There’s a natural rhythm to life in Incline Village, 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 creative, high-energy event that brings the community together to celebrate the close of winter. Participants design and build “dummies” mounted on skis or snowboards, launching them off a jump in pursuit of distance, or a memorable landing. It’s part engineering, part artistry, and entirely entertaining.

This year’s entries showcased an impressive range of imagination and execution. From structurally ambitious builds to highly stylized creations, each dummy carried its own personality once airborne. What makes this event so memorable is the way creativity comes fully to life. Designs ranged from a bear-themed outhouse to a fully imagined tiki bar, along with playful nods to this season’s winter conditions.

I was especially rooting for the “Skeleton Skeleton,” created by friends representing the Incliners active adult program. It delivered a strong flight, even if it fell just short of the top prize. The group is no stranger to recognition. Their 2025 entry— Wicked Witch Elphaba — was featured in a Warren Miller Entertainment film, highlighting the level of creativity local participants bring to this event. [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)

Events like Dummy Downhill are part of what makes Incline Village more than just a place to live. They reflect a community that values creativity, connection, and shared experiences across every season. For homeowners and those considering Tahoe, it’s a reminder that the lifestyle here extends well beyond the property - it’s shaped by moments like these.

As winter gives way to spring, Dummy Downhill remains one of those distinctly Tahoe traditions - thoughtful, creative, and deeply local. And for many, it’s exactly this sense of community that turns a place to visit into a place to call home. 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.

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)

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Kristie Wells is a real estate agent specializing in Incline Village and Crystal Bay on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. She offers buyers and sellers expert guidance, market insight, and a thoughtful approach to Tahoe real estate, along with a curated perspective on local homes, hidden gems, and life in the mountains.