Big doings at Diamond Peak

Sam Bauman

Big doings at Diamond Peak this weekend as the resort cuts the ribbon Saturday morning for the opening of its new high-speed quad lift going all the way to the top. Work on the new Crystal Express began in July with the removal of the old lift, which was sold to another resort. The new lift will cut the ride-time to the top in half. Cost was $2.8 million. Diamond also added a new superpipe cutter, a Zaugg Pipe Monster capable of carving walls up to 22 feet high.

Diamond may not have the double blacks many hunger for, but as a family resort it's hard to beat.

Snow conditons are outstanding all around the Sierra Nevada. Last weekend had some fine skiing and boarding, although a storm moved in Saturday afternoon and early Sunday morning. Powder all around the mountains.

- Homewood Mountain Resort returns its Senior Moment Mondays. Seniors, 62 and up, with intermediate level skiing ability and above, can spend a special day skiing at Homewood.

Senior Moment Mondays will take place the first Monday of each month through April, with a kickoff Monday at 9 a.m. The program will include an all-day lift ticket, a two-hour ski lesson, and lunch $25. Call (530) 525-2992

Homewood is implementing a progressive new multi-day ticket pricing program this season, offering the potential for substantial savings every day all season long, including holidays. All guests can take $5 off the regular ticket price each day with the purchase of a two or more consecutive day lift ticket. That translates into weekend and holiday skiing for as low as $39 a day.

- Northstar-at-Tahoe has planned a grand New Year's Eve soiree that includes entertainment for the whole family, from gourmet dinners and fireworks to DJs and dancing.

The family celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. with a torchlight parade and explosive fireworks show. A DJ will provide background music from 7 to 9 p.m. The party will be located at the Lodge at Big Springs near the top of the gondola. All children who attend receive a free glow necklace. The celebration costs just $5 per person and children under 10 get in free. Call (530) 562-2250.

- Sierra-at-Tahoe has teamed up with the Hard Rock Cafe to host a Hard Rockin' New Year's party at Harvey's Casino. The party will feature a special engagement with local favorite Lavish Green unplugged, in addition to food and drink specials, party favors and more. Sierra staff will give away lift tickets and season passes to lucky partygoers. The doors open at 9 p.m. and the band begins at 10. Admission costs $40 in advance, $50 at the door and includes live entertainment, party favors and a champagne toast.

- Sugar Bowl is having a fundraiser for local schools. It's an annual Excellence in Education Ski Day! $20 lift tickets good on Sunday. Limited quantity of tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

- Squaw Valley and Intrawest opened the Village Bridge to auto traffic, providing greater access and improved traffic flow to The Village and main parking lot for Squaw Valley.

The Village Bridge is on Squaw Valley Road near the base of the mountain and will also serve as the main gateway to 22 Station, phase II of The Village, currently being completed.

Dec. 20-25 Santa tours Squaw. Have a photo taken with Santa in the Big Chair in the Village at noon Dec 23-25. Holiday caroling and live musical performances take place regularly in the base village throughout the holidays.

Christmas Eve guests are treated to a special torchlight parade. The evening begins at 6 p.m. at the base of KT-22, with holiday carols as the Squaw Valley Ski School descends the slopes of Exhibition in a procession of torches.

- Heavenly is staging a Help Those in Need program Saturday and Sunday and snowsporters are urged to drop off a canned good or non-perishable item near the ticket windows at Calfornia, Boulder or Stagecoach lodges.

Sam Bauman is the Nevada Appeal Diversions Editor. Contact him at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.