FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
GENERAL
At what time does the lodge open?
The Donner Ski Ranch Lodge opens at 8am, you can purchase tickets and rentals at that time.
Can I get food at Donner Ski Ranch?
Yes, we serve breakfast from 8am to 11am, our Cafeteria opens from 10:30am to 4:30pm for lunch, then we switch to our Grill Dinner Menu from 4:30pm to 9pm.
What are the Old School Days?
At Donner Ski Ranch we believe skiing shouldn't be a sport reserved for the rich and famous. We believe skiing should be accessible to everyone. That's why for 80 years Donner Ski Ranch has offered one of the most affordable skiing experiences. So, whether you're a hard-core local, or a first timer, you can have the time of your life without breaking the bank.
So, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday you can purchase tickets and rentals at our Old School Dates Rates. Excludes Feb. 18, 19 & 20, 2025
Adult Lift Ticket + Equipment Rental: $99
Teen Lift Ticket + Equipment Rental: $99
Child Lift Ticket + Equipment Rental: $69
Kid 6 and under Lift Ticket + Equipment Rental: $40
Senior Lift Ticket + Equipment Rental: $99
Tubing (All ages): $34
When does Donner Ski Ranch close for the 24-25 Winter Season?
Donner Ski Ranch never has a set closing date, we open until the snow is gone or until there’s no interest, our closing date variates depending on weather conditions but it’s usually between the beginning and end of May.
TUBING
How long does the Tubing Ticket last?
The tubing ticket is good for 2 hours, and the 2-hour session starts at the time of purchase.
Is there a weight or height restriction for tubing?
No, we welcome everyone to have fun at our Tubing Hill!
Is there an age limit to go Tubing?
While there is no age limit, children who are tubing independently should be able to carry their own tubes. If you, as a parent, wish to accompany your child up the Tubing Hill, you will need to purchase a ticket for yourself as well.
Can my baby and I (adult) go on the same tube?
Yes, you can share a tube with your baby/toddler, as long as both of you have a ticket. Please note that the tubing ticket is per person, not per tube.
I don’t want to go tubing; I just want to accompany my child up the hill. Is that possible?
Yes, but you will still need a ticket to go up, even if you're not tubing down. The operators won’t allow access without a ticket.
LIFTS
I just want to take the chairlift to enjoy the views. Is that possible?
No, in order to ride any chairlift at Donner Ski Ranch, you must have ski or snowboard equipment. It is required.
Does DSR offer Cross-Country Skiing?
No, Donner Ski Ranch does not offer Cross-Country Skiing.
How many chair-lifts does DSR have?
Donner Ski Ranch has 6 Chair Lifts: Three on the front side, three on the back side. Which vary from beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. We also have a Moving Carpet (bunny hill) for first time skiers and snowboarders, and a Tubing Hill Moving Carpet.
Are all the runs at DSR beginner runs?
No, DSR offers a variety of runs for all levels, from green runs to black diamonds.
Does DSR allow ski bikes?
Due to a change on insurance policy, Donner Ski Ranch does not longer allow ski bikes.
RENTALS
What does your ski equipment rental include?
Ski Equipment includes: Skis, ski boots, and poles.
What does your snowboard equipment rental include?
Snowboard Equipment includes: Snowboard and snowboard boots.
Are helmets included with your ski or snowboard rentals?
Helmets are not included with either package, but you can rent one separately for an additional $16.
Can I use my ski boots with your ski rental?
No, we do not rent skis or ski boots separately. If you rent ski equipment from us, you’ll need to rent the full package and use our boots with our skis.
We will not set our skis with your ski boots and cannot rent our boots only to be set in your personal skis.
Can I use my own skis with your ski boots rental?
No, we do not rent skis or ski boots separately. If you rent ski equipment from us, you’ll need to rent the full package and use our boots with our skis.
We will not set our skis with your ski boots and cannot rent our boots only to be set in your personal skis.
Can I rent only the snowboard if I have my own snowboard boots?
Yes, we do rent only the snowboard.
Regular Days (Friday through Monday): $30
Old School Days (Tuesday through Thursday): $20
Can I rent only snowboard boots if I have my own board?
Yes, we do rent only snowboard boots.
Regular Days (Friday through Monday): $30
Old School Days (Tuesday through Thursday): $20
What is your smallest and largest size for helmets?
Smallest: XXS (fits approximately a 4-year-old)
Largest: 2XL
What is your smallest and largest size for ski boots?
Smallest: Size 10 (Little kids’ shoe size), 15.5 cm insole length, 201 mm sole length.
Largest: Size 14 (Adult shoe size), 32.0 cm insole length, 365 mm sole length.
What is your smallest and largest size for skis?
Smallest: 77 cm
Largest: 177 cm
What is your smallest and largest size for snowboards?
Smallest: 95 cm
Largest: 162 cm
What is your smallest and largest size for snowboard boots?
Smallest: Size 1 (Child’s shoe size)
Largest: Size 14 (Adult’s shoe size)
LESSONS
Does DSR offer group lessons?
No, Donner Ski Ranch only offers private lessons. You can book lessons through our website clicking on the Ski School Tab.
Do I need to buy a lift ticket if I have a lesson booked?
Yes, a regular lift ticket (or moving carpet ticket if it’s your very first-time skiing or riding and you are planning to stick there for the duration of the lesson) is required for all lessons, and it is NOT included with the Private Lesson.