Report from Monday, January 5, 2025
After three straight days of rain from New Year’s through January 3, winter in Tahoe felt like it was hanging by a thread. Rain hammered the snowpack, even at higher elevations, stripping coverage and leaving much of the region waiting—again—for a real reset. That reset finally arrived over the weekend, and by Monday, January 5, Diamond Peak quietly delivered one of those classic Tahoe days that remind you why this place works so well when conditions line up.
The storm cycle dropped roughly 12 inches of fresh snow at the resort, with 23 inches total over the past few days. Coverage was excellent across the mountain, and the snow that stayed out of the sun skied light.
My day started earlier in the morning, skinning around Donner Pass, where wind gusts were pushing well over 50 mph, making it feel raw and exposed. Less than an hour later, pulling into Diamond Peak felt like stepping into a different world. The resort’s naturally sheltered layout kept winds to a minimum, and suddenly skiing felt enjoyable again instead of battling for survival…