Gone are the days when a trip to the slopes with a pack of kids was an affordable activity that every family could partake in. That’s the case in many areas, though it’s definitely not true in Reno, thanks to the one and only Sky Tavern Ski Co-op – a nonprofit ski co-op that is especially amazing given its proximity to a mid-sized urban area (Reno) as well as the surrounding Lake Tahoe ski resorts and scenery.
What sets Sky Tavern apart from many other ski co-ops is its emphasis on making sure the little ones have a welcoming, accessible place to learn to ski. Sky Tavern’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard program is the oldest of its kind in the country and has educated more than 125,000 kids in the art of skiing since its inception in 1948.
All photos from Sky Tavern Facebook
A True Co-op
It seems like a lot of things that call themselves co-ops don’t actually require a lot of cooperation from their members. Bucking this trend, Sky Tavern is kept alive by the work of its members. In exchange for affordable membership fees that provide access to the mountain, adults volunteer during their kids’ lesson times on the slopes. Parents can volunteer as instructors or they can help with cooking, cleaning, greeting drivers as they arrive, or any other of the varied tasks that go into keeping a ski area alive. This isn’t a “drop off the kids and drive away” class — it’s all about parental participation, and that’s what makes Sky Tavern more of a community than another paid service.
About the Mountain
When it comes to anything involving kids, reducing the friction of drive and prep time is paramount. And Sky Tavern sits on the Mount Rose Highway about 2 minutes before reaching Mount Rose Ski Resort, making it even closer to Reno than Mount Rose Ski Resort, known as the locals’ resort due to its quick drive time and easy in-and-out.
For a small co-op mountain, there is a good number of lifts and varied terrain. There are five lifts, 14 runs and two sides of the mountain with runs ranging from beginner to black diamond. So, no, this isn’t just a single rope-tow ski park for kids that everyone gets bored with after half an hour. It’s a full-on ski area that you can spend a full day enjoying.
But Wait, There’s More . . .
If winter sports aren’t your thing, in summer and fall, Sky Tavern is a mountain bike rider’s mecca. The mountain is full of trails that curve and crest the same winter ski routes. Continuing with the Sky Tavern philosophy of providing access for just about everyone, the trails are designed with multiple paths up such as sidewinder fire trails, making it much easier to get to the top of the mountain than the sheer ascents that dominate Reno’s mountain bike trails.
There are options for technical descents or widely sweeping machine-built trails that cater to more intermediate and beginner riders. The park is open daily to the public with only a waiver needing to be signed upon entry. Donations are highly encouraged as parks of this size do not maintain themselves.
Beyond all this, Sky Tavern is open for use in a variety of events throughout the year, such as weddings and company gatherings, and there’s even a teepee on the property that serves various functions during these events.
What more needs to be said? Sky Tavern is a Reno gem, cultivated by generations of locals into a one-of-a-kind location that gives skiing, snowboarding and biking thrills year-round.
Learn More
Sky Tavern Ski Co-Op
21130 Sky Tavern Road, Reno
(775) 323-5125
skytavern.org
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
