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Complaints + Enforcement
TAHOE DONNER MEMBERS GLIDING FOR THE GOLD TAHOE DONNER MEMBERS GLIDING FOR THE GOLD
By ALI DICKSON | Photos Courtesy ofTHE BIATHAMOMS
The Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center has inspired and stoked skiers of all levels, from beginners to gold medal athletes. Jen Lang-Ree and Elizabeth “Buff” Wendt have been longtime residents of Tahoe Donner and members of the Auburn Ski Club. On January 17, with teammate Kim Harris, their women’s biathlon team, The Biathamoms, took gold in the relay at the Winter World Masters Games in Austria.
THE MAKING OF MEDALISTS The Biathamoms consist of a close community of women who are either mothers themselves or fgures within their community. The group has been training at the Auburn Ski Club for several years. Their name came to be when then-coach and TDXC trail designer Glenn Jobe grouped the moms together during biathlon practices. They soon became close friends. In 2018, their Master’s coach and teammate Dave Eastwood came up with the goal of training and competing in the 2020 Winter World Masters Games. Head coach Brian Halligan was happy to help with the training and even created a weekly "Biathlon University" class for further study. The biathlon competition was coveted with only 200 slots available worldwide, but the group was able to secure spots within the frantic 30 minutes before the entire event sold out. Offcial trainings held three times a week included roller skiing, over distance hikes, yoga and shooting drills in warmer months. When snow fell, the ski boots came on and early morning laps at Tahoe Donner commenced. Many teammates trained right at TDXC before work. Even on off days, coach Eastwood created a training schedule to stick to. “The laps around Lions Leap were a similar distance to the laps we were going to race. It’s an incredible amenity,” Lang-Ree remarked. The terrain at Tahoe Donner not only helped enhance their physical shape but helped them become familiar with the style of race they would encounter. True to their name, balancing biathlons and motherhood meant that not everyone could train consecutively. Each woman dedicated herself whenever she could, and friends and teammates alike supported each other with every glide of the way. “Training together for two years and challenging each other has created tight friendships that we will cherish forever,” Lang-Ree assured.
CONFIDENCE + ACCOMPLISHMENT When coach Halligan was unexpectedly unable to attend the Austrian games, support team Mischel Twining and Lucy Walker stepped up to help where they could. When needed equipment like scopes and ski wax didn't make it to Austria, teammates pitched in and shared what they had. They also helped each other zero their rife shots for accuracy before the race began. Despite the obstacles, spirits were kept high and excitement was in the air. Preparation and positivity paid off as their relay team raced on to win gold, besting their competition by more than two minutes. “We were effcient, we worked well as a team and had a great rhythm,” Lang-Ree emphasized. Not only was there a gold medal-winning relay performance, but Wendt took third place and fellow biathlete Lisa Holan took second in individual racers within their age bracket, respectively. The group was enjoying the scenery after the competition when they got the good news. “We went sightseeing after our races because we didn’t think we had placed,” explained Wendt. “Our times weren’t the best, but our shooting accuracy bumped us past competitors who took penalties for their shooting.” The Biathamoms continue to compete in local events, and both women have no intention of slowing down. “It’s great that people
ALLEN PLUMMER
over 50, or any age, are still getting out there and having fun,” Lang-Ree praised. With true determination and passion, their frst race post-victory was the Chuck Lyda Memorial on February 2. The Winter World Masters Games is scheduled to happen every four to fve years, and when asked about participation in the next one, both are planning on it.
CREATING FAMILY FUN IN TD Training for a worldwide event is no small undertaking, but living at Tahoe Donner allowed Lang-Ree and Wendt to get the most out of their training without traveling far from home. With unique terrain and a welcoming ski community, “nothing can beat it,” Wendt said with a smile. When talking about why she loves cross country skiing, Lang-Ree shares, “It's peaceful and relaxes my mind. Nordic skiing is great exercise, is generally safe, and there are no crowds. I just feel happy here.” Wendt prefers Tahoe Donner Cross Country not only because of the trails but because of the community. “We call the intersection at Moondance Hut ‘Jabber Junction’ because you’ll always run into someone you want to talk to.” Additionally, being able to take her dog along on approved dog trails is a huge bonus that she mentions not many other cross country trails offer. Not only have Lang-Ree and Wendt been avid Nordic skiers for decades, but their children have found a passion for sports that developed through amenities available at Tahoe Donner. Both have kids who learned to ski and participate in sports through member amenities, and many had jobs growing up - including Wendt herself – working as TD employees. The crossover between sport and community at Tahoe Donner is not one to be overlooked. Wendt’s favorite Christmas present each year is to gather her family together on the TDXC track for an annual holiday ski. Lang-Ree’s children started sliding on Tahoe Donner snow when they were less than two years old. Both families will cherish these snowy memories throughout their lifetimes. “No matter how you get out,” Lang-Ree says, “every day that you’re on skis is a good day.”
Wendt and Lang-Ree enjoy Tahoe Donner for more than just their snow sports. Their favorite ways to play include:
HORSEBACK RIDING
HIKING
MOUNTAIN BIKING
SAILING
SWIMMING
STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
DINING AT THE LODGE
LISTENING TO LIVE MUSIC
Most of the Auburn Ski Club athletes who competed in Austria are also season pass holders at TDXC. We want to congratulate all ASC athletes that competed: DAVE EASTWOOD RAY ERST KIM HARRIS LISA HOLAN TED HULBERT JEN LANG-REE ALLEN PLUMMER MICHAEL SEIFFERT LORENE SAMOSKA PAUL QUINLAN DAN WARREN BUFF WENDT
IMPROVE YOUR NORDIC SKIING Get your 2020/21 ski season pass at tahoedonner.com/xc. Lessons and clinics are offered daily for all skill levels during ski season. To learn more about the Auburn Ski Club's open biathlete clinics, visit their website at auburnskiclub.com.
COVID-19 UPDATE AVAILABLE SERVICES + TIPS FOR STAYING WELL
We are thankful that, despite the situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19), our Tahoe Donner community continues to support each other. We are all in this together. The health and safety of our staff, members and the community continues to remain our top priority. While Tahoe Donner facilities are temporarily closed, essential staff are available remotely to assist and provide services to members.
MEMBER SERVICES For general questions and information, as well as help purchasing ski season passes or registering for summer camps, you may email Member Services at info@tahoedonner.com.
ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS For questions and assistance on rules and regulations, as well as information on how to apply for a construction/exterior change project, please email aso@tahoedonner.com or call (530) 587-9407.
ACCOUNTING For questions regarding the annual assessment or accounting issues, please email tdaccounting@tahoedonner.com. Please note that we will be monitoring emails with regularity. However, with limited staff available, we cannot promise an immediate response. Thank you for your patience. At this time, Tahoe Donner will also continue to provide maintenance and security duties for the association.
PROTECT YOURSELF + OTHERS PRECAUTIONS AND BEST PRACTICES FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
KNOW HOW IT SPREADS • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet). • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
CLEAN YOUR HANDS OFTEN • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. • Throw used tissues in the trash. • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK • Stay home. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. • Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency. • Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
CLEAN AND DISINFECT • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks. • If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom. • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. • Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many recommend precautions include wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product. Most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
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The 2020–21 Ski California ® Spring+ Gold Pass is the ultimate and most exclusive pass to skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing in California and Nevada. With just one pass, you or anyone with your pass can ski or ride at any of the 32 member resorts CA & NV have to ofer.
