Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area was ranked third among the best cross country ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada. The Lake Tahoe resort was awarded the distinction by voting and a panel of experts in the USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice contest.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country finished third behind the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont and American Birkebeiner Trail in Wisconsin. Rankings are based on total number of popular votes received by each resort.
The initial 20 cross country center nominees in the contest were picked by a panel of experts that included Sadie Bjornsen, Holly Brooks, and Sally Caldwell, all U.S. Olympians, plus current or former members of the U.S. Nordic Ski Team.
“It is great to be recognized as one of the best. Not only were we nominated by a panel of experts that included Olympic skiers, but to finish as the top resort on the West Coast is truly an honor,” said Sally Jones, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area manager. “At Tahoe Donner Cross Country, we pride ourselves on creating a top-notch skiing and guest experience every day. It is rewarding to see those efforts recognized by the voters.”
Other resorts rounding out the top five include Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Colorado and SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area offers over 100 kilometers of terrain, skillfully prepared for the best experience for traditional cross country striding. Skiers and snowshoers may explore the groomed terrain and five huts throughout the expansive trail system.
New this year is the Alder Creek Adventure Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering streamlined rental services, larger wax and locker rooms, expanded indoor and outdoor seating, a large Nordic retail store, as well as a pub with televisions and a fireplace.
Additional improvements for the 2015-6 season include new rental equipment, including a new fleet of Fischer SCS skate skis, classic skis and Salomon pilot combo boots; and new grooming equipment that includes a Ginsu grooming implement, allowing for higher quality, low snow grooming.
Within the building is a new restaurant – Alder Creek Café. Items from the restaurant include fresh grab and go meals, house-made soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. Beer and wine selections are available as well, not to mention après tasting plates and a happy hour.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area is open daily to the public and offers private and group lessons, rentals and signature events throughout the season. Even dog companions are allowed on select trails.
Located 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe in Truckee, California, Tahoe Donner operates a wide variety of recreational facilities – some which are for members only and others which are also open to the general public. These amenities can be explored in detail at Tahoedonner.com.
Tahoe Donner is one of America’s largest homeowner’s associations, with nearly 6,500 properties and 25,000 members enjoying over 7,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada. Tahoe Donner is an eclectic community with a passion for outdoor recreation and a celebration of the Tahoe lifestyle
For more information on Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, visit http://www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country or call 530-587-9400.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @jeffweidel and visit his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com.