Last chance for city ski, snowboard junior lessons

It's not too late to sign up for the Carson City Junior Ski/Snowboard Program at Diamond Peak Ski Resort.

While the six-week program kicks off Sunday, the city will still accept reservations for the final five weeks of the program. However, anyone interested must call on Monday at 887-2290, ext. 30427.

The $187.50 cost for the five weeks includes transportation to Diamond Peak and back from the Pony Express Pavilion, lift tickets, veteran instruction and free afternoons on the slopes. Equipment is not included.

Barbara Singer, who administers the program for the Parks and Recreation Commission, said interest has been low this year.

"Our numbers are way down this year," said Singer. "We have 115 snowboarders signed up, 48 downhill or Alpine skiers for a total of 163, versus 270 last year."

Singer has no explanation for the decrease. "Maybe it's because you can almost buy a season lift ticket for $225, but you don't get all that our program has to offer as well."

She noted Reno's Sky Tavern youth program also is down in enrollment.

This is the program's 51st year and "this is the first year that we've had to release veteran instructors because of the smaller classes," Singer said.

This year's crop includes mostly sixth-grade skiers, with seventh through ninth grade snowboarders. In recent years the trend has been for teens to go for snowboarding, which is easier to learn.

This year youths who have passed the highest level of instruction in the program can spend the entire Sunday free skiing or riding.

Singer's optimistic that it will be a successful year for the program. "We've got good snow and we can hope for good weather," she said.

• Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.

More Info

To take advantage of the ski program:

Anyone interested must call 887-2290, ext. 30427 Monday.

The $187.50 cost for the five weeks includes transportation to Diamond Peak and back from the Pony Express Pavilion, lift tickets, veteran instruction and free afternoons on the slopes. Equipment is not included.