Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area
This little jewel is a big place for family fun and learning -- all with the friendly touch of a neighborhood that enjoys company.
Tahoe Donner specializes in teaching kids and first timers of any age.
The downhill terrain consists of wide- open bowls with great beginners’ terrain.
DESCRIPTION:
The Tahoe Donner Association of homeowners manages two ski areas, restaurants, a golf course, equestrian center and campground that are available to the public.
Tahoe Donner specializes in teaching kids and first timers of any age. The downhill terrain consists of wide-open bowls with great beginners’ terrain. Forty percent of the 120-acre ski area is suitable for novices and 60% is great for graduating to intermediate terrain. There are no expert runs. Slopes are relatively uncrowded especially on weekdays. The area is small enough to provide a friendly, comfortable atmosphere that is enjoyed by families and beginning skiers.
| Parking Elevation: | 6760 feet | Base Elevation: | 6760 feet | Summit Elevation: | 7320 feet |
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| Description | Base 6760’, Alpine downhill skiing summit is 7320’,; Nordic cross-skiing crests at 7825’ |
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| Snowfall | 360 inches | Season | Mid-December through mid-April | ||
| Parking: | Ski Area Parking | Skiable Area | 120 acres | Groomed | Yes | Terain Park | Yes |
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| Snowmaking | None |
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| Runs | 14 | Beginner | 40% | Intermediate | 60% | Expert | 0% |
| Description | The cross-country skiing area includes an additional 4800 acres of skiable terrain. |
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| Lifts | 3 | Types | 1 quad chair, 1 double chair, 1 surface tow |
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| Contact(s) | Downhill Ski Area: 530-587-9444 |
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| Website(s) | www.tahoedonner.com then click to “Downhill Ski Area” or “Cross Country Center.” Snow report available on-site. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area
From San Francisco/Bay Area/Sacramento Valley: Take Interstate 80 east to Truckee and the Donner State Park Exit. Turn onto the Donner Pass Road. Travel east one-half mile to stoplight. Turn north (left) onto Northwoods Boulevard. Follow signs to either the downhill ski area or cross country center. Travel is about 5 miles off I-80.
From Reno: Take Interstate 80 west to Truckee and the Donner State Park Exit. Turn onto the Donner Pass Road. Travel east one-half mile to stoplight. Turn north (left) onto Northwoods Boulevard. Follow signs to either the downhill ski area or cross country center. Travel is about 5 miles off of I-80.
ACTIVITIES:
Nordic Cross-country Skiing (Rating: Best)
With 68 miles of groomed trail and a nice variety of terrain, Tahoe Donner Cross-country Skiing Center is one of the premier resort areas for Nordic skiing available.
Skiable acres includes 4800 acres of skiable terrain with 5 warming huts. Night skiing is available on Wednesdays from December 29 through February 23.
There are 48 groomed and marked trails: 16 beginner, 24 intermediate, 5 advanced, 1 expert, and 2 "wilderness" trails (groomed for diagonal striding only). Groomed 2 track system trails include 113 km (68 miles) with some groomed by snowmobiles for striding.
The varied terrain includes base elevations at the Day Lodge of 6600’, Euer Valley 6500’, and Hawk’s Peak 7729’.
Snow Play (Rating: Best)
Tahoe Donner manages a snow play area for members and general public. Members are free; others have a small fee. Family and friends must have a ticket also. First come, first served up to the area’s capacity.
The area is located next to the Trout Creek Recreation Center and is open Friday afternoons, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays all day. Tahoe Donner provides sleds; no personal sledding devices are allowed. F
Snowshoeing (Rating: Best)
The cross-country area includes two trails dedicated to snowshoes only. The trails total 4 km (2.4 mi) and provide snowshoe access into Euer Valley.
With 68 miles of groomed trail and a nice variety of terrain, Tahoe Donner Cross-country Skiing Center is one of the premier resort areas for Nordic skiing available.
Skiable acres includes 4800 acres of skiable terrain with 5 warming huts. Night skiing is available on Wednesdays from December 29 through February 23.
There are 48 groomed and marked trails: 16 beginner, 24 intermediate, 5 advanced, 1 expert, and 2 "wilderness" trails (groomed for diagonal striding only). Groomed 2 track system trails include 113 km (68 miles) with some groomed by snowmobiles for striding.
The varied terrain includes base elevations at the Day Lodge of 6600’, Euer Valley 6500’, and Hawk’s Peak 7729’.
Alpine Downhill Skiing (Rating: Good)
The downhill terrain is a wide-open bowl with great beginners’ terrain. Forty percent of the 120-acre ski area is suitable for novices and 60% is great for graduating to intermediate terrain. There are no expert runs.
Snowboarding (Rating: Good)
Tahoe Donner offers excellent training packages for beginning snowboarders. The hill is open to boarding plus there is a small, basic terrain park offering a table, rail, and jumps.
The downhill terrain is a wide-open bowl with great beginners’ terrain. Forty percent of the 120-acre ski area is suitable for novices and 60% is great for graduating to intermediate terrain. There are no expert runs.
