Story courtesy Tahoe Donner
Tahoe Donner kicks off its 50th anniversary and will be celebrating this historical milestone throughout 2021. In celebration, Tahoe Donner will offer special discounts and surprise giveaways at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort and Cross Country Ski Center and other celebratory offers as COVID-19 safety restrictions allow throughout the year.
In the late 1960s, former Navy pilot and professional NFL football player Jack Kirby purchased 4,020 acres from a Christmas tree farmer in Truckee. As an entrepreneur and real estate developer, Kirby saw the potential to create a family-friendly mountain community with endless recreational opportunities. After visiting the property and viewing an area badly burned by the Donner Ridge fire in 1960, Kirby believed the scorched area would be ideal for a downhill ski resort that appeals to beginners and intermediate skiers. The downhill ski resort became Tahoe Donner’s first amenity.
In 1971, Tahoe Donner started selling lots, exceeding $20 million in homesite sales before the golf course or ski hill even opened.
“Tahoe Donner was built on a vision for a vibrant and desirable mountain community for generations to enjoy,” said David Mickaelian, general manager of Tahoe Donner, in a press release. “We are proud to celebrate 50 years of memorable history and the spirit and adventurous community that is Tahoe Donner today.”
Tahoe Donner is Northern California’s largest resort community and one of the largest homeowners associations in the United States. The community includes nearly 6,500 homes on 7,300 acres, with more than 25,000 member homeowners. Members and guests today enjoy a18-hole championship golf course, cross-country ski center, downhill ski area, beach club marina, tennis center, equestrian center, campground, 60-plus miles of a multi-use trail system, recreation center and multiple year-round restaurants such as The Lodge Restaurant & Pub and Alder Creek Cafe.
Tahoe Donner also boasts an award-winning forestry department recognized nationally for its work in fire safety and responsible forest management.
Tahoe Donner continues to invest in capital projects and community improvements. Recent examples include the new energy-efficient Alder Creek Adventure Center, completed in 2015, and the remodel of its Trout Creek Recreation Center, completed in early 2020.
In honor of its 50th anniversary, Tahoe Donner completed tee and fairway repairs, as well as a greens replacement project at the Tahoe Donner Golf Course in summer and fall 2020. The golf course is scheduled to reopen in early summer 2021.
In the fall of 2020, Tahoe Donner completed the recent construction on its Nature Loop Trail and the paving of the Bermgarten Trail parking lot. Looking forward, the association is in the planning phase of building a new downhill ski lodge and is adding snowmaking capabilities at its cross-country ski center and Snowplay area. Visit the website for a timeline of historical highlights. | tahoedonner.com/50years
