Photo: Claudia Hilligoss Donner Summit Snowshoe and Cross-Country
Ski, Tahoe National Forest, California Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 10422A Price: $745 Deposit: $100 Capacity: 14 Leader:
The Trip  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 will also explore the back-country at Castle Peak/Pacific Crest trail and overnight at Peter Grubb Hut in the Tahoe National Forest on Donner Summit (7,200 feet elevation). There will be opportunities to explore the interesting history of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Range and the railroad town of Truckee. We'll have time most evenings at the lodge to relax by the cozy fireplace, soak in the hot tub, catch up on reading in the library, or enjoy videos, games, and cards.We’ll also have ample time to learn about the enchanting history of this part of the Sierra Nevada range and discuss current conservation issues.
Day 1: Trip begins at 3 p.m. with introductions, snowshoe instruction and a hike behind the lodge, social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. After dinner there will be an orientation session followed by an optional film on the history of Clair Tappaan Lodge. Day 2: Breakfast (everyday) is at 8a.m. At 9a.m. we will bring snowshoes or cross-country skis for a short lesson and hike behind Clair Tappaan lodge in Tahoe National Forest. We will have a local conservation speaker after dinner. Day 3: We will drive to the Donner Summit /Castle Peak/Pacific Crest trailhead (approximately five miles) and snowshoe (or cross-country ski for more expert skiers) approximately four miles uphill to Peter Grubb Hut where we may take some short hikes from the hut before 6 p.m. dinner. The outhouse is 100 yards from the hut. There are 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: 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 p.m. social hour and last dinner together. Day 6: Enjoy our last breakfast, say our farewells, and depart at 9 a.m. for the Reno airport. The drive may take an hour so all flights should be scheduled for late morning. Getting There: A shuttle from the Reno Airport to the Clair Tappaan Lodge is included in the trip price. The shuttle will depart the Reno Airport at noon on March 28. On April 2, the shuttle will depart the Clair Tappaan Lodge at 9 a.m. and should arrive the Reno Airport by 10 a.m. Departing flights should be scheduled for late morning or early afternoon. If you want to make alternate transportation arrangements, Truckee is served by both Amtrak and Greyhound. For participants wishing to drive, Clair Tappaan lodge is two hours east of Sacramento on I 80, off the Soda Springs exit (one exit west of Donner Summit) and approximately one hour west of Reno on I-80. Take Soda Springs exit (one exit west of Donner Summit) then drive 2.5 miles east of the exit on old historic US 40/Donner Pass Road. The address is 19940 Donner Pass Road in Norden. Look for our sign slightly up the hill on your left and the wide footpath leading up to the Lodge. Parking is available on either side of the road. There is a sign located at the foot of the hill that explains where you can drive and drop off your luggage near the back of the lodge. Detailed driving instructions will be provided to participants.
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. Altitude sickness can happen Weather on Donner Summit is unpredictable, and it will be a major factor influencing this trip! Late winter, early spring snow storms are not uncommon; therefore, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance, including medical and evacuation insurance.
The leader will provide a detailed equipment list when participants have been screened by the leader and they are accepted on the trip.
Books
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.
Leader: 
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 outings chair of another. She has participated in numerous national and state outings including bike, river, basecamp, backpack, 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.
E-mail: worldhospice@hotmail.com Assistant Leader: General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Susan Elsner is a life-long resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who likes to be outdoors, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing as often as possible. She has developed a deep appreciation for the natural environment that continues to grow with each additional year she spends in it. An experienced hiker, Susan has participated in many Sierra Club outings and looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for the outdoors and the 'Outings' experience with you.