Downhill Lodge Replacement

CURRENT STATUS

Updated April 25, 2025

A New Era: Downhill Lodge Transformation in Full Swing
Exciting times are unfolding at Tahoe Donner as the Downhill Ski Lodge Replacement Project accelerates toward its grand debut in December 2025. Following the demolition of 1971 structure on May 6, 2024, the construction site has been a hive of activity. Major milestones have been achieved, including the completion of underground utilities, structural steel erection, and roof while the ski area was in operation. Currently, crews are diligently working on exterior cladding, interior wall framing, and installation of rough mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP).

Despite a delay due to site conditions within the first months, the project remains on track for its anticipated opening. Now that the roof is in place and the building is “dried in”, overlapping trades are helping recover the schedule. Windows are on site and being installed in preparation of siding. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are being ordered for November installation. See construction photos and construction FAQs here.

BACKGROUND
On March 21, 2024 in a special, open board meeting, the board unanimously approved proceeding with the Downhill Ski Lodge Replacement Project, which concluded planning process that began 17 years ago. Details about the approval can be found in the approval Resolution 2024-2.

Thank you to everyone who has responded to surveys, participated in focus groups, attended forums and open houses, wrote the board, and offered comments at the many board meetings leading to this decision to proceed. Also, thank you to the Tahoe Donner professional staff for their expertise and dedication in planning this project, which is now turning to the construction phase. Demolition is slated to begin in early May.

As a reminder, the Downhill Ski Lodge Replacement Project was designed to address many inadequacies in the current undersized lodge. Staff is excited to provide enhancements in the future that include:

• Additional bathrooms that are up to code
• Important ADA access that also meets today’s code requirements
• Sufficient indoor and outdoor dining space
• A raised ski lodge level to avoid climbing a hill to get to a chairlift
• And much more

In addition to these improvements, the design of the new building will manage the current volumes of the operation and significantly enhance the ski school learning experience, which is in line with our tagline of “the best place to begin.”

See more about the project Check the timeline and key documents page for more details.

Exterior View – Street (West) Side

Exterior View – Ski Lift (South) Side

Exterior View – North-East Side

Exterior View – South-East Side

Exterior View – South Deck

Interior View – View Out from Bar Area

Interior View – Bar and Fireplace

Interior View – Bar

Interior View – View North from Dining Area

Interior View – Dining

Interior View – Scramble/Servery Area

Interior View – View Out from Kids’ Dining/Flex Space

Interior View – Kids’ Dining/Flex Space

Interior View – Guest Services and Retail

BENEFITS OF THE NEW LODGE

Easy, direct access to lifts from deck

Enhanced cafeteria + bar area to meet membership needs and reduce crowding

Additional bathrooms

Dedicated space for ski school in the lodge

ADA-compliant, skier-friendly stairs

Improved safety for staff, members and guests

BACKGROUND

The ski lodge was originally built as real estate sales office in 1971. Shifting from real estate transactions to ticket, rental, food and beverage transactions, this once-great building is now creating a consistently poor experience for members and guests on most weekends and holidays. In December 2019, after years of researching information, asking questions, working with experts and looking at current needs without growing operations, the board of directors voted to replace the dilapidated facility due to design challenges and extensive California and ADA building requirements. Tahoe Donner is excited to soon provide a new building that will provide:

• Easy lift access from the sun deck
• Reduced crowding and enhanced space in the restaurant and bar areas
• Improved bathroom areas
• A dedicated and safe indoor ski school space
• Streamlined ticket and rental areas
• Inclusive infrastructure so that skiers of all abilities can utilize the lodge and ski area