Tahoe Ski World

skiing in Lake Tahoe

Olympic skier Mark Engel honored March 10 at Tahoe Donner

By

Olympic skier Mark Engel will receive a hero’s welcome Saturday, March 10 at Tahoe Donner ski resort in Lake Tahoe.

Engel, who learned to ski as a child at Tahoe Donner, competed in men’s slalom at the recently completed Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. He finished 31st in the slalom, his lone event at his first Olympic endeavor.

Olympic skier Mark Engel learned to ski at Tahoe Donner at a young age and later joined the Alpine Meadows club program, before advancing into the Sugar Bowl Academy team by age 11.

Tahoe Donner and the North Lake Tahoe community will celebrate its Welcome Home Party, which begins Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. on the Sun Deck at the Tahoe Donner.

Festivities include an Olympic Q&A by special guest, Olympic skier Daron Rahlves, a meet-and-greet autograph session with Engel, BBQ and beer, and live music by Matt Reardon and the Red River Revival. The event is free and open to the public.

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort is a small, family-friendly ski resort in Truckee. It’s located off Interstate 80 at the Donner Pass Road exit.

“My journey to the Olympics began more than 24 years ago when I first learned to ski on the slopes of Tahoe Donner,” Engel said. “I’m proud that I finished in the top third of the world’s best slalom skiers, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with old and new friends when I return to Tahoe Donner.”

Prior to the Olympics, Tahoe Donner announced its partnership with the local product for the 2018 winter season. In its first official sponsorship of a professional athlete, Tahoe Donner will work with Engel in activating programs that enhance snow sports and recreation in the community.

As a Tahoe Donner ambassador, Engel will participate in select Tahoe Donner events throughout the year to promote various on-mountain ski programs supporting its Downhill Ski Resort.

Born in Sacramento and raised in Truckee, Engel grew up living in Tahoe Donner and worked at its various amenities. Engel learned to ski at Tahoe Donner at a young age and later joined the Alpine Meadows club program, before advancing into the Sugar Bowl Academy team by age 11.

Although he moved on to train at larger ski resorts, Tahoe Donner has a special place in Engel’s heart.

At the March 10 event, guests can sign-up for early mountain access, fresh tracks and chairlift conversations with Mark Engel before the ski resort opens to the public.

“My skiing career started at age 2 when I made my first turns at Tahoe Donner,” Engel recalls. “My first memory of Tahoe Donner was making airplane turns with my Dad on Snowbird! Airplane turns are a fun drill to learn how to turn where you put your arms out like an airplane and lean the wings (your arms) to your outside ski to feel it start to turn.”

In addition to the Welcome Home Party, a limited number of tickets are on sale now for the following events taking place March 9-10.

  • VIP Farm-to-Table Olympian Dinner: Friday March 9at Alder Creek Adventure Center.
    Chef David Smith will prepare a four-course menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally from Northern California farms. A no-host beer and wine mixer starts at 6:30 p. with Engel as the special guest and live music by Jonny Bias and guest. The deadline to purchase tickets is March 5. Buy tickets online or by call 530-587-9400.
  • First Tracks with Engel: Saturday, March 10 from 8-9 a.m.at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort. Sign-up for early mountain access, fresh tracks and chairlift conversations with Mark before the ski resort opens to the public. Space is limited. Buy tickets in advance.
  • Ski Clinic with Engel: Saturday, March 10at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort.
    Receive inspirational coaching, learn general on-mountain tips and get personal technique feedback—all while having fun skiing with Mark. Clinic times: 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Buy tickets in advance. Space is limited.