First Time Skiing at Lake Tahoe

Welcome to Diamond Peak, Lake Tahoe - Your Tahoe Place

You picked the right spot for your first experience with the snow!

Beginners need gentle slopes when learning the techniques for skiing, snowboarding or telemark. Wide runs with few obstacles are best for learning. Diamond Peak's School House is such a run. In addition, an experienced Ski and Snowboard School, proper rental equipment and friendly staff are all required. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Employees are here to help you and welcome your questions that will guide you through your first day and make sure you have a blast with this new sport!

Skiing and snowboarding are about fun! However the mountains could sometimes be a harsh environment and it pays off to be prepared. Before you head up to the mountains, please, read the tips below so you come ready to enjoy your first day on the slopes! 

Learn to Ski & Ride Week - Coming January 12-16, 2009

Learn to ski or snowboard for just $29!  Specially created for first time beginners, the package includes a beginner lift ticket, a one 1 hour and 45 minute group lesson and rental equipment.  This special offer is valid for everyone ages 7 and up.  Lessons start at 10am and 2pm. We suggest arriving at Diamond Peak at least an hour before your lesson. If you get done early you can always relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or hot cocoa from our food court!

The regular price of this first time beginner package is $79…you'll save $50! 

Burton Learn To Ride Center

Last year, Diamond Peak teamed up with Burton Snowboards to make learning to snowboard easy and fun!  Burton's specially designed snowboards are softer flexing and easier to turn.  The right equipment teamed up with proven teaching techniques  make learning simple.

How to Dress in Lake Tahoe

• Weather can change rapidly in the mountains so layering is your best option instead of wearing one big bulky jacket. As you get warmer or colder, you can add or take-off layers.

• Wear water resistant gloves, wool hat and snow pants. Avoid wearing jeans and other cotton materials. Cotton absorbs water and once wet becomes a poor insulator!

• Wear eye protection such as goggles or sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from sun glare, they shield your eyes from the wind and therefore prevent irritation.

• Bring sunscreen, lip balm and skin moisturizers. The sun reflects off the snow during cloudy and sunny days!

• Stay warm! Warm up before you go out, keep moving, and avoid getting too cold or too hot.

How to Get to the Resort

Get driving directions to Diamond Peak, no matter where you're coming from.

Where to Go

Parking is close and convenient at Diamond Peak. Most days it's just a short walk to the ticket booths and on busy days we run complimentary shuttle.

Go to the ticket booths first, located at the entrance of the ski resort. You can purchase a first time beginner package (includes rental equipment, lesson and lift ticket) for $74 ($81 for 7-12 years old).

If you need rentals, head up to the Base Lodge. You will see the Rental Shop on the right hand side of the lodge. Professional staff will help you get your gear. They will ask you questions about your height, weight, and ability level. (Be honest, they need to set the bindings correctly for you). Make sure you tell them that you are a beginner.

The lesson meeting area is located in front of the Base Lodge. Make sure you are on time for your lesson. Listen to your instructor and enjoy your new experience. Remember skiing/boarding can be a challenging sport. Hang with it and you will find it can be a rewarding sport you can enjoy for a life time.

Why Take Lessons?

Skiing and snowboarding is a technical sport. By taking lessons you will be taught these special techniques that will greatly improve your chances of learning and enjoying a life time sport. Lessons will help you be successful in this new endeavor. Remember: Lessons = Success = Fun! Additionally lessons are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the sport and the equipment. Instructors can inform you about area, where to go after the day is over and what equipment is best to purchase.

Why Rent Equipment?

Skiing and snowboarding equipment can be a large investment and buying the wrong equipment can be a costly mistake. Renting gear gives you an opportunity to test it before you buy it. With our rentals priced low you can enjoy skiing and boarding without investing a lot money.

What to drink / Where to eat

High altitude, exercise and the sun rob water from your body. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day especially on your way to the ski area. Avoid diuretics such as coffee and alcohol. Eat plenty of food. Make sure your children eat nutritious breakfast as well! You can find snacks as well as healthy breakfast at the Base Lodge. At lunch time, head to the cafeteria and when the weather is nice the outside barbecue can be the perfect place to enjoy your lunch.

Physical and mental challenges

Snow is a slippery surface especially in awkward ski boots. Walk slowly and carefully when your boots are on. Use side rails to balance yourself when they are available. Once your skis are on falling is common and part of the fun.

Here are a few more challenges you can expect as a beginner.

• You will fall down. But it can be part of the fun!
• It's hard to get up but keep trying. You will get it!
• Everyone learns at their own pace. Don't be bothered if you learn slower than someone else. It's all about the experience of trying new things!
• There will be good times and bad. As you learn the good times will become more plentiful. Be patient and you will learn a sport you can do for a life time!

As you progress most of these problems will go away. To help yourself improve try to get your body in shape. The altitude, weather, and the physical challenges of the sport can take a toll on your body. Stretch before hitting the slopes and take breaks when you are tired. Most injuries come at the end of the day when your body is most fatigued.

What's next?

Once you have already experienced skiing or snowboarding you can continue practicing what you've learned in your first lesson. After a while, you will want to improve your skills and start to explore more of the mountain. This is the time to take another lesson. Advanced lessons will start from where you left off. Diamond Peak offers two advanced lesson packages. For more information on Level II and III packages, click here.