UPHILL ACCESS AT DIAMOND PEAK

Updates & Designated Routes

What's New for 2022-23

Diamond Peak has seen a surge in Uphill Access users in recent years, resulting in operational difficulties and safety concerns. During the off-season last year, we put together an Uphill Access Committee made up of local uphill users to find a way to continue to offer this popular activity on our slopes, while minimizing the negative impacts on the resort's operations and ensuring safety for participants. The committee's solutions include three major changes to our Uphill Use Policy:

1. Uphill access will be restricted to Diamond Peak season pass holders AND/OR current IVGID Picture Pass Holders. Both groups must still obtain a 2022-23 Uphill Access Pass from the Ticket Windows before accessing the mountain during off-hours.
2. Uphill Access Passes will cost $50 for all qualifying users above (this is in addition to the cost of a Diamond Peak season pass).

Uphill Hours/Dates:

2022-23 Uphill Season Dates: TBD - Early January 2023 - mid April 2023 (conditions permitting)

• Uphill access is only allowed during the Uphill Season listed above (subject to change at any time. Please see the updates at the top of this page.)
• 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Uphill users must be back to the base area by 9 a.m.)
• 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Uphill users must be back to the base area by 7 p.m.)
• All uphill access routes will be closed to uphill use during the morning hours on snow days (i.e. when there is 2" or more of fresh snow on the mountain)
• Diamond Peak is not patrolled by medical staff during uphill hours. In case of emergency, dial 911.

Sign up for Uphill Access text alerts

Get text updates when uphill access is closed due to snowfall or other reasons and avoid a trip to the mountain.

Diamond Peak Uphill Access Policy

Uphill access by self-powered means of skinning, snowshoeing and hiking has gained popularity at Diamond Peak in recent years and we welcome and support individuals seeking to exercise and enjoy the quiet mountain setting during designated hours (see below). To ensure the safety of everyone on the mountain, individuals who choose to skin, snowshoe and hike must have a valid 2022-23 Diamond Peak season pass OR a valid IVGID Picture Pass, AND must purchase a 2022-23 Uphill Access Pass, available from the Diamond Peak Ticket Windows daily between 12:00pm and 4:00pm.

Please note that our Uphill Access Policy is intended to preserve the safety of the users and mountain operations. Additions to the guidelines include designated routes of ascending and descending and hours of uphill access. We will also provide uphill access updates on top of this webpage, via text messages, as well as on an information reader board on the Lodgepole run, just above the main lodge. The messaging is intended to provide information on designated routes, availability, and general user information.

Users must abide by the rules and regulations established by Incline Village General Improvement District when accessing Diamond Peak. Access to the resort trails or property at any time, with or without a ticket/pass, is at your own risk and you assume all risks of injury or death associated with your use of resort property for any reason. Please respect all warning signs, closures and ropes no matter the time of day or season. If you decide to leave the ski area boundaries, you are responsible for understanding and accepting the risks of your choice. It is prohibited to approach within 100 feet of grooming machines, winch cats, winch cables (whether stationary or moving) or operating snowmaking equipment. This must be observed at all times.

The following are policies you must follow for uphill travel at Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Please use common sense and good judgment at all times.

Uphill Use Policy Outside of Operating Hours:

• Uphill access is limited to IVGID Picture Pass holders and 2022-23 Diamond Peak Season Pass holders only. Both groups must ALSO obtain a 2022-23 Uphill Access Pass and display it during use. This pass can be purchased at the Ticket Windows between the hours of 12:00pm and 4:00pm.
• You must abide by the Washoe County Skiers Responsibility Code Skier/Snowboarder Safety Act. 
• Please check this webpage for updates and closures, and check the information sign board located near Tower 3 of the Lodgepole Chairlift every time before uphill use. The mountain or certain routes may be closed to uphill access for snow safety, snowmaking, grooming, race training or other reasons. Respect these closures and turn around if uphill access is closed.
• Constantly be on the lookout for snowmobiles, snowmaking equipment, groomers, winch cats and winch cables.
  • Do not enter areas where machinery is in use.
  • The majority of machinery operates after hours. Pay close attention at all times.
  • Stay at least 100 feet from grooming machines, winch cats, winch cables (whether stationary or moving) or operating snowmaking equipment.
• Stay to the side of the trail. When traveling in groups please proceed in a single file to respect the groomed surfaces.
• Uphill access is only allowed during the defined Uphill Access season (above), conditions permitting.
• Use of all Terrain Park features is prohibited outside of normal operating hours. 
• Headlamp or flashlight is required and must be on at all times (even during daylight) to alert any downhill guests/ski patrollers of your location. Reflective clothing preferred. 
• Dogs are not allowed to accompany uphill access users, no exceptions.
• If your presence on resort property presents a hazard or the resort staff feels that you are impeding the operations of the resort, you may be directed to utilize a different location. You must follow such direction or you will be asked to leave the premises and your Uphill Pass may be revoked. 
• All ungroomed and/or closed trails are closed for uphill use. 
• Stay on the same designated route both uphill and downhill (i.e. skin up the same route you intend to ski/ride down). Designated routes may be updated daily depending on conditions, grooming equipment, or snowmaking.
• While downhill skiing or riding you must follow all of the above guidelines pertaining to trail access/use, out of bounds skiing/riding, and caution of safety hazards.
• Uphill use is not permitted in the mornings on snow days (2 inches or more fresh snow overnight at the top of Crystal Ridge).
• Uphill use may be suspended at any time without notice.
• Please park your vehicle respectfully, making a conscious effort to fit into one designated spaces between the yellow lines. 
• Diamond Peak will utilize a SMS/Text messaging service to facilitate communication of Uphill Access closures, changes to hours of operation, and other relevant information. You must consent to receiving these SMS/Text messages and understand that SMS/Text messaging fees may apply (please contact your carrier for details).

Hazards

Participants must be aware of and avoid mountain hazards which include but are not limited to:

• Snowmaking hoses – Warning, high pressure. Do not ski over snowmaking hoses.
• Electrical cords – Danger. Do not walk or ski over electrical cords. They are 480 volts or greater, and are live even when snow gun is not operating. In general, avoid traveling between snowmaking machinery and the tree line.
• Snowmaking hydrants – Stay away from hydrants. While in use they will not have pads on them.
• Snowmobiles – Stay away from snowmobiles, and if you see one, make yourself visible. 
• Snow Cats/Grooming Machines – Give Snow Cats a wide berth and make yourself visible to operators. Do not assume they can see you. Do not ski down directly behind grooming machinery in the fresh corduroy. 
• Winch Cat Operations – Dangerous cable. Winch Snow Cats attach to cables to groom on steep slopes. Such work will involve cables stretched tight across the terrain on the slope and above the slope. This is very dangerous. Under no circumstance may anyone access any area within the resort where winch cat operations are taking place. Skiing into them can result in serious injury or death. Winch cables are known to move in any direction and can jump multiple feet into the air when in use. IF YOU SEE A FLASHING BEACON DO NOT TRAVEL BEYOND IT.
• Other hazard areas, operations or conditions may exist on the mountain including but not limited to the following risks: collisions with other skiers or riders, natural and manmade objects, trees, rocks, fences, lift towers, snowmaking equipment, over the snow vehicles such as snowmobiles or grooming equipment, unfinished grooming activity, loss of control, variations in terrain and snow conditions, bare spots, bumps, moguls, ice, stumps, forest growth and debris, erosion control devices, terrain park features, walking on the resort property and parking lots. 
• Diamond Peak is a mountain environment that requires your alertness, common sense and caution. Read and obey all signs. Be sure your physical condition permits you to hike, ski, snowboard, skin or otherwise use resort facilities. Be aware that high elevation can accentuate existing health problems and concerns. 
• There is no on-site medical/rescue response before or after hours and assistance may take an increased amount time to arrive. In case of emergency, call 911. During resort hours of operation, Dispatch may be reached at (775) 832-1225 

Designated routes:

Check the updates above for messages and designated routes but always make sure to check the message board (located on Lodgepole) when you arrive at the resort for any changes. 

Messaging:

Updated Uphill Access information may be obtained on this webpage and on the reader board located near the main lodge on left side of Lodgepole trail looking up. Email updates may be sent out to Uphill Pass holders periodically so make sure we have your current email and confirm you are receiving updates. Email info@diamondpeak.com if you need to update your email address on file or are not receiving email updates. 

In Case Of Emergency

Please be aware that no ski area services, including Ski Patrol, are available during hours that the ski area is not open for business. Please call 911 in the event of an emergency during non-operational hours. You are responsible for your own safety at all times while on Incline Village General Improvement District property.

Redeeming Your Uphill Use Pass

In order to travel uphill on resort grounds, all persons are required to have a current Uphill Pass and are required to sign the Uphill Waiver of Liability (available at the Ticket Windows) each season. Persons traveling without a valid Uphill Pass will be required to leave the resort.

For the 2022-232 season, Uphill Pass holders must be a current Diamond Peak season pass holder AND/OR current IVGID Picture Pass Holder and pay the $50 processing fee. 

Steps to getting your 2022-23 Uphill Pass: 

1. Confirm you meet the new criteria: current Diamond Peak season pass holder AND/OR current IVGID Picture Pass Holder. 

2. Fill out 2022-232 Uphill Use Pass Form: Coming soon.

3. Turn in completed form in person and purchase pass at Ticket Windows/Guest Services.