KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Navigating Temporary Base Operations at Downhill Ski Resort

While construction continues on the new Downhill Ski Lodge through the 2024/25 ski season, Tahoe Donner remains committed to providing a high-quality and, more importantly, safe and secure experience for visitors. For your safety and the safety of others, it is important to abide by all directions and signage and respect closed areas when navigating the Downhill Ski Resort area. Below is a guide to this season’s provisional base operations. Please note: All on-mountain staff remain in place, including ski patrol, lift attendants and instructors.  

Walk-Up Ticketing + Rental Facilities
Downhill Ski Resort will maintain walk-up ticketing and rental service operations only out of temporary facilities located in parking lot 5. Signage and mountain hosts will be on-site to direct you to the appropriate place to check in and to guide you to additional services, such as shuttle waiting areas, ski school and lessons. For added convenience, to save time and to receive the best pricing, purchase lift tickets, lessons and rentals ahead of time online on ShopTD. 

Snow and ice may collect on the ground around the facilities creating an uneven or slippery surface. Take necessary precautions when walking around the service area, to/from the shuttle and when accessing the ski area. 

A map of the Downhill Ski Resort area and temporary operations is available at the ticket office and can be downloaded here ahead of time. 

Food and Beverage Service + Restrooms
There is no indoor lodge dining this season. Small snacks and bottles of water will be available for purchase in the rental shop, and a food truck will be on-site daily (conditions permitting). Full-service, heated lavatories with stalls will be available at the temporary operations location in parking lot 5, and portable restrooms will be available on the mountain.  

Stowing Gear
The rental shop will provide unsecured storage lockers or cubbies for those renting equipment only. Plan to stow extra gear, clothes, shoes, water bottles and food in your vehicle. Shuttles will run constant loops from the ski area to the parking lots and temporary operations for quick and convenient transport. 

Dress for Snowy/Wet Weather
Visitors are not permitted inside the ticket office or rental shop unless they are being actively fitted for equipment. All visitors, whether skiing or not, are advised to dress accordingly for snowy/wet conditions, including: 

• Water and windproof outerwear and gloves
• Waterproof footwear with sufficient tread 
• Moisture-wicking thermals or long underwear 
• Warm wool socks 
• Neck gator or scarf 
• Wide-brimmed hat and/or beanie for sun protection 
• Goggles or sunglasses for eye protection 
• Sunscreen 

Lodge Construction Area
The Downhill Ski Lodge will remain an active construction site through the 2024/25 season and inaccessible to visitors. Please respect all signage regarding prohibited areas and remain on designated walking paths to lift access only. Disregarding signage can result in trespassing and dismissal from the ski area.  

Lift Access + On-Mountain Safety
Shuttles from the parking lots and provisional ticket office will drop visitors to a designated area at the base of the mountain to access lifts. Please be aware of uneven or slippery surfaces as the ground transitions from concrete to snow. 

Ski patrol, lift attendants and instructors will remain on the mountain for your safety and to provide assistance as necessary. Please abide by all rules for mountain safety and practice proper etiquette when skiing and snowboarding. To learn more about ski safety and etiquette visit the the Ski California® website. 

As there is no lodge this year, there is no designated on-mountain viewing area at the base. Visitors are not permitted to gather around lift operations, near the ski patrol building and management hut or construction area.

A map of the Downhill Ski Resort area and temporary operations is available at the ticket office and can be downloaded here ahead of time. 

Travel + Transportation
The base of Downhill Ski Resort sits at 6,750 feet elevation, 750 feet higher than the Town of Truckee. Road conditions may vary considerably from Truckee to the ski area. Four-wheel drive vehicles with snow-rated tires and/or chains are advised for travel to the resort. When driving: 

• Always check road and weather conditions before leaving the house, and plan for conditions at the beginning and end of the day. 
• Observe your speed, especially when approaching curves, downhills and icy areas. 
• Allow sufficient distance between you and the car ahead of you in the event you or the car in front of you need to slow down, stop or avoid a hazard. 
• Tahoe Donner is a residential area; please adhere to all speed limit signs and remain aware of pedestrians, snowplows or other hazards. 
• Do not park in or block driveways to private property. 

Alternatively, when ski area lots are full, Tahoe Donner may provide overflow parking and shuttle service from The Lodge Restaurant & Pub parking lot to Downhill Ski Resort and the Cross Country Ski Center. TART Connect, Truckee’s microtransit system, also provides free door-to-door shuttle service within the Truckee and Tahoe Donner area. Both can accommodate ski equipment while providing safe and secure transport. Click here to learn more about alternative transportation.