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Donner Ski Ranch ski resort

North America

Donner Ski Ranch

Projected to open Dec 28

Projected to open December 28, 2026

Best months to book: February, March, January · 30-yr snow record

Projected to open Dec 28 — closed March 28

Weather data is still collected for informational purposes.

Last Snowfall

Oct 30

today

Past 24 Hours

0cm

Past 48 Hours

0cm

Past 10 Days

0cm

7-Day Forecast

10cm

Snow Depth

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Updated: Oct 30, 10:03 PM•Weather at base: 2,143m
SnowSure™ ScoreWhen to book
Projected to open Dec 28

Donner Ski Ranch is projected to open December 28, 2026. Here is when it is usually best to book.

Best months to book: February, March, January.Dec3Jan1Feb2MarOpens 28 DecCloses 28 Mar

Best months to book

  1. #1February116cm avg
  2. #2March100cm avg
  3. #3January112cm avg

Ranked on 30-year snowfall and base-depth record. The live score returns when the lifts turn.

Current Conditions

Reported Fri, Oct 30, 10:03 PM UTC

Terrain

Projected to open Dec 28

Projected to open December 28, 2026

52 runs · 8 lifts — live counts and the SnowSure™ Score return when the lifts turn.

Snow Summary

Updated Oct 30 at 10:03 PM

2cm
Season
0cm
Past 10 days48H 0cm · 24H 0cm
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Today
10cm
Next 6 days
Days 8–14 · Pro
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Seasontotal
0
Wed28
Thu29
14 daystotal
0
5
3
—
1
0
0
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—
—
—
—
—
—
TueOct 20
Wed21
Thu22
Fri23
Sat24
Sun25
Mon26
Tue27
TODAY30
Sat31
SunNov 1
Mon2
Tue3
Wed4
Thu5
Fri6
Sat7
Sun8
Mon9
Tue10
Wed11
Thu12
Freezing line
Snow qualityLight· bestAverage· okayHeavy· wet, skis heavy

Days 8–14 and every model are in SnowSure Pro.Unlock with Pro

No measurement at mid height (2,258m) reached us: past snow shown is the model's estimate at the summit.

Maps

All maps for Donner Ski Ranch →

Webcams & Proof of Powder

Live cams, snow stakes, and verified storm footageAll webcams & Proof of Powder →
Donner Ski Ranch

About Donner Ski Ranch

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.

Read the full resort guide →

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.
How will El Niño affect Donner Ski Ranch in winter 2026-27?
El Niño Signal Rank: #82 of 488 SnowSure resorts · Tier A · strong-event signal +10% vs its own 30-yr average. In the three strongest El Niño winters on record ('97-98, '15-16, '23-24), Donner Ski Ranch averaged +10% versus its own 30-year snowfall baseline. The pattern has historically been a friend here. With a record-strength event forecast for winter 2026-27, Donner Ski Ranch sits on the favorable side of the ledger. Analog winters: '97-98 +28%, '15-16 -4%, '23-24 +4%. A pattern, not a promise.