GROWING UP TAHOE DONNER

There’s a Tahoe Donner Season-Long Program Ready to Grow With Every Young Skier

By Cynthia Cendreda

While we’re still reveling in the beauty and bliss of late summer and early autumn in Truckee Tahoe, the ski season is just around the corner! And with that comes a variety of youth programming to help your kids develop a strong foundation for winter sports. There is a mountain for everyone in the Tahoe Basin, from high-adrenaline hot doggers and dynamic downhillers to endurance athletes and leisurely explorers. But Downhill Ski Resort sets itself apart as “the best place to begin,” maintaining its time-honored reputation through forgiving terrain, family-focused programming and convenient amenities.

Downhill continues to take pride in its wide-open beginner runs and friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere that has welcomed generations of families starting out on their winter sports journey. Now, with a brand-new ski lodge, Downhill’s youth programs have incorporated the all-new indoor learning center experience. This dedicated just-for-kids space includes cubbies for personal belongings; private, kid-sized restrooms; lunch and activity tables; and, for full-day kids lessons, an included lunch with its own food and beverage service counter. The center creates a novel, school-like experience that helps kids look forward to learning days.

Parents and guardians can also look forward to some great accommodations. The lodge provides shuttle service to and from the parking lot and main entrance, wall-to-wall windows, workspaces, an expanded menu and an enhanced dining and bar area for a comfortable and convenient place to post up on ski days.

The youth programs at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center (TDXC) help build confidence on snow and in the elements, where children gradually develop the natural body mechanics of cross country skiing while making friends, exploring the trail system or preparing for the popular middle and high school cross country ski teams.

As with any new activity, getting started can be a daunting task for families. Both downhill and cross country skiing require advanced planning, appropriate gear and day-of preparation. The following guide can help you ensure a smooth transition from home to hill and get your family excited for the ski season ahead!

ENROLL EARLY

Early registration ensures a spot for your kids in the upcoming season and can be conveniently completed through your ShopTD account. Visit the website for a complete list of offerings at Downhill Ski Resort and TDXC.

Downhill programs are available for children as young as 3 and include a season pass. TDXC offers youth programs for kids as young as 5 and include a trail pass for each session. Be sure to check age and ability requirements before enrolling.

PREPARATION STARTS AT HOME + AHEAD OF TIME

Similar to a day at school, at-home preparation is important for a positive experience. Families can start with a healthy and wholesome dinner and an early bedtime the night before their children’s learning days. In the mornings, schedule ample time to get dressed, eat a hearty breakfast, apply sunscreen and travel to the ski areas. It’s never a good idea to rush; always check weather and road conditions before leaving the house and plan accordingly to ensure you arrive safely and on time. Checklists can be helpful in remembering everything you need for your day on the snow. Consider the following:

Ski-Day Essentials:

• Warm layers
• Warm, comfortable socks
• Dry, insulated gloves
• Waterproof and windproof, snow-rated outerwear
• Protective eyewear, such as goggles or sunglasses
• A certified ski helmet for downhill skiing and snowboarding (helmets available in the rental shop)
• A beanie, warm headband and/or neck buff for cross country skiing

Must-Haves in a Day Pack:

• A water bottle (both the Downhill Ski Resort and TDXC have water stations to refill water bottles)
• Nutritious snacks to stow in a jacket pocket that help maintain good energy levels
• Sunscreen and lip protection
• An extra pair of socks
• An extra set of gloves

Advanced Equipment Preparation:

If your child or children need rental equipment for the season, plan to visit Downhill Ski Resort ahead of when programming starts to get outfitted with the appropriate gear. Downhill Ski Resort offers season-long equipment rentals for $119, valid Dec. 11 through April 11, so kids can get additional skiing or riding in outside of their sessions.

Cross country ski rentals are included with TDXC youth program fees. Ahead of programming, stop by the tech and rental shop inside Alder Creek Adventure Center to get outfitted with classic or skate skis, boots and poles.

If your family already has equipment, take time before the season starts to check that skis, ski poles and snowboard sizes are still appropriate (kids grow significantly from season to season!) and that boots still fit correctly.

Before leaving the house make sure helmets, goggles or sunglasses, skis, snowboards, poles (if needed) and boots are packed. Pro Tip: Routinely teach your kids how to check their ski and snowboard equipment, stow it in the car, unload it and carry it safely to the ski area. This helps them exercise independence and learn to be responsible for their gear!

DOWNHILL LEARNING DAYS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Learning to ski or snowboard has never been more fun and conveniently organized for families! With an easily accessible on-mountain learning area, enthusiastic instructors and the campus-like feel of the indoor learning center, kids look forward to their weekly ski and ride sessions with enthusiasm and excitement. More importantly, they have endless opportunities to practice independence and make new friends while honing their downhill skills.

New Kids Ski School indoor learning center.

Season-long programs offer the same instructor and group to ensure progressive learning, and so children can bond, build rapport and “graduate” together. As they move through age groups and levels, they can continue to learn and grow together, reinforcing their skills and friendships each year.

Parents can make friends, too! While “school is in session,” parents can relax, unwind and get to know each other at the newly renovated Downhill Ski Lodge, featuring breakfast and lunch from the Downhill Kitchen + Grill, ample indoor and outdoor seating, a full-service bar area and designated work stations with outlets and internet connection. Panoramic mountain views and a modern interior enhance the lodge experience, offering a comfortable and cozy basecamp for parents and guardians to hang out during their kids’ lessons.

Alternatively, parents and guardians can explore the mountain on their own – season passes are the best value for frequent skiers! Important: Parents and guardians should stay on-site and remain accessible at all times. Make sure to keep your cell phone charged and your ringer on in case you need to be contacted by staff.

ON-MOUNTAIN FUN + LEARNING

For the TD Tykes program, each session is packed with activity and focused learning. Beginning skiers and snowboarders develop their skills in the cordoned-off learning area, with a slight downhill pitch and “magic carpet” conveyor belt to transport them back to the top of the run. Here, kids learn the basics, including proper positioning, comfort with their equipment and maneuvering through small obstacles such as a small tunnel or cones. Instructors stay close for safety and support while keeping the energy and enthusiasm high.

Children who demonstrate more comfort and proficiency take the Snowbird Chairlift to the beginner-friendly Snowbird Run, where they build confidence and control by following in a single-file line behind their instructor. This follow-the-leader style of instruction allows the group to maintain a safe speed and stay together.

About halfway through the season, it’s now time to head up Eagle Rock chairlift and earn the coveted “I Conquered Eagle Rock” sticker for their helmet. At the end of the season, their progress is rewarded with a group graduation ceremony, new “badges” (stickers) and newfound confidence with every milestone reached. It’s traditions like these that stay with children for a lifetime and make learning with Downhill Ski Resort so special for generations of ski and snowboard families.

As young skiers progress beyond TD Tykes, Tahoe Donner offers a pathway of season-long programs designed to keep them learning, challenged and excited about spending winter on the mountain. Speedsters, for ages 4-6, helps independent young skiers and riders take their skills and confidence to the next level. From there, kids ages 7-13 can join the Recreational Ski + Snowboard Team, where small groups, individual attention and a season spent with familiar coaches and friends make progression fun.

For those ready for a bigger challenge, the All-Mountain Team gives ages 7-17 the opportunity to explore the entire mountain, from powder days to the terrain park, with more than 30 days of coaching scheduled throughout the season. Young athletes drawn to competition can join the Ski Race Team, combining more than 30 days of coaching and racing with participation in the Tahoe League race series. With season passes included in these programs, kids can continue progressing year after year while building skills, friendships and the kind of winter memories that grow right alongside them.

Visit Downhill Ski Resort’s youth programs page to learn more and register.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT + EXPLORATION AT TDXC

Cross country (XC) skiing provides an exceptional foundation for on-snow agility, endurance, strength and fitness at any age. Children who learn to XC ski add invaluable skills to their winter sports repertoire, gaining knowledge of the elements, of navigating trails and of traveling over long distances and across varied terrain. Beyond those physical benefits, XC gives kids the freedom to explore the outdoors, build independence and discover a winter sport they can enjoy for a lifetime.

TDXC’s season-long, midweek after-school programs turn winter afternoons into opportunities for progression, adventure and new friendships. Young skiers can start by building foundational cross country skills through games, instruction and exploration before progressing into programs focused on biathlon or racing. With equipment and trail passes included, the programs also make it easy for families to get kids on snow consistently without a significant upfront investment in gear. For those who want to continue competitively, TDXC programs can also help prepare young athletes for the Alder Creek Middle School and Truckee High School cross country ski teams. Pro Tip: At any time during the winter season, children ages 5-12 who are curious about XC skiing can take part in Kids Club Group Lessons, offered on weekends and holidays at 10AM and 12PM. Starting at $84 for members, these group lesson packages include a trail pass and equipment rentals.

The Alder Creek Adventure Center offers a comfortable homebase for XC skiers and their families with lockers, restrooms and a cozy couch and fireplace. During the winter ski season, the Alder Creek Cafe offers fresh and healthy menu options, ideal for winter athletes.

Visit TDXC’s youth programs page to learn more and register.