Sky Tavern Secures a Longer Lease, With a Bigger Goal for Children
Sky Tavern's Reno lease now runs through October 2118, giving the nonprofit a longer planning horizon for youth skiing and future community fundraising.
Sky Tavern has secured a lease amendment with Reno extending its total lease term to 99 years, through October 31, 2118. The nonprofit's October 22 announcement pairs that longer runway with an ambition to make mountain recreation free for children under 12 through community sponsorships, a future goal rather than a newly available winter offer.
The agreement gives a youth-focused ski and snowboard organization something less visible than a new lift but essential to long-term planning: greater certainty about its home. KOLO reported that the Reno City Council approved the change at its Wednesday meeting, with the annual lease payment remaining $1.
A community mountain's longer horizon
According to the city, Reno acquired the 143-acre property in 1968 and has leased it to the nonprofit since 1991. Sky Tavern remains responsible for operations, maintenance and capital improvements. The land agreement therefore preserves a place for the program while leaving the work of running and improving it with the organization.
The city's own description puts the volunteer-based Junior Ski Program's beginnings in 1948 and credits it with teaching more than 100,000 children. It locates the mountain about 20 miles from Reno on Mount Rose Highway. That local training role is central to understanding the lease news: the beneficiaries are families building a relationship with skiing over time.
Sky Tavern also named Thomas J. Powell chairman of its board. In its announcement, the organization said the extended lease would support expansion planning and fundraising for winter recreation, mountain biking and education. It did not present the under-12 ambition as an immediate entitlement or announce a completed expansion.
What families should check for this winter
For a parent choosing lessons, a longer lease and a current registration are separate decisions. Start with the official Sky Tavern site, which links winter memberships, learn-to-ski and snowboard programs, bus tickets and a 2026-27 financial-aid application. Check the terms of the particular program before paying or planning transport.
The practical value of the new agreement will unfold across future seasons. A stable location can help donors and volunteers consider projects with longer paybacks, but individual services still depend on the organization delivering them. Keep our Sky Tavern overview handy as a starting point, then use the nonprofit's registration information for your family's next step.