Winter Trail Access

Most of the trails located around the Alder Creek Adventure Center provide wonderful hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities during the summer at no cost to users. However, once snow begins to fall, these trails become a network of world-class cross country ski trails that require a user fee for access and regular patrol to enforce this requirement.

From late November to mid-April, you will need to purchase a day pass or a season pass to access the land within Tahoe Donner’s ski area boundaries, regardless of use. This includes all the trails that lead out from the Adventure Center down into The Euer Valley and up to Drifter Hut and Hawk’s Peak.

Access is only permitted by ski or snowshoe on the cross country trails in winter. Hikers, bikes, motorized vehicles and horses are not permitted within the ski area boundary during this time.

Access to the popular Glacier Way Trailhead and Sunrise Bowl area is permitted for free, as long as travel is not within the Cross Country Ski Center boundaries. Parking is limited in the Glacier Way parking lot, so plan an early arrival and do not park on the street.

Winter Access Rules

• A trail pass or season pass is mandatory for any access within the ski area boundary.
• Access is only allowed during operational hours of 8:30AM-5PM unless otherwise noted on the online grooming report.
• Entering the ski area boundary without a pass or outside of operational hours may result in prosecution under California Penal Code 537. The ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers or riders entering the cross country ski area boundary illegally.
• Entering CLOSED AREAS is PROHIBITED for your safety and the safety of others. (see below for more details).
• Dogs are NOT allowed within the ski area boundaries other than on designated dog trails with a dog season pass.
• Respect neighboring private land boundaries and do not enter without permission.
• Unauthorized motorized vehicles are not allowed on Tahoe Donner property at any time.
• Tahoe Donner does not perform avalanche mitigation or ski patrol support beyond our boundary and takes no additional measures to mitigate the hazards to which skiers/boarders might be exposed. Persons skiing or riding beyond the ski area boundary assume all risks inherent in the backcountry. Before you leave the ski area boundary, please take the time to educate yourself about the backcountry.

Violators of the above rules are subject to prosecution under trespassing laws.