Donner Ski Ranch resort background
Donner Ski Ranch in USA - a group of cars parked on a snowy slope.
Donner Ski Ranch in USA - a group of cars parked on a snowy slope.
Donner Ski Ranch in USA - a group of people riding down a ski slope.
Donner Ski Ranch in USA - a group of people standing on top of a ski slope.
Donner Ski Ranch in USA - a ski lift going down a snowy slope.
Donner Ski Ranch in USA - the view from the top of the mountain.

Donner Ski Ranch Overview

Donner Ski Ranch is a much-loved ski resort, valued for its friendly service and tantalizing cuisine. The resort's bar is a favorite among visitors for its quality drinks, and the unique food offerings on Wednesdays and Fridays, featuring Latin and Thai cuisine respectively, are a gastronomical delight. The resort's breakfast options and homemade pies are also highly appreciated by patrons.

The resort's picturesque views make it a scenic destination for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts. The resort has been a first-time experience for many, providing a memorable and enjoyable initiation into snowboarding. The resort offers private lessons, led by patient, kind, and professional instructors. The lessons cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners to more experienced skiers and snowboarders.

The trail diversity at the ranch is appreciated by visitors, offering a range of difficulty levels, from easy to black diamond. This ensures that there's something for everyone, regardless of their experience or skill level. The resort also provides rental services for skis and snowboards, along with necessary equipment.

While the resort is not considered luxurious, it is appreciated for its affordability and quality experience. The snack options, while rated as average, are deemed suitable for a day on the slopes. The main restaurant, which functions as a bar, offers satisfactory food options. The ski lifts are safe and operated by understanding staff who accommodate beginners.

The resort is also highly recommended for its lessons, with instructors known to help beginners get the hang of skiing or snowboarding rapidly. Despite its dated appearance, the resort holds a charm for visitors who appreciate its laid-back attitude and value for money. It is particularly favored for its affordability in comparison to the more corporate-owned ski resorts in the area.

In addition to skiing, the ranch also offers tubing activities. Despite some minor inconveniences, families have expressed having a great time enjoying this fun-filled activity. Lastly, the resort is commended for its cleanliness and food quality, with particularly high praise for its Bloody Marys and Caesar salad with chicken.

In conclusion, Donner Ski Ranch is a hidden gem in the world of ski resorts, providing a mixture of fun, affordability, and a memorable experience for its visitors. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snowboarder, there's something for everyone at this charming, family-friendly ski resort.

Key insights

6 insights available

Skiable Terrain

505
Total area of accessible ski terrain
Max: 12366 ac

Snow Making Coverage

60.0
NO_DESCRIPTION

Number of Lifts

8
Total quantity of operational lifts
Max: 165 total

Unlock All Stats

+3 more insights. Create a free account to unlock.

Free to sign up. No credit card required.

Measured independently from mapped ski runs — figures may differ from resort marketing. Terrain statistics are derived from OpenStreetMap data © OpenStreetMap contributors, via OpenSkiMap.

Features

1 feature available

Traditional Ski Resort

A classic ski resort with real snow

Frequently asked questions about Donner Ski Ranch

Where is Donner Ski Ranch?

Donner Ski Ranch is a ski resort in Lake Tahoe, Norden, California, United States, at coordinates 39.3200, -120.3300.

How many lifts does Donner Ski Ranch have?

Donner Ski Ranch has 8 lifts, serving 505 ac of skiable terrain.

How high is Donner Ski Ranch?

Donner Ski Ranch has a peak elevation of 2,364 m, a base elevation of 2,145 m and a vertical drop of 219 m.

How is Donner Ski Ranch rated?

ShredIndex rates Donner Ski Ranch 61.8 out of 100, based on catalogued resort data and 4 skier reviews.

Reviews

Real experiences from visitors to this resort

4
reviews
Loading...
Loading...

Loading reviews...

505 ac

Skiable Terrain

8total

Number of Lifts

2364m

Peak Elevation

2145m

Base Elevation

219m

Vertical Drop

Best Time to Visit

664.5cm
Annual Snowfall
11 year average
Peak: January (148.4cm)
68.3cm
Nov
122.1cm
Dec
148.4cm
Jan
143.5cm
Feb
147.9cm
Mar
51.5cm
Apr
Snow Season (Nov-Dec-Jan-Feb-Mar-Apr)
Live Webcams
ShredIndex Lines app icon
ShredIndex Lines

Track your runs at Donner Ski Ranch

Auto run detection, a live Shred Index score and 3D replays — with the free ShredIndex Lines app for iPhone & Android.

Discover the app

Powered by Amazing Partners

We're proud to collaborate with these incredible organizations who share our vision and help make our platform possible