Guest Blog: Learn to Ski & Ride at Sky Tavern

Contrary to popular belief, the sky isn’t the limit. It’s just the beginning. Sky Tavern’s Learn to Ski and Ride program is the oldest and largest nonprofit Learn-to-Ski program in the country. Since 1948, over 125,000 youth have learned to ski or ride at Sky Tavern, all under the guidance of adult volunteers. 

Unlike most mountains, Sky Tavern is a true member-driven training area, a community of volunteers dedicated to helping kids get outside, build confidence, and discover a lifelong love of the mountains. For eight weeks each winter, this small mountain, nestled in the Sierras above Reno, comes alive thanks to the parents and essential adult volunteers who make it all possible. From instructors on the slopes to parking lot greeters and cooks in the kitchen, these dedicated heroes create the magic behind the ear-to-ear smiles of every child who learns to ski or ride.

Programs operate on weekends, with families choosing Saturday, Sunday, or both. Each youth participant enjoys a two-hour lesson in the morning, then spends the rest of the day practicing and showing off their growing skills and confidence.

In a time where skiing has become a privilege for many, Sky Tavern continues to provide the region’s most affordable and dedicated learn-to-ski programs, including alpine ski racing, freestyle, and adaptive skiing. 

Sky Tavern memberships are designed to be accessible and affordable — so every child has the chance to learn. The cost covers the entire season, and in many cases, is less than the price of a single lift ticket at a typical resort. Each year, Sky Tavern offers hundreds of scholarships to low- income youth, ensuring that no child is excluded from outdoor recreation. 

Sky Tavern is more than getting down a slope; it’s about climbing your mountain, building confidence, and connecting in ways that only outdoor adventures can inspire. Whether it's teaching young skiers or riders, the benefits reach far beyond the mountain. 

-Rick Reed Marketing Director and Bike Park Operations Manager @ Sky Tavern

Sky Tavern is Gear Hut's featured Non-Profit of the Month for February. Shop on Sunday, Feb 22 as Gear Hut is donating 10% of Sales to Sky Tavern and their accessible programming! Our community is able to donate usable gear/apparel to Sky Tavern's consignment account year round to help them fundraise!

TLDR: Located just above Reno in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe, Sky Tavern is a nonprofit ski area dedicated to youth skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor education. Families searching for affordable learn-to-ski programs in Reno, Tahoe, and Northern Nevada will find Sky Tavern’s volunteer-powered model truly unique. From beginner ski lessons and snowboard instruction to alpine race training, freestyle, and adaptive ski programs, Sky Tavern offers an inclusive, community-focused alternative to traditional resorts. As one of the most accessible youth ski programs in the region, Sky Tavern continues its mission of making skiing and riding available to every child, regardless of background, while building skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the mountains.