2025-12-26T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 8 to 16 inches for Lake Tahoe communities with 1 to 3 feet above 7,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 100 mph along the highest ridges and up to 50 mph in the lower elevations and on Lake Tahoe. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...Until 10 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact Christmas evening travel and the Friday morning commute. Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.
Tahoe Donner Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 25, 2025
Christmas Day at Tahoe Donner is shaping up to be a winter wonderland in the making. Tahoe Donner Ski Resort is located in Truckee, California and offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
Summary
After a light overnight snowfall of 1 inch and temperatures hovering around 31°F, current snowpack sits at 22 inches—still 43% below average—but there's plenty of optimism in the air. A major storm system is expected to sweep in over the next few days, with 27.7 inches forecast in the next 24 hours and over 51 inches expected by the weekend. Conditions on the mountain are currently packed powder with excellent visibility, offering a solid base for beginners and families looking to celebrate the holiday on the slopes.
In local news, Tahoe Donner welcomes new ski area manager Sally Jones, bringing fresh energy to the resort just in time for the holidays. The Annual Skiing for Schools Fundraiser is back, and with "Plates for Powder" promotions offering free lift tickets with new Tahoe license plate registrations, there’s never been a better time to hit the mountain. Cross-country skiing is also a highlight this season, as Tahoe Donner continues to rank among the best in the U.S. With panoramic views from Hawk’s Peak and a promising forecast, the stage is set for a festive and snow-filled week ahead.
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 Tahoe Donner.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Tahoe Donner
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Tahoe Donner impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
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 |
Tahoe Donner FAQ
How much snow did Tahoe Donner receive over the past day?
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Tahoe Donner today?
Weather today, snow. the snow could be heavy at times. high near 33. breezy, with a south southwest wind 23 to 28 mph decreasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 55 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 13 to 19 inches possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Tahoe Donner this week?
Tahoe Donner is expected to receive up to 51.1" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Tahoe Donner?
Donner Ski Ranch
Boreal Mountain Resort
Sugar Bowl Resort
Soda Springs
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California is experiencing a major winter storm with impressive snowfall totals across the Sierra Nevada and Eastern Sierra regions. The heaviest 24-hour snowfalls are being recorded at Bloods Creek (199"), Forni Ridge (181"), and Kaiser Point (169"), though these extreme values may be outliers. More moderated but significant totals include 40" at Tioga Pass-Dana Meadows, 35" at Mammoth Pass (near ... Read more
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