NOVEMBER
Table of Contents 27
BULLETIN BOARD
SNOW REMOVAL
THE BEST PLACE TO BEGIN
DOWNHILL SLIP & SLIDE
SNOWPLAY THE SKIING IS OUT THERE...
CROSS COUNTRY GEARING UP FOR WINTER?
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Light up the Night Start the holiday season with TD
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Downhill Events Schedule Ski with Santa, join a parade, share a huge banana split and much more
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Night Sledding Now offered at the Snowplay Area
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Cross Country Events Schedule Demo skis, take a full moon tour or stride and skate into a race
Did You know?
Season pass rates go up December 1. Get yours today at shoptd.tahoedonner.com.
DEPARTMENTS
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FORESTRY
PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
02
President’s Message Seasons are Changing
06
Let’s Get Together TD Events & Happenings
27
Bulletin Board Preparing for Winter
30
Taking Care of Business Board Meeting Summary
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Where in the World is TD News? TD News Travels the World
VOL. 12, NO. 11
WELCOME
NOVEMBER 2011 EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION STAFF Amanda Birchenough Matt Chappell Amanda Wallace Kirt Zimmer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Suzan Knisley, suzylynn@mindspring.com
Vice President
Tom Johns, btjtd@aol.com
Secretary
Steve Miller, stephen.m.miller@wellsfargoadvisors.com
Treasurer
Ron Wulff, rwulff@sbcglobal.net
Director
Jay Lempinen, jjlempinenlost@sbcglobal.net
Board of Directors
board@tahoedonner.com
Postmaster Send address changes to Tahoe Donner News, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 587-9400, Fax (530) 587-9419
comdep@tahoedonner.com
Advertising Sales Tahoe Guide is the exclusive advertising representative for the Tahoe Donner News. Call (530) 448-3065 or (530) 587-1393 or go to tahoedonner.com/magazine.html for rate information.
Publishing Information Tahoe Donner Association holds the exclusive service mark right to “Tahoe Donner.” Any unauthorized use of such will be regarded as an infringement of that service mark right and is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Tahoe Donner Association or its Board of Directors of the products, services, or views contained therein. Tahoe Donner News (ISSN 1550-6061) is the official monthly publication of Tahoe Donner Association, which is located at 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161. Each membership parcel receives one subscription. Additional subscriptions are available at the cost of $25 each. Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues. Periodicals Postage Paid at Truckee, CA, and additional mailing offices. Member letters to Tahoe Donner are published in the Members section of tahoedonner.com, where publishing guidelines are available.
On the Cover Kids love winter at Tahoe Donner.
SUZY KNISLEY | PRESIDENT Fall is my favorite time of year. The aspen leaves are beginning to turn into gold coins flickering in the wind, the air is crisp with the hint of snow soon to fall and there are many fall festivities to celebrate the season. I attended Tahoe Donner’s Fall Festival in October planning on staying a couple of hours but our family was having so much fun we spent the entire day there. Our staff is to be congratulated on organizing such a fantastic and creative event with non-stop activities and entertainment all day long. The amazing maze and the food from The Lodge were big hits as well as decorating caramel apples, archery, crafts, carving pumpkins, face painting, rock climbing and bungee jumping. There were several very talented groups entertaining us most of the afternoon, a magic show and even the dogs enjoyed their dip in the pool. Did I mention there was a huge turnout for this popular event and some great costumes? So be sure and put the Fall Festival on your calendar for next year. Our next big event, Light up the Night, is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, November 26 at The Lodge. This fun Tahoe Donner tradition brings our members together to celebrate the opening of the winter season. Families and especially children enjoy watching Santa Claus arrive on his sleigh, the lighting of
our giant Christmas tree, Reindeer Games and crafts, caroling and roasting marshmallows. Follow up with dinner and drinks upstairs in the restaurant. The fall season is a great time to take advantage of the specials on the menu at The Lodge. From Oct 31 through December 15 you can order a three- course meal with a glass of house wine for only $25. It is not too soon to make reservations if you plan on enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at The Lodge. Regarding business activity, member feedback on our trail system will become very important in the coming months as staff and the Board develop new trail systems and new rules regarding trail use. A Draft Trails Master Plan is scheduled for completion in November and will soon afterwards be ready for member comment. Stay tuned in the coming months on the important member workshops regarding summer and winter uses of the Euer Valley including equestrian, skiing and hiking, among others. The meetings will be announced on the TD web page, the Tahoe Donner News and Member Emails. If you are not already signed up to receive email news blasts be sure and register to stay in the loop. Just go to tahoedonner.com. On the home page click on “Members”. That will take you to the Member contact information. You can also call Member Services at (530) 587-9400. Additionally, there is a section in the “Member” area of our website where members can write “Letters to the Editor” in order to share your views with other members. Also look for the announcement of a Member Survey going out this fall to provide feedback to the Board and staff on your experiences at Tahoe Donner in order to better serve the members in the future. The Board continues to review the General Plan and consider the possible changes needed to adapt the current plan in consideration of our newly acquired land acquisitions. We will be working with staff to achieve a solid plan for investing into our infrastructure. In that light the Board will be reviewing our governing documents to make sure decisions are in line with our C&R’s and Bylaws associated with our “Common Area” and “Common Facilities” also known as our Amenities. As
(Continued on pg. 29)
November 1 5 T U E S D AY & 1 6 W E D N E S D AY
Fall Maintenance at Trout Creek Recreation Center Tuesday – Wednesday, November 15 – 16, All Day Trout Creek Recreation Center will be closed for facility cleaning and maintenance. We will re-open at 6 a.m. on Thursday, November 17. For more information, please contact Trout Creek Recreation Center at (530) 587-9437.
2 4 T H U R S D AY & 2 6 S AT U R D AY
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Wii Night Sundays, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Test your skills on the 150 inch screen! Enjoy a pizza from Pizza on the Hill while challenging competitors in Wii tennis, baseball, golf, bowling, Mario Kart and much more. Free! @ Northwoods Clubhouse Trivia Night Thursdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Join in the fun at Trivia night. Enjoy a pizza from Pizza on the Hill, show off your brain power and win cool prizes. Free! @ Northwoods Clubhouse Family Movie Night Fridays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your favorite pillow and blanket, kick your feet up, and enjoy both classic and new G and PG rated movies. Free! @ Northwoods Clubhouse
2 5 F R I D AY
Spend Your Thanksgiving Weekend with Tahoe Donner! Thanksgiving Dinner @ The Lodge Thursday, November 24, 2 –7 p.m. Visit thelodge-tahoe.com/events to view our special holiday menu.
Miracle on 34th Street Family Movie Night @ Northwoods Clubhouse Friday, November 25, 6:30 p.m.
2011 Light up the Night @ The Lodge Saturday, November 26, 5 – 8 p.m. Once you’ve had enough turkey fun on Thursday, get ready for Santa and holiday activities at the annual Tahoe Donner Light up the Night event. Give back to the community by bringing canned items for a Project MANA food drive. For more information, see pg. 10.
TahoeDonner.com |
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FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER’S DESK
ROBB ETNYRE | GENERAL MANAGER Many people refer to November as a shoulder season month in the mountains, with summer well behind and the cold of winter not quite taking hold to enjoy a favorite winter sport. Of course, it also marks several significant days widely recognized as opportunities to give thanks. Veteran’s Day serves as a time for us to remember and thank those men and women who have served and are serving our nation. Thanksgiving is perhaps the most widely recognized and most traveled celebration day in the United States, finding Americans from every walk of life gathering together as a regular family tradition. For those veterans in our community, I would like to again invite you to join me on November 10 at 6 p.m. at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub to thank you for your service and celebrate the 236th Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. Last month, several significant announcements were made by the board of directors; the purchase of almost 500 acres in the Euer Valley and the purchase of a new forestry facility. The property in the Euer Valley has long been made available to the membership through the Cross Country Center as a result of many past winter land use agreements with the Euer Family. While winter access will now be secured for the long-term benefit of the membership and association, a new opportunity now presents itself in defining the allowable summer uses of this property. As noted in the president’s message, several community meetings are being arranged to solicit feedback from the membership on summer uses of the property. The plan is to hold a number of community membership meetings on this
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
topic over the winter, including a meeting in the Bay Area. Additionally, focused information will be provided in the monthly magazine and on our web site, along with membership survey questions. Once these meetings and survey are completed, the information will be synthesized and presented to the board of directors for review prior to the spring, which will allow for a draft set of rules to be distributed to the membership before summer 2012. We are excited about the new forestry facility, after much review and considerable membership feedback in 2010. The new facility location off Teton and Skislope Way was selected in order to take advantage of an existing, suitable facility a considerable distance away from the community’s homes. The additional benefit of this new facility, aside from coming in well under budget, was the reduction of impact on the surrounding neighborhood from the existing snow removal and construction business operating from the property. Since the Forestry Department is predominantly a summer operation, we expect an immediate relief of traffic to the surrounding community. Minor renovations to the new facility will still be required over the next several months, once escrow is complete, to prepare it for a summer 2012 relocation of our Forestry Department operation. After nine months of operations in 2011, the year-to-date Association Operating Budget is still on budget for the year. This continued solid operating performance allowed us to move into our annual budget review process led by our director of finance and accounting, Michael Salmon, along with staff, the finance
committee and the board of directors. At the time of this article, staff is recommending no Operating Budget increase for 2012, holding the $695 Operating Assessment per property at the same level for the fourth straight year! Amazingly, this Operating Assessment only represents about a third of the cost to operate the wide variety of amenities within Tahoe Donner. The remainder of the Operating Fund continues to be raised through your individual amenity usage in our user-based amenity system. The New Machinery & Equipment Fund, Replacement Reserve Fund and Recreation Fee were still being reviewed and will most likely see a small increase to keep pace with expected inflationary pressures. However, as previously discussed in the 2030 General Plan process, there is no expected increase in the Development Fund portion of the Capital Assessment. We are also drafting a post-summer season survey for the membership to provide critical feedback to management, committees and the board of directors. This survey will also include some questions on potential summer uses of the Euer Valley. The survey will be online; it has approximately 40 questions and will only take a few minutes to complete. As we continue our efforts to tailor a customer service and user-based amenity system for the benefit of the membership, it is essential to validate operating service levels and focus future investment in products and services that the membership values. So, keep an eye out this next month for our post-summer season survey of the membership.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Member survey coming your way! Occasionally, Tahoe Donner sends a survey to members regarding our operations. The goal is to collect your input so that we can ensure the operations and facilities meet your needs. Staff and the board of directors use data and comments from the survey to inform a number of very important decisions, so it’s critical that as many members participate as possible. Your invitation to participate in the next survey will come soon via email. If you currently receive the Member News email blasts on Wednesdays, with articles relating to the association’s business affairs, then we have your address and you don’t need to do anything. If you’re not receiving Member News, then we don’t have your email address and you won’t receive the survey invitation. To receive both of those things, update your member profile at http://tahoedonner.com/you.html. Thanks in advance for your participation in the survey!
TAHOE DONNER CONTACTS Member Communications (area code 530) Member Services
587-9400
info@tahoedonner.com
General Manager
587-9431
gm@tahoedonner.com
Contact Member Services to be transferred to other administrative departments.
Amenities Alder Creek Campground 587-9462
campground@tahoedonner.com
Beach Club Marina
587-9460
marina@tahoedonner.com
Cross Country Center
587-9484
xcski@tahoedonner.com
Downhill Ski Area
587-9444
ski@tahoedonner.com
Equestrian Center
587-9470
equestrian@tahoedonner.com
Forestry
587-9432
forestry@tahoedonner.com
Golf Course
587-9443
golf@tahoedonner.com
The Lodge
587-9455
lodge@tahoedonner.com
Pizza On The Hill
582-9669
pizza@tahoedonner.com
Recreation Info Hut
587-9413
troutcreek@tahoedonner.com
Tennis Center
587-9474
tennis@tahoedonner.com
Trout Creek Rec. Center
587-9437
troutcreek@tahoedonner.com
Tahoe Donner Association Committee Chairs Architectural Standards, Jason Wooley aso@tahoedonner.com Covenants, Al Noyes
anoyes@sbcglobal.net
Elections, Nan Carnal
ncarnal@sfsu.edu
Finance, Jim Stang
jcstang@sbcglobal.net
General Plan, Chris Nelson
nelson9025@sbcglobal.net
Have your home featured onTDHomes.com... sm
The Top website for Tahoe Donner Real Estate! North Woods Group total sales volume YTD 2011 is $21,041,200... plus an additional $4,628,000 in volume currently under contract! Jan-Sept
Houses Sold* Average Price Under Contract as of 10/7*
2011
157
$532,073
37
2010
152
$573,541
29
Contact us for today’s stats!
Tahoe Donner Association Chartered Club Presidents Bridge, Sharilyn Nelson
nelson9025@sbcglobal.net
Friends of TD Trails, B.R. Levine
brlevine@gmail.com
Rowing Club, Dot Mace
dotmace@sbcglobal.net
Senior Alpine Ski, Jeff Bonzon
jdbonzon@yahoo.com
Tahoe Donner Green, Sue Sorensen
tahoedonnergreenclub@gmail.com
Tennis, Linda Stewart
pindagold@yahoo.com
Nordic Ski Club, Carol Ozimek
president@tdnordicskiclub.org
9-Holers, Hilary Ward
hilary2@aabol.com
Mens Golf, Ralph Shindler
tdmensgolf@gmail.com
Women’s Golf, Denise Kosak
deezak12@hotmail.com
Hiking Club, Robin Reese
rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net
Quilt Club, Linda Brush
cbrush4110@gmail.com
back: Dave Donnelly, David Wright, Pete Griffin, Bob Colquhoun front: Jessica Ferguson, David Hipkins, Bruce Watkins Affiliated with Keller Williams Boice Realty. Each office is independently owned & operated. *Statistics are based on TSBOR MLS data for Tahoe Donner Single Family Homes.
TahoeDonner.com |
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LET’S TOGETHER
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
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With one of the more memorable and challenging golf seasons now in the books, it seems an appropriate time to share highlights of the 2011 season. When it comes to highlights, one of the greatest and most memorable golf achievements NER for golfers is making aN hole-in-one. This year we recorded E DO O H seven aces. TACongratulations! P
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M Trout Creek Recreation Center will be closed on Tuesday, November 15, and Wednesday,SNovember R E16, for facilHA RE INTE ity cleaning and maintenance. We will re-open at 6 a.m. on Thursday, November 17. For more information, please contact Trout Creek Recreation Center at (530) 587-9437.
Tahoe Donner Golf Season Wrap-Up
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Brett Brodowy, Hole 17 Gail Baker, Hole 4 Cooper Waldron, Hole 17 Russ Burbank, Hole 4
Tahoe Donner First Assistant James Murtagh recorded a double eagle on September 23, NER sinking his second shot on the par five 15th hole. DON E O ENT The various TD golf clubs conducted several successful competitions are TA H and events. E VHere L A I C your 2011 Club Champions: SPE
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f there’s any time of year that symbolizes and brings back family memories, November surely comes to mind. Families reunite for Thanksgiving to reflect on the past year, enjoy the company of one another and savor a traditional feast together. Like a birthday or anniversary marking a special occasion, some years are greeted with excited smiles and others with long sighs. The winter forecast predicts another epic La Niña winter is on her way, which brings a combination of both smiles and sighs at Tahoe Donner. Some double up on firewood and dig out their winter gear early; others extend their sandy beach and palm tree vacation dates. The truth is, Tahoe will turn into a winter wonderland before we know it. This issue is overflowing with information about the upcoming season, starting with Santa’s arrival at the Lodge on November 26. We hope you are smiling like we are, proudly welcoming La Niña with open arms and anticipating the first real snowfall – the big one that will settle in and mark the start of another remarkable winter.
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Women’s 18-Hole Golf Club Champion - Fran Macomber Women’s 9 - Holer Golf Club Champion - Hillary Ward Men’s Golf Club Champion - Alan Nousiainen Junior Golf Club Champion - Jeffrey Inouye Wong Special thanks to everyone who made our season a success! We look forward to seeing you on the course next year.
ED LEINENKUGEL | DIRECTOR OF GOLF
Tahoe Donner Women’s 9-Holer Club Another wonderful regular season of golf culminated with an awards banquet at the Lodge on August 25. Many of the ladies were awarded prizes, and Hilary Ward won the Club Championship for the second year in a row. We would like to thank Ed Leinenkugel, golf director, and his staff for their continued support and the fine job they do. We would also like to recognize Kevin Keuhne, course superTahoeDonner.com |
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intendent, and his staff for their ongoing efforts to keep the course in playable condition after the very long winter we endured. We encourage all ladies who are Tahoe Donner property owners and are interested in playing golf to join us. All you need is a little knowledge of golf. We are a fun group which carries on various activities throughout the year. If you are interested, please call Hilary Ward, club president, at (530) 587-2317.
Tahoe Donner Men’s Golf Club
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Bring a pillow and blanket, kick your feet up and enjoy either a classic or new movie starting at 6:30 p.m. every Friday at Northwoods Clubhouse. Movies in this series are rated G and PG. Here is this month’s Family Movie schedule:
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Applications are now being accepted for 2012 membership in the Men's Golf Club. We welcome any TD homeowner who may be interested in joining as a new member. Club benefits include at least two tournaments per month during the season, an NCGA handicap index, hole-in-one insurance, men’s play day once a week and the opportunity to meet and play with other TD golfers. Applications and more information are available online at tdgolfclub.com or on the Men’s Club bulletin board adjacent to the Pro Shop on the lower level of Lodge. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Gemma, our membership chairman, at patgemma1@att.net. Renewing members receive a lower rate if received by December 1, so if you are a current member please send in your application now. The TDMGC 12-man team has advanced to the semi-finals of the NCGA Team Match competition. Out of 123 teams who started the season, we are one of the Final 4 in the running. Good luck to the team going forward! Three golfers from TD - David Rojas, Ralph Shindler and Bruce Watkins - also advanced in the NCGA Net Amateur competition at Poppy Ridge on October 17-18. The Men’s Golf Club has wrapped another successful season, but it would not have been possible without the support of our golf course staff. We’d like to thank Ed Leinenkugel, golf director, and his team for their hard work and professionalism this year. Special recognition goes N to Kevin his staff for their Herculean efforts, dealing with a P R Kuehne Eand I VAT E A M record snowfall and lingering snow and cold. The support of the Lodge personnel was superb, making our on-course and post-golf refreshment enjoyable. We’re looking forward to another great season in 2012.
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November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25
Brother Bear Treasure Planet Air Bud: World Pup Miracle on 34th Street
For more information, please contact Trout Creek Recreation Center at (530) 587-9437.
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
Wii Night Play a friendly game of Wii on the big screen each Sunday from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Northwoods Clubhouse.
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Experience the French-inspired mountain cuisine of acclaimed San Francisco chef, Traci Des Jardins with 50% off all dinner entrée selections and complimentary valet parking.
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Come enjoy our mountain resort experience…
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activities include day hikes, ski conditioning workouts, bike and kayak I EN P Uto fun M ER trips, tennis and golf tournaments and BBQ's, in addition B L I C A holiN N O OE D day parties! ER TA H ONN D E O TA H I
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LIC A ES ber 30. It’s a great holidayBgift! I EQU N PU M E holders K BLIC A As in previous we would like to remind all season pass Eyears, E R RC LDE to A scan their cards each visit. There is a scanner on the deck outside and a scanner inside the building. We also want to remind Tahoe Donner I N all kids under 12 and seniors over 69 ski for free. If homeowners that PU ME
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ner alpine skier E R Sand want to enjoy E M Bsports activities in a M year-round T TD M E E great social environment, the Tahoe E SH R ARE INTE Donner Senior Alpine Ski Club SH RE ARE INTE (TDSASC) is for you! TDSASC organizes over 20 ski days at resorts around the Tahoe basin at reduced rates, plus alpine skiing and racing clinics at Tahoe EEK Donner Downhill Ski Area. We also arrange ski trips across the RcounER C D L A Off-season try and Europe, working with Far West Ski Association. M
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DO Y HOE Tahoe DonnerTASenior R NTR U O NNE Y SC E DO S Alpine Ski Club O H O NTR TA U CR I O EN P U DonSS C If you are a senior Tahoe BLIC AM CRO I N TY
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Kids 4 – 9 years old are invited to join in the fun with crafts, dinner, and a movie as well as cookies and milk. Registration must be made at least 24 hours in advance by calling (530) 582-9646. Cost: $15 per child.
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Kids Night Out - 5 p.m. Friday, November 4.
EM TD M EET
The club welcomes all Tahoe Donner alpine skiers, 55 years and above, who ski at a proficiency level of intermediate, advanced, or expert. (An intermediate skier is defined as one who can comfortably ski the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.) Membership information, OE TA H forms and schedules of winter and off-season activities can be accessed on our website tdski.com. PU E R now. We're accepting renewals and new applications A ONN E D R E O IA ER TA H A L SK ONN L D I E H ARE HO I A K T S OW N I
Escape to our forest sanctuary where nature abounds, bringing water and the woods into balance and harmony with 50% off select spa treatments.
Offers are based upon availability and valid from October 3 to November 18, 2011. Applicable tax and gratuity is not included. “LOCALS” offer must be mentioned at time of reservation. Some exclusions on spa treatments apply. Discounts are not available to groups of over six guests.
Located mid-mountain on Northstar-at-Tahoe™,13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee, California (530) 562-3000 www.ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe
TahoeDonner.com |
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Drink specials and 25 percent off tasty starters, soups and salads from 5 – 6:30 p.m., Sunday – Thursday.
No Corkage Tuesdays Bring your own bottle of vino to enjoy with your meal and we’ll waive the corkage fee on Tuesdays nights. It’s the perfect time to enjoy that favorite bottle of wine you’ve been saving at home. Offer only valid during non-holiday periods.
WildER Wednesdays Happy Hour specials all night long in the entire restaurant! Enjoy 25 percent off small plates, soups and salads, plus drink specials.
JOJO TOEPPNER | TDXC MANAGER
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NER DON E O A Hthe Night 2011 Light Tup NER DON E O Thanksgiving weekend TA H is a family BE HE NER AT TOnce N H E you’ve O favorite at Tahoe Donner. D T E N O P TA H E V EE R had enough turkey fun onR EThursday, Eget N TA L A LS & R N I N C O E D ready for Santa and holiday activities S P TA H O E at the annual Tahoe Donner Light up the Night event on Saturday. Give back BE HE AT T H E to the community by bringing canned items for a Project MANA food drive. We’ll also have a raffle with Tahoe Donner prizes, and proceeds going to Project MANA. Come to The Lodge from 5 – 8 p.m. for fun activities including reindeer games, Santa’s arts and crafts workshop, hot chocolate and s’mores, letters to Santa, storytelling by Mrs. Claus, caroling, photos with Santa and the lighting of the tree. Hope to see you on Saturday, November 26! AT
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ROBERT MCCLENDON | DOWNHILL SKI AREA MANAGER
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Open from 5 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday – Monday. R NNE E DO O H Football Fever TA
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Test your trivia skills from California history to sporting events. BE HE NER AT the N H Elist from week T O You never know what questions are going to be on D NT HOE E from V is TA E to week. Trivia 6:30 – 8 p.m. and the winner receives a cerL CIA tificate for a free pizza! SPE
Half Price Pizza Hour A family favorite! Order a cheese, pepperoni or veggie pizza for half price from 5 – 6 p.m. on Sundays. Offer valid for take-out only, limit 10. For more information, or to place your order, please call Pizza on the Hill at (530) 582-9669. | Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
LIF
AR EGU AT
Specials from 5 – 6 p.m. every day. Stop by after work to catch up with friends and relax with $3 Coors Light drafts and $4 glasses of house wine. ER ONN D E O TA H Thursday Night Trivia
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BLIC
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BLIC A R NNE O D Y $25 for a delicious three course meal and glass of house R O E wine. Valid TA H UNT O C Sunday – Thursday from October 31- December 15. Offer not valid SS The best place to begin! CRO I November 23 and 24 or with any other promotion or special event. EK EN PU RS BLIC AM E C R ESki B R M Winter is now right around the corner! Tahoe Donner Downhill E E D M AL T TD Thanksgiving Dinner Area is the best place to start your season off. If you are looking for a MEE quick tune up or equipment check, bring your gear to the rental shopN I Special holiday menu on our website. Join us for dinner from 2 – 7 E PU R N Ewill LIC AM RE H A Thursday, E starting November 7. N We get your skis and boards readyBfor the p.m.Son November 24. RE INT E DO O H P RIV R TAonly $15. We also start season for skiR AT E N Etaking E school reservations starting DON T E N Light up the Night O E H be able toCschedule November 14. You them online at SkiTahoeDonTAwill N II A(530) PU RE Nat B LS AM ner.com or give us call 587-9444 ext. 0. Remember to check Santa comes to Tahoe Donner for this special holiday event from CT Ia E U I EQ N out our list of events this season 5 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 26. E including the Torchlight Parade on PU K BLIC AM E E R December 31. See you on the slopes! ER C ALD Pizza on the Hill
C LU A JOIN
W
TY
Opens at 5 p.m. daily. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call (530) 587-9455.
S
The Lodge Restaurant& Pub
you qualify for one of those passes, please stop in the office to fill out a pass application and get a sticker for your member card. All customers are required to have their season pass or trail pass visible while using the trails. Make sure you check our website for upcoming events and clinics. Find us on Twitter for daily updates and snow conditions. We will also have photos on Facebook once the season begins. Remember, we plan to open November 24, conditions permitting. What a great way to kick off Thanksgiving weekend, don’t you think? We are looking forward to this season and to seeing you soon!
ST
DINING OPTIONS
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TahoeDonner.com |
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FEATURE
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL Statistics
Lifts: 1 quad chair, 1 double chair, 3 conveyor lifts Terrain Rating: 40 percent novice, 60 percent intermediate Total Runs: 14 Terrain Parks: 3 Skiable Acres: 120 Lift Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets and Reservation Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rental Shop Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “THE BEST PLACE TO BEGIN?” There’s a reason first-time guests of Tahoe Donner Downhill turn into repeat visitors. Word spreads like wildfire among friends and families when it comes to great winter outdoor activities for kids. If you have a child who is ready to start skiing, there’s only one place to go – to get it right the first time. Rahlves, Jones and McConkey are legendary names that stand out in the ski and snowboard world. Well, guess where their kids started building their skills? “The best place to begin.” The proof is in the pudding. Over 4,000 Snowflakes Ski School lessons were sold in 2010-11, with another 4,000 the year before. That’s over 8,000 lessons in the past two years for that one particular program!
How to reach Tahoe Donner Downhill: (530) 587-9444 | skitahoedonner.com | 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA 96161
TahoeDonner.com |
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“The quality of the programs is terrific, instruction is good and the kids have FUN” If you don’t know about the Snowflakes Ski School, we think you should. It’s one of the few programs in Tahoe that teaches kids as young as 3 years old how to ski. Of course, they must be fully potty grained, willing to ski, plus socially and emotionally ready to ski. Starting them out that young helps to build a strong foundation. Each session is 2.5 hours long and each child must have an adult on-site or on-call the entire lesson. Kids in the Snowflakes program will join one of five fun groups: Sparkle, Chilly, Slick, Speedy and Blizzard. Each child will get a personalized report card to take home after each session. If you pick your child up after a Snowflakes session and they’re not talking about pizza, smashing snowmen or edgie wedgies, we haven’t done our job.
But don’t listen to just us. The Murrell family, residents of Tahoe Donner for the past 9 years with two children who have been through the program, rave about Tahoe Donner Downhill. “The quality of the programs is terrific, instruction is good and the kids have FUN,” said Courtney Murrell. “The staff is friendly, kid-focused and creative in teaching the skills and drills.” She also comments that the programs are flexible enough to move kids around to make sure they find the right fit for their skill levels, even mid-season. Her four year old daughter, Megan, participates in the TD Tykes program with her friends from pre-school and her eight year old son, Gavin, races throughout Tahoe but can be found in the TD terrain park with his friends on non-race days.
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
SPECIAL OFFERS What’s our recipe for success? 1. Perfect beginner terrain – wide open bowls, easy lift access, light skier traffic 2. Specialized programs with different beginner levels to choose from 3. Low instructor to child ratios (most classes are 1 instructor to 5 children) 4. A team of instructors specifically trained in beginner children programs 5. Easy equipment rentals on- site, stocked with the latest gear for kids 6. FUN – it’s mandatory at Tahoe Donner Downhill.
Helpful Tahoe Donner Downhill Information: 1. All kids under 6 years old and seniors over 70 ski free at Tahoe Donner Downhill. 2. Season pass rates increase December 1. You can purchase your pass on shoptd.tahoedonner.com or at the Member Services Office at Northwoods Clubhouse. 3. Tahoe Donner Downhill programs and lessons fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve your times sooner, rather than later. You can do so through shoptd.tahoedonner.com. 4. All kids ages 12 and under who participate in any Tahoe Downhill program must have a helmet. They are available to rent or you can purchase them at the retail shop. Check when you register; helmets are often included in rental packages.
New Trail Changes for 2011-12 Season We think you will be impressed with some of the changes we’ve made this summer. You will find once you get off the Eagle Rock chairlift that you will have a much easier time getting through to the beginning of Mile Run. Our crews have widened that trail, and we hope you will enjoy it. We are also opening up a new entrance once you exit Eagle Rock Chairlift to get down to the back side. Once you exit the chair, you will be able to go straight and get right down to the trail!
Parent’s Day: Every Tuesday! Attention all moms and dads! Bring your under 13 year old skiers to Tahoe Donner Downhill every Tuesday during non-holiday periods for a day of skiing or riding, and receive a free lift ticket for yourself. This is great way to get the family together and mom and dad get to ski for free! Excludes holiday periods. Wacky Wednesday: Become a fan of Tahoe Donner Downhill on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and receive Wacky Wednesday deals every Wednesday during non-holiday periods. Everyone’s a Local Thursdays: Whether you live in San Francisco or Truckee, everyone gets the local’s discount of $13 children’s lift tickets and $21 adult lift tickets on Thursdays during non-holiday periods. School Dayz: Beginning Tuesday, January 3, 2012, Tahoe Donner Downhill will be offering a midweek student discount, Tuesdays – Thursdays, throughout the rest of the 2011/2012 season. Must show Student ID. Children $13 and Adults $21 Midweek Local’s Discount: With a valid local ID, residents of Truckee, North Lake Tahoe and Reno are eligible for midweek local’s discount Tuesdays – Thursdays. Children $13 and Adults $21. Exclusive Deals: Follow us on Twitter and add us as a friend on Facebook to get instant updates and access to special deals and discounts. Group Policy: Discounted rates are available for groups of 20 or more that book in advance. For more information, please email groupsales@tahoedonner.com, or call (530) 587-9444, press “0” and ask for Group Sales. Special Offers/Holiday Periods: Special offers are not valid with any other discounts, coupons, or during holiday periods. For more information, call (530) 587-9444 or visit skitahoedonner.com.
TahoeDonner.com |
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Everything you need to know for your visit to Tahoe Donner Downhill cont.
LESSONS & Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski School Helmet Policy: Tahoe Donner requires all students under age 13 to wear a ASTM F2040 helmet. We offer helmets in our rental shop for $8 and helmets available for purchase. All packages include helmets. Private Lessons are our most popular and productive lessons with the best instructors on our staff. Classes will move at your own pace and are individually tailored to your group. Reservations recommended. Half day private (3 hours, you may bring up to 4 people) $222 Full day private (6 hours, you may bring up to 4 people) $405 One hour private $89 all levels; $20 each additional person Ski and Snowboard Lesson Packages are designed for all levels of skiers and snowboarders that need rental equipment and a lesson. Packages include a full-day lift ticket, a two hour group lesson and full-day equipment rental, including helmet. Times: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily Cost: Adult (13-59) $85, Child/Senior (7-12/60-69) $75 Lesson only $40 You may also add on an additional afternoon lesson on the same day for $25
Snow Shredders Package (ages 5 – 6) is a program is designed for the youngest snowboarders, ages 5 – 6. Packages include a full-day lift ticket, a two hour group lesson and full-day equipment rental, including helmet. Small class sizes plus energetic instructors add up to a great learning experience. Times: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily Cost: Child (5-6) $75 Snowflakes Ski School (ages 3-6) is our 2.5 hour program designed especially for children in this age group. The Snowflake Ski School has special teachers, its own kid’s room and five levels of instruction to meet your child’s needs. Each session includes ski equipment for the duration of the lesson, specialized instruction, a low student to instructor ratio, and an all-day lift ticket. Children must be at least 3 years of age, potty trained, and willing to ski. Limited spots available. Cost: $75 Schedule: A.M. Session, 9:30 a.m. – noon | P.M. Session, 1 – 3:30 p.m. *Children enrolled in Snowflakes must have an adult on site / on call at all times. Children attending more than one session per day must be picked up between sessions.
Reservations:
The Ski School encourages reservations over the phone or our online store at ShopTD.tahoedonner.com for Snowflake, Ski and Snowboard Packages, and Programs. Private lessons must be made over the phone. Reservation and pre-sale can be made daily before 4 p.m. Full payment is required via Visa, Mastercard or American Express. Cancellations are accepted 48 hours before your scheduled lesson. “No Shows” are not eligible for a refund.
Big Winter? No Problem.
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updates delivered
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
Tahoe Donner Downhill Special Programs – Prices increase December 1. TD Tykes is a weekly ski school program designed for 3 to 6 year olds. The program is a great way for your child to begin their skiing experience. The program begins the second week of January and continues through the end of March. Participants meet every week for two and a half hours of instruction that takes place both on the hill and in the Snowflakes room. There are four session choices to meet your needs: Wednesdays 9 -11:30 a.m. Wednesdays 12:30 - 3 p.m. Thursdays 9 - 11:30 a.m. Thursdays 12:30 – 3 p.m. Price: Members $325, Public $375 Sunday Speedsters is a weekly ski program designed for children 4 to 6 that can already ski at a level IV or above. Sessions will run for 11 weeks on Sundays through the season. Kids enrolled in the program must be ready and on the hill at 10:30 a.m. The ski instructor will break with the children for lunch in the cafeteria. This program is geared to help bring your child to the next level in their skiing. Times: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Price: Members $460 Public $500 TD Tykes for Kindergarten Kids is designed for 5 – 6 year olds from the local area that want to improve their skiing skills. The program begins the second week of January and continues through the end of March. Kids enrolled in this program meet on the hill at 2 p.m. ready to ski for a full two hour session. Days: Wednesdays Times:2 – 4 p.m. Price: Members $325 Public $375 Recreational Ski and Snowboard Teams meet every Sunday from January 8 through March 25, from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This program is designed for 7 – 13 year old skiers and snowboarders who want to improve their skills in a fun environment while developing new friendships. The low student to instructor ratio ensures lots of individual attention, and themed days provide great fun for everyone. Matched time races, crazy helmet day, and “totally turns” day are just a few samples of the themes planned throughout the season. A full schedule will be posted in November. Fees include a Tahoe Donner Downhill season pass. Price: Members $450 Public $500 Ski and Snowboard Teams are established for skiers and riders who want to take their skills to the next level. The teams will participate in the Tahoe League race series, and other events in the Tahoe region. Races begin in January and are held every other weekend throughout the season. Two week-long training camps are also included; these are planned for the Christmas holiday and Ski Skate week. Over 30 days of coaching and racing are scheduled for this season, conditions permitting. A complete schedule will be posted on the website as soon as it is available. Fees include a Tahoe Donner Downhill season pass. Price: Members $1,000 Public $1,200
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Everything you need to know for your visit to Tahoe Donner Downhill cont.
LIFT TICKET & LESSON PRICES
DOWNHILL EVENTS Opening Day — December 9 (CONDITIONS PERMITTING) Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area will open for the season.
Day Passes Children 6 and under and adults 70 older always ski free. Lift tickets are non-refundable Adult Child/Senior (Ages 13-59) (Ages 7-12/60-69) All day $41 $21 Half Day (starts at 12:15 p.m.) $32 $14 2 Day Consecutive $78 $38 3 of 4 day Consecutive $117 $57 Parent Interchangeable* $41 N/A *Available for parents w/non-skiing children ages 6 & under Morning skiers can come to the ticket window by 12:30 p.m. We will clip your current ticket and give you a morning credit good toward your next full day ticket purchase.
Customer Appreciation Day — December 18 Everyone skis for $5.
Christmas with Santa — December 25 Come join Santa for a half day of skiing and riding fun. The ski hill will open at noon.
Torchlight Parade on New Years Eve — December 31 Come early to insure you secure a spot in the parade. A DJ and snacks will be provided in the bar area prior to the parade. Sign-up from 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. in the base lodge. This event is for intermediate skiers and riders ages 10 or older who can ski or ride unassisted in the dark.
Snow Carnival — January 21
Public Season Passes
Come participate in a day of events for kids. Events will include: match time race, a sled pull, a bounce house, ice cream, and more. The fun begins at 10:30 a.m.
All Pass Prices increase December 1. Please visit skitahoedonner.com for additional pricing.
Children’s Glowstick Parade and Carnival — February 25
Adult (13-59) Unrestricted Child and Senior (7-12/60-69) Unrestricted Adult (13-59) Midweek/Non Holiday Child and Senior (7-12/60-69) Midweek/Non Holiday
$279 $139 $219 $114
Winter Beach Party — March 3 Join us for some tropical fun, including live music, food and games. A great time for the whole family.
Member Season Passes Adult (13-59) Unrestricted Child and Senior (7-12/60-69) Unrestricted Adult (13-59) Midweek/Non Holiday Child and Senior (7-12/60-69) Midweek/Non Holiday
A kid’s version of the Torchlight Parade with glowsticks for children 10 or younger who can ski or ride unassisted in the dark. Come early to secure a spot in the parade and get glowsticks by playing our carnival games for FREE.
$169 $119 $114 $84
Ski and Ride Super Pass $334, which includes unrestricted season pass, two group lessons, one hour private lesson, and three days of rental equipment. All rates and schedules are subject to changes. For the most current information, visit skitahoedonner.com.
200ft. Banana Split Extravaganza — March 24 (Event will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.) Come and help devour our incredible 200-foot banana split.
Tahoe Donner Family Challenge — March 25 A matched time race done as a family team. It is a GS race, but the time that counts is the difference between your first and second runs. The team component is a combined best difference from a child in a family with the best difference from an adult in the family. The winning team gets their name engraved on the trophy in the ski lodge. All children who complete their two runs will earn a medal, and there are other prizes as well.
Downhill Dummy Contest and Rail Jam — April 15 Enjoy our “end of season” party including food and beverage specials, a bounce house, local ski & board shop exhibits, and our annual Boxing Match Rail Jam. The highlight of the afternoon will be the traditional Downhill Dummy event. Teams build unique dummies to send sliding down the hill and off our massive jump.
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
Slip & slide in the snow with Tahoe Donner at our Snowplay Area!
Hi, I’m Parker!
Experience our exhilarating tubing runs or grab a sled and carve your own path. The anticipated opening weekend will be Friday, December 16, conditions permitting.
Hours:
Admission Fees:
Friday, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
All Tahoe Donner members (with paid rec fee) FREE Tahoe Donner Guest- Adult (over 12 years old) $11 Tahoe Donner Guest- Child (4-12 years old) $7 Public- Adult (over 12 years old) $15 Public- Child (4-12 years old) $9 Ages 3 and under FREE Spectators FREE Please note that admission includes sled rental. Personal sleds will not be allowed at the Snowplay area.
Additional Days of Operation:
I am the lead Snowplay attendant. I can’t wait to slip and slide this season!
December 16 – January 8, January 16, February 20 – 24 April 2 – 6 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Christmas Day NEW! Night Sledding 12 – 4:30 p.m. New Year’s Day Snowplay will remain open until 6:30 p.m. for night sledding on the 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. following Friday nights: January 13, February 10, March 9, April 13
How to reach Tahoe Donner Snowplay Area: (530) 587-9437 | tahoedonner.com | 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161
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FEATURE
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY Statistics
Number of Trails: 50 Kilometers of Trails: 102 Acres of Terrain: 4,800 Trail Rating: 14 beginner, 23 intermediate, 7 advanced, 2 expert, 4 snowshoe only Warming Huts: 5 Track Systems: 3 Daily Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Season Pass Early Ski: 7 a.m., Monday - Friday
Did You know?
This year, for all of you season pass holders, TDXC opens at 7 a.m. with early morning lessons to boot, Monday through Friday.
How to reach Tahoe Donner Cross Country: (530) 587-9484 | tdxc.com | 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161
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TIME ON SKINNY SKIS
I
t begins well before dawn when the grooming machines charge into the night sculpting the perfect corduroy and setting tracks across 100 km of trails. As the snow freezes, the corduroy and tracks harden, becoming smooth and fast. Pair this with amazing vistas, great food, the serenity of nature and you’ve got the perfect mix for Nordic bliss – Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center. Depending on the snow conditions, you might choose to skate ski on the smoothly groomed snow. Or, if you like the fluid, forward rhythm of striding then you might consider heading out on some classic style skis. These two styles of skiing are the most popular at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center but not the only way to get out there. In one stop, at the on-site rental shop, you can rent touring skis, skate skis, boots, poles, classic skis or snowshoes, even demo skis from the best brands: Salomon, Fischer and many more. Also of note: the onsite retail shop is a great spot to get leading edge ski apparel from the best ski brands. In addition, there are designated snowshoe trails providing you an opportunity to head out into the winter landscape with confidence tucked into your hydration pack.
New this year Tahoe Donner Cross Country has revised its schedule to provide an early skiing experience. This year, for all of you season pass holders, Tahoe Donner Cross Country opens at 7 a.m. with early morning lessons to boot, Monday through Friday. In addition, Tahoe Donner Cross Country has a stacked lineup of instructors. The cross country center has been operated with care and passion by homeowner JoJo Toeppner for many years. Along with JoJo comes a deep lineup of PSIA Level III instructors, several of whom are former Olympic athletes – leaving you no excuse not to harness your potential at Tahoe’s best center for cross country skiing.
New to the sport? Every year brings many new skiers to the cross-country side of winter sports, which has been on a steady growth pattern for several years. Equipment manufacturers are continually advancing equipment, driven by performance and comfort, and the available terrain at Tahoe Donner Cross Country is expanding season by season. Cross-country skiing is seeing growth from many crossover sports. Runners, hikers, downhill skiers, cyclists and other winter sports enthusiasts are getting into boots and heading out onto the trails. The benefits are endless. Each discipline - skate or striding - builds your core strength, fitness, coordination and flexibility, making for a great total body challenge.
O N E O F M AN Y MORNING CLIN ICS OFFERED AT TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTR Y.
Selling in Tahoe Donner since 1980
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
TahoeDonner.com |
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Tahoe Donner Cross Country has more PSIA Level III instructors than any other facility we know about… Tahoe Donner Cross Country has more PSIA Level III instructors than any other facility we know about. These experts can help everyone, from the beginner just looking to get out on skinny skis to experts refining their poling techniques. Now is an opportune time to get out there. The bourgeoning school of instructors is ready to help you figure the sport out or improve your glide.
Stop by for lunch Within the main lodge at the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center exists a kitchen that fuels up skiers and makes them very happy. Often you’ll find skiers eagerly awaiting a fresh batch of vegetarian chili or the soup of the day. If you like breakfast burritos and sandwiches, you’re in the right place there. The menu keeps a skier appetite in mind and features all-natural ingredients. Quench your thirst with various electrolyte drinks or some great micro-brewed beer. Be warned: homemade raspberry bars, carrot cake, brownies and cookies lay hook to all skiers within sniffing range of the kitchen.
PSIA Level III Instructors & former Olympians: Nancy Fiddler: Competed at the Calgary Olympics in 1988 and at the 1992 Albertiville Olympics Glenn Jobe: TDXC founder, 1980 Lake Placid Biathlon competitor, 1981 US National Champion Marcus Nash: 9-time National Champion, 7-year US Ski Team member, competed in two Olympics: 1994 in Norway and 1998 in Japan Katerina Nash: Current Luna Chix pro team member, 3-time Olympic competitor: twice for cross country skiing, once for mountain biking
PSIA Level III Instructors: Ivazina Bolla Andrea Brideau-Miller Rik Eckert Glenn Eldrige Val Licon Chauncey Parker Gary Schmitt JoJo Toeppner
Stop by soon, grab a raspberry bar and begin your adventure at Tahoe Donner Cross Country. The skiing is out there…
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
INTERESTED IN A LESSON NOW? Midweek Lessons Start at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for striding, and noon for skating.
Quality Carpet Care Experience & Service Your Family Can Trust
Weekend and Holiday Lessons Start at 10 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. for both skating and striding. Learn-to-Ski or Skate Package includes a 90-minute group lesson, all-day rental, and trail pass. Learn to Ski/Skate $49 10 a.m. and noon group lesson times Afternoon Only $42 1:30 p.m. lesson time Group Ski or Skate Lesson: $25, 90-minute group lesson
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Private Lesson : one person/one hour $40 Available Daily, Additional person $20 each. Tiny Tracks Ski School Ages 5 – 9 (Available Weekends and Holidays Only) Morning lessons are from 10 a.m. – noon. Afternoon lessons are from noon – 2 p.m $30 One Session, $60 Two Sessions
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TahoeDonner.com |
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Everything you need to know for your visit to Tahoe Donner Cross Country cont.
Exceptional Results. A DAY AT TDXC And More. So
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Tahoe Donner Expert r
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be em pt e S
Selling Homes Every Month
“Alison is the most professional, hard-working agent with whom we have ever worked. She makes sure that every “i” is dotted and “t” is crossed so the property closes without issue. I would recommend Alison to any discerning Seller to get the job done and done well.”
– John & Dawn Evans
Alison Elder
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Alison sold over $28MM in Tahoe Donner since 2009
Start at the Day Lodge. This is the place to rent equipment, wax your skis and purchase your trail pass. The Day Lodge is home to a secret gem – our fantastic café known for fresh baked goods and homemade soups. You will want to stop here to fuel up for your adventure. From the Day Lodge, enjoy a 3.5 kilometer ski to the Cookhouse in beautiful Euer Valley. A warming hut during the week, on weekends and holidays the Cookhouse becomes the perfect place to meet and rest. In January and February, the 2.5 kilometer night skiing loop on Wednesday nights, is a Tahoe Donner favorite. You should consider joining us for skiing under the stars!
TICKETS & PRICING Day Passes Kids 12 & under and adults 70 & older ski for free! A trail pass or season pass is required for all using the trail system. Adult Senior All day (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m) (13-59) (60-69) TD Member $17 $14 Public $25 $19
Season Pass The best deal of all – a full season of skiing at one of the best cross country ski areas in the country. Visit shoptd.tahoedonner.com to purchase your season pass. Adult Senior Until November 30 (13-59) (60-69) TD Member $209 $184 Public $279 $249 After December 1 TD Member $249 $199 Public $329 $269
Specials
CA DRE #01388951
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
Good Neighbor Policy Present a valid season ski pass from any Tahoe area ski resort and ski at the half-day rate during midweek/non-holidays. Frequent Flyer Pack A pack of five passes good anytime; the $90 pack saves you $35. Group Rates available. Please call (530) 587-9484 for more information.
TDXC EVENTS Project MANA Can Drive Sunday, December 11 – Bring cans and dry food and receive a trail pass
Christmas Day Hours, 12 – 5 p.m. Sunday, December 25 – Special Hours
Free Demo Day Tuesday, December 27 – ticket required
Sierra Nordic Duathlon Sunday, January 8 – *NEW stride and skate combo race
Full Moon Tour and Dinner Monday, January 9
Night Skiing and First Night Race Wednesday, January 11
Sierra Skogsloppet Monday, January 16 – 15 km Freestyle
Night Race, 5 km Freestyle Wednesday, January 25
Orienteering Event Thursday, February 2
Full Moon Tour and Dinner Tuesday, February 7
Night Race, 5 km Freestyle Wednesday, February 8
Paco’s Valentines Race Sunday, February 12 – 15 km Freestyle
Last Night Race Thursday, February 16 – 5 km Freestyle
Free Demo Day Sunday, February 26 – ticket required
Wednesday, February 29 Last Night Skiing
Tour d’ Euer Sunday, March 25 – 7 km, 15 km, or 25 km tours
BULLETIN BOARD
E
HOMES ON THE RISE
ach fall, the Architectural Standards Office mentions “Temporary Snow Protection.” The rules state that lightweight plastic sheeting is The Architectural Standards Committee reviewed the following plans in September 2011: not allowed, as it will not withUnit/Lot Street Address Square Feet Project stand the beating from snow and wind. What 01/345 11642 Zermatt Dr 144 Deck Ext you can use is an approved material such as 03/043 16268 Skislope Way 728 Garage tempered glass or Plexiglas (appropriately 06/327 14583 Wolfgang Rd 488 Deck Walkway framed) to protect your entryways, windows 03/022 14790 Slalom Wy 91 Entry/Add and other areas. Plywood, properly stained or 05/507 14100 Davos Dr 569 Garage painted to match your home is also allowed. 09/581 12245 Greenleaf Wy 1,850 House Please remember that association rules state 11/190 11752 Chateau Wy 576 Garage/Entry that all temporary or permanent alterations to your property must be submitted and apmind that the Town of Truckee has the right to place snow from the proved by the Architectural Standards Committee prior to installastreets in the front 20’ of our lots. Some homeowners are under the tion. If you need to install temporary protection for snow, submit your impression that their property starts at the edge of the asphalt street. request to the Architectural Standards Office and it can be approved Typically, property lines start between 15’-20’ from the edge of the within one week. Also, please remember that any temporary protecasphalt. That means that the town has the right to push and/or blow tion must be removed as soon as it is no longer required (usually by snow up to 35’ from the edge of the street. the beginning of May). All too often we see plywood and/or plastic up And, while garbage is a much more significant problem in the sumwell after the snow has ceased to fall. Our goal is not to infringe upon mer, we still need to dispose of it properly in the winter months. Many your rights but to ensure that the aesthetic standards of our associaproperties now have metal enclosures. One of the things that contion are upheld. tinue to surface is that enclosures are not being closed securely or the The issue of blowing and/or pushing snow onto adjoining properties latches no longer are secure. Please keep in mind that homeowners always pops up around this time. I’m sure that everyone is aware that are responsible for all of their guests or renters, including uninvited your snow should stay on your property. Unfortunately, not everyone bears who make a trash mess or destroy a garbage can enclosure. takes the steps to ensure that this happens. Too often we get calls Please make sure that you, your guests, or renters close your garbage from property owners complaining that their neighbor, or their neighcan enclosure securely. bor’s snow removal service, is blowing or pushing snow onto their If you have any questions regarding this or any of our rules, please lot and sometimes against their house. Please, when you clear your call us at (530) 587-9407, e-mail us at aso@tahoedonner.com, fax us at driveway, or have it done, make sure that you or your contractor blow (530) 587-9427 or come in to see us at the Northwoods Clubhouse. or push your snow only onto your own property. Also, please keep in
TahoeDonner.com |
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PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
For Fire Safety To Take Place Within Units 1 And The Southern Portion Of 5 During The Fall Of 2011
F
irst, I would like to thank all of the members who have brought their proprieties into compliance and have maintained them. A lot of work has been completed and Tahoe Donner Association is really starting to look in excellent shape as far as fire safety is concerned. With the fire season we experienced in 2007, many property owners expressed their concern about the level of fire safety on private lots. The board of directors listened to these concerns and adopted a four year program to inspect all properties, both developed and undeveloped in the association. The goal of this program was to inspect approximately 750 properties a year and by the end of the summer season have them in compliance with state law, local ordinance and association Covenants and Restrictions. We have now completed this program and are entering into phase 2. The goal now is to inspect 750 properties a year under an eight year program. For 2012, we will inspect some of the properties located on the south side of the subdivision. The streets we are going to visit include: Bernese Lane, Northwoods Boulevard, Davos Drive, Bolzano Way, Innsbruck Avenue, Zermatt Drive, Baden Road, all of lower Skislope Way, Herringbone Way and a small portion of
inc.
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
Copenhagen Drive. We will not be responding to complaints of properties outside of these three units as staffing levels will not allow. This serves as written notice as required by the Tahoe Donner Association Covenants and Restrictions that these inspections will occur between the first of November and the middle of November this year. These inspections will occur between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. We plan to complete 50 to 100 inspections per day during this period. Inspectors will walk through the property in order to complete the inspections. Properties that pass the inspection will be mailed a compliance notice in the fall. Properties that fail the fire inspection will be mailed a non-compliance notice in the fall. Upon receiving the non-compliance notice, owners may request the inspection form to begin planning completion of the required work. The official notification to properties not in compliance will be mailed in the spring and early summer of 2012 with a list of the deficiencies and owners will be given 45 days to correct them. Authority for these inspections comes from the state of California Public Resources Code 4291, Truckee Fire Protection District ordinance 94-1 and Tahoe Donner Association C & Rs Article VIII, Section1 (a) iii and iv. Following is a list of items we will be looking for:
Developed lots • Pine needles removed from the ground at least 10 feet from the structure • All pine needles removed from the roof • No vegetation within 10 feet of a chimney or propane tank. • All combustible material removed from under decks and next to the structure. This includes stored firewood Within the area 100 feet from the structure or to the property line: • All dry, flammable vegetation and woody debris between .5 inch and 12 inches in diameter removed (not pine needles) • For trees greater than 12 feet in height – all branches removed 6 feet from the ground • For trees smaller than 12 feet in height – remove the lower branches for half the height of the tree • All dead and beetle infested trees removed • Break-up ” brush fields” so that individual bushes are left (allow for space between bushes to be 2 and a half times the height of the bushes) • Excessively dense tree cover thinned (generally trees under 8 inches in diameter that are growing without proper spacing from one another or growing under the canopy of larger trees)
(WELCOME by Suzy Knisley | President continued from pg. 2)
For all of the above items, 100 feet applies if your lot is flat. If your lot is on a steep slope, a greater distance may be required.
Undeveloped lots For the entire, lot all of the following apply: • For trees greater than 12 feet in height – all branches removed 6 feet from the ground • For trees smaller than 12 feet in height – remove the lower branches for half the height of the tree • Excessively dense tree cover thinned (generally trees under 8 inches in diameter that are growing without proper spacing from one another or growing under the canopy of larger trees) • All dead and beetle infested trees removed • All dry, flammable vegetation and woody debris between .5 inch and 12 inches in diameter removed (not pine needles)
Tahoe Donner ages and competes in the real estate market with other resort communities in the Tahoe basin it is important to support infrastructure reinvestment for the benefit or our membership and our shared equity. The Board plans to approve the final budget prepared by staff and the Finance Committee for 2012 at the October 22 Board meeting. By the time you receive this issue of Tahoe Donner News you will notice a new custom gate installed on Alder Creek Road near the entryway to the Euer Valley. This is to eliminate the use of unauthorized vehicles into the valley floor. I am hoping for another big snow year this winter and will be taking my skis in soon for a tune up and wax for the first runs of the season. We are lucky to have a very active senior group of members that enjoy skiing together with our very own Tahoe Donner Senior Alpine Ski Club, one of the largest ski clubs in the area with about 200 members. Our downhill ski area is well known in the Truckee-Tahoe basin as the best learn to ski hill for all ages, from beginning adults to children age 3 and up, and especially our TD Tykes program. The Ski School offers highly skilled ski instructors, excellent up to date rental equipment and a very nice groomed hill for a pleasant run down the mountain. On busy days you can take advantage of our shuttle system that leaves from both the Northwoods parking lot and the Lodge parking lot to drop you off right in front of the Ski Lodge. The bonus is, upon returning to your vehicle at the end of the
Remember, items that pertain to your lot need to be maintained on a yearly basis. The C & Rs require that each lot be maintained in such a manner as to not create a fire hazard. Failure to do so may result in a hearing before the Covenants Committee with the possible result of a fine being assessed until the required work is completed. Bassett TD Guide Ad 5.278x2.403_Layout 1 4/14/11 11:32 PM Page 1
day, you can enjoy a nice meal at The Lodge or Pizza on the Hill. Another activity to consider this winter is a snowshoe hike on our extensive trail system. You will be able to rent snowshoes both at the Cross Country Ski Center and at Trout Creek Snow Play area where you can hike the Nature Trail down to Northwoods Clubhouse. For the very first time our Cross Country Ski trails into the Euer Valley will be owned by the members of Tahoe Donner. A very special addition to celebrate. Another area to snowshoe or cross country ski is the newly acquired McGlashan Springs property conveniently located off of Skislope Way offering outstanding views of Donner Lake. Trout Creek is a great place to spend your time enjoying indoor activities during the fall months. A fantastic schedule of varied classes will be offered. The Kids Club will be available for parents who want to drop off their children while attending the classes Monday through Saturday. For those brave enough, you can take a dip in the swimming pool or relax in the outdoor jacuzzi. There are many volunteers who donate a significant amount of their time for the benefit of the Association through various Committees. I wish to extend my thank you to all the volunteers and especially to one of those members, Chris Nelson, Chair of the General Plan Committee, who has made a great contribution to Tahoe Donner and is now recovering from major surgery. Best wishes and hope to see you on the slopes soon. To all our members and staff, wishing you great joy and fond memories that friends and family share during Thanksgiving.
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TahoeDonner.com |
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
Bruce Ells
Managing Broker 530.587.0828
Bob Ellis
Realtor Associate 530.414.4270
Greg Mihevc
Realtor Associate 530.412.0022
Carla Stokes
Broker Associate 530.412.2777
Ashley Nachand
Admin Assistant 530.587.0828
• Consent Calendar: Approved 4-0 (Director Miller Absent) · Dental Policy Renewal The Board approved changing the Association’s dental coverage from MetLife to Aetna, resulting in a decrease in cost of 10%. · Workers Compensation Policy Renewal The Board approved expenditures for the Association’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance with Wells Fargo for the policy year, October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012. · Friends of Tahoe Donner Trails Club The Board approved a new chartered club. • Euer Valley Property: No Action The Board of Directors announced that they are in the process of purchasing approximately 482 acres of land in the Euer Valley. This transaction is currently in escrow. The land purchase is being financed entirely with funds from the “Recreational Amenity Expansion Fund” that was generated by the sale of 32 Acres of undeveloped land belonging to the Association in 2004. While exact acreage and purchase price will be determined by a current land survey, the property is expected to cost the Association close to three million dollars. Approximately 40 acres of the valley will be retained by the current owners, John and Robert Euer. The Board respectfully requested that members do not try and access the valley until escrow closes and new rules are put in place. Many kinds of activities will be considered after Town Hall meetings are held for member input. • Forestry Facility: No Action The Board announced that the Association is currently in escrow to purchase 20 acres of land including an existing maintenance facility building at 10500 Teton Way, Truckee, CA. The land will be purchased from S&R Snow Removal & Excavation, Inc. to house the Tahoe Donner Forestry Department. Due to irreparable structural failures, the current Tahoe Donner Forestry Building is scheduled for demolition. The existing facility on the new site closely configures to the needs of the Forestry Department and, with a few minor modifications, will be an efficient structure for this operation.
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
(September 24, 2011 Minutes continued) • Financial Reports: Approved 4-0 (Director Miller Absent) The Board approved the purchase of computers for current directors’ use, not to exceed $3,700, from New Machinery & Equipment Funds • 2012 Budget: No Action The Board discussed the 2012 Budget and took no action. This item will be placed on the October 22nd, 2011 Board meeting agenda for further discussion and approval. • Bike Works at the Beach Club Marina: No Action Discussion took place regarding the Bike Works bicycle inventory & sales, member usage and a possible future new location for this operation. The Board indicated that, due to limited space for member use at the Beach Club Marina that this private, memberonly amenity should not be open in any manner to the public. The Board recommended that the Bike Works operation be placed at the Equestrian Center.
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY OCTOBER 22, 2011 • Consent Calendar: No Action · Tahoe Donner Hiking Club Charter Revisions The Board placed this item on the November 19th meeting agenda for further discussion. • Truckee Tahoe Airport District (TTAD): No Action TTAD General Manager Kevin Smith provided the Board with an update on the Truckee Airport’s operations, current projects and outreach programs. • Membership Survey: No Action The Board was provided with a draft “Post Summer Season Operational Survey” for the membership for review. Following discussion regarding the questions in the survey, Staff indicated that the Board will be provided with the final survey prior to its launch to the membership.
(October 22, 2011 Minutes continued) • Director of Finance and Accounting Report: Approved 5-0 The Board approved the unaudited preliminary September financials. • The Lodge Banquet Operations: No Action The Board received a report on this operations financials. • 2012 Budget: Approved 4-1 (Director Lempinen No) The Board approved the 2012 Operating and Capital Budgets as presented, including the fee schedule and the 2012 Annual Assessment, representing an increase from $1,330 to 1,375 or 3.4% percent, with 100% of the increase going to the Capital Fund. The Board approved maintaining the Operating Fund portion of the Annual Assessment at the 2011 level of $695 per assessed unit, with the Recreation Fee increasing from $220 to $225. • Bed & Breakfast Operation: No Action Discussion took take place regarding an unauthorized Bed & Breakfast in Tahoe Donner. • Request to Waive Late Fee: Disapproved 4-0-1 (Director Wulff Abstained) The Board disapproved a member request to waive late fees for the 2011 Annual Assessment. • New Cross Country Center: No Action Discussion took place regarding the summer and winter activities that will take place at this future new facility, including the location and scope of the Equestrian operation. • Draft Membership Outreach Plan on Euer Valley Uses: No Action Discussion took place regarding a membership outreach plan to obtain feedback on the membership’s desired uses of the newly acquired Euer Valley property. The Board indicated its support for moving forward with the membership outreach program as outlined by staff.
These summaries are intended for general information purposes only. The minutes are available at tahoedonner.com, upon request in the general manager’s office or by calling (530) 587-9431. A copy of the minutes and current agenda are posted outside the Member Services Office in Northwoods Clubhouse. TahoeDonner.com |
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Greec e Dolore
s and J ohn H Temp iskes a le of Z t the e u s in Ol Greec ympia e. The , y celebr 60th a ated th nniver eir sary b Medit y takin errane g ta an cru ise.
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Jensen n (7), Mitch Peter Jense and HaiJensen (2), (40), Nick y Canyon 2) at Bryce ley Cla rk (1 k in Uta h. National Par
Iceland
Chris Cox and Kay Young in Jökulsárlón, Icela nd. They were on a week long hiking trip with REI Adventures.
London
his cousin, Ja ke Thomer and one of the Ja ke Reinga rdt, on lson’s Column lions guarding Ne re. at Trafalgar Squa
Email your “Where in the World” photos to: comdep@tahoedonner.com. Please submit only .jpeg of 300 dpi or higher for printing. Photos must include a copy of TD News. Please list the names of everyone in the picture, where and when it was taken, and a short description of your captured experience.
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| Tahoe Donner News | November 2011
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