MORE THAN 75 YEARS OF OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY
Sky Tavern: A Legacy Worth Sustaining For more than 75 years, Sky Tavern has helped generations of Northern Nevada families discover the outdoors together. What began with the Junior Ski Program has grown into an extraordinary multi-seasonal community resource offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, outdoor education, and events that bring people together. As the most historic ski area in the Sierra Nevada, Sky Tavern is the first non-profit ski program to win the coveted national award, the Conversion Cup, from the National Ski and Snowboard Areas Association. Its 150 acres of mountain terrain, located less than 30 minutes from downtown Reno, provide an accessible setting where children and families can learn, grow, and experience the lifelong benefits of outdoor recreation. This legacy was built through the generosity of donors and foundations, the dedication of countless volunteers, and the enduring support of the community Sky Tavern serves.
OUR MISSION
Outdoor Recreation for All Our Mission is to protect opportunities to participate in skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and other outdoor experiences— regardless of physical, cognitive or financial circumstances. By reducing financial and physical barriers, Sky Tavern creates a welcoming place where individuals of all abilities can participate, belong and thrive.
Where Children Learn, Grow, and Belong Sky Tavern is much more than a place to recreate. It is an outdoor classroom where children develop skills that extend far beyond the mountain. Through instruction, mentorship and shared experiences, children gain: • • • • • • •
Confidence from learning new skills and overcoming challenges Resilience, independence and personal responsibility Appreciation for physical activity and the natural environment Joy, adventure and a healthy sense of accomplishment Friendship and a lasting feeling of belonging Respect for coaches, teammates, volunteers and the mountain Opportunities to learn alongside children from different backgrounds and abilities
A first ski lesson, a snowboard run, or a mountain bike ride can become a defining childhood experience. Children discover what they are capable of, families create meaningful memories, and friendships formed on the mountain can last for a lifetime.
Why Sky Tavern Matters Now Northern Nevada is growing rapidly, while the rising costs of housing, transportation, food, equipment, and family necessities are placing outdoor recreation beyond the reach of many households. Recent survey data reports that one-fifth of local youth live in poverty and nearly 10% of Washoe County residents have disabilities—circumstances that can create significant barriers to participation. Without affordable programs and assistance, many local children would never have an affordable opportunity to experience mountain sports. Last year alone, Sky Tavern provided participation-supported programming to more than 150 children from the Reno Housing Association. These children were given more than access to the mountain; they were given opportunities to learn, build confidence, experience joy and become part of a supportive community. Sky Tavern provides a place where families from throughout the region can come together, lead active lives and find connections, encouragement and relief from the pressures of everyday life. It is not simply a recreation facility—it is a vital nonprofit community asset.
The Financial Need The cost of serving one Sky Tavern participant during the 10-week program is $850, yet the participant pays an average of $200. Despite increasing expenses for instruction, equipment, insurance, mountain operations and facility maintenance, Sky Tavern remains deeply committed to keeping participation affordable for local children and families. Donor support and scholarship funding are essential to bridging this growing financial gap and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the mountain. Our goal is to raise $1 million annually so that Sky Tavern can: • Expand program assistance for children and families in need • Strengthen adaptive programming for participants with disabilities • Maintain safe, high-quality facilities and equipment • Support qualified instructors and coaches • Expand skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking opportunities • Ensure that no child is turned away solely because of financial hardship
Help Carry the Legacy Forward Sky Tavern exists because generations of community members have believed that the mountain should be accessible to everyone. Continued financial support will allow this treasured nonprofit to serve more children, welcome more families and protect a legacy that has enriched Northern Nevada for more than 75 years. A gift to Sky Tavern’s scholarship fund or operating needs is an investment in children—their education, health, confidence, friendships and joy. It is also an investment in stronger families and a healthier, more connected community. Together, we can ensure that every child has the affordable opportunity to discover the mountain, believe in themselves and experience the lifelong power of outdoor adventure.
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