphere in the resort’s Base Area will be festive, with spectators enjoying beautiful views, music, and food and drink specials on the outdoor sun deck at Diamond Peak.
Costumes are highly encouraged in all divisions, with prizes available to competitors who show in their most creative outfit.
On Sunday (March 24), the fun continues with 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 one-mile interpretive snowshoe hike and presentation in the Base Area about the local ecosystem.
REGISTRATION: Early-bird registration for all Luggi Foeger races is available through Saturday, March 9 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.
After March 9, prices go up. Registration can be found on Diamond Peak’s website here.
