2015-2016 Tahoe Donner Winter Events
Truckee, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2015) – Snow is already falling and Tahoe Donner is featuring a variety of 2015 – 2016 winter events at the Cross Country Ski Area, Downhill Ski Area, Snowplay and Recreation. Below is a list of events, happenings, and promotions this winter at Tahoe Donner.
TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA
Nov. 27, 2015, Grand Opening of Alder Creek Adventure Center. The Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area team will debut its brand new building, the Alder Creek Adventure Center, on Nov. 27 from 5 -7 p.m. This free event to highlight the new building is open to the public and includes live music, appetizers, family entertainment and activities, and a no-host bar from 5 – 7 p.m. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9484, www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country.
Dec. 5 – 20, 2015, Season Passholders “Bring a Friend” Days (conditions permitting). Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area will be offering a great deal for guests of season passholders. Season passholders may bring as many guests as they like between 8:30 a.m. -5 p.m. and they’ll receive special discounted rates. Passholder must be present. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9484, www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country.
Jan. 4 – 15, 2016, Learn to Ski Weeks. Grab a friend and come learn to ski at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area. To celebrate “National Learn to Ski Month,” Tahoe Donner Cross Country will be offering two-for-one private lessons and private lesson packages any midweek day from January 4 – 15. Call in advance to reserve space(s). Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9484, www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country.
Jan. 18, 2016, Sierra Skogsloppet – Fun Race Fundraiser. This event is organized by local school cross country ski teams as a fundraiser and will start at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area at 10 a.m. Participants can choose between a 15-kilometer, 10-kilometer, 5-kilometer or 2-kilometer races. Everyone is welcome and all races are for all ages and abilities. Participants will receive lunch and are entered into a raffle drawing for some great prizes donated by friends of the school teams. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9484, www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country.
Jan. 24, 2016, Winter Festival. Join Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area for the first ever Winter Festival. Discounted trail passes at $10 each and $15 rentals will be available, including free lessons, tours and ski equipment demonstrations. Festival-goers will also enjoy live music and delicious BBQ.
Feb. 21, 2016, Tahoe Donner Challenge. It’s a tour or a race! Starting at 10 a.m., choose the adventurous 40-kilometer course, or for something easier, take the shorter 20-kilometer course. This is great preparation for those doing The Great Race. Lunch and a raffle prize drawing for participants are included with entry. Everyone is welcome and all participants are entered into the drawing for some great prizes. Tahoe Donner Challenge is proudly sponsored by Paco’s Bike and Ski. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9494, www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country.
March 20, 2016, Taste of Truckee. Enjoy on-snow gourmet food tasting from 12 – 3 p.m. at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area. This event is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike. Beginners can rent skis or snowshoes at the Cross Country Ski Area and get a few free pointers from experienced instructors before heading out to eat. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to our local Tahoe Food Hub. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9484, www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country.
March 27, 2016, Tour D’Euer. Celebrate spring with this 25-plus, year-old cross country tradition of touring the Euer Valley between 8 – 10 a.m. at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area. Refuel at the Cookhouse Hut with BBQ and live music at the new cross country facility at 11 a.m. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9484, www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country.
TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL SKI AREA
Dec. 11, 2015, Opening Day at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area (conditions permitting). This is every skier and rider’s favorite day of the year! Opening day for Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area is set for Dec. 11. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Dec. 13, 2015, Customer Appreciation Day. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area appreciates loyal customers who continue to come year after year, so all day long everyone gets to ski for just $5. Bring the whole family for a day packed full of fun. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Dec. 25, 2015, Christmas Day Pancake Breakfast with Santa. Who wouldn’t want to dine with Santa himself? Breakfast starts at 10 a.m. at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, followed by a half day of skiing and riding with Santa. The ski lifts will open at 11:30 a.m. for this special day. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Dec. 31, 2015, Torchlight Parade on New Year’s Eve. A fun free event for intermediate skiers and riders ages 10 or older who can ski or ride unassisted in the dark on the Race Course run. Come to Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area early to secure a spot in the parade. There will be a DJ, plus snacks will be provided in the bar area prior to the parade. Sign-ups are from 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. with a chair loading time at 6:15 p.m. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Jan. 4 – 8 and 11-15, 2016, Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month. During January 4 – 8 and 11 – 15, the team at Tahoe Donner will offer learn to ski or snowboard packages for just $39 as part of “National Learn to Ski Month.” These packages are only for first timers, which include an all-day lift ticket, rental equipment, and a 1.75 hour group lesson for ages 7 and up. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Jan. 8, 2016, Learn to Ski Guinness World Record Attempt. At 10 a.m., the team at Downhill will participate with other resorts across the country in an effort to break a group world record for teaching the largest learn to ski and snowboard lessons ever. 50 skiers and 50 snowboarders will be available to participate with advance registration required (first come, first served). Registration details will be posted online in December. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Jan. 9, 23, Feb. 6, 27, March 6, 2016, Tahoe Donner Race Series. Throughout the winter season, fun public race events will be offered on five Saturdays at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. The races are formatted so that anyone who can ski or ride down a blue slope can race and have fun. Prizes are awarded at each race, and whoever has the best three results in the series will have their names posted on the plaque in the ski lodge. The race categories are: male 18 and over, male 17 and under, female 18 and over, and female 17 and under. Cost: $5 for two race runs, and $1 per additional run. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Jan. 16 – 18, 2015, Ski and Snowboarding Safety Weekend. Children and adults may participate in many different activities around the mountain at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area to increase one’s level of safety. From fun scavenger hunts, to a national coloring contest, to snow science and safety, there will be activities for everyone. By participating in safety weekend, participants receive 25 percent off Smith helmets and goggles. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Feb. 13 – 20, 2016, Winter Superstars Week. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area is looking for superstars, so come out and win some medals! Events are for all ages and include ski and snowboard races, a sled pull and a mini terrain park event. Participates can sign up on the day of the event. The schedule of events will be posted online. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Feb. 20, 2016, Glowstick Parade and Carnival. A kids’ version of the Torchlight Parade with glowsticks for children 10 or younger who can ski or ride unassisted in the dark on our Snowbird run. Participants should plan to come early to secure a spot in the parade, and get glowsticks by playing free carnival games. Music and snacks will be provided in the bar area prior to the parade. Sign-ups and the carnival start at 4:30 p.m. with the parade starting at 6:30 p.m. This event is free. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
Feb. 29, 2016, Leap Day. This is a leap year! To celebrate, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area is offering free lift tickets since no one should have to work or go to school on an extra day. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
March 12, 2016, Winter Beach Party. Join Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area for some tropical fun, live music, food and games. This is great for the whole family and it’s free! This party kicks off at 12 p.m. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
March 13, 2016, I-Did-A-Run. Pull a weighted sled down a snow covered chute against the clock. Four weight divisions include: 0-25, 26-50, 51-75 and 75 and over. Awards will be given to the fastest in each division with a trophy for the overall winner. Registration is from 12 -1 p.m. with the race starting promptly at 1 p.m. Entry is $20 per person and includes a goodie bag. All proceeds from the raffle benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
March 19, 2016, 200-Foot Banana Split Extravaganza. Help devour an incredible 200-foot banana split at 1:30 p.m. for free! Grab some spoons because this will be one tasty monster at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
March 20, 2016, Tahoe Donner Family Challenge. The Family Challenge is a matched time competition raced by family teams at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. It is a Giant Slalom race, but the time that counts is the difference between first and second runs. The team component is a combined best difference from a child in a family with the best difference from an adult in the family. The winning team gets their name engraved on the trophy in the ski lodge. All children who complete their two runs will earn a medal, and there are other prizes as well. This event is free. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
April 2, 2016, Spring Evening Ski Party. The sun is still up, so Eagle Rock chairlift will remain open a little later at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area until 5:45 p.m. Enjoy BBQ, live music and a special outdoor bar. Attendees will also be entered into a free drawing to win a 2016-17 season pass. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
April 10, 2016, Downhill Dummy Contest and Rail Jam. Join Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area for the annual end of season bash! Enjoy food and beverage specials, a bounce house, live music, plus the popular Boxing Match Rail Jam and the traditional Downhill Dummy event, in which teams build unique dummies to send sliding down the hill and off a massive jump. This year’s theme is “Places Around the World.” Prizes will be awarded for best design, best air and best crash. Full-day lift tickets will be available at half-day rates. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9444, www.tahoedonner.com/downhill-ski.
SNOWPLAY
Nov. 27 – 29, 2015, Tahoe Donner Snowplay on Thanksgiving Weekend (conditions permitting). After spending quality time with the family for Thanksgiving, slide into some family fun at Tahoe Donner Snowplay! Admission includes sledding and tubing equipment (no personal equipment is permitted). Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Dec. 11, 2015, Opening Day at Tahoe Donner Snowplay (conditions permitting). Regular snowplay hours are Fridays from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Extended days of operation will be available throughout the season from Dec. 21 – Jan. 3, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily with both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve hours 12 – 4:30 p.m. Additional extended days of operation include: Jan. 18, Feb. 15 – 19 and April 4 – 14, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission includes sledding and tubing equipment (no personal equipment is permitted). Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Dec. 18, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 4, 2016, Friday Night Tubing. Tube under the lights this winter at Tahoe Donner Snowplay until 6:30 p.m. for night sledding. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Jan 9, 2016, Snowball Launching Contest. Have good aim? Prove it! Come out to Tahoe Donner Snowplay at 1:30 p.m. to compete. Use one of Snowplay’s snowball launchers to see how far the snowballs will fly! Trout Creek Recreation Center, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Dec. 31, 2016, New Year’s Eve Sunset Snowshoe Tour. This scenic snowshoe hike meets at Trout Creek Recreation Center and the tour will go from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Please reserve your spot(s) at least 48 hours in advance. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Jan. 23, 2016, Full Moon Snowshoe Tour. Take in the beauty of a full moon by participating in a scenic snowshoe hike above Donner Lake from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Meet at Trout Creek Recreation Center and caravan to the trailhead. Participants are encouraged to dress in warm layers, including hats and gloves, and bring water, a headlamp or flashlight. Please reserve at least 24 hours in advance. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Jan. 16, 2016, Fastest Tube Event. Fly down the hill at Tahoe Donner Snowplay’s Fastest Tube Event! Heats will run every half hour from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Jan. 23, 2016, Winterpalooza. Join Tahoe Donner Snowplay for the first ever Winterpalooza! This all-day event includes tube racing, snowman building, relay races, a snowstrider course and more. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Feb. 14, 2016, Valentine’s Day Sunset Snowshoe Tour. Bundle up with a companion for a special Valentine’s Day evening, beginning at 4:30 p.m. (lasting until approximately 6 p.m.). Meet at Trout Creek Recreation Center to caravan to the trailhead. Participants are encouraged to dress in warm layers, including a hat and gloves, and bring water, a headlamp or flashlight. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Cost is $7.50 to participate or $15 with a snowshoe rental. Trout Creek Recreation Center, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Feb. 20, 2016, Full Moon Snowshoe Tour. Take in the beauty of a full moon by participating in a scenic snowshoe hike above Donner Lake from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Meet at Trout Creek Recreation Center and caravan to the trailhead. Participants are encouraged to dress in warm layers, including hats and gloves, and bring water, a headlamp or flashlight. Please reserve at least 24 hours in advance. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
March 5, 2016, Snowman Building Contest. All snowmen must be built prior to 2:00 p.m. to be considered by the judges. Good luck! Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
March 19, 2016, Snow Tube Bowling. This isn’t an average day at the bowling alley. Take bowling to the next level by tubing into human-size inflatable bowling pins for a strike. Bowl at Tahoe Donner Snowplay from 12 – 2 p.m. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
March 26, 2016, Full Moon Snowshoe Tour. Join Tahoe Donner Snowplay for a wintery outing under the light of the moon. The tour is from 7:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and starts at Trout Creek Recreation Center. Participants are encouraged to dress in warm layers, including a hat and gloves, and bring water, a headlamp or flashlight. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Trout Creek Recreation Center, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
April 2, 2016, Snowball Throwing Contest. Heats will run every half hour from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at Tahoe Donner Snowplay. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
April 10, 2016, Last Day to Play BBQ. Join Tahoe Donner Snowplay for BBQ, music and the last day of Snowplay for the season. Tahoe Donner Snowplay, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9437, www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
RECREATION
Nov. 28, 2015, Light Up the Night. Thanksgiving weekend is a family favorite at Tahoe Donner. After enjoying family time on Thanksgiving Day, get ready for Santa and holiday activities at the tenth annual Tahoe Donner Light Up the Night event at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Give back to the community by bringing canned items for the Project MANA food drive. There will also be a raffle for prizes with proceeds benefiting Project MANA. Light Up the Night is from 5 – 8 p.m. with several fun activities, including reindeer games, Santa’s arts and crafts workshop, hot chocolate and s’mores, letters to Santa, storytelling by Mrs. Claus, caroling, meeting Santa and the lighting of the tree. The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 12850 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9455, www.tahoedonner.com/the-lodge.
Oct. – April, 2016, Family Movie Night. Kids and adults, bring a favorite pillow and blanket to the Northwoods Clubhouse, kick back, and enjoy both classic and new movies every Friday night. Movie nights begin at 6:30 p.m. and the films are rated G and PG. To find out what movie will be playing in advance, call Member Services at 530-587-9400. Northwoods Clubhouse, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9400, www.tahoedonner.com/member-services.
Oct. – April, 2016, Trivia Night. Stop by Pizza on the Hill every Thursday night for a trivia challenge. Answering questions correctly could mean winning free prizes. Trivia Night is from 6:30 – 8 p.m. every Thursday night, but subject to cancellation for low attendance. Pizza on the Hill, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-582-9669, www.tahoedonner.com/pizza-on-the-hill.
Oct – April, 2016, Kids Night Out. Kids ages 4 – 9 are invited to Kids Night Out, held at the Northwoods Clubhouse on the first Friday and third Saturday of every month. Kids will enjoy crafts, dinner and a movie, as well as milk and cookies. Registration must be made at least 24 hours in advance by calling 530-582-9437 or 530-587-9400, ext. 0. Cost is $20 per child. Northwoods Clubhouse, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-9400, www.tahoedonner.com/member-services.
About Tahoe Donner
Tahoe Donner is one of America’s largest homeowner’s associations, with nearly 6,500 properties and 25,000 members enjoying over 7,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada. Tahoe Donner is an eclectic community with a passion for outdoor recreation and a celebration of the Tahoe lifestyle.
Tahoe Donner offers three venues to explore each winter. At Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, skiers and snowshoers may explore over 100 kilometers of groomed terrain and five huts throughout the expansive trail system. This year, a brand new state-of-the-art facility (Alder Creek Adventure Center) with expanded services will open, and many events will take place throughout the season, such as the new Winter Festival and Taste of Truckee gourmet tour. At Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, skiers will reap the benefits of snowmaking, new this year, while taking advantage of a variety of learn-to-ski programs and family events. Highlights include the Annual Torchlight Parade and the 200-Foot Banana Split Extravaganza. Tahoe Donner Snowplay is the perfect venue for families with children as well as the young at heart, offering the most affordable sledding and tubing options in the area, plus snowball launching contests and more wacky events throughout the season. New to Snowplay this year is a food truck serving up delicious and affordable cuisine options.
Located 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe in Truckee, California, Tahoe Donner operates a wide variety of recreational facilities – some which are for members only and others which are also open to the general public. These amenities can be explored in detail at Tahoedonner.com.
For more information on Tahoe Donner, as well as its recreational facilities and events, please visit tahoedonner.com or call 530-587-9400. ‘Like’ Tahoe Donner on Facebook at facebook.com/tahoedonner and follow Tahoe Donner on Twitter @tahoedonner and Instagram @TahoeDonnerAssociation.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country and Downhill season passes now on sale for 2015-2016 at preseason rates! If you purchase yours by Nov. 30, you’ll not only save money but you’ll get additional perks and deals throughout the season. Also, now is the time to sign up for our season-long programs for kids interested in Nordic, downhill, or snowboarding. Don’t delay – these programs will sell out!
