FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

GENERAL

At what time does the lodge open?

The Donner Ski Ranch Lodge opens at 8 am. You can purchase tickets and rentals at that time.

Can I get food at Donner Ski Ranch?

Yes, we serve breakfast from 8 am to 11 am. Our cafeteria opens from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm for lunch, and then we switch to our Grill Dinner Menu from 4:30 pm to 9 pm.

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 hardcore 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.

When does Donner Ski Ranch close for the 25-26 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 varies depending on weather conditions. Still, it’s usually sometime in 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 for 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 (the adult) ride 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 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 want to take the chairlift to enjoy the views. Is that possible?

No, 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 features six chairlifts: three on the front side and 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. We have some of the best tree skiing and riding around.

Does DSR allow ski bikes?

Due to a change in the insurance policy, Donner Ski Ranch no longer allows 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 boot 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 are your smallest and largest sizes for helmets?

  • Smallest: XXS (fits approximately a 4-year-old)

  • Largest: 2XL

What are your smallest and largest sizes 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 are your smallest and largest ski sizes?

  • Smallest: 77 cm

  • Largest: 177 cm

What are your smallest and largest sizes for snowboards?

  • Smallest: 95 cm

  • Largest: 162 cm

What are your smallest and largest sizes 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 by 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.