Tahoe Donner
Tahoe Donner Ski Area
Downhill and cross-country fans alike will find the best of both worlds at Tahoe Donner Ski Area. The friendly ski resort is located off Interstate 80 near Truckee, California, just five miles from Donner Lake and a quick 20 miles from Lake Tahoe. And with its selection of downhill runs, enormous cross-country center, and snow play area, there really is something for everyone.
On the slope side, Tahoe Donner features 17 runs stretched over 120 skiable acres in the eastern Sierra Nevada. The ski area is known as the best place for families and beginners thanks to its non-intimidating runs, of which 40 percent are designated as novice and 60 percent rank as intermediate to advanced. The wide-open, uncrowded slopes are accessed by one quad chair, one triple chair, and three conveyor lifts.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center
The expansive Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center is made up of 65 ski trails and 14 snowshoe trails, spread across more than 3,000 acres of terrain (which includes four warming huts, too). All ski levels are welcome, with a trail breakdown like so: 27 are beginner, 32 are intermediate, 18 are advanced, and 2 are expert. Eight trails welcome dogs, too!
Tahoe Donner Snow Play Area
Tahoe Donner also features a great snow play area, perfect for families with kids—and those of us who are kids at heart. Outfitted with downhill sledding and snow tubing lanes, bring your own, or rent tubes and sleds for a small fee. You can also use the Tahoe Donner snow play area to have a snowball fight, build a snowman, or make a fresh snow angel while visiting the ski area. To reserve a tubing or sledding session at the Tahoe Donner Snow Play Area, get in touch with the Trout Creek Recreation Center at (530) 582-9603.
Get to Know Tahoe Donner in Every Season
Looking for even more things to do at Tahoe Donner? When you need a break from having snow much fun, refuel at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub – an award-winning, bistro-style spot with menus featuring French and Pacific Rim influences – or the Alder Creek Cafe + Bar, which whips us healthy lunches often featuring locally sourced meats and produce and diverse beer and wine options.
As one would expect of a resort known for being so beginner-friendly, Tahoe Donner Ski Area offers exceptional lessons and schools. You’ll find a variety of programs available for youths and seniors, and thanks to a recent expansion, guests continue to enjoy a spacious rental area with more equipment, a quick computer sign-in system, and efficient new boot dryers. The mountain also offers family-friendly events all season long.
In addition to the ski amenities that Tahoe Donner has, the resort also features other year-round recreation and activities like a golf course, a tennis center, a Beach Club Marina with a private beach, and even an equestrian center. Some of these amenities are open to the public, while others are for visitors with a Tahoe Donner membership.