Diamond Peak Ski Resort this winter will encourage its patrons to not smoke

Joining a trend set the past few years by Tahoe venues such as Northstar and Squaw Valley, Diamond Peak Ski Resort this winter will encourage its patrons to not smoke.

In a 5-0 vote Wednesday, the Incline Village General Improvement District Board of Trustees approved the installation of numerous signs at Incline's ski mountain to bear the slogan: “Our guests appreciate you not smoking at Diamond Peak — thank you.”

“We need to do more than just advertise ourselves as a family ski resort — in order for us to be a family-friendly resort, we need to be a non-smoking resort,” said trustee Chuck Weinberger. “We're already well behind the curve.”

The original proposal was for Diamond Peak staff to construct “approximately three” signs encouraging people to not smoke “in or around our lift lines.” Trustees approved staff to construct signs in high-traffic areas, such as near the entrance of lift lines.

According to Diamond Peak General Manager Ed Youmans' proposal, the option to ask — rather than demand — patrons not smoke is preferred, because the district avoids spending time adopting and enforcing policy.

“Not being allowed to smoke anywhere outdoors is not a law in any state in this country,” Youmans said Wednesday.

The approval came with the caveat that staff designate one or two areas at the mountain where people can smoke.

“We are a family-friendly resort, and, while I don't smoke myself, there are families who do smoke,” said trustee Bea Epstein.

Incline resident Don Kanare shared a similar view.

“I think it would be good to have two designated areas away from the major flow of people, away from where people congregate, where people can smoke,” he said.

District General Manager Bill Horn asked trustees if the board should consider taking similar action at all district venues, including the golf courses and beaches.

Board chair Ted Fuller recommended the item be discussed at the board's retreat, which takes place Nov. 4-5 at The Chateau.