Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort will open Friday (Dec. 8), becoming the 9th Lake Tahoe resort to open for the 2017-18 season,
Tahoe Donner kicks off its season with skiing and snowboarding off the Snowbird Chair and the Learning Center Conveyor, starting at 9 a.m. Skiers and riders can take advantage of discounted lift tickets and first-time lesson packages. Once fully open, Tahoe Donner offers 17 runs, 3 terrain parks and 120 acres of groomed turns and wide-open bowls.
Offering full-day lift tickets at the half-day price, kids ages 7-12 can ski for $24, adults $54 and kids ages 6-under ski free. Group lesson packages start at $104 for kids 12-under and $114 for adults, which includes a full day lift ticket, lesson and equipment rental.
The Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center will open for skiing as soon as conditions permit.
“With the recent Sierra storms, cold temperatures and state-of-the art snowmaking, conditions will be great for opening day,” said Robert McClendon, downhill ski resort manger. “Sunshine and mild temperatures are in the forecast making it a fantastic weekend for the whole family to come out and enjoy the first turns of the season.”
Nine of Lake Tahoe’s 14 ski resorts will be open by Friday. Still not operating are Homewood Mountain, Diamond Peak, Soda Springs, Donner Ski Ranch and Granlibakken.
Named “Best Family Friendly Ski Resort in the West” by Liftopia, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort is known for being a great place for lessons and learning, offering a good ski school programs for kids as young as 3-years-old.
The base lodge will be open providing food and beverage service, a retail shop and rental equipment. In addition, the newly renovated lodge deck is the perfect place for skiers and riders to relax in the sun for lunch or après ski.
Starting Saturday, Dec. 9, the Alder Creek Adventure Center located in Tahoe Donner, will be open for fat bike and snowshoe rentals. After hitting the trails, visitors can enjoy healthy lunch options at the Alder Creek Café open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations for skiing and snowboard lessons are recommended. Calling 530-587-9444 or book online at http://shoptd.tahoedonner.com/.
Visit www.tahoedonner.com for current conditions and lift status.
HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN UPDATE: An expected Friday opening has been pushed back one week to Dec. 15, weather and conditions permitting.
The popular West Shore Café, which is very close to Homewood, will begin winter service Dec. 15 with a fresh winter menu, featuring seasonal appetizers, entrees and desserts, craft cocktails, a stellar wine list and a special holiday themed evening that will include live music, caroling, crafts for children and a holiday tree lighting. Following the restaurant’s opening evening, West Shore Cafe will be open from 3-5 p.m. for apres ski and 5-8 p.m. for dinner Friday through Monday, and daily at the same times over the holidays.
Projected Lake Tahoe ski resort openings
- Mt Rose: Open
- Boreal Mountain: Open
- Heavenly Mountain: Open
- Squaw Alpine: Open
- Kirkwood Mountain: Open
- Northstar California: Open
- Sugar Bowl: Open
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: Open
- Tahoe Donner downhill: Dec. 8
- Diamond Peak: Dec. 14
- Homewood Mountain: Dec. 15
- Donner Ski Ranch: Dec. 15
- Granlibakken: Dec. 15
- Soda Springs: TBA
