Photo: Claudia Hilligoss Donner Summit Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski, Tahoe National Forest, California Highlights:
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Trip Number: 09426A Price: $975 Deposit: $100 Capacity: 14 Leader:
The Trip Unfortunately, this trip has been cancelled. If you have questions, please contact us. Photo: Claudia Hilligoss The area surrounding Clair Tappaan Lodge has the highest average snowfall of the entire Sierra Nevada range, making it a favorite with winter sports enthusiasts who glide down the groomed trails. After some group lessons, we’ll snowshoe or ski near the lodge or at Royal Gorge. We’ll also get off the beaten path and into the Tahoe National Forest at Donner Summit, 7,200 ft. elevation. To accommodate participants of various physical abilities, we may split into slower/faster groups for some of our activities. The group will have the option of a guided three-mile trek via Pacific Crest and Castle Peak trails to the Peter Grubb Hut for an overnight stay. We’ll also have ample time to learn about the enchanting history of this part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and current conservation issues. We’ll have time during most evenings at the lodge to relax by the cozy fireplace, enjoy videos, games, cards, or catch up on reading in the library or soak in the hot tub.
If you fly, you should plan to arrive in Reno, Nevada, as early as possible on day one. We will shuttle to Clair Tappaan Lodge, located about 10 miles west of Truckee, and about 45 miles west of Reno. If you want to make alternate transportation arrangements, the area is served by both Amtrack and Greyhound. To get to the lodge on your own, you can either rent a car in Reno or take a taxi from Truckee (approximate cost is $35) on I 80. Driving instructions will be provided on request. The lodge is 90 minutes drive east of Sacramento on I 80, off the Soda Springs exit (one exit west of Donner Summit) and approximately 2.4 miles east of the exit on Donner Pass road. Day 1 : Trip begins at 2 p.m. with introductions, snowshoe hike behind the lodge, social hour at 5 pm and dinner at 6 p.m. with more orientation following dinner. Day 2 : Check out cross-country skis (free rental first day at the lodge) then we will have a morning cross-country ski lesson and may spend the afternoon on the many trails behind the lodge. We will be joined by a local conservation speaker after dinner. Day 3 : We will drive to the Donner Summit /Castle Peak/Pacific Crest trailhead (approx 5 miles) and snowshoe(or xc ski for more expert skiers) approximately 4 miles uphill to Peter Grubb hut where we may take some short hikes from the hut before 6 pm dinner. The outhouse is 100 yards from the hut. There mattresses in the loft (bring sleeping bag) and a wood burning fireplace. Day 4: After breakfast we will hike back to the trailhead and plan to arrive at the lodge by 3 p.m. After dinner we may have another local conservation speaker and/or meet after dinner to share participant conservation issues. Day 5 : FREE DAY. The historic railroad town of Truckee is a short drive east on I 80, many Lake Tahoe ski resorts are also a short, 1/2 hr to 45 drive from the lodge. Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski resort (the largest cross-country ski resort in the country) is 15 minutes drive from the lodge and rents cross-country skis and sells trail passes for the miles of groomed trails. Reminder: These costs are not included in the trip price. Day 6: Visit to Donner Museum (where there is a film on the tragic Donner Party winter) with a snowshoe hike on the trails behind the museum and around the lake. Return to the lodge for our final 5 pm social hour and farewell. Day 7: Breakfast and departure for Reno airport at 9 a.m. The drive may take an hour so all flights should be scheduled for late morning.
In 1934, Sierra Club volunteers built Clair Tappaan as a rustic retreat for hikers, skiers, and mountain climbers. The lodge has a special rustic charm with its spacious living room, enormous fireplace, and cozy library. Guests assist with daily kitchen chores such as meal preparation and serving, setting tables or dishwashing. These chores require about a half-hour each day. A hearty breakfast and dinner are prepared by the professional kitchen staff and served in the lodge's large, communal dining room. Brown bag lunch provisions are available to take with you. A vegetarian meal option is always available. Participants with other dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated, if you inform the trip leader in advance. No smoking is allowed, either in the building or on the surrounding trails. All accommodations are in bunk beds, so please bring your own sleeping bag or bedding. The lodge can be cold, so be sure to bring plenty of warm layers of clothing for both the day and night. The rooms are small and you must carry your own gear up a rather steep path and inside stairs, so it's wise to limit your gear to what you can easily manage. Accommodations are assigned in advance by the lodge manager. Doors do not lock, however there are lockers and locks may be rented. Recently remodeled restroom and shower facilities are shared (bring your own towel). The lodge also has a hot tub, so be sure to bring your bathing suit! A coin-operated washer and dryer are available. Those who wish to stay additional nights at the lodge before or after the trip may make arrangements directly with the lodge on their website, or by calling (530) 426-3632 or 800-679-6775.
Our snowshoe and ski activities will accommodate beginners; however, this trip is considered moderately strenuous because of the 7,000 foot elevation. Hydration is the most important tool to prevent altitude sickness that can happen to anyone regardless of physical conditioning. You are advised to bring at least two quart-sized water containers. If you haven't been exercising regularly, now is a good time to start. Safety is the primary concern on all our lodge outings. Weather on Donner Summit is unpredictable, and it will be a major factor influencing this trip! Therefore, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance, including medical and evacuation insurance. For more information we suggest you contact Travel Insurance Services directly at 1-800-937-1387.
The leader will provide a detailed equipment list when participants have been screened by the leader and they are accepted on the trip.
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Conservation One evening will be devoted to learning about conservation issues on Donner Summit, and we will hold a discussion about participants' local conservation issues.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Jeri Merritt has been an active Sierra Club member for over 15 years in four chapters, primarily in the Southwest and in California. She was political chair of one group and is the current outings leader in another. She has participated in numerous national and state outings including bike, river, basecamp, backpac, and ski trips, as well as day hikes. Jeri is a hospice nurse by profession, and has travelled on several Doctors Without Borders missions to Africa and Southeast Asia where she worked as a nurse in government hospitals and refugee camp clinics. She is also a volunteer mediator and a new grandmother! Jeri looks forward to sharing her love of wild places and the Sierra Club with you.