Ski program lifts off on Saturday

Despite rough conditions, the Churchill County Parks and Recreation Department’s ski program will hit the slopes on Saturday.

Recreation Supervisor Danny Gleich said Diamond Peak Resort has enough snow and open runs to allow for skiing and snowboarding.

The bus loads at 6:30 a.m. and leaves at 7 a.m., with an estimated return of 5-5:30 p.m.

“They were pretty confident about the amount of snow they had,” Gleich said. “Since it’s been so quiet this year, they’ve been able to maintain what they have.”

Gleich and Director Jorge Guerrero scouted the resort on Wednesday, which led the two to give the green light. Gleich said about 20 participants have registered so far, but he is hoping for more.

The department, however, cancelled its Jan. 11 date, which is rescheduled for March 8. Gleich said the program has at least gone up once during its duration and despite bleak conditions this season, the department was determined to ski.

“It’s been a little tough,” he said. “We’ve never cancelled an entire year of ski trips. It was a little bit of a worry. They’ve made enough snow where it looks like it will be a positive trip for the kids.”

Diamond Peak has nine runs and the terrain park open. According to its website, the resort has a base of 20 inches and a peak depth of 30 inches. The season total of snowfall is at 42 inches.

None of the resort’s expert (black diamond) runs are open, while seven intermediate (blue) and two beginner (green) runs are groomed and accesible. The terrain park, meanwhile, has two jumps and a pair of boxes available.

Gleich said walk-on skiers and snowboarders are welcome. Cost is $65 with rental, and $45-55 without rental. The price includes lift ticket and transportation to the resort.

Other events —

The county’s 3-on-3 coed basketball league runs from Feb. 18 through March 20 at the Venturacci Gym.

A postseason tournament concludes the league from March 25-27. The league will be a minimum of six games with 12 teams.

Each team will play two games from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mens scoring will count for one and two points, while women will count for two and three points.

Games run for approximately 30 minutes.

The Fallon Coed Youth Shootout Basketball Tournament will run from March 14-16 at the Elmo Dericco Gym at Churchill County High School.

The cost is $175 per team and is a double-elimination tournament. Brackets consist of teams in first through third grade, fourth through sixth and seventh and eighth.

For information about the ski program or basketball league and tournament, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 775-423-7733.