Sky Tavern Needs all the Help They can Get
As 2015 draws to a close, the lease on the non-profit Sky Tavern ski program will be looked at closer.
Sky Tavern volunteer run junior ski program, at Reno’s Sky Tavern ski area has “taught tens of thousand of Nevada kids to ski and snowboard.” Mike Livak, general manager of Squaw Alpine Ski Holdings, credits his career in the snow sports industry as well as his passion for ski instruction to the program, which is why he gave his support to Squaw Alpine in donating tons of ski and snowboard gear to the program even though he oversees elite ski programs of his own.
Owned by Mount Rose Ski Tahoe since the late 1940s, the land was purchased by the city of Reno and Washoe County in 1967(thanks to funds raised by the Fleischmann Foundation) for $185,000. City of Reno employees ran the program until the 90’s until the operations were handed over to the nonprofit group still in control today. As of 2015, the city still covers the capital expenses, but has not paid for operations since the mid 2000s.
The city of Reno is beginning to rethink the lease on the Sky Tavern ski program and attempting to find passionate private donors like Livak that are willing to take over what the city was paying. City Councilwoman Jennifer Brekhus, although she does not wish to discontinue the program, is one in favor of these sorts of actions, saying city money would be better spent on more publicly accessible recreational venues such as team sports fields and city pools. There are quite a few upcoming Sky Tavern costs that seemingly validate Brekhus’ thoughts, especially since the city’s funding for parks and recreation “has fallen from $19.3 million to $9.3 million since 2008.”
- Water testing and fire inspections in the last year alone cost the city $5,376.
- $1,000,000 ($500,000 of which is a federal grant) has been budgeted for increased and improved fire safety at Sky Tavern.
- By 2019, $400,000 will be needed to fit a new roof, new plumbing and other interior maintenance work at the lodge.
While it makes sense to have the costs transferred to the Sky Tavern ski program, President of Sky Tavern’s board Ted Oleson, says that it will take away funds that could be used teaching kids to ski and snowboard.
Help Wanted
Even with parents helping out whether as an instructor, kitchen aid or lift ops, the Sky Tavern program needs donor help. The program will likely be asking more of donors regardless, but if capital costs are then added on, it could greatly delay plans and take money away from snow and trail-making. With better snow making, the kids are better suited to learn, however the snow pack this season may be shaping up better than expected.
Another amazing opportunity offered by the program is the adaptive program for kids with disabilities. This is a great opportunity to for kids with disabilities to learn how to ski in an affordable scenario. With desired summer courses like mountain biking possible as well, the Sky Tavern Junior ski program is a community staple that deserves a second thought.
Program starts on January 16 & 17:
This program is an excellent way to get kids out into the fresh air and learning a lifelong sport. “Once you have that fire for skiing and snowboarding and being in the outdoors in your heart it is something that you follow,” Livak said. “[Kids] take that into their lives and into the voting booth and everywhere else.” If your child is interested in joining the Sky Tavern ski program, memberships are just $145 per child and $85 additional if transportation is needed. There are scholarships for low income families.
Register Here
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