Donner Ski Ranch

Donner Ski Ranch With daily ticket and package pricing up to 75% less than other resorts, Donner Ski Ranch is the #1 destination for family fun.
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Among the oldest and most iconic ski areas in the Western U.S., Donner Ski Ranch is one of the last family owned and operated ski resorts
Lodge Opens 8 am
Lifts Open 9 am - 4 pm
Snow Tubing 10 am - 4 pm Among the oldest and most iconic ski areas in the Western U.S., Donner Ski Ranch is a family-friendly resort that features a wide variety of terrain, inviting skiers and riders of all abilities to

enjoy the fully-featured mountain oasis. With one of the highest base elevations in the Sierras, Donner Ski Ranch boasts some of the best powder in the region, along with aggressive high-mountain and backside terrain, making it ideal for advanced skiers and riders who want to escape the crowds and enjoy untouched lines. For beginner and intermediate skiers, Donner Ski Ranch offers easy access to novice runs, group and private ski/snowboard lessons, equipment rentals, retail shop, and a tubing park that’s great for kids of all ages. And, the new Lytton Lake Lodge, nestled on the backside of the mountain in a serene wilderness, the offers dining and drink options for those who want to get away from it all.

Skranch TalkThe work never ends.The work you never see or think aboutProfessional hood deep cleaning. Recharge the Ansul...
05/28/2026

Skranch Talk
The work never ends.
The work you never see or think about
Professional hood deep cleaning. Recharge the Ansul grill hood fire protection. Recharge all the fire extinguishers. Check all the smoke detectors all in preparation for Truckee Fire inspection

Tales of the SkranchWhat’s That Yellow Thing ?At DSR just after New Year’s 2005, we were setting up to open… Here comes ...
05/26/2026

Tales of the Skranch
What’s That Yellow Thing ?
At DSR just after New Year’s 2005, we were setting up to open… Here comes this Yellow Snow Cat under Chair #4 down between Chair #1 and the Lodge out into the parking lot and off to Sugar Bowl.
It was new Bombardier 350 Snow Cat. Seems it had been being test driven at Boreal then headed to Sugar Bowl, so they just drove through Donner Ski Ranch property rather than trucking it.
We called Bombardier and asked ” You did not want to stop and show us the machine?”
The Sales Manager responded “ You Bastards have been kicking tires for 20 years”.
Oh, Okay, not quiet the response we expected.
DSR needed a new snow cat as it took 2 mechanics working all day on the 6 of our old LMC’s groomers to get one of them to run though the night.
In 2005 Bombardier was the “Kings of Snow Cats”. Pisten Bully – Kässbohrer was still trying to grow their brand. After much debate we liked the PB and bought an Edge for $200K and kept adding machines.
Bombardier became Camoplast, and then Prinoff while Pisten Bully kept growing their brand.
DSR has kept kicking tires for 20 years. By 2026 Pisten Bully has become the “King of Snowcats ” and the Donner Ski Ranch fleet has grown to 7, costing between 200K and 600K each.
We are constantly being told by people that know it all that we “picked the wrong horse”. Pepsi over Coke, Yamaha snomos over Polaris or SkiDoo, Siriusware ticketing over RTP & others. Even fuel & propane suppliers. Everyone knows better what our business needs.
No one can say we picked the wrong horse with Pisten Bully. Just look at the facilities. Pisten Bully has a giant 100000. Sq ft in Reno while the Prinoth building is not much bigger than the DSR shop. Pisten Bully has been a great partner with DSR and we Thank them.

We Try So Hard.A few years ago we sent out flyers to every car and motorcycle club in Northern CA & NV promoting the bea...
05/21/2026

We Try So Hard.
A few years ago we sent out flyers to every car and motorcycle club in Northern CA & NV promoting the beautiful Old Highway 40 drive to the Old 40 Bar & grill for some food, drink & pie. Continue down Tahoe’s West Shore then take Hwy 50 back.
Many clubs take advantage of this most recently The Lancis owners club.
This is the slowest time of year and we are looking for business to keep all of our employees busy.
Not long ago a group rode up on their Harleys. We are thinking right on maybe our efforts are paying off. Every single rider came up onto the deck. Into the Bar & Grill and headed for the bathrooms, did their business, turned around, went back through the Bar & Grill, onto the deck and left. Not one spent a dime.
When we suggested their next ride should be up Old Hwy 40 to clean the restrooms at DSR it did not go over well.
We Try So Hard But Still Suck.

The Lancia sports car cruising down Old Hwy 40 and stopping by for lunch at The Old 40 Bar & Grill
05/18/2026

The Lancia sports car cruising down Old Hwy 40 and stopping by for lunch at The Old 40 Bar & Grill

Billboard on HWY 80 in Colfax swapped out. It must be Summer.
05/13/2026

Billboard on HWY 80 in Colfax swapped out.

It must be Summer.

Tales of the Skranch. I 2009 the Jackass boys stopped by Donner Ski Ranch to do some filming. Here is the clip from "Bad...
05/08/2026

Tales of the Skranch.

I 2009 the Jackass boys stopped by Donner Ski Ranch to do some filming. Here is the clip from "Bad Dad" on Chair #1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAl9ZM1V1_s

The big stunt was for all to get inside a bounce house and go down a ski run.
The steepest run at DSR is Vanishing Point, skiers right of Chair #2. Our friend Keith built a beautiful half pipe to guide the bounce house. Vanishing Point has a little kicker at the bottom which he also built up to make it a big jump.
Johnny K said " You know I am not a P***y but I am not getting in that thing". WeeMan said Can you take me back to the lodge in the Snowcat please" and that was that.
Here is the clip of Johnny explaining why they backed out

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PMlHUQb5N8I

Donner Ski Ranch Always A Good Time

05/06/2026

The moment you’ve all been waiting for has arrived! The Disc Golf Course is now OPEN. There is still some snow and mud out there so be prepared. Don’t forget to sign a waiver before you head out, and swing it for a cold beer or warm bite to eat after your round.

Donner Ski Ranch is hiring resort maintenance staff this summer with potential to transition into a year-round role. Thi...
05/04/2026

Donner Ski Ranch is hiring resort maintenance staff this summer with potential to transition into a year-round role. This entry-level position offers hands-on experience in resort maintenance. Email [email protected] to apply.

Skranch FlashbackThe Annex. DSR's employee housing in 2004 shortly after The Tuttles bought DSR from the U.S. Bankruptcy...
05/02/2026

Skranch Flashback

The Annex. DSR's employee housing in 2004 shortly after The Tuttles bought DSR from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Summit folklore says Marshall raked the garbage out with a leaf rake before he would let the cleaners in. Then The Annex a few years latter. It has served our employees well. We are fortunate to have housing for every employee who wants it. This season the Annex residents were especially close having Pizza & Beer every Monday in the lodge. One said "I have trouble making friends and we have all become so close. It is nice. Many have asked to return next season.

Janet is Baking.
04/29/2026

Janet is Baking.

Address

19320 Donner Pass Road
Norden, CA
95724

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15304263635

Website

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