WINTER TIPS AND HACKS FROM THE TAHOE DONNER STAFF

A Practical Guide To Living Like A Local

As anyone who’s lived in Tahoe a while will tell you: Sierra Nevada winters can be wildly unpredictable. From powerful storms that can dump feet of snow overnight or traffic that can bring your day to a literal halt, each time you step out of the house can feel like an intrepid outdoor adventure. But that doesn’t mean you can’t master the art of snowy mountain living. Below are a few useful tips and tricks from the Tahoe Donner staff to help you weather the winter more like the locals and less like the Donner Party.

DRIVING SKIING + WINTER ADVENTURES

“Instead of using your brakes down steep roads, try downshifting to a lower gear to slow your vehicle down. You’re less likely to spin out.”

Leslie Loveland

TAHOE DONNER TRAILS PROGRAM MANAGER

“Never drive with a pile of snow on your roof; it can slide forward onto your windshield, blocking your vision.”

Miguel Sloane DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Pay It Forward

“The easiest way to make friends with your neighbors is by offering to help them clear snow after a storm.”

Kylie Papson MARKETING ENGAGEMENT LEAD

“A good day on the trails requires adequate hydration, especially at altitude. Leave the coffee or beer for after your cross country ski session to keep you feeling good — not to mention there are no bathrooms on the trails.”

Drew Deurlington LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER

“Leave an insulated traveler mug of coffee in your car while you ski or ride, for a fresh cup of joe when you get back!”

Cynthia Cendreda LEAD COPYWRITER

“Always schedule an additional hour after a cross country ski day to enjoy an après beer at the Alder Creek Adventure Center fire pit.”

Lindsay Hogan DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEMBER RELATIONS

Storm Prep

“Before a big storm, fill your gas tank and do your grocery shopping. If I-80 closes, the area will run out of both. Make sure your cell phone is charged, your camp stove and lantern are easily accessible, and you have plenty of batteries and propane.”

Sandy Sutherland RISK AND LOSS PREVENTION SUPERVISOR

Power Outage Tricks

“If the power goes out for an extended period and you find yourself without a generator, grab a cooler and throw some ice and snow in for a makeshift refrigerator for your perishables. You can also leave it outside or in the garage to keep it extra cool, but make sure it’s secured from bears and other hungry critters!”

Felicia Bateman HUMAN RESOURCES SUPERVISOR

Car Tips

“Carry non-slip rubber padding — the type you lay under carpets — in your car. It helps you get traction when stuck in the snow. Also make sure to carry a shovel, brush and scraper for when you really have to dig out!”

Tami Recker-Smith MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST

“Before it snows, put your windshield wipers up (back window too). It will make scraping your windshield in the morning easier and you won’t accidentally burn out your wiper motor when they try to lift out from heavy snow. Also, remember to turn your wipers off when you shut off the ignition. After it snows, brush off the driver’s side of the car first so you can get the defrost going. Then proceed to clean off the rest of the car.”

Linda Johns MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER

“Carry sandbags in the back of your car or truck. It helps weigh down a ‘light rear end,’ and you have sand if you need traction in a slippery situation. Also keep an overnight bag in the car in case you get stuck away from home. And when you leave your house, put extra food and water out for furry family members in case you’re delayed.”

Amy Edgett MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST

“Pack a reflective vest with the rest of your emergency items in the car. Winter is dark, and you want to be visible day and night when on the side of the road.”

Annie Rosenfeld DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

“In a pinch, you can use a credit card to scrape the ice off your windshield or side windows.”

Laurie Hyde ASO OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Kids Stuff

“Never leave the house without snacks, water and a book or two! Mad Libs are a great kids and adult activity if you ever find yourselves stuck in traffic or waiting for a tow truck.”

Annie Rosenfeld DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

“Teach your kids how to carry their own skis early on…or you’ll be carrying their gear for a lifetime.”

Sally Jones CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER MANAGER

“Always pack an extra pair of gloves for your kids. Without fail, they will lose at least one glove whenever you leave the house.”

Mike Edmonds

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

“I feel like this one bears repeating every winter; do NOT eat yellow snow.”

Jesse Strzok ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS