It’s easy to call Lake Tahoe the last unforked pea on the plate of American snow riding. More and more Tahoe resorts might be mirroring the mainstream, painting a canvas of haves and haves more, but don’t kid yourself: No other resort destination in North America encompasses such a wide array of world class slopes, abundant snowfall, pristine vistas and sparkling amenities. Moreover, there are more chair lifts to ride in the Tahoe Basin than in the entire state of Colorado and four out of five days are sunny. Winter temperatures average around 29 degrees, and when it snows, which is often this early season, the flakes fall thick and fast, piling into soft mounds on the upper portion of discolored mountain peaks and setting the stage for exceptional skiing and snowboarding.

Donner Ski Ranch
(530) 426-3635
www.donnerskiranch.com
500 acres
 
No other area in North America has averaged more snowfall over the last one hundred years than Donner Summit. In the foothills to the west, the canyons carved by the forks of the American River funnel storm fronts into the heart of the Sierra. At the Pacific Crest, they turn northeast and aim directly at Donner Ski Ranch. According to the U.S. Forest Service's Central Sierra Snow Lab in nearby Soda Springs, Donner Ski Ranch averages thirty-four feet of snowfall annually with an average maximum depth of nine and one-half feet. Not a lot has changed over the years at the Donner Ski Ranch, and although undoubtedly the last of its kind, its mighty little mountain continues to beckon visitors. Situated atop Donner Summit with a base elevation of 7,031 feet, and ninety minutes from the greater Sacramento area, the ski resort first opened for skiing in 1937 with one of the area's first rope tows. Possibly the Ranch's most unique feature remains its on-snow experience that harkens back to a former epoch birthed by exuberant outdoorsmen. There are no video games to be found in the lodge, nor any other off-slope attractions. The resort remains more of a rarefied mountain outpost where people bound by a collective independent spirit, happily rub shoulders and revel in the seductive vistas and beautiful wonders of nature. The once remote high alpine resort still prides itself on being all things to all people. The mountain is less a place to see and more a place to ski. Today, the area offers six chairs, 45 runs and 500 acres of skiing that descend 360 degrees from the top of Signal Hill. Norm's Run, off Chair 3, is a fall-line cruiser that stretches for three-quarters of a mile. Donner Ski Ranch was the first Sierra resort to allow snowboarders. Riders still make up a large portion of the Ranch's clientele and can typically be found jumping into the resort's well maintained half-pipe and Terrain Park. Donner Ski Ranch hosts several snowboard competitions throughout the season.
 
What’s New: New ownership has helped revitalize this Donner Summit resort in need of much tending loving care. This summer extensive trail maintenance was done over most backside slopes. New grooming machines have been added and the lodge has upgraded its food facilities. The resort now offers two moving carpets for beginners as well as a new tubing hill.
 
Best Deal: This season teach your child to ski by purchasing a $10 restricted adult ticket at the same time of purchase of a child lift ticket.
 
Best Place To Take A Screaming Pottie: Steep pitches can be delightfully discovered on The Face and South Palisades.
 
Don’t Miss: The $3 “Summit Slurpee” margaritas in the bar.
 
Insider Tip: German Ridge is a burly backside line through the timber to the bottom of Chair 3. Best Event: The “Legends of Snowboarding Reunion” each spring returns the pioneers of riding competing in a fun contest and festive atmosphere.

More of Tahoe Resorts: A-to-Z

Alpine Meadows
Boreal
Diamond Peak
Donner Ski Ranch
Granlibakken
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Mt. Rose
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Soda Springs
Sugar Bowl
Squaw Valley USA
Tahoe Donner