Tahoe Donner Ski Area in California & Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 600ft/183m, total trails 17, closest airport 44mi/71km, lifts 5, and more.

The ski area is located 7mi/11km northwest of the town of Truckee, California in the North Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Donner Ski Area opened in 1972 and has been providing an affordable and family-friendly skiing and snowboarding experience ever since.

The ski area is part of the Tahoe Donner Homeowners Association, which has developed a four-season adventure area that occupies over 7300 recreational acres. The ski area is situated within the resort community where winter recreation has become part of the lifestyle. Most of the skiers and snowboarders are residents of the homeowners’ association, which contributes to the neighborhood-like feeling when you are on the slopes.

The general public is always welcome to enjoy a day skiing or snowboarding at the ski area and perhaps make some new friends. From the summit of the ski area, on a clear day, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Even though the ski area only lists 120 acres of skiable terrain, it feels much bigger due to the wide-open slopes where there’s lots of space between you and other skiers and boarders. Throughout the winter season, there are several fun community-based on-mountain activities, and everyone is encouraged to participate.

On the Slopes

• Tahoe Donner Ski Area has a snowmaking capacity that covers 15% of the terrain when Mother Nature is not so generous. There is a good selection of terrain for all skiing and snowboarding levels, and Backside and Skip’s Plunge provide a challenge for the more advanced.
• Mini, King, and Bite Size are the names of the three terrain parks that are perfect for skiers and boarders who want to develop their skill level on the various features and jumps that are available.
• The ski and snowboard school at the Donner Ski Area is dedicated to improving the skills of various levels of skiing and snowboarding abilities. There is a diverse selection of children’s lessons and programs, such as Snow Flakes, along with adult group, and private lessons.

Off the Slopes

• Tahoe Donner is a day ski area, so there’s no on-mountain lodging. There are lodging options available through the Homeowners Association or the Town of Truckee, which provides a greater selection of options for lodging, dining, and shopping.
• When you need a break from the slopes, enjoy the Tahoe Donner Downhill Grill and Bar with a great menu selection and conveniently located at the base area.
• The rental shop is located in the day lodge and provides a current selection of ski, boots, poles and snowboard equipment to help make your day more enjoyable.
• Tahoe Donner hosts an amazing Cross-Country Skiing venue, 58 trails with over 61mi/100km of trails, and 5 warming huts. There are also 5mi/7km of dog-friendly walking and fat bikes trails.
• There are four parking lots that are free to use and a convenient resort shuttle service that operates continuously to get you to the slopes faster.