There’s a distinct rhythm to life in Incline Village, one that shifts seamlessly with the seasons. And each spring, that transition is marked by one of the community’s most anticipated traditions.

On Sunday, March 29th, Diamond Peak Ski Resort hosted its 24th annual Dummy Downhill, a longstanding event that blends creativity, engineering, and a touch of playful unpredictability to close out the winter season.

For those new to Incline Village, Dummy Downhill invites participants to design and build “dummies” mounted on skis or snowboards, launching them off a jump in pursuit of distance, durability, or simply a memorable descent. The result is a dynamic showcase of ingenuity, where thoughtful design meets the realities of gravity.

This year’s entries reflected an impressive range of imagination and execution. From structurally ambitious builds to highly stylized creations, each dummy carried its own personality, and its own trajectory once airborne. What continues to set this event apart is the way the community’s creativity comes fully to life: designs ranged from a cleverly crafted bear-themed outhouse to a fully imagined tiki bar, alongside playful tributes to this year’s winter conditions. It’s this blend of ingenuity, humor, and local character that makes the Dummy Downhill as entertaining to watch as it is meaningful to the community.

Some achieved remarkable distance. Others delivered dramatic landings that drew enthusiastic reactions from the crowd gathered at the Base Lodge. Every entry, regardless of outcome, contributed to the spirit of the day.

Among this year’s lineup was the “Skeleton Skeleton” created by some of my closest friends, on behalf of the Incliners active adult program. It was a strong showing, with a clean launch and impressive flight, even if it fell just short of the top spot. The group is no stranger to recognition. Their 2025 entry - Wicked Witch Elphaba - was featured in a Warren Miller Entertainment production, a testament to the level of creativity and craftsmanship these local participants bring to the event each year. [LINK]

2026 Dummy Downhill Winners

This year’s winners captured the full spectrum of what makes the event so engaging:

• Best Overall: Ski Like a Tahoe Girl (Ski Like a Girl)
• Farthest Distance: Hot Tub Time Machine (Martinsen Bunch)
• Best Crash: Tahoe STEAMin (IES Wolf Pups)
• Creativity: Does a Bear Poop in the Woods (Bear Necessities)
• Sustainability: CUTLbug (Clean Up The Lake)
• Shortest Distance: Great Futures Flyer (Boys & Girls Club)
• Survivor: 250 Sober (No More Beers)

While the launches are the centerpiece, Dummy Downhill is ultimately a reflection of the community itself. It brings together residents, families, local organizations, and visitors in a way that feels both relaxed and deeply connected.

Events like this highlight something important: life in Incline Village extends well beyond the home. It’s shaped by shared experiences, seasonal traditions, and a strong sense of place.

For those considering a home in Incline Village or Crystal Bay, traditions like Dummy Downhill offer a glimpse into the lifestyle that defines this community.

This is a place where world-class recreation is paired with authentic, locally driven events. Where neighbors gather not just for holidays, but for moments like this, celebrating the close of one season and the beginning of the next.

It’s that balance of natural beauty, recreation, and community connection that continues to make Tahoe one of the most compelling places to live on the West Coast.

As winter gives way to spring, Dummy Downhill remains one of those defining Tahoe moments - thoughtful, creative, and distinctly local.

And for many, it’s exactly these experiences that turn a visit into something more lasting: a place to return to, and ultimately, a place to call home. Learn more about this event here. [LINK]

Here are a few of the photos from the event. Enjoy! I hope to see you on the hill next year!

Feature photo credit: Roland Schumann (includes more photos from the day)