In February 1934, members of the Sierra Club hired a bus for a two-day excursion to Soda Springs and Norden where they enjoyed a weekend of excellent skiing. The round-trip bus fare from the San Francisco Bay Area was only $3.50 per person and food costs were also inexpensive. There were commercial hotels in operation on the summit, but prices were too expensive for these young adults.
The lodge remains in operation today and offers low-cost accommodations and meals to everyone, along with access to Nordic ski and snowshoe trails outside its doors.
Today, Clair Tappaan is one of the lodges 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 open for lodging by reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis online.
Trail systems | Clair Tappaan also offers a winter trail system that can be enjoyed by its guests and the public for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with 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. Also, Royal Gorge Cross Country, the largest cross-country center in North America, is located a few miles away.
Read the 17th Annual Tahoe Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Guide
