Tahoe Donner

This year Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area is introducing ski and snowboard lessons for the little ones. It’s the perfect option for families who wants all the kids to have fun on the hill. The Snowflakes program is great for the beginner skier and Snow Shredders is the way to go for the snowboarder. Both programs cost $119 per day, include lunch, and are offered daily from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

For parents that want to hone in their skills while the kiddos are off having fun, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area has a few great options. Read below for lessons and packages and visit the lesson page for even more information.

2012-13 Snowflakes Ski School (ages 3 – 6 )

The Snowflakes Ski School has special instructors and its own kids’ room. Each session includes specialized instruction and a low student-to-instructor ratio. Children must be at least 3 years of age, potty trained, and willing to ski.

Snowflakes (age 3 skiers) $79 Half Day only
Snowflakes (age 4-6 skiers) $119 Full Day, $79 Half Day
Morning 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Afternoon 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Full Day 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Full day lessons include lunch.

Purchase online at ShopTD or call (530) 587-9444 and then press “0″ to make your reservations today.

2012-13 Snow Shredders (ages 5 – 6)

Snow Shredders is designed for the youngest snowboarders, ages 5 – 6. Small class sizes plus energetic instructors add up to a great learning experience.  Each session includes specialized instruction and low student-to-instructor ratio.

Snow Shredders (age 5-6 snowboarders) $119 Full Day, $79 Half Day
Morning 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Afternoon 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Full Day 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Full day lessons include lunch.

Purchase online at ShopTD or call (530) 587-9444 and then press “0″ to make your reservations today.

Helmet Policy: Tahoe Donner requires all students under age 13 to wear a ASTM F2040 helmet. We offer helmets in our rental shop for $8 and helmets available for purchase. All packages include helmets.

2012-13 Private Lessons

Classes will move at your own pace and are individually tailored to your group. Reservations can be made by calling (530) 587-9444 or by stopping by the ticket office.

Half day private (3 hours for up to 4 people) $229
Full day private (6 hours for up to 4 people) $395
One hour private $89 all levels; $20 per hour for each additional person

2012-13 Adult Ski and Snowboard Group Lesson Packages

These packages are designed for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.  Packages include a full day lift ticket, a two hour group lesson and full day equipment rental, including helmet.

Adult (ages 13-59) $89
Senior (60-69) $79
Lesson Only $45
Morning 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Afternoon 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Purchase online at ShopTD or call (530) 587-9444 and then press “0″ to make your reservations today.

Winter returned to Truckee this week, bringing fresh white snow on Wednesday night and more still expected to fall before the weekend. Weather will clear for the weekend, with plenty of sunshine in the forecast.

Sounds like the perfect ingredients for a fantastic weekend of spring skiing and riding. It’s also the last weekend of operations at the cross country ski center and downhill ski area, so we encourage you to get out there while you can! Friday night is the last Happy Hour and Open Mic night at the cross country ski center. Stop by from 4 – 7 p.m. for $3 beers, live music and appetizer specials.

Sunday is the annual Downhill Dummy and Rail Jam event at the downhill ski area. This year’s theme is movie characters, and there’s still time for you to build your own downhill dummy to enter in the contest. There will be live music, food and drink specials, a bounce house and half price lift tickets on Sunday. Rail Jam starts at 12 p.m. and downhill dummy starts at 4:30 p.m.

We also want to remind you that Snowplay is now closed for the season. Thanks for tubing, sledding and hanging out with Parker the Penguin this year. We hope to see you again next year!

We always close out the season with a big bang! Hope you’ll come out for the annual Downhill Dummy and Rail Jam event on Sunday, April 15.

Lift tickets will be discounted at half-day rates for the entire day. In addition to skiing and riding, we will offer snow tubing on this special day, plus a free bounce house.

The rail jam kicks-off at 12 p.m. We’ll have live music from Forget the Roses on the deck all afternoon, plus food and drink specials.

The highlight of the afternoon is the Downhill Dummy. Teams build unique dummies to send down the hill and launch off a jump. This year’s theme is movie characters, and prizes will be awarded for best design, best air and best crash. Watch them fly down the hill starting at 4:30 p.m. You’ll want to get there early to get a good spot to watch!

Downhill Dummy registration form (pdf)

Next year’s ski passes available now!

Here’s a special deal for you: buy your 2012-13 season pass now and you’ll get the best possible rate. We’ll throw in a voucher for a free day of skiing so you can share the experience with a friend. And if you don’t have a pass already, you can use this one for the balance of this season as well as all of next winter.

Whether you’re an advanced athlete, a total beginner or you simply want to experience a beautiful Tahoe landscape, a season pass is a small investment for a winter of fun. But don’t delay: this offer with special early rates is only valid through April 30, 2012.

Purchase your pass at ShopTD.

On Saturday, March 2 beginning at 12 p.m., Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area guests, break out the grass skirts and flower leis for the annual Winter Beach party. The day includes tropical fun, live music, food, drink specials and games for the whole family! This is a free event for skiers and riders of all ages. Call 530-587-9444 or visit Tahoe Donner Downhill for more information. All outdoor events and programs are subject to change, conditions permitting. Please call ahead.