Heidelmann Lodge

Heidelmann Lodge is a beautiful private lodge at the top of Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada. The lodge is owned by the Nature Friends, Inc. and operated by the Heidelmann Committee. It is open year round for exclusive use by members of the Nature Friends and their guests.

Heidelmann Lodge
Tel: (530) 426-9947

The mountain lodge was built in 1947 by volunteer members from the San Francisco and Oakland branches. The lodge is named after the founder of the San Francisco Nature Friends, W. Heidelmann, who was the inspiration behind the new lodge after the club's previous lodge that was built in 1931 on the same location, Sierra Haus, burned down in 1943.

Activities

In summer, there is easy access to Donner Lake, Donner Summit, Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Reno where members and their guests can hike, swim, rock climb, raft, boat, play volley ball, and enjoy other activities. A Button Box music camp is hosted at the lodge every year.

In winter, members can enjoy nearby downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding at Donner Ski Ranch, Royal Gorge, Soda Springs, and Sugar Bowl. A short drive gives access to Alpine Meadows, Boreal, Northstar, and Squaw Valley.

Members organize activities through the year that are published in the Nature Friends’ Bulletin. These events include New Year’s Eve, Presidents' Weekend, Ski Races, and Summit Fest.

According to the Donner Summit Historical Society, early Nature Friends were eager to ski at the lodge:

For years [after the first lodge was built in 1931] the Nature Friends who wanted to go downhill skiing had to climb up to the peak behind the lodge in order to ski down. Ski lifts were coming into being however…and the Nature Friends and the Sierra Club wanted to join in. They ordered a modern rope tow from San Francisco and had it shipped up to the summit on the Lincoln Highway. There it was unloaded and hauled up the hill over the tracks, past the lodges to the the ski hill about a quarter mile farther on. (Donner Summit Historical Society Newsletter, September, 2011 #37)

Accommodations

The lodge has sleeping accommodations for 100 persons in two large single gender dorms, with showers and restrooms on the second floor. The first floor offers a large living room with a piano and a wood burning stove, a large dining room-kitchen, a small library-video room and a warming room. The large basement has a cold storage room, a tool room, many lockers, table tennis, and a members’ room with a fireplace. No reservations are needed. Accommodations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some weekends are members only. You must bring your own sleeping bag, pillow cases, and toiletry. Indoor activities: games, table tennis, video, dances, music, reading, cooking, etc.

Meals

Members are on their own. They should bring sufficient food and drink, and cook for themselves. Food lockers are available for rent by members to store food over the winter. There are fridges, a freezer and storage available. Everyone has to share the kitchen and dining room space. A gigantic stove is on from 7 am to 9 pm.

Maintenance

During a stay, there are no house chores, but everyone is expected to clean after themselves and help the caretaker, if help is needed. This lodge belongs to the members. Please leave it as you would wish others to leave it for you.

Work Days

Volunteers converge annually on Heidelmann over the Labor Day holiday weekend to prepare the lodge for winter. Other work days are scheduled throughout the year. Up to two Heidelmann work days may be used towards a prospective member's work day requirement.

Pets

During summer, members' dogs only are allowed outside the building and on leash.

Note:  Those with allergies should be aware that there are cats in residence at the Heidelmann Lodge.

Travel Tips

In winter, try to travel during the daytime to avoid the snowy busy parking lot at night. Test snow chains before a trip. Pack light. Bring flash lights. Learn tricks from the Old Timers. Bring as much food as possible upon arrival. Ski and food lockers are for rent yearly.

Gallery

Nature Friends Building Heidelmann Lodge in 1947

Videos

The Building of Heidelmann Lodge at Donner Pass