IVGID board discusses Snowflake Lodge replacement
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village Board of Trustees discussed replacement options for the Snowflake Lodge at Diamond Peak during its March 25 meeting.
The board heard a presentation of the Snowflake Lodge Needs Assessments that needed to be completed as a step to make updates to the lodge.
A 2015 Diamond Peak Master Plan identified a significant seating deficit for dining in the Snowflake Lodge. Replacing the Snowflake Lodge is a board priority.
In addition, the lodge is reaching its end-of-life and the Needs Assessment found that guests weren’t able to visit the lodge because the run leading away from it was too difficult. The assessment, completed by SE Group, identified four scenarios for the future of the lodge. The scenarios took core users, seasonality, operations and financial orientations into consideration.
Because the Snowflake lift will also soon require replacement, scenarios 3 and 4 include a new chairlift to make the lodge more accessible. However, that also opens up the opportunity for the lodge to operate for dining and events during the summers months.
While the assessment does not include architectural designs, SE Group did give a rough financial estimate for each scenario.
Scenario 1: About $29,000,000 for the Ridge Run updates and the new lodge
Scenario 2: About $31,000,000 for the Ridge Run updates and the new lodge
Scenario 3: About $44,000,000 for the Ridge Run updates, new chairlift and new lodge
Scenario 4: About $62,000,000 for the Ridge Run updates, new chairlift and new lodge
Scenario 1 is projected to bring in just slightly more income than the current lodge is, which is very low compared to other IVGID properties. SE Group doesn’t recommend considering Scenario 1 but rather was presented as a baseline scenario.
Scenario 2 could bring in about $1 million extra in income, Scenario 3 could bring in about $1.7 million and Scenario 4 could bring in about $3 million in extra income.
One consideration SE Group recommended the board discuss was who they want the core users to be. Scenario 4 would require marketing to people outside of the community, while Scenarios 1-3 would remain as is, which is primarily targeted to the community but is open to the public.
“Do nothing, in my mind, is not an option,” said Trustee Mick Homan. He added that Scenario 1 is a nonstarter for him and Scenario 4 is too risky.
Trustee Dave Noble leaned more towards Scenario 3, stating the district tends to build on the smaller end on new projects and find themselves quickly at capacity. Scenario 3 would allow them to host bigger weddings and events which appealed to him.
Trustee Ray Tulloch said because he works for a different ski resort, he would not vote on any items related to this item but did have questions about expenses and net revenue.
The board agreed on an option somewhere between Scenarios 2 and 3. While the size of the lodge is still up for discussion, there was recognition of the importance of replacing the chairlift. The item was for discussion only so no vote was taken.
The board approved a Commercial Watercraft Launching pilot program which limits watercraft launches to IVGID Recreation Pass and Punch Card holders. The pilot program will run from April 1 to December 31, 2026.
The board also approved Watercraft Parking Pass rates changes. Premier spots are $260/month or $1,300 for the season up from $250/month and $1,250 for the season. Standard spots are now $210/month or $1,050 for the season up from $200/month or $1,000 for the season.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Wedendsay April 8 at 5 p.m.
