Donner Ski Ranch Ski Report

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Last Updated: December 28, 2025

A crisp morning at Donner Ski Ranch greets skiers with an overnight low of 18.5°F and a solid 41-inch snowpack, offering firm groomers and excellent early-day carving conditions. Donner Ski Ranch is a ski resort located in California, United States.



Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast

Hourly Snowfall


10"

Past 24 Hours

41.0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Powder Day

Summary

Though the current snow depth sits about 8 inches below average, another 4 inches are forecasted over the next five days, promising a fresh layer just in time for the holiday weekend. With 7.7 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), the base is holding strong, providing coverage across most terrain—even as other Tahoe resorts have faced intermittent closures due to whiteout conditions.

Despite regional headaches and sky-high lift ticket prices elsewhere, Donner Ski Ranch continues to shine as one of California’s last affordable, family-friendly ski destinations. Highlighted in recent news for its rich history and budget-friendly charm, the resort remains a beloved gem on Donner Summit. If you're looking to avoid the chaos and cost of larger resorts, now's the perfect time to carve your own path. Storms are expected to bring a needed boost heading into New Year's, so grab your gear and catch some turns while the slopes are still fresh and crowd levels manageable.

Snowpack Percent Normal

111%

Max Recorded Snowpack

208"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

10"

Snowfall Past 48 Hours

33"

Snowfall Past 72 Hours

53"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

5"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

Weather Forecast

Seasonal Comparison

Year over year snow water equivalent


Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Css Lab.

Regional Snowpack Depth

Snow levels measured from Css Lab


Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Donner Ski Ranch.

Historical Air Temperature

Temperature fluctuations at Donner Ski Ranch


Recent air temperature fluctuations at Donner Ski Ranch impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.

About the Area


The Donner Ski Ranch ski resort in California is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is situated near Donner Summit and overlooks Donner Lake. Some of the prominent peaks in the area include Mount Judah, Mount Lincoln, and Donner Peak. The terrain at Donner Ski Ranch offers a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

The resort offers 500 acres of ski terrain with 52 trails, featuring a mix of beginner, intermediate and expert runs. The popular trails include Snowbird, Apache, and Buckhorn. An interesting fact about the resort is that it was founded in 1937 and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. For beginners, the resort offers a dedicated learning area with gentle terrain and a magic carpet lift. The best apres ski bar is Summit Bar & Cafe, offering panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and a cozy atmosphere.

Night Skiing

 No

Lift Count

 6 Lifts

Hourly Lift Capacity

 7800 per hour

Base Elevation

 2143 Meters

Terrain Park

 Yes

Acreage

 505 Acres

Established

 1937

Run Count

 52 Trails

Donner Ski Ranch FAQ


How much snow did Donner Ski Ranch receive over the past day?

The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.


What's the weather like at Donner Ski Ranch today?

Weather today, areas of freezing fog between 8am and 10am. sunny, with a high near 33. east northeast wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.


How much new snowfall is forecasted for Donner Ski Ranch this week?

Donner Ski Ranch is expected to receive up to 4.77" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.


What are some ski resorts near Donner Ski Ranch?

Boreal Mountain Resort
Sugar Bowl Resort
Soda Springs


What are ski area conditions in California like right now?

California’s Sierra Nevada is seeing notable snowfall forecasts over the next five days, particularly in the central and southern Sierra regions. Leavitt Lake (near Sonora Pass) leads with a 10" forecast and a current snowpack depth of 70", with nearby Sonora Pass and Ebbetts Pass also expecting 9". Palisades Tahoe and Squaw Valley (9" forecast) are set for fresh snow, ... Read more

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