Donner Ski Ranch
Key Stats
- Skiable Acres: 505
- Lifts: 8 (1 triple, 5 doubles, 2 surface lifts/magic carpets)
- Runs: 52
- Skill Breakdown
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 25%
- Expert: 0%
- Vertical Drop: 750 ft
- Base Elevation: 7,031 ft
- Summit Elevation: 8,012 ft
- Average Annual Snowfall: 412 inches
- Longest Run: 1.5 miles
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Highlights & Favorite Experiences
Historic Main Lodge
Built in 1947, this wood-framed gem houses rentals, a cafe, ticketing, and the beloved Old 40 Bar & Grill, all wrapped around a deck that feels like your family’s cabin.
Old 40 Bar & Grill – Tahoe’s Greatest Dive Bar
Stapled dollar bills, retired skis, and Janet’s legendary homemade pie—think cozy, quirky, and totally unpretentious.
Norm’s Run Classic
A cruiser with a fall-line feel, this long trail off Chair 3 is a local favorite for smooth laps with a great rhythm.
First to Welcome Snowboarders
DSR was the first Sierra resort to allow snowboarding and still keeps a fun, low-key terrain park and half-pipe for the freestyle crowd.
Family Learning Environment
Wide greens, mellow lifts, and a magic carpet make Donner Ski Ranch perfect for kids and first-timers. Falling is fine here, nobody’s rushing you.
Helpful Tips
- Old-School Simplicity: No app. No dynamic pricing. No surprise fees. Buy your ticket in-person. Get your gear downstairs. Get on the lift. That’s it.
- Explore Beyond the Front: The mountain’s layout hides its size. Ride Chair 6 and head to the backside, that’s where the real terrain and views open up.
- Family-Friendly Layout: The tubing park, picnic tables, and learning terrain all connect at the base, so families can relax while the kids get comfortable.
- Weather Wisdom: Donner Summit holds serious snow. The resort’s high base elevation and snow history mean even small storms can deliver great days.
- Summer Bonus: DSR runs year-round events including dirt biking, disc golf, rock crawling, and live music. The Old 40 Bar stays open as a local hangout all year long.