For a small ski area, Diamond Peak is surprisingly big, standing at 1,840 vertical feet. What I like about Diamond, however, are the views of Tahoe. Stay in nearby Incline Village, ski downhill at Diamond Peak in the morning, and maybe tackle some cross-country in the afternoon at Spooner Lake's nearby cross-country center. All told, you have the makings of a pretty darned good, low-key weekend getaway. After two Diamond days, however, I think I'd be itching for more. The mountain is big, but not that big.

Where: On the North Shore, Lake Tahoe.