Happy February!

Ski season is in full swing here at Diamond Peak. And we’ve managed to have a great year despite the lack of cooperation from Mother Nature.

Everywhere I go in public, I’ve had residents stop me so that they can give kudos to our ski staff, who have done an amazing job of ensuring that our mountain is ski worthy.

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The first week of February typically means we are nearing the midpoint of the ski season — so Mother Nature still has plenty of time to add to the snowpack. Midseason also means a number of activities at Diamond Peak.

This week (Feb. 5-11) is IVGID Community Appreciation Week. All Picture Pass or Punch Holders can get one free lift ticket per day, and your friends can ski for $44. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be 10 percent off and we will have Early Happy Hour drink specials for Incline Village General Improvement District Pass Holders starting at 2 p.m. daily in the Loft Bar.

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If you are a Diamond Peak Season Pass holder and have a Picture Pass or Punch Card, you will be eligible to get free Demo equipment rentals.

In partnership with IVGID’s WasteNot team, we will be hosting a Guided interpretive Ski/Snowboard Tour at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. We’ll also have live music from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Loft Bar.

On Sunday, Feb. 11, we are hosting an IVGID Expo to learn more about services provided by IVGID. Be sure to stop by the Rec Center booth for a free massage! We will also have live music again, this time from 2-5 p.m. Check out the Diamond Peak’s events webpage for more details: https://www.diamondpeak.com/events/details/ivgid-community-appreciation-week.

After the President’s Week Holiday period, we will be hosting plenty of additional events at Diamond Peak. Be sure to visit diamondpeak.com to learn more about all of the activities and events over the balance of the ski season.

Speaking of events, I’m hoping that many of you participated in UllrFest this past weekend. UllrFest included its signature Torchlight Parade on Friday night along with a bonfire and live music. On Saturday, Feb. 3, there was a gala dinner and auction to raise funds for the Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation (DPSEF).

DPSEF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a year-round program to develop each athlete’s skill, grit, and integrity, and to inspire and empower their athletes to achieve their personal goals in athletics and life.

DPSEF has over 200-member athletes this year, with over 70 percent local residents. For more than three decades, they’ve worked closely with IVGID to conduct race training and events at Diamond Peak. Without the efforts of this organization, our local youth would have to travel great distances to experience this valuable program.

In addition, through DPSEF’s fundraising efforts, they are able to reward scholarships to many athletes who would not be able to participate without financial support.

At the Jan. 24 meeting, the board of trustees unanimously approved a five-year extension to the long-term agreement IVGID has enjoyed with DPSEF. Just go to the following link: https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/uploads/pdf-ivgid/1-24-18_-_Regular_-_Item_F.1._-_DPSEF.pdf to learn more about the contractual relationship.

Many of the ski team members attended the meeting and spoke glowingly of the quality of the program and difference it has made in their lives. We appreciate the board’s unanimous support as well as the continuous support of the community to promote these valuable programs.

Kudos to DPSEF’s all-volunteer board of directors for sustaining this great program for our community.

“GM’s Corner” is a recurring column from IVGID General Manager Steve Pinkerton, who discusses issues and offers updates regarding various district matters. He may be reached for comment at sjp@ivgid.org.