* WHAT...Heavy snow showers. Additional snow accumulations 4-8 inches west of Highway 89 including around Donner and Echo Summits. 2-5 inches for Mt Rose Highway. 1-3 inches for Truckee and South Lake Tahoe. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph on the ridges, 40 mph in the valleys. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Bluebird skies and a fresh dusting of snow greeted skiers this morning at Tahoe Donner on December 26, 2025. Tahoe Donner Ski Resort is located in Truckee, California and offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Wind
Humidity
With an overnight low of 25.9°F, a fresh inch of powder has freshened up the slopes, sitting atop a solid 39 inches of snowpack. While the current snow depth lags slightly behind seasonal averages, winter is far from done—an impressive 19.5 inches of new snow is forecasted in the next 24 hours, with over 21 inches expected in the coming days. Skiers and riders can look forward to deep turns and revitalized trails as the storm cycle continues to build momentum.
On the mountain, expect well-groomed trails and increasingly powdery conditions—ideal for carving or gliding through Tahoe Donner’s scenic tree-lined runs. The resort was recently named California's most senior-friendly cross-country ski destination, adding another layer of charm and accessibility to its offerings. With participation surging across Sierra resorts and fresh snowfall on the way, Tahoe Donner is primed for one of its most exciting holiday weeks yet. Don’t miss the chance to explore panoramic views from Hawk’s Peak or take advantage of new ski pass perks for California drivers. The season is in full swing, and Tahoe Donner is ready to deliver.
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.
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 Tahoe Donner.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Tahoe Donner impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Tahoe-Donner Ski Resort in California is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort features several mountain aspects, including:
1. Mount Judah: This peak offers a variety of ski runs and is a popular spot for intermediate and advanced skiers.
2. Mount Lincoln: Another prominent peak at Tahoe-Donner, Mount Lincoln offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
3. Ski Slopes: The resort features a variety of ski slopes and trails catering to all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
4. Terrain Parks: Tahoe-Donner also has terrain parks and features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders looking to show off their skills.
5. Mountain Views: Visitors to Tahoe-Donner can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains and Lake Tahoe from various vantage points throughout the resort.
The best trails are considered to be Eagle's Nest, a challenging black diamond run, and Lower Snowbird, a popular beginner trail. An interesting fact is that Tahoe Donner was the first ski resort in the Truckee area and opened in 1971. For beginners, the resort suggests taking lessons at the Learning Center, which offers both group and private lessons. As for après ski, The Pub at Tahoe Donner offers a cozy atmosphere and a selection of local beers and wines for skiers to enjoy.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 5 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 2500 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2057 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 120 Acres |
Established | 1971 |
Run Count | 14 Trails |
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow. the snow could be heavy at times. high near 29. southwest wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. new snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
Tahoe Donner is expected to receive up to 21.74" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
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California's Sierra Nevada is seeing a significant winter storm, with heavy new snowfall and strong 5-day forecasts centered around key resorts. The Lake Tahoe region is receiving the brunt, with Palisades Tahoe (near Squaw Valley G.C.) reporting 6–20" of new snow in the last 24 hours and up to 19" more expected. Nearby Echo Peak and Carson Pass sensors show ... Read more