Donner Ski Ranch
Old-school Donner Summit hill above the historic pass: wallet-friendly, family-run, and gloriously unfussy.
Key Stats
Vertical Drop
229m (751ft)
The height difference between the top and bottom of the mountain
Summit Elevation
2,394m (7,854ft)
How high the highest lift or peak reaches
Base Elevation
2,165m (7,103ft)
Height of the main base village — higher means cooler, drier snow
Annual Snowfall
762cm (300in)
Average annual natural snowfall — higher is better for powder days
Trails
60
Total number of marked runs on the trail map
Lifts
6
Total number of lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and t-bars
Skiable Area
202ha (499ac)
Total groomed and patrolled skiable terrain
Terrain Breakdown
The percentage of marked trails in each difficulty level. A higher beginner percentage means more terrain suitable for novices and families; a higher advanced percentage means more challenge for experts.
Beginner
40%
Intermediate
40%
Advanced
20%
Best For
When to go
Average monthly snowfall and snowpack depth, with the typical operating window shaded.
Donner Ski Ranch's heaviest snowfall lands in December; the snowpack peaks in February.
- Snowfall
- peaks Dec
- Snowpack
- peaks Feb
- Typical season
- Nov – Apr
Snowfall: NOAA, 30-year normals (1991–2020).
Snow depth: NOAA, daily station data (1994–2023).
Location
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