Reno’s historic nonprofit ski area, Sky Tavern, is set to sign a 99‑year lease extension with the City of Reno on Thursday at 2 p.m. The agreement, approved by the city in October, provides the organization with the long‑term security it needs to plan major projects, pursue fundraising and keep the mountain accessible to children of all backgrounds.
Generations of outdoor opportunity
Sky Tavern’s roots stretch back to 1938, and its Reno Junior Ski Program began teaching children to ski and snowboard in 1948. Since then, more than 100,000 youngsters have learned the sport on its slopes, including World Cup champions and Olympians such as Tamara McKinney, Lane Spina and three‑time Olympic medalist David Wise.
Looking ahead to the centennial
With the centennial celebration slated for 2038, the lease extension gives the nonprofit a longer runway to expand its offerings. Plans include bolstering traditional winter recreation, adding mountain‑bike trails and expanding year‑round educational programs. A long‑term goal is to make mountain recreation free for children under 12 through community sponsorships, reinforcing the organization’s focus on accessibility for families regardless of financial circumstances.
Leadership voices the community impact
Board Chairman Thomas J. Powell, who first learned to ski at Sky Tavern in the early 1970s, said the lease “ensures that generations of people who believed every child deserved an opportunity to experience the outdoors can continue that legacy.” He praised Mayor Hillary Schieve for her leadership, noting that the extension is “an investment in the community’s future.”
Mayor Schieve echoed that sentiment, describing the lease as a commitment to preserving outdoor recreation for Northern Nevada families and supporting a nonprofit that has been a cornerstone of the region’s youth sports and education for decades.
What the extension means for Reno families
The extended lease allows Sky Tavern to make long‑term commitments, such as building new facilities, enhancing trail maintenance and launching fundraising campaigns that can attract larger donations. By securing the land for nearly a century, the nonprofit can focus on its mission rather than worrying about short‑term lease renewals.
Community members and parents have welcomed the news, emphasizing the importance of affordable, family‑friendly recreation. The organization’s plan to offer free mountain access to children under 12 through sponsorships aligns with its long‑standing commitment to making outdoor experiences available to all, regardless of income.
Future projects on the horizon
Sky Tavern’s leadership is already outlining a “next chapter” that includes expanding ski‑and‑board instruction programs, adding summer mountain‑bike trails, and developing year‑round educational curricula that teach environmental stewardship. The lease extension provides the stability needed to pursue these initiatives and to continue attracting volunteers, donors and partners who share the nonprofit’s vision.
As the organization approaches its centennial, the extended lease is a cornerstone of its strategy to remain a vibrant, family‑focused recreation hub for Reno and the surrounding region for generations to come.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
