June 13, 2014 (Truckee, Calif.) – With recent agency approvals, Tahoe Donner Association commemorated the official commencement of construction for the new Cross Country Ski Center today, Friday, June 13, with a groundbreaking ceremony. Staff and supporters gathered to celebrate the long-awaited opportunity for overdue improvements at the new Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center and parking lot, which are designed to improve operational and energy efficiencies, while implementing necessary protections to natural resources.

Tahoe Donner Cross Country BOD at ground breaking © Court Leve

Representatives from Tahoe Donner including Robb Etnyre, general manager, Tom Johns, president of the board, and Forrest Huisman, director of capital projects, attended the groundbreaking while supporters were invited to participate in the ceremony. Truckee dignitaries including Truckee Mayor Patrick Flora were present as well.

“At long last, with years of research, collaboration and planning we are excited to be able to move forward with construction of our new Cross Country Ski Center,” said Johns. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of those who attended the planning commission hearings, wrote letters of support and helped make this project become a reality.”

The new Tahoe Cross Country Ski Center is designed to meet the growing needs of the community and will include the following benefits:

– Energy efficient and environmentally conscious design
– Improved level of service for both winter and summer operations
– Improved usage for school teams, young children and educational programs
– Adherence to environmental regulations by governing agencies
– Enhanced rental facility and new public locker room
– Improved parking lot design and protection of adjacent wetlands
– Improved food and beverage service
– An architectural vision that contributes to this mountain community

Local firm, Dale Cox Architects, is the architect of record who created the design of the new building while Robert Scarborough is the contractor responsible for construction.

“Today is a celebration of the valuable collaboration, community relationships, and project coordination that has taken place during the last three years of planning . The success of this project is a result of everyone’s continued vision and support,” said Huisman.  “Collectively, we are making history by dreaming big, developing our shared vision, and following through for the collective benefit of the Truckee community.”

Complete access to cross country ski trails will be available, weather permitting, along with limited cross country ski facilities operations in 2014-2015, even if within temporary structures as necessary.

About Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center
The world-class Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center encompasses the beauty of the Euer Valley and surrounding area and is recognized for its meticulously groomed trail system and talented team of instructors who help beginners and advanced athletes alike. The Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center offers over 100 kilometers of trails groomed daily for diagonal striding, skating and snowshoeing. With scenic trails, challenging peaks and gentle rolling hills, there is plenty of terrain to explore.

During the summer season the Cross Country Ski Center building accommodates an equestrian center, Bikeworks and Day Camps activities. During the construction of the new Cross Country Ski Center this summer, Bikeworks will be temporarily located at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. Equestrian operations have been deferred during construction and will resume June 2015, conditions permitting.

About Tahoe Donner
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 a vibrant community with a passion for outdoor recreation and a celebration of the Tahoe lifestyle.

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.

For more information on Tahoe Donner, as well as its recreational facilities and events, please visit here or call 530-587-9400. ‘Like’ Tahoe Donner on Facebook at and follow Tahoe Donner on Twitter @tahoedonner and Instagram @TahoeDonnerAssociation.