North America
Donner Ski Ranch Resort Guide
Projected to open Dec 28
Projected to open December 28, 2026
Best months to book: February, March, January · 30-yr snow record
Scroll for happiness
Projected to open Dec 28 — closed March 28
Weather data is still collected for informational purposes.
Last Snowfall
Oct 12
5d agoPast 24 Hours
0cm
Past 48 Hours
0cm
Past 10 Days
3cm
7-Day Forecast
1cm
Snow Depth
--
Resort Guide
Donner Ski Ranch is located on Donner Summit in Norden, California, offering a classic, family-friendly ski experience with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The resort features over 500 acres of skiable terrain, catering to all ability levels with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. Known for its affordable pricing and vintage charm, Donner Ski Ranch provides essential amenities including ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, and a historic lodge with dining options. Its approachable size and laid-back vibe make it a popular choice for families and those seeking a traditional Sierra Nevada ski experience.
Gallery
Click to expand • 6 total photos
Terrain & lifts
Resort-reported stats for Donner Ski Ranch
Lifts
8
Skiable area
435 ac
Resort Info
Season dates
Future dates are operator estimates and may change.
Ski passes
Indy Pass
Access tiers change by season — confirm benefits on the pass operator's site.
Top Après Ski
Old 40 Bar & Grill – This cozy slopeside bar at Donner Ski Ranch is celebrated for its laid-back atmosphere, hearty comfort food, and welcoming après-ski scene, making it a favorite spot for skiers to unwind with drinks and mountain views after a day on the slopes.
Season vs Historic
Updated Sat, Oct 17, 12:07 PM UTC
3cm
Season Total
This Season to Date
-100%
vs 5-Year Avg
1,085cm avg by now
-100%
vs 30-Year Avg
968cm avg by now
1,085cm
5-Yr Avg by Now
The last completed season totaled ~0 cm. That's 100% below the 5-year average (1085 cm). Versus the 30-year baseline: 100% below the 30-year average (968 cm).
Donner Ski Ranch Season Snowfall
Loading the ledger…
Donner Ski Ranch Snow History
Average annual snowfall is 600cm with an average of 63 snowfall days per season. The recent decade runs 20% above this average (722cm over the last ten tracked seasons). The table below shows monthly averages across 30 seasons of archive data (modeled snowpack at mid-elevation).
| Month | Avg Snowfall | Snowfall Days | Avg Base Depth | Max Base Depth | Biggest Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 57cm | 7 days | 9cm | 28cm | 19cm |
| December | 124cm | 10 days | 44cm | 79cm | 29cm |
| January | 113cm | 10 days | 82cm | 119cm | 27cm |
| February | 118cm | 11 days | 110cm | 146cm | 27cm |
| March | 102cm | 10 days | 131cm | 164cm | 26cm |
| April | 54cm | 8 days | 110cm | 143cm | 17cm |
| May | 17cm | 4 days | 51cm | 84cm | 8cm |
Source: SnowSure archive · Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis at mid-elevation. Depth is modeled, not resort-reported.
Season at a Glance
Next season(2026-27)
Opens Dec 28, 2026
Through Mar 28, 2027
Multi-season averages will appear once SnowSure has tracked more than one full season.
Best Months to Visit
February
Peak Season
January
Peak Season
March
Good
December
Good
Note: Based on typical ski season patterns for this region.
Frequently asked questions about Donner Ski Ranch
- Where is Donner Ski Ranch?
- Donner Ski Ranch is a ski resort in the United States.
- How high is Donner Ski Ranch?
- Donner Ski Ranch runs from a base elevation of 2,143 m (7,031 ft) to a summit of 2,372 m (7,782 ft), giving a vertical drop of 229 m (751 ft).
- How big is Donner Ski Ranch?
- Donner Ski Ranch has 435 acres (176 hectares) of skiable terrain, 52 marked runs and 8 lifts.
- Which ski pass covers Donner Ski Ranch?
- Donner Ski Ranch is on the Indy Pass. Access terms such as blackout dates and day limits vary by pass tier, so check the pass operator for the current season.
- When is ski season at Donner Ski Ranch?
- Donner Ski Ranch typically operates from December to March. Exact opening and closing dates shift each year with snowfall — check the resort's current season dates before booking.
- How much snow does Donner Ski Ranch get in a typical season?
- Donner Ski Ranch averages 360 inches / 914 cm of snowfall in a typical season. Any individual season can run well above or below that.
