Downhill Ski Lodge: It’s Time to Celebrate!

Downhill Ski Resort Opens the Doors to a New Ski Lodge Experience and a Bright Future Ahead

By Cynthia Cendreda

A Beloved Mountain

Fifty years ago, the Downhill Ski Resort was a novel concept – a community resort owned and operated by a newly formed homeowners’ association. With its two ski lifts, modest vertical and quaint, shingled ski lodge, Downhill endeavored to retain a “mom and pop” vibe, offering a sanctuary for locals, their families and newer skiers from throughout the region to escape weekend crowds and haughty hot doggers.

For decades, it has welcomed with open arms – and gentle slopes – skiers and riders of every age seeking a mountain to comfortably learn and grow their passions, while providing a haven for multi-generational families to create lasting memories all at once, and all together.

To this day, Downhill remains a beloved backyard resort, cherished by generations of Tahoe Donner members and Truckee locals as the ideal jumping-off point on one’s quest to become a winter athlete.

A Look at What’s New

For over five decades, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort has borne witness to generations of families changing and growing while joyfully making winter recreation a part of their annual traditions. However, a complete rebuild of the lodge was necessary for safety and operational purposes and to better serve the community.

Prioritizing safety, functionality, operational efficiencies, inclusivity and comfort, the association’s thoughtfully considered redesign focused on the following enhancements:

• State-of-the-art building design that meets all the most current codes for safety and accessibility, while showcasing space efficiency and flow, modern and durable materials and architectural considerations to alleviate snow and weather hazards.
• Easy parking shuttle loading and unloading, with a bright and welcoming main entrance.
• Express Ticket Pickup Boxes provide quick and easy retrieval of lift tickets purchased online in advance.
• An open rental shop area with separate lines for children and adults makes renting equipment and stowing personal items easy and efficient.
• A designated kids’ ski school indoor learning center makes the all-day experience fun and memorable with a private lunchroom and dining service, kids-only bathrooms, cubbies for stowing personal items and more!
• A new eatery with multiple food stations and an expanded indoor dining space comfortably accommodates families and groups, while offering an all-new menu and après delights; enjoy sweeping mountain views throughout!
• A cozy bar area offers an elevated experience for adults to relax and enjoy full bar service, complete with panoramic views and direct access to the sundeck.
• Enhanced sundeck with heated pavers provides a safer surface underfoot, all-new seating – including fire-pit tables – and level access to the lifts; perfect for watching your friends and families on the hill, enjoying a mid-day lunch or an après-ski treat.
• Enlarged restroom facilities provide comfort and convenience, and easily accommodate families or adaptive devices. Sensor-based fixtures help conserve water.
• New offices, lockers and staff lounge areas enhance operations and staff well-being, providing comfortable and convenient employee-only spaces.

New Downhill Kitchen + Grill

New dining space at Downhill Ski Lodge.

New Kids Ski School indoor learning center.

Time to Celebrate

Now that the ski area and lodge are open, it’s time to celebrate! Join the community for two days of fun and exciting events, Jan. 23-24.

Friday, Jan. 23, is a ski-free day for members with valid Member ID Cards, but both members and the public can enjoy a full day of events, including live music, giveaways, guided tours and more.

Saturday, Jan. 24, offers even more live music, giveaways and other fun activities, like a scavenger hunt, coloring contest, snow science and safety demonstrations and more, in conjunction with Ski California’s Ski Safety Day.

Don’t miss all the action on and off the hill commemorating this milestone for the Tahoe Donner community and beyond!

A Bright Future

The reopening of the Downhill Ski Lodge marks the beginning of new experiences for members and visitors while continuing to maintain a family- and community-focused environment where winter traditions are born, and memories are made.

Community Events

Looking ahead, Downhill Ski Resort is thrilled to bring back its community-focused events. Mark your calendars for familiar favorites like:

• Members’ Ski Free days
• The Glowstick Light Parade + Carnival
• A terrain park exhibition
• Multiple live music weekends
• The annual Winter Beach Party
• The TD Family Challenge
• The Banana Split Extravaganza
• Closing day festivities and Downhill Dummies Contest
• And much more!

For a complete list of events throughout the season, visit tahoedonner.com/downhill.

Full-Day Ski School Returns to Downhill

New youth skiers and snowboarders can now look forward to a full day of on-hill learning, with opportunities to practice independence, make friends and build valuable skills in a safe, supportive environment, both on the slopes and in the lodge.

Not Into Skiing or Snowboarding?

That’s okay! The Downhill Ski Lodge is open to members and the public throughout the winter season, offering full bar service, dining options, wi-fi and workspaces. So, whether you’re waiting on family and friends on the hill or looking for a lively atmosphere, head to the lodge for a classic high-alpine experience.