Donner Summit: In 1928 there no formal “ski areas” or conventional lift systems, Highway 40 was closed in the winter and skiing in the western U.S. was limited to a few small mountain communities. The founders of Auburn Ski Club, a loose configuration of skiers and ski jumpers from the Foothills, quickly changed that. Their enthusiasm and passion lives on today at Auburn Ski Club Training Center.
When the founders built the club’s first hut in Cisco Grove, they didn’t have a long term plan and certainly couldn’t have envisioned winter sports as they are today. But they did see the future clearly enough to plant many of the seeds that were vital in growing the sport. By 1935 they had founded the California Ski Association (today Far West Skiing), held the first slalom race in the western U.S. along with National Ski Jumping and Ski Championships, and successfully spearheaded the year-round opening of Highway 40. To spread their love of skiing as widely as possible, they even transported tons of snow by rail car (three separate times) to stage ski jumping competitions at UC Berkeley and on Treasure Island, introducing the sport to thousands who had never seen snow, let alone the thrilling sport of ski jumping!
Looking back over nearly a century in existence as the Auburn Ski Club, the foundation built by the original members has lifted the lives of generations of families and youth by instilling a passion and joy for winter sports. The Training Center on Donner Summit, built in 1990, helps carries on that legacy for all the disciplines the club supports - Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross Country and Biathlon - providing athletes the opportunity to compete and excel from their first time on skis all the way to the Olympics. As a non- profit, family oriented sports center, the club also strives to help people get on the snow and learn and enjoy winter sports affordably – something that continues to set Auburn Ski Club Training Center apart.
ASCTC will be holding its 90th Birthday party on Sat., March 24. “Party Like It’s 1928” will include skiing, fun snow features and obstacle courses, games, a BBQ and more. It’s a day for athletes and families from all the different disciplines to come together and will be a celebration with something for everyone. Costumes are encouraged! Athlete awards and volunteer appreciation will also be a part of the day. The party is free for season Pass holders, program participants and their families, as well as XC day skiers. Guests are welcome for a donation of $5.
For more info visit auburnskiclub.org or call 530-426-3313.
