A renaissance at Clair Tappaan Lodge

`Take action' in the Sierra Club usually means write a letter, go to a meeting, or write a check. For this cause, however, you have another option: treat yourself to a lodge stay near Lake Tahoe.

Since it was built by volunteers in the 1930s, Clair Tappaan Lodge has welcomed Club members and nonmembers alike as a warm, affordable retreat in the mountains. Its unconventional hospitality, friendly, hostel-like atmosphere, and mix of activities for all ages take visitors back to a time of popcorn, fireplaces, sledding, hot chocolate, and the companionship of fellow guests. The Club owns the lodge, 50 acres of forest, a secondary lodge, a warming hut, and a collection of ski huts in the area surrounding Donner Summit.

In recent years, the Lodge has not broken even, as occupancy has not been sufficient to cover expenses, and the Club has been forced to subsidize its operation. Now, however, this is changing. Over the last two years, the Club has hired a management firm and has invested $250,000 in improvements: remodeled bathrooms, better lighting, a better heating system, and new furniture. The Club and the Clair Tappaan Lodge Committee are working to make this investment pay off.

After examining the Club's current financial situation, the Board of Directors has concluded that the Club cannot continue to subsidize the Lodge. Unless the Lodge achieves better operating results, the Club will have little choice but to sell it. The Board has therefore set two goals and a deadline of Sep. 30:

• get well on the way to break-even operation;
• raise $100,000 in donations to help offset this year's anticipated losses.

The Lodge Committee is committed to meeting both goals and to continuing the successful operation of the Lodge for another 70 years.

What You Can Do

Visit the Lodge! You can treat yourself and help with our first goal at the same time. If you've never been there, you'll discover one of the most beautiful and inexpensive ways to visit the Sierra for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, or any of your other favorite mountain activities. You'll also meet fellow Club members in the Living Room, Dining Room, and Library. If you've been to the Lodge before, you know all this; bring your friends with you.

You can help with the second goal, also, if you can spare some time or money. The Lodge Committee is working to raise the funds. To learn more or volunteer your help, contact Committee chair Kathy Wells by or (415) 479-7431.

Two fundraising events have already been planned: special dinners at the Lodge for weekends close to Valentine's and St. Patrick's Days. For details about these events and about staying at the Lodge, go to the Lodge web site at www.ctl.sierraclub.org or call or write:

Clair Tappaan Lodge
P.O. Box 36
Norden, CA 95724
(530) 426-3632
(800) 679-6775.