2025/26 Winter Fun Guide | A Milestone Season!

Until the season is fully underway, Tahoe Donner’s winter amenities will have modified operations, pending weather and snow conditions. See below for more information.

It’s a milestone season for Tahoe Donner, with opportunities to celebrate the opening of the Downhill Ski Lodge, commemorate TDXC’s 40th anniversary and more! Whether you are visiting for a day, a weekend, or the entire season, fun and excitement await. Plan your perfect holiday and create new traditions with activities for all ages this winter!

The following guide includes events through the holidays. For a complete list of events throughout the 2025/26 winter season, visit the events page.

DOWNHILL SKI RESORT PLANS TO OPEN FOR THE SEASON ON SATURDAY, DEC. 27, conditions permitting.
Initial operations are expected to include Snowbird and Conveyor 2 (Magic Carpet), providing early-season terrain for guests to enjoy. Eagle Rock will open as soon as conditions allow with additional snowfall. Please visit the conditions report for the latest updates.

Discover fun and friendly terrain for the whole family to enjoy at the Downhill Ski Resort. Be sure to pre-purchase lessons, rentals and tickets online, as the ski area may sell out over busy holidays.

SKI LODGE HOLIDAY HOURS
While we eagerly await winter’s full arrival, head to the Downhill Ski Resort’s all-new ski lodge for additional holiday fun and festivities beginning Dec. 25!

Open Daily Dec. 25 | 1-5PM
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A NEW SKI LODGE EXPERIENCE
Downhill Ski Resort is thrilled to welcome you back with an all-new lodge experience, featuring an updated sun deck – perfect for après ski – a spacious indoor bar and dining area with panoramic views of the mountain and all-new menu options, Express Ticket Pickup Box kiosks to print pre-purchased tickets quickly and conveniently, a dedicated kids’ ski school indoor zone with its own dining hall and lunch service, bathrooms, and much more!

HELP MAKE SANTA’S DAY AT THE ALL-NEW DOWNHILL SKI LODGE
Although there may not be skiing with Santa this year, you can still celebrate with him! Help him make the most of Christmas Day by stopping by the Downhill Ski Lodge from 1-5PM for magic, merriment and more! Enjoy a limited menu of food and drinks and experience the space before the season is officially underway.
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When: Dec. 25 | 1-5PM
Where: Downhill Ski Resort
Cost: Free, food and drinks available for purchase

ERIC DANIEL HOLIDAY RESIDENCY AT DOWNHILL SKI LODGE, DEC. 26-30
Popular Truckee musician and long-time “Dylan Devotee,” Eric Daniel, will be strumming hits from the 80s, 90s and 2000s in the afternoons from 2-5PM at Downhill Ski Lodge Dec. 26-30. Enjoy covers of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and other classic rock icons with special guests while enjoying ski lodge dining and drinks!
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When: Dec. 26-30 | 2-5PM
Where: Downhill Ski Lodge

NEW YEAR’S EVE LIGHT PARADE + FIREWORKS SHOW
Join the Tahoe Donner community for a fun, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort. After a great day on the mountain, enjoy the popular Light Parade (weather and conditions permitting), followed by the annual Fireworks Show. Warm up next to the outdoor fire pits and enjoy hot toddies, hot cocoa and more. Stick around for the fireworks and help us ring in the new year! This event is free and open to all.
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When: Dec. 31 | Event start 4:30PM
Where: Downhill Ski Resort
Cost: $5 entry fee for Light Parade participants | Free to attendZ
Registration: Eventbrite

CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER PLANS TO OPEN FOR THE SEASON ON SATURDAY, DEC. 27, conditions permitting.
Please visit the grooming report for the latest updates.

TDXC celebrates its 40th year this 2025/26 season! Commemorate this milestone event with XC skiing and snowshoeing adventures, fun festivities and more! See tahoedonner.com/xc for details on all events and offerings for cross country skiing and snowshoeing adventures at Tahoe Donner.

NEW YEAR’S EVE GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOUR
Spend New Year’s Eve under the stars with a guided snowshoe tour. Groups depart from the Alder Creek Adventure Center, and equipment is available if needed for ages 13+. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot now.
See Event Details

When: Dec. 31 | 5:30-8PM
Where: Cross Country Ski Center

SNOWPLAY PLANS TO OPEN FOR THE SEASON ON SUNDAY, DEC. 28, conditions permitting.
Snowplay anticipates opening with at least one tubing lane and sledding, with additional terrain becoming available as snow conditions allow.

Nothing creates family winter memories like racing down a hill on a sled or banking turns in an inner tube! Snowplay is the perfect place to make snow angels, build snowmen, have snowball fights and make snow-filled memories.

RESERVE A TIMESLOT FOR ALL THE FUN!
Make sure to reserve a timeslot today. A per-person entry fee provides access to Snowplay’s monitored tubing lanes, sled lanes and play area. Be sure to pre-purchase tickets online, as Snowplay often sells out during the holidays. We recommend snow boots, as you will be walking back up the hill with your tube or sled.
Learn More About Snowplay Activities

Open to members and their guests, Trout Creek Recreation Center is a fully-equipped fitness facility offering modern equipment and professional instruction to help you optimize your health.

REGULAR HOURS
Daily | 6AM-10PM

HOLIDAY HOURS
Nov. 27 | 6AM-1:30PM
Dec. 24 | 6AM-5:30PM
Dec. 25 | 12-5:30PM
Dec. 31 | 6AM-5:30PM
Jan. 1 | 6AM-10PM

LAP POOL + HOT TUBS NOW OPEN!

FITNESS CLASSES AT THE TROUT CREEK REC CENTER
If you are looking for indoor fun and a great workout, join a fitness class at Trout Creek Recreation Center. Check out fun and heart-pumping offerings like Zumba, or relax and rejuvenate with a yoga class. View the full class schedule on the website.
Learn More

THE LODGE RESTAURANT & PUB

HOLIDAY HOURS
Nov. 27 | 2-6PM
Daily (Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026) | 5-8:30PM, with exceptions:
Dec. 24 | 4-8PM
Dec. 25 | Closed
Dec. 31 | 5-9PM + free champagne toast at midnight
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PIZZA ON THE HILL

HOLIDAY HOURS
Daily (Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 6, 2026) | 4-8PM, with exceptions:
Dec. 25 | Closed

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS
Fridays | 6PM at Northwoods Clubhouse
On Friday evenings, eat, drink and be merry with free and family-friendly holiday movies! There will be free coloring books for your little elves, plus a special surprise for those who show up early! Popcorn is provided; all movies are rated G, PG or PG-13. Don’t forget to stop by Pizza on the Hill for pizza specials all month long!
Learn More

ALDER CREEK CAFE

HOLIDAY HOURS
Dec. 24 | 11AM-3PM
Dec. 25 | Closed
Daily (Beginning Dec. 26) | 11AM-3PM