Skiing

Diamond Peak. Diamond Peak has affordable rates and many special programs. Snowmaking covers 75% of the mountain, and runs are groomed nightly. The ride up the 1-mile Crystal Express rewards you with fantastic views. Diamond Peak is less crowded than Tahoe's larger ski parks and provides free shuttles to nearby lodgings. A great place for beginners and intermediates, it's appropriately priced for families. Though there are some steep-aspect black-diamond runs, advanced skiers may find the acreage too limited. For snowboarders there's a small terrain park. Facilities: 30 trails; 655 acres; 1,840-foot vertical drop; 7 lifts. 1210 Ski Way, off Country Club Dr., Incline Village, Nevada, 89451. 775/832–1177; www.diamondpeak.com. Lift ticket from $114.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. At this park, ski some of Tahoe's highest slopes and take in bird's-eye views of Reno, the lake, and Carson Valley. Though more compact than the bigger Tahoe resorts, Mt. Rose has the area's highest base elevation and consequently the driest snow. The mountain has a wide variety of terrain. The most challenging is the Chutes, 200 acres of gulp-and-go advanced-to-expert vertical. Intermediates can choose steep groomers or mellow, wide-open boulevards. Beginners have their own corner of the mountain, with gentle, wide slopes. Boarders and tricksters have several terrain parks to choose from, on opposite sides of the mountain, allowing them to follow the sun as it tracks across the resort. The mountain gets hit hard in storms; check conditions before heading up during inclement weather or on a windy day. Facilities: 61 trails; 1,200 acres; 1,800-foot vertical drop; 8 lifts. 22222 Mt. Rose Hwy., Reno, Nevada, 89511. 800/754–7673; www.skirose.com. Lift ticket $145.

Tahoe Meadows Snowplay Area. This is the most popular area near the north shore for noncommercial cross-country skiing, sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Off Hwy. 431, Incline Village, Nevada, 89451.