Mountain Layout—Skiing

Visitors repeatedly remark about that this is a very friendly area. Take a camera—the view is beautiful. Diamond Peak was the first U.S. resort to install a "launch pad" loading system, a conveyor belt covered with a skiable felt surface. All of its quad chairs have this family-friendly loading system.

Here's a more detailed trail map.

Expert and Advanced: Solitude Canyon has the most advanced terrain. The rest of the resort's terrain falls from a single ridge that starts at the summit and ends at the octagonal Snowflake Lodge overlooking Lake Ta-hoe. The canyons and gullies off Crystal Ridge (a long blue run) are labeled advanced, but strong intermediates will have a blast on them.

Intermediate: This is a wonderful area for intermediates, especially families who don't want to worry about the kids taking a wrong turn and getting lost. The aforementioned Crystal Ridge is a 2.5-mile-long blue from the summit, with a stunning view of the lake. The lower-mountain runs off Red Fox also have a nice intermediate pitch.

Beginner and First-timer: This is a great learner's mountain more because of its friendly at-mosphere and manageable size rather than its terrain (unfortunately, the amount of beginner terrain is a bit limited). Diamond Peak employs about 100 instructors—equal to much larger areas—another indication that it's a good place to learn.