Cheap 'Old School' Lift Ticket Pricing Returns To Beloved Tahoe Ski Area

The more things change in the Lake Tahoe area, the more Donner Ski Ranch (DSR) sticks to its roots.

The small but charming ski area located on Donner Summit has been a bastion for independently-owned hills for decades.

While some of its neighbors jack up lift ticket prices, build fancy lodges, and cater to mega-passes, Donner Summit operates almost exactly as it did during the Old School days of skiing and snowboarding.

Hence, the ski area's beloved cheap lift tickets on 'Old School Days' throughout the season.

Donner Ski Ranch is bringing Old School Days back on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the remainder of the season. Lift tickets will cost just $69 per day, a steal compared to neighboring resorts.

DSR shared the Old School Days news on social media by posting a photo of a billboard located in nearby Colfax, California. You'll notice that it lacks any flair or fancy design. That's the Donner Ski Ranch way.

See below. Keep reading for more.

The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door.

To really ham up the Old School vibes, Donner Ski Ranch does not sell lift tickets online or in advance. Instead, skiers and snowboarders drive to the hill, speak with a real person working there, and purchase a lift ticket. Imagine that!

Donner Ski Ranch stacked up impressive snow totals (more than 100 inches) during the Christmas Miracle and subsequent storms, and conditions are looking excellent.

As of today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the mountain has all eight of its lifts and nearly all of its trails open. Temperatures are expected to warm up this week and should make for some excellent spring riding vibes for Old School Days.

If you're not willing to purchase a cheap day lift ticket at DSR, consider using your Indy Pass instead. Keep reading for more information on Donner Ski Ranch.

Donner Ski Ranch Stats/Info:

• Vertical: 800 ft.
• Skiable Terrain: 500 ac.
• Average Snowfall: 400 in.
• Lifts: 8
• Trails: 52
• Snowmaking: N/A
• Night Skiing: NO
• Pass: Indy Pass