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Cottonwood restaurant overlooks downtown Truckee from within one of the nation's oldest ski lodges. At the turn of the century, the land on which Cottonwood stands was owned by one of Truckee's most prominent citizen, Charles F. McGlashan, who purchased it from railroad developer Charles Crocker. Considered by most to be the main proponent of winter recreation in the region, McGlashan spearheaded the creation of a "Winter Carnival" around the turn of the century. The event featured ice skating on Donner Lake, sleigh rides to Lake Tahoe, and a huge Ice Palace just below Hilltop. The hill above was the site of skiing, ski jumping, and tobogganing events, served by the nation's first mechanized lift. In late 1928, McGlashan built a warming hut from railroad ties salvaged from abandoned Martis Valley logging operations. This "pavilion" served members of the Truckee Ski Club, Truckee Outing Club, and the Sierra Dog Derby Association. The ski area which evolved had several rope tows and a Poma lift, which rose 700 vertical feet and operated until 1969. The Poma and a rope tow, driven by an old automobile chassis and motor, still remain on the property.
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The building opened as Cottonwood on New Year's Eve, 1988. Many historical artifacts, old Truckee photographs, and local artist's works are on display throughout the dining room, bar, and lounge. Guest seated on the large outdoor deck or within the dining room enjoy the same fantastic views of downtown Truckee as did the longboard skiers of a century ago.
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