This Winter at Tahoe Donner

By Ali Dickson

Whether you escape to the soft bird songs and whispering pines at Cross Country Ski Center or bring the family together for an unforgettable day of rosy cheeks and chairlift rides at Downhill Ski Resort, skiing at Tahoe Donner is one of our favorite ways to play. Your safety on the snow is always our highest priority, and the current global situation requires additional considerations in order for amenities to safely operate. While things may look a little different this winter, nothing can change how our excitement rises as the temperature dips. Ski season is so close, we can almost taste it. (Spoiler alert: It tastes like a snowflake!)

TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL SKI RESORT 

WINTER SEASON 

• 2020/21 ski season is anticipated to begin December 11, 2020, conditions permitting
• Masks covering your nose and mouth will be required at all times indoors, in lift lines and anywhere social distancing cannot be maintained

SEASON PASSHOLDERS

• Season passholders are currently able to use their passes any day throughout the season
•  No reservations will be required for season passholders

DAY TICKETS

• To learn how to purchase your tickets this season, visit tahoedonner.com/downhill
• Guests are required to pre-purchase tickets and access to all services
• Capacity will be limited on the mountain to ensure social distancing
• On busy days, such as weekends and around holidays, we anticipate selling out, so be sure to purchase your tickets online prior to coming up

SKI SCHOOL LESSONS

• The ski school is excited to offer one- to three-hour private lessons, which allow our certified and professional instructors to provide the best possible experience for you and your family during these unique times.
•  Lessons will be required in advance – click here to learn more
• Due to COVID-19, Tahoe Donner will not offer group lessons and youth learn-to-ski programs in the 2020/21 season

RENTAL SHOP

• Rental orders will be pre-purchased online with queuing through the building to allow for social distancing – learn more by clicking here
• Special attention has been put into designing a flow to keep guests and staff staff

FOOD + BEVERAGE SERVICES

• To-go food and beverages will soon be available to purchase online and pick up at the Downhill Grill
• Per Nevada County Department of Health requirements, indoor and outdoor public dining is not allowed at this time. This includes no eating outside in parking lots or lodge areas. Eating inside your car is ok. Any seating around the ski area is not for dining

BUILDING ACCESS + MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS

• There will be minimal access to the lodge, so be prepared to use an outdoor restroom
• You will not be able to use indoor facilities to change; this means putting your boots and gear on at your vehicle
• Shuttle buses will be available to get you from your car to the chairlift area, but the short walk is a great warmup!
• Social distancing will be enforced on shuttle buses at all times, and masks will be required.
• Additional maze lines and chairlift rules will be implemented for social distancing

For the latest information, visit tahoedonner.com/downhill

TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER 

WINTER SEASON

• The 2020/21 ski season opens the weekend of November 27, 2020
• To learn more about conditions and more for opening weekend, click here
• Masks covering your nose and mouth will be required at all times indoors, in the parking lot, around the trailhead, in lines and anywhere social distancing cannot be maintained

SEASON PASSHOLDERS

• The fastest and safest way to get on the snow will be to purchase a season pass online – just scan your pass at our hands-free scanners on the outside of the building each time you ski
• To activate your season pass and receive your 2020/21 sticker, present your email receipt at the ticket window during regular winter hours beginning November 27
• Free armbands or lanyards are available so our ticket checkers can see you have a pass

TRAIL PASSES

• Non-passholders will be required to purchase a trail pass each day you ski or snowshoe
• To learn how to purchase your tickets this season, click here
• Busy days are anticipated to sell out; skiing mid-week is recommended

SKI SCHOOL LESSONS

• Our ski school is excited to offer private lessons by the hour with certified and professional instructors, allowing us to provide a safe and positive learning experience tailored to your family
• Reservations will be required in advance – click here to learn more

RETAIL SHOP

Stay tuned or email us at xc@tahoedonner.com to learn how to book socially-distant appointments with one of our retail experts this season

RENTAL SHOP

• Pre-purchasing rental gear online will be required
• Anticipate a little wait time outside to ensure social distancing
• Present your receipt when requested

FOOD + BEVERAGE SERVICES

• Plan to buy lunch “to go” from Alder Creek Cafe, as indoor seating will not be provided
• Menu includes delicious and healthy options to enjoy on the trail, patio or right at home
• Per Nevada County Department of Health requirements, indoor and outdoor public dining is not allowed at this time. This includes no eating outside in parking lots, around Alder Creek Adventure Center or other public areas. Eating inside your car is ok. Any seating around the ski area is not for dining

WHAT ELSE TO PLAN FOR

• Please stay outside other than when picking up rental equipment or food; limited indoor and outdoor restrooms will be provided
• Dress appropriately to queue outside when redeeming products purchased online
• Limited outdoor cubbies/lockers can store your gear, but please use your car to change and boot up
• Ski early in the morning or after 3PM to avoid the busiest times of day
• A shuttle will run from our overflow parking lot (The Lodge Restaurant & Pub) on busy weekends and holidays if necessary – social distancing protocols will be enforced

For the latest information, visit tahoedonner.com/xc.

SNOWPLAY AREA 

WINTER SEASON

• Snowplay is anticipated to begin December 18, 2020, conditions permitting
• Masks covering your nose and mouth will be required at all times in the parking lot, around trailheads, in lines and anywhere social distancing cannot be maintained
• Per Nevada County Department of Health requirements, indoor and outdoor public dining is not allowed at this time. This includes no eating outside in parking lots or other public areas. Eating inside your car is ok. Any seating around the sledding area is not for dining.

RESERVED SESSIONS

• Tubing/ sledding sessions will be available for up to 75 minutes at a time
• The number of participants per session will be limited in volume to ensure adequate opportunity for social distancing
• To learn how to purchase your tickets, visit tahoedonner.com/snowplay

HOURS

• Friday | 1:30-4:30PM
• Saturday and Sunday | 9AM-4:30PM

SPECIAL OPERATING DAYS

• 9AM-4:30PM unless otherwise specified
• December 21-24
• December 25 | 12-4:30PM
• December 28-January 1
• January 18
• February 15-19

For the latest information, please visit tahoedonner.com/snowplay.

Stay safe and think snow!

Operation plans subject to change due to State COVID-19 restrictions. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, Cross Country Ski Center and Snowplay will be open dependent on weather and conditions. For the most up-to-date information, visit tahoedonner.com.