Due to low snow totals over the past four winters in Lake Tahoe, ski resorts are struggling to stay open throughout the season. That is certainly the case for Tahoe Cross Country, which is coming off its fourth straight subpar season.
The recent snowfall winters for Tahoe Cross Country (TXC) resulted in limited ski operations and have greatly impacted the financial reserves, which are now severely depleted.
To sustain TXC, the organization is asking for Nordic skiers and the ski community to take action now. Donations are tax deductible – donate online here – or checks can be made payable to TCCSEA and mailed to Tahoe Cross Country, PO Box 7260, Tahoe City, CA 96145.
During the 2010-2011 season – the last good one for snow totals – Tahoe Cross Country was open 150 days. By contrast, the lean winter of 2013-2014, which resulted in the closure during the Christmas holidays, allowed just 45 days of operation. The 2014-2015 season was the most dismal yet: officially open to the public for only four days.
Tahoe Cross Country anticipates that vital pre-season pass revenues, which cover less than half of its fixed costs (payroll, insurance, rent), will again drop for next season. Despite its best efforts to reduce expenses and generate revenue, TXC’s financial position has taken a major hit.
After a thorough review of finances, the organization has set a goal to raise $80,000. Tahoe Cross Country believes it will take that amount to put the organization in a stable financial position going into next season.
For 16 years, Tahoe Cross Country has been self-sustaining and has received no public agency funding. Under the leadership of managers Kevin and Valli Murnane, TXC has become a nationally acclaimed recreation destination for cross country skiing and most recently expanded into mountain biking.
Tahoe Cross Country’s educational programs have introduced thousands of children to the joy of the outdoors and cross-country skiing.
Tahoe Cross Country Board of Directors consists of 11 local, unpaid volunteers, who are committed to keeping TXC financially secure and to continue to deliver the kind of high quality experiences and programs for thousands of locals and visitors.
Every member of the board has made a personal contribution of at least $1,000, because each one strongly believes in sustaining Tahoe Cross Country and wants to preserve its legacy long into the future.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting his winter website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
