The snow arrived just in time for Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, which opened for the 2016-17 season Saturday (Nov. 26), to accommodate some anxious Thanksgiving Day skiers.
The date is a familiar one for Tahoe Donner, which also opened last year on Nov. 26. Royal Gorge cross country area, near Sugar Bowl, opened one day earlier.
“We are excited to be open in November again this year on Thanksgiving weekend,” said Sally Jones, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area manager. “Folks can get in early morning skiing starting at 8:30 a.m. on freshly groomed trails every day and with limited crowds, this is the best time to come.”
Jones noted Dec. 3–16 is an especially good time for newcomers to join a passholder on the trails because the resort is celebrating, “Bring a Friend Days,” which allows season passholders to bring as many friends as they like and they’ll receive discounted trail passes and rentals. Passholder must be present in order for friend skiers to receive discounts.
Tahoe Donner, located 25 minutes from Truckee, opened initially with 20 kilometers of terrain and 8 kilometers of single track and has plans to open more terrain as conditions permit. When fully open, the resort offers over 100 kilometers of trails with options for skating, classic skiing, snowshoeing and even fat biking. Fat biking debuted at Tahoe Donner last year and was such a hit, it’s back to stay.
A fat bike is a bicycle with oversized tires designed for riding on snow and on soft surfaces. Riders need to purchase a day or season pass and are required to stay on the designated trials to minimize impact to skiing terrain. Bikes are only permitted on the trails when conditions allow.
Beyond the trails, visitors can also enjoy the grand Alder Creek Adventure Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering streamlined services with an eco-friendly design. Ski enthusiasts are treated to luxury with new rental racking systems, expanded wax rooms, ski tuning services and upgraded locker rooms.
Visitors can also enjoy spacious seating, large windows overlooking Hawks Peak, a grand fireplace and the Alder Creek Cafe, complete with a bar and televisions. The retail shop even has one of the largest selections of Nordic attire and accessories available in the Truckee/Lake Tahoe region.
Tahoe Donner’s downhill ski area is set to open on Dec. 9.
To learn more about Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, including season passes, ski programs and special events, visit www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country or call 530-587-9484.
Lake Tahoe Opening Dates
- Rose: open Nov. 18
- Boreal Mountain: open Nov. 18
- Northstar: open Nov. 23
- Heavenly: open Nov. 23
- Squaw Valley: open Nov. 23
- Alpine Meadows: open Nov. 23
- Soda Springs: open Nov. 23
- Sugar Bowl: open Nov. 25
- Kirkwood: open Nov. 25
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: open Nov. 26
- Homewood: Dec. 9
- Tahoe Donner: Dec. 9
- Donner Ski Ranch: Dec. 9
- Diamond Peak: Dec. 15
