Donner Ski Ranch
Donner Ski Ranch Overview
Donner Ski Ranch is a family-friendly ski resort located on the Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It's known for its diverse terrain accommodating all skill levels, a laid-back atmosphere, and being one of the oldest ski resorts in the state, preserving the classic ski experience.
Resort Trail Map
Donner Ski Ranch Lift Tickets
Donner Ski Ranch has several lift pass options including day lift tickets and season passes. Below is a breakdown of the lift passes and the key differences between the passes.
The day lift ticket gives you daily access to Donner Ski Ranch, it is valid for the set days you’ve purchased the ticket. It is available for half-day or full-day and can be purchased at the ticket office on the day of your visit. To save time, please print and fill out the liability release form and bring it to the ticket office.
The Season Pass gives you unlimited and unrestricted access to the skis and rides at Donner Ski Ranch all season long. Please visit Donner Ski Ranch to purchase a Season Pass.
Donner Ski Ranch Ski and Snowboard Lessons
Donner Ski Ranch Ski and Snowboard School only offer private lessons. This is a fully customize one-on-one hourly lesson, an extra hour or an extra person can be add-on with additional charges. Many of the instructors can speak both English and Spanish. Lessons are available on first come, first served at the main ticket windows up through the tunnel.
Nearest Town to Donner Ski Ranch
The nearest town to Donner Ski Ranch is Truckee, California, which is just about 16.3 miles away. Skiers often choose to stay in Truckee due to its proximity to several ski resorts, vibrant community, and abundant dining and shopping options. Truckee is known for its charming downtown area that retains a rustic, old-western feel and its access to various outdoor activities, including mountain biking, and water sports at the nearby Donner Lake.
Beyond skiing at Donner Ski Ranch, visitors can easily access a number of other notable ski resorts within a short drive. These include Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley), Northstar California, Sugar Bowl Resort, and Boreal Mountain Resort. Each of these offers a unique blend of terrain and amenities, making the area around Truckee a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.
On Mountain Dining
Donner Ski Ranch offers limited on-mountain dining options compared to some larger ski resorts. Here are some of the options.
Old 40 Bar & Grill
Located at the base area at the Main Lodge, features a full bar and offers a typical grill menu.
Opening hours (subject to change): 11 am-8 pm (Sun - Thur), 11 am-9 pm (Fri - Sat)
Main Lodge Cafeteria
The Main Lodge at Donner Ski Ranch features a cafeteria-style restaurant serving a variety of food items including burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, soups, and more.
Opening hours (subject to change): 11 am-8 pm
Donner Ski Ranch Contact Information
Address: 19320 Donner Pass Rd, Norden, CA 95724, United States
Phone number: (530) 426-3635
Email: dsrinfo@donnerskiranch.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are no ski vacation packages to Donner Ski Ranch. That said, there are ski vacation packages to most destination resorts in Lake Tahoe and California, including Heavenly and Northstar California.
Rental equipment can be purchased at the ticket window on the day of your visit, the cost of
the most basic ski/snowboard starts from $49 per day for adults. Poles and helmet can be added on for $12 per day and $16 per day respectively. Please visit Donner Ski Ranch Rental for more information.