Resort Overview
Donner Ski Ranch likes to be known as a “simpler” ski resort, meaning that although there are fewer ski lifts, runs and amenities this also comes at a cheaper price with fewer crowds. These short lift lines really do make a difference on the busy weekends when other places can get pretty packed. However, this doesn’t mean Donner Ski Ranch isn’t up to par. The area averages 396 inches of snowfall per season, has 8 lifts and 750 feet of vertical drop. Lake Tahoe’s first tow rope was at this resort in 1937, a fact that exemplifies the old-time atmosphere that still remains to this day.
Trail Details
Beginner Runs: 25%
Intermediate Runs: 50%
Advanced Runs: 25%
Expert Runs: 0%
Longest Run: 1.5 miles
Terrain Details
Elevation
Highest Point: 7781 ft
Vertical Drop: 750 ft
Lowest Point: 7031 ft
Skiable Terrain: 505 acres
Backcountry/Off-Piste: Yes
Tree Runs: Yes
Lift Info
Total Number of Lifts: 8
Gondolas & Trams: 0
High Speed Sixes: 0
High Speed Quads: 0
Quad Chairs: 0
Triple Chairs: 1
Double Chairs: 5
Surface Lifts: 2
Lift Hours of Operation
Monday: 9AM – 4PM
Tuesday: 9AM – 4PM
Wednesday: 9AM – 4PM
Thursday: 9AM – 4PM
Friday: 9AM – 4PM
Saturday: 9AM – 4PM
Sunday: 9AM – 4PM
Night Skiing: Not Available
Lift Tickets
Adult Single Day: $30+
Youth Single Day: $26+
>View Tahoe Lift Ticket Discounts
Snowfall
Average Annual Snowfall: 396 inches
Snow Making Capability: 60 acres
Terrain Park
Halfpipe: Not Available
Terrain Park: 1
Ski/Snowboard School
Donner ski Ranch offers private and group lessons for all ages and skill levels. There are no reservations however so get there early, preferably at least 45 minutes before lessons begin. If you have your own equipment, there is a discount on the lesson costs. For beginners there is a restricted lift ticket available at a discounted rate.
Important Dates
Ski Season Dates: Typically November to April
On and Off-Mountain Services
The base lodge on the mountain offers food and beverage services, rest rooms and ski rental and repair. For other services, the nearby city of Truckee as well as other North Lake Tahoe cities provide everything else.
Lodging Info
Lodging is not available on the mountain; however nearby Truckee has many motels and the North Lake Tahoe area has thousands of beds.
Transportation Info
Driving Directions:
From Reno take Highway 80 W past Truckee 10 miles to the Soda Springs/Norden exit. Then, make a right at the stop sign and follow that road for 3.5 miles at which point the ski resort is on the left hand side.
From San Francisco take Highway 80 E towards Reno for about 85 miles. Then, take the Soda Springs/Norden exit and turn right at the stop sign. Continue on that road for 3.5 miles where Donner Ski Ranch will be on the left.
Flying:
The nearest large airport is Reno International, and the closest small airport is in Truckee.
Bus/Coach:
Bus services are available from San Francisco to Truckee, Sacramento to Truckee and Reno to Truckee.
Other Activities
Heliskiing: Not Available
Snowmobiles: Not Available
Tubing: Yes!
Snowboarding Access
Snowboarding is allowed everywhere on the mountain.
History
The first tow rope in Lake Tahoe was built at this resort in 1937. Although it has changed ownership since then, it has remained rustic in character throughout its modern upgrades.
Summer Activities
Lift access is closed during the summer, however hiking trails are accessible.
Contact Info
Donner Ski Ranch
19320 Donner Pass Rd.
P.O. Box 66, Norden, CA 95724
Other Information
Common misspellings: Donnerskiranch