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.
Donner Ski Ranch is a ski resort located in California, United States. 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 |
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Spring skiing is still going strong at Donner Ski Ranch this April 29, 2025, with a solid snowpack depth of 48 inches and overnight temps hovering at 36°F—ideal for soft, carvable turns by mid-morning. While snowpack is slightly below the seasonal average, recent storms have delivered a much-needed boost to the Sierra, with 50 inches reported across the region in the past week. Donner Ski Ranch has benefitted from the late-season bounty and is forecasted to receive an additional 4 inches over the next 120 hours, promising fresh tracks and continued coverage on the slopes.
The season has seen a resurgence, with headlines noting that heavy snow has breathed new life into Tahoe-area skiing. Donner's legendary affordability and family-friendly vibes continue to make it one of California’s top value ski destinations, with unbeatable spring skiing deals drawing both locals and visitors alike. Despite ongoing transitions in nearby resorts and news of closures elsewhere, Donner Ski Ranch remains open and vibrant, capitalizing on late-season snowfall and historic charm. Don’t miss the chance to carve through spring snow while soaking in views from California’s most storied summit.
Location | Snowpack |
NOHRSC BLUE LAKES | 36" |
NOHRSC MEADOW LK SNOW COURSE | 132.74" |
NOHRSC WARD CREEK #3 | 47" |
DAGGET PASS | 3" |
INDEPENDENCE LAKE | 105" |
NOHRSC GIANELLI MEADOW | 75.98" |
NOHRSC SILVER LAKE (GOES) | 50.83" |
INDEPENDENCE CREEK | 2" |
CARSON PASS | 34" |
NOHRSC ELSTANISLAUS MEADOW (GOES) | 54.67" |
NOHRSC BURNSIDE LAKE | 21" |
NOHRSC HEAVENLY VALLEY SNOTEL | 30" |
NOHRSC MARLETTE LAKE | 50" |
INDEPENDENCE CAMP | 7" |
MARLETTE LAKE | 50" |