TRUCKEE, Calif. — Tahoe Donner Association has recently hired Sally Jones as the new Manager for the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski area (TDXC) in Truckee.
After an extensive management search, Ms. Jones took over operations on November 19th, just in time to prepare for the upcoming 2012-2013 winter season. Jones comes with an impressive resumé of experience in the cross country ski business, most recently as the Director of Nordic Programs for Auburn Ski Club on Donner Summit, a post she held for 16 years. Auburn Ski Club has the largest membership of any ski club on the west coast, and its Nordic programs have long been the most popular and successful in the Far West region.
Prior to working for Auburn Ski Club, Jones had experience working in a variety of cross country ski-oriented positions, not the least of which was for TDXC itself in the 1990’s. A native of England, she received her BA Degree in Recreation Studies at Bedford College, and subsequently spent time in New Zealand, where she helped develop the country’s first cross country ski area before moving to California.
Jones also holds the highest level of certification from the Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA), and has helped develop instructor training certification for cross country skiing in both New Zealand and the U.S. She is currently a clinician and chief cross country examiner for PSIA’s Western Division and an active international Cross country ski race Technical Delegate (referee) for the United States Ski Association. In addition, Jones has extensive training in a somatic (holistic) approach to leadership and combines her expertise in leadership presence, athletics, skiing, and the martial art of Aikido to coach leaders in various organizations. She is also a long-time board member for the Far West Nordic Ski Education Association, the California/Nevada division of the United States Ski Association.
Although only recently hired, Jones has hit the ground running with her plans for Tahoe Donner Cross Country, where there is a realization that there are few areas in the country that offer the same quality of snow, terrain, grooming and amenities as those found at this Sierra resort. With a heightened emphasis on quality of grooming and customer service, Tahoe Donner plans to upgrade many facets of the operation. “I’m extremely excited with the direction that Tahoe Donner is taking to improve the cross country ski area,” said Jones. “Their commitment to XC, with the new lodge being built and upgrading their ski programs is what made me so interested in taking the job.”
Added this season is a third grooming machine – a new piston Bully that produces some of the best quality ski track in the world. There are plans to groom new trails during the season to extend the already-extensive 100+ km. of groomed trails.
The terrain at TDXC is second to none in the world, combining miles of easy terrain suitable for novice skiers with steeper, breathtaking terrain, challenging expert skiers. From aspen-lined trails, to the beautiful meadows of the Euer Valley, to the exhilarating 1200 foot descent of the “I’m OK – Euer OK” trail, Tahoe Donner is known for its quality of skiing for all ages and abilities of skiers.
Other upgrades planned for the center for 2012-2013 include a strong commitment to their ski school, which already boasts the largest number of PSIA Level 3 instructors in the region (the highest level of certification). Jones will be bringing her technical experience to the forefront of their instruction programs with ongoing training to provide the best instruction for the beginner skier through advanced racers.
Exciting events are also being planned, including the US Ski Association’s flagship event, the Super Tour Finals and National Distance Championships in April. By hosting 4 out of the event’s 6 races, Tahoe Donner will be front and center internationally on the Nordic competition circuit, with some of the best skiers in the world arriving for a series of events to determine the champions for 2013.
On December 20th, Tahoe Donner invites its community to attend an open house to welcome Sally. The Pour House and TDXC staff and volunteers will be serving wine and appetizers from 5:30-7:30pm at the cross country center, located at 15275 Alder Creek Road, Truckee, CA 96161.
There will be a presentation about the exciting plans for this season and beyond. Information about rates, trails and events can be found at www.tahoedonner.com/crosscountry. Or you may call (530) 587-9484 or email xcski@tahoedonner.com.