The Snow Science School will take place just off Donner Summit on the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (~6,900 ft)
Clair Tappaan Lodge
19940 Donner Pass Rd, Norden, CA 95724Central Sierra Snow Lab
10162 Bunny Hill Dr, Soda Springs, CA 95728Plane
If you plan to fly the closest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) (1 hour drive) or Sacramento International Airport (SMF) (2 hour drive).
Drive (to Claire Tappaan Lodge)
Drive Interstate 80 (I80) and take the Soda Springs exit. Drive 2.3 miles east towards Norden on Donner Pass Rd. (south side of I80) passing the post office & general store. Note, the Snow Lab is off Bunny Hill Rd (left at mile 1.3). Take a left at the Claire Tappaan Lodge sign and follow parking/bag drop off signs.
In the event of bad weather, I80 (west and east-bound) can close with short notice or you may experience delayed travel times due to routine hwy. chain control check points. To pass these check points you either need to have a 4W drive car, snow tires, or properly installed tire chains.
We recommend following California Highway Patrol (CHP) Truckee and CSSL social media accounts for the most up to date road and current weather conditions.
Field Measurements & Lecture
Laptop
Snowshoes (in town and lodge rentals available to rent in advance)
Warm outdoor layers including hat, gloves, synthetic base layers, fleece or down jacket with waterproof or water resistant outer shell, snow pants, and warm boots (not hiking boots)
Dry, warm indoor layers cotton or synthetic base layers, fleece tops and bottoms, change of socks, and lodge footwear
Laptop/tablet to enter data at the end of the day
Thermos, or mug to carry a hot beverage
Gloves, pack extra
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Skis/Snowboard (optional) last day afternoon activity
Lodging Needs
Sleeping bag (or other bedding)
Bathing towel and personal toiletries
The lodge is a historic bunk style overnight lodge. Rooms and bathrooms are shared spaces. The cafeteria serves breakfast at 8:00am and will offer supplies to pack your lunch. Dinner is served at 6:00pm. Guest can enjoy the Lewis & Clark lounge area with comfortable setting and a big cozy fireplace.
The lodge will rent sleeping bags for $15, blankets for $5, and snowshoes for $25.
Other guests will share this space and may be present during our lecture times.