Summary 
| Difficulty | 4 Intermediate-advanced |
| Length | 4.2 miles one-way |
| Starting Elevation |
8500 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+450, -2050 one-way |
| Navigation | Map |
| Time | Half day |
| Season | January through March |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted on north side of ridge (first 0.9 mile) and low use on south side of ridge. [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Mount Rose |
| Start | Highway 431, 6.1 miles northeast of Highway 28 and 2.0 miles southwest of Mount Rose Summit. This is just north of where the "South Ridge" nears the highway. |
Description
The highlight of this tour is the 2,050-foot descent, almost all of which is in the confines of a narrow drainage. Skiers with a strong telemark turn will find the descent an outstanding, exhilarating experience that is worth repeating.
The quality of the decent, as you might expect, is highly dependent on the snow conditions. The ideal time for this tour is during a cold, mild storm when you can expect good snow conditions from top to bottom. Immediately after a mild storm is good if the temperatures remain cold.
Be aware that at the low point of the tour, 6,900 feet, you must cross a creek. You may want to check that there is sufficient snow to do this before beginning this tour. Checking is more important in the spring.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.1
Elevation change: +50 feet
From the trailhead (1) ski east across a small clearing for 0.1 mile until you reach the trees on the opposite side (2). Do not be tempted to ski directly to the ridge and along it; the dense trees make travel slow at best.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.1 - 0.7
Elevation change: +200 feet
Ski east and parallel to the ridge that is to the south (right), and climb gradually for 0.6 mile until you reach a less wooded area that ascends to the south (3). At this point you should be able to see a relatively clear route up the ridge.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 0.7 - 0.9
Elevation change: +200 feet
Climb south (right) for 0.2 mile until you reach the ridgetop and more level terrain (4).
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 0.9 - 1.2
Elevation change: Nil
Traverse east around the south side of Peak 8996 for 0.3 mile until you reach a broad saddle (5).
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 1.2 - 2.6
Elevation change: -1100 feet
Descend south down the Incline Creek drainage for 1.4 miles until you reach a location where the drainage narrows and drops abruptly (6).
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 2.6 - 4.0
Elevation change: -950 feet
Descend the steep section of the drainage and then follow it for a total of 1.4 miles until you reach the start of the housing development (7) adjacent to Diamond Peak Ski Resort.
Waypoint 7 to 8
Miles: 4.0 - 4.2
Elevation change: Nil
Cross a tributary creek and then continue skiing south along the creek for a total of 0.2 mile until you find a place to access a plowed road (probably Tirol Drive) and Incline Village (8). It is a 0.2 mile walk down Tirol Drive to Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Ask for directions if you hit a road other than Tirol Drive or better yet bring a street map with you.
