Clair Tappaan Lodge
Early ski clubs, like Auburn Ski Club, were instrumental in establishing the winter ski industry that is enjoyed today. Groups of like-minded ski enthusiasts operated rope tows and ski hills, organized ski outings to the Tahoe Sierra and built communal lodges to stay in during their winter excursions, including Clair Tappaan Lodge on Donner Summit in 1934.
Today, Clair Tappaan is one of the lodges in the region operated by the Sierra Club, which includes the nearby Hutchinson Lodge built in 1924 and four back-country huts – Bradley, Benson, Ludlow and Peter Grubb. All of them are open for lodging by reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis online.
Trail systems | Along with lodging, Clair Tappaan also offers a winter trail system that can be enjoyed by its guests and the public for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Lodge offers 14 km of groomed trails, an onsite rental shop and free trail access for guests. The trail system offers a variety of challenges for all abilities. It’s also just down the road from Royal Gorge Cross Country.
