DISCOVER ALL OF TRUCKEE Exploring Tahoe Donner’s Business District

Spanning 7,300+ acres with more than 6,500 properties and 25,000 members, Tahoe Donner is one of America’s largest homeowner’s associations. Once thought of mostly as an area for second home owners, Tahoe Donner has gradually grown to include more full-time Truckee residents, particularly since the pandemic. Since 2020, the year-round population of Tahoe Donner grew by an estimated 22%. Although some of Tahoe Donner’s many amenities, like the beautiful pool, spa, and gym at the Trout Creek Recreation Center, are for members and their guests, others like the world-class Tahoe Donner X-Country Ski Center and several great restaurants are open to the public. If you don’t live in Tahoe Donner, you can still easily access it by bike or walking from downtown Truckee via the Trout Creek paved Class 1 bike path. The path is even plowed in winter.

There are also some private businesses that call Tahoe Donner home - from real estate to doctor’s offices, Z Market, snow removal, to a preschool and more. Here are just a few of the businesses that make up the Tahoe Donner business district.

Elements Mountain Co. elementsmtn.co

Elements Mountain Company is a snow removal and home services company celebrating its 45th year as a family business. They were first formed as a snow removal company but quickly expanded year-round, providing excellent asphalt, paving, painting, defensible space and tree removal, snow plow, and shoveling services. Elements was one of the first private companies to use a digital radio system, GPS tracking of snow removal tractors, and an interactive occupancy status tracking system. Their fleet of tractor plows is impressive, as is their employee retention (even in the most brutal snow removal years such as this past winter). They keep their employees well fed with company meals and a full snack cabinet, as well as many other employee perks and benefits. They have a strong community commitment as coaches and sponsors of youth sports and are regular donors to the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund and other community nonprofits.

Tahoe Getaways tahoegetaways.com

Located in a beautiful building on Northwoods Blvd., Tahoe Getaways has been serving the entire North Lake Tahoe and Truckee region for more than 20 years. They manage every aspect of the rental experience for their clients. They have a solid team of dedicated professionals with decades of experience and modern tools that give them an advantage over their competitors. With a portfolio of 250+ homes, they take pride in helping clients find the right vacation home in Truckee-Tahoe that’s suited to their budget. From vacation rental sales to leasing, real estate consulting, and hospitality support, they are dedicated to delivering exceptional service to their clients.

Spirit Rebel Collective spiritrebel.co

Spirit Rebel Co. is a wellness studio located in Tahoe Donner that was founded by Kate Leist in 2022 and has just recently been remodeled. They offer group practices, gatherings, and individual sessions designed to guide people toward cultivating inner peace, vitality, and a deeper connection to self and the community. They offer affordable and accessible healing to our local community through yoga classes, a quarterly Community Wellness Event with donation-based yoga, breathwork, massage, energy healing, and more. They also offer a monthly or bi-monthly Community Acupuncture Day (donation-based) with Brianna from Whole Roots Health and Tara from Acuenergy and monthly or bi-monthly Community Massage Days (sliding-scale payment method). Spirit Rebel Co. also collaborates with Give Back Tahoe during their Give Back Tahoe event in the winter, offering donation-based and sliding scale classes. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation.

Tahoe Donner Association Businesses

tahoedonner.com

We could write an entire magazine about the amenities and services that Tahoe Donner offers. Here are a few highlights. Visit the Tahoe Donner website to learn more.

Pizza on the Hill

It’s not surprising that Pizza on the Hill was voted best kid-friendly restaurant in 2023 by Sierra Sun readers. With delicious pizza, handmade pasta, classic appetizers, a good wine and beer selection, plus a nearby playground and cozy outdoor seating, it’s a go-to summer spot for families and anyone who loves good pizza. They also host a Saturday Music in the Meadow series in the summer, featuring bands that everyone will enjoy, and Monday night Bingo. Check their website for winter hours/possible closure.

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub

The beautiful Lodge Restaurant & Pub features a newly-remodeled outside pavilion where you can enjoy dinner Saturday and Sunday. The Lodge is an award-winning neighborhood bistro with plenty of outdoor seating and spectacular views. They offer a hand-picked wine selection and craft cocktail menu as well as serve local and organic meat and produce. The Lodge is open daily for grab & go breakfast from 7:00 - 11:00 a.m., lunch from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and open Wednesday - Sunday for dinner from 4:30 - 9:00 p.m. The Lodge also often has a lively bar scene and you can eat at the bar when they are open for dinner.

Alder Creek Adventure Center

With beautiful high, arched ceilings, huge windows connecting guests with the serene meadow and forest behind, and an airy, open feel, the Alder Creek Adventure Center offers an abundance of activities and entertainment. You can enjoy dinner Friday and Sunday as well as daily grab & go options at the Alder Creek Cafe and drinks at their Trailside Bar. It’s also your gateway to all the many adjacent outdoor options to choose from, including horseback riding at the Equestrian Center, mountain biking via Bikeworks, cross country skiing and snowshoeing at the world-class Cross Country Ski Center, and hiking and exploring the vast 60+ mile trail system. The Alder Creek Adventure Center also hosts a variety of seasonal events and offerings. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio (except during cross-country ski season) as long as they are leashed, under control, and not disturbing other guests.

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort provides families a unique and affordable ski experience. It’s a great place for beginners to learn, regardless of age. They offer ski instruction for children as young as 3 years old. At Tahoe Donner, you’ll find wide-open bowls, uncrowded slopes, gentle beginner terrain, excellent grooming, and a friendly, courteous staff. Their size allows Tahoe Donner to deliver that personal touch that the larger ski areas can’t always provide. Check back at the beginning of the season to sign up children for group lessons.