2025-12-26T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Accumulations up to a foot between 4500 to 5500 feet. 4 to 8 feet, with locally higher amounts above 5500 feet. Wind gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Localized tree damage, power outages, and low visibility due to the combination of heavy wet snow and strong winds. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 4500 to 5500 feet today through Friday. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times.
Donner Ski Ranch Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve is shaping up to be a powder-filled dream at Donner Ski Ranch. Donner Ski Ranch is a ski resort located in California, United States.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
After warmer overnight temps of 39°F and a meager 4" snowpack—nearly 89% below average—the mountain is in for a holiday miracle. A powerful winter storm is rolling in with 18.6" of fresh snow forecasted in the next 24 hours and over 84" expected by the end of the holiday weekend. This surge could dramatically boost the snow water equivalent, currently sitting at just 1.2", and revive slopes in time for holiday visitors.
Despite recent whiteout closures across Tahoe, Donner is bouncing back. Thanks to its old-school charm and wallet-friendly lift tickets, this Indy Pass partner remains one of California’s last affordable mountain gems. The resort is embracing the season’s late surge and even inviting guests to help determine closing day. With snow machines humming and spirits high, expect fresh tracks and a festive atmosphere. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a powder purist, Donner Ski Ranch is the place to be this holiday.
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, rain and snow, becoming all snow after 10am. the rain and snow could be heavy at times. steady temperature around 34. breezy, with a south southwest wind 19 to 24 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 47 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Donner Ski Ranch this week?
Donner Ski Ranch is expected to receive up to 85.73" 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?
Nationwide, skiers and snowboarders are eyeing the latest snowfall reports and forecasts as resorts prepare for a fresh dusting. In Washington State, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours, with a base depth of 170 inches. While not a ski resort, the nearby Crystal Mountain Resort will surely benefit from this snowfall, ... Read more
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