I just started riding a skibike. I had the best snow conditions and experience riding through the trees on Thu., 2/20, of my entire winter season. Had snowed about 6" the night before and started snowing with high cloud cover during the afternoon. No lines at the back chair. Open, untracked powder all over. Lots of runs. It was fantastic. And only for $15. It was definitely worth the drive up from the Bay Area. Great little ski area.

Len

If you are an affluent "skier" who cares more for slopeside condos, preppy shops, and fancy restaurants than the actual sport itself, then please don't read this review.

You will NOT find a Starbuck's at Donner Ski Ranch.

Instead, in the spring you just might find Dollar Beers and Dollar Hot Dogs sold from a stand at the mid way unloading station (remember those?) on Chair 1.

Mid Winter you will find fresh powder lines for hours, without having to hike or fight for them. Go midweek T-Th and pay a mere $15 for a lift ticket. Park directly in front of the resort, 50' or so from the lift. Scoff at those who paid $60 for a ticket at the resort across the street, only to discover that their fresh tracks lasted maybe 20 minutes.

Revel in old school, relaxed, "have a good time" skiing at Donner Ski Ranch. Great value, classic ski area. Jeans and hand-me-down equipment welcome. Attitudes can go to Squaw.

DSR is one heck of a skiing/riding value, and a very welcome contrast to the cookie-cutter corporate "condos and villages" resorts.

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Donner is a great place for kids, first timers ect... Price right for lift tickets and for rental equipment. If you never snowboard or put on skis, check out their classes and rental combo!!! Well worth the price not to mention you'll have fun. Go for it, you only live once:)

DSR rocks for its size!! Not as big as others in the area, it has some great drop-offs and is almost as much of a challenge in them as Alpine, Squaw, or Sugar Bowl. Last season was a bad snow one for all, but I got up to DSR and had #3 lift almost totally to myself...you can really wear yourself out doing laps on that one...I'll be back over and over to these guys for the runs and the Old-School-Thursdays!!

Donner Ski Ranch is the place to be for a relaxing snowboarding experience. I always burn myself out at big resorts, trying to get my money's worth by riding all day- At Donner, the snow is so good, the off-groomers are awesome, and theres never a crowd- its never tracked out, especially on the backside and "out of bounds" - oops- should i say that? plus i feel like i can take a break and hang out on the deck by the bar without missing too many turns- the lodge is right at the bottom of the main chair, and the parking lot is right there.... no hiking to a ticket shack, then to a rental shop or wax counter, then to the lift. You get a great view of the mountain while having lunch or enjoying a beer in the sunshine on the wrap around deck... I definitely would reccomend this place for anyone looking for a chill relaxed place to hang out at on the weekends and get some great turns in.