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Donner Summit Sno-Park

3.5 (58 reviews)

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Shoua L.

Buy the $15 permit ahead of time and print it out. Go early so there's parking and less people. Bring your own sled/tube. My family and I got there around 8am and there was just another family there. It started getting busy around 10am. Besides people leaving behind broken sleds and dog poop, I think it was a nice experience overall.

Beautiful park and deep snow! I love the scenery and all the available sledding paths. The towering trees with white snow make this place look magical. This is a self served park, so don't expect anyone collecting parking fees. You MUST purchase your parking pass online with an estimated time of arrival and PRINT IT OUT to be placed on the dash board! Of course we didn't find out until we got there as we weren't sure when we would arrive in this weather and didn't purchase the pass online thinking we'll just pay for parking once we get there. There's no kiosk or any staff at the park. There are however parking enforcement. I wish the park spend more effort and staffing time on collecting park passes versus sending someone to enforce parking. In addition, even with a parking pass, there's no guarantee that there would be a spot available. We drove around twice around the park and there was no parking. I would be pretty upset if I purchased a parking pass and there's no parking. By the way, there was a fight involving 8 people at the park when we were leaving... on Christmas!! There were at least 5 police vehicles and an ambulance. I'm concerned about the safety of this place given the lack of staff and/or security. Anyways, we ended up parking next door at Woodward as suggested by a park attendee. It worked out, but I don't think Woodward appreciated that, and we probably should not rely on parking at Woodward to the sno-park. There's an area just outside the park with plenty of parking. There were no signs showing that we couldn't park there (no no-parking or signs of tow away or permit required). Staff out of no where (maybe at a nearby motel) asked us to leave as we would get a parking ticket if we park in that area. I don't know how true it is, but we didn't want to risk getting a parking ticket and simply left. I don't understand why this area cannot be used for parking, but again, this park has no staff to clarify questions like this. Overall, great park if you are able to get a parking spot. Park is managed poorly and could be better for a $15 entrance fee.

He's so cute
La B.

Very beautiful and very very cold l I had lots of fun taking pictures making a snow angel at one point I put down my purse and we went on like nothing luckily, there was not that many people there, and where we were it was just us I was able to go back and grab my purse. there is a bathroom there very convenient two hours from Stockton, and if I had to do it all over again, I would beautiful just breathtaking. I even built a snowman

Nicole K.

So I read people's reviews and understand where they're coming from. Initially parking looked a little crazy, but we parked outside and just walked in (with a 7 year old, a 3 year old and a 9 month old). We went on a Tuesday afternoon. We're not snow-snobs so we didn't expect a magic carpet, freshly cut runs and to be wined and dined (especially since we've been to national forests and know their struggles funding wise). My kids, my self and my husband had A BLAST. We played right off of the road on the right hand side near the entrance. There's a small little run there (when we went). My kids also dug a ditch and had a snowball fight. I went and got fresh donuts at the little food truck and they were . $6 for half a dozen and $10 for a dozen. Pro tip: get the chocolate don't even question it. It took the man 1 minute to serve me up 12 mini donuts and he was so sweet. So if we're ever in the area again, we will stop by and hope there is parking inside because we enjoy donating to our national forests

Get your parking pass & donuts here!
Stephanie G.

I'm a Mom of a toddler and when he requested to go to the snow, we wanted to go somewhere close-ish (to Solano County). A place that allowed for sledding and that also didn't cost an arm & a leg. Thankfully a local FB group let me to this Sno-Park. * Parking Situation: I was worried about parking because I read some bad reviews on that, but we arrived at 11:15am on a Saturday (March 5) and we were able to find parking with about 5 spots left. The Boreal parking is not a close walk so that was our last resort but fortunately not needed. A super kind & friendly sheriff was parked before turning right into the closest parking and kindly told us where to turn, get our parking pass, and even asked how our drive up there was. * Parking Pass: I'll post pictures, but you take a left at the stop sign (if you turn right, you'll be in Boreal parking). Then drive past the rows of cars, go past the "Tahoe National Forest Trailhead" sign and make the very last right possible. Park and then walk to pay $5 for your parking ticket AT the donut trailer; they have both donuts & parking passes. :) We paid cash. * Sledding/Tubing: The area to do this is behind the parking, opposite of the donut trailer/bathrooms. You will see people walking there too. We found a great couple hills where the trees were semi-cleared and laughed our butts off, getting air time. When that spot became popular, we found a more chill spot to sled but mostly threw snowballs. * Bathrooms are available, but it's a deep hole in the ground with no soap available. * Donuts were $10 for a dozen and hot chocolate was $5. I heard the donuts were really tasty & the hot chocolate was the perfect temperature. We do have food sensitives and the sweet man allowed me to check the donut bag; it did contain: soy, wheat, dairy and egg. * I totally recommend this park if you are looking for free-range sledding/tubing and of course bring your own items.

The meadow
Rain W.

I really loved this park. We went here for a lake and went on one of the shorter trails with the three lakes. We were only able to get to the first major lake on this one. The paths are windy and full of rocks and tree roots so this isn't a hike for those who have issues with that. That said, it's beautiful and I took many nice photos. The lake we got to was very pretty. Many people took their dogs on the trail and most cleaned up after them. Parking was easy on a paved lot and there were signs showing the major paths. I'd definitely come back after the snow season to try hiking a bit farther.

Snow ball fight

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4 months ago

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5 months ago

Bought sno-pass parking pass for 1 day and was told by CHP that the park is closed. Returned the next day and still closed

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1 year ago

Always a hit with the family. Coming from theSF Bay Area it is closer than most other tubing resorts which works well for infrequent visits.

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Ask the Community - Donner Summit Sno-Park

Can you walk there from boreal?

Yes, it's walkable but quite far with traffic to dodge, so just be careful. Not for the lighthearted or recommended with young children.

If they're snow there now?

Yes

I want to go tomorrow but have no access to printer to print the parking pass. Is there any way i can do?

Go to your near post office and get print from there

Is there still snow there now?

No, maybe in two weeks (~December 20, 2021)

Is there snow up there?

Yes there is. But today we got there at 9am and they closed the sno park because it was full. You need to get there very early if you want in.

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Review Highlights - Donner Summit Sno-Park

Came with my kids (3 and 4 yrs) and there was snow for sledding, snow/ice ball fights and building a snowman.

Mentioned in 21 reviews

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Boreal Mountain Resort - Dining area

Boreal Mountain Resort

3.0(772 reviews)
0.5 mi

We went this past Winter. First time bringing the family to the snow, so just wanted to take it…read moreeasy. Employees were very laidback. Our kiddo loved the indoor bunker area and the paths were clear enough for our stroller. Definitely recommend coming early when it's not too crowded. By afternoon the whole place was packed. They probably take in way more people than they should. Prices for one day are pretty hefty, but if you were to get a season pass and come frequently, then I think it would be a way better deal.

Went on a Saturday to take a beginner's class that comes packaged with a full-day lift pass. They…read moreactually offer some pretty good deals, since the lift ticket alone can sometimes cost about the same as the package that includes the lesson, lift ticket, and equipment rentals. Even though I'm not a beginner, I opted to join the class so I could stay with my group. The resort itself is pretty and has a few decent runs from the top, though there are somewhat limited options for getting to the summit. Because of this, the lift lines were often long. It also didn't seem like there were attendants managing how people loaded onto the chairs, so the four-seaters were frequently going up with only two people. That definitely made the wait times longer than they needed to be. The lesson itself was neither great nor bad. It mostly offered an opportunity to have someone supervise and guide you as you make your way down the easier slopes.

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Boreal Mountain Resort - More views from atop the mountain getting ready

More views from atop the mountain getting ready

Boreal Mountain Resort
Boreal Mountain Resort

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Soda Springs Mountain Resort

Soda Springs Mountain Resort

2.8(399 reviews)
2.4 mi

FYI - Tickets must be purchased online to enter the parking lot. No charge for parking. We went on…read morea discounted day ($35 per person for all access to play, snowboard, ski, and tube). Equipment is included for kids 8 and under (size 4 and under). Steal! At that price point, this is the perfect snow day with a group of kids. For anyone outside of that range, rentals are $59 flat, whether you stay two hours or all day. Go all day to maximize your rentals! That said, the kids play area was pretty underwhelming for my kids (ages 10-12). The slopes were short, not all lanes were open, and there was only one black magic carpet running. That meant tubers, snowboarders, and skiers were all sharing it, which slowed things down quite a bit. Getting around wasn't the easiest either. There's only one entrance and exit and into the resort, so you're walking everything in while the kids carry their gear. Not terrible, but definitely inconvenient. We were told there was a tram running every 5 minutes, but it wasn't operating that day. My guess is they scale back operations on discounted days (fewer lanes open, no tram, only one black magic carpet). Parking was easy for the only entrance, which I appreciated, but it would be so much better if there was direct access to the kids area from the lot. Service was subpar. Staff weren't rude, but definitely not warm or helpful. No one showed the kids how to put on their boots or gear, and we weren't told helmets were required until my kids were already at the top of the slope, so I had to go all the way back to rentals. Also worth noting: kids 8 and under are restricted to the kids area only (no lifts or bigger slopes), which makes sense, but that wasn't clearly communicated upfront. Overall, the kids still had fun, and for $35, it's worth it. But I would only come back on a discounted day. I wouldn't pay full price for the experience as it currently is.

My husband and I took a day off to take our family here for the day to have fun, when we purchased…read morethe tickets 2 kids under 8 and 3 adults and went on to have fun, the tubes were broken up from the bottom that helps you slide on the snow, there was no strings attached to it either for us to be able to pull them up, specially if you have kids can you imagine how hard it is to carry the tubes with you falling apart and still have to help your kids not falling and carrying their tube as well ?!! On top of that once we finally got to the top, and sat down on the tube and started sliding, we got stuck all through out the slope all the way down pushing with our hands, and the kids couldn't even reach with their hand to push themselves down. What a disappointment!!!! Sooo expensive, besides our day was ruined, the kids were so sad and down because of it. I went to the reception to request our refund because we had to leave to try to find another place to go have fun if possible, they said they couldn't do the refund there but to email costumer service. So I did. As soon as we got to the car. The next day they answered and said since the adults area was not optimal they would refund me those tickets even though it was against policy, but the kids they wouldn't as their area was working fine. We didn't even use the kids area, we went to the adults area, all of us!! Besides, we're we supposed to let a couple kids have fun and not the others ?? Also, shouldn't you warn people about it before they purchase the tickets ???? Is this part of their scam ? And the material broken and not operational? A hazard even!!! What a inconsiderate thing to do from their part. Well, I said I wanted the full amount back and explained the situation over and over again, and a couple days later the refund for the adults tickets that she had refunded us, disappeared!!!!! OMG !!! Honestly people, DON'T waste your money here.

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Soda Springs Mountain Resort
Soda Springs Mountain Resort
Soda Springs Mountain Resort

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Royal Gorge Ski Resort - Just off-trail after a snow storm.

Royal Gorge Ski Resort

4.3(49 reviews)
3.0 mi

We decided to try snow shoeing at this resort.  I think it's a hidden gem.  It's only about 1.5…read morehours from Sacramento if the weather is good. We went on a weekday morning and there were probably about 25-30 cars in the parking lot.  The resort is so huge that we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.  We only saw 1 other person on all the trails we took.  We have never gone snow shoeing before, but the staff was really nice and walked us through everything.  They have nicely marked trails and we did a 3 mile loop and had a wonderful time.  The scenery was beautiful and it was just so peaceful and nice.  I think most people go to this place to go cross country skiing, but the snow shoeing was fun and a good workout!

Good cross-country area with a huge variety of trails! My partner and I took lessons in the morning…read moreand were able to to find plenty of trails to fill the day. We also rented a pulk (for towing our 16-month-old behind us), but there is a limited supply of these and we did have to wait an hour or two for one to become available. We did find there was a wide range of difficulty levels just within the beginner/green trails. Some were truly flat, others had a decent amount of elevation and difficult sections. For the more advanced skiiers, the warming huts further out on the trails sounded nice! Despite covering a lot of acreage, it's a small enough place that we did run into our more advanced friends at lunch back at the lodge without even coordinating.

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Royal Gorge Ski Resort - Royal Gorge is all about the views. This is not your average XC ski resort.

Royal Gorge is all about the views. This is not your average XC ski resort.

Royal Gorge Ski Resort - You can really escape at Royal Gorge. No lines, no crowds.

You can really escape at Royal Gorge. No lines, no crowds.

Royal Gorge Ski Resort - Typical of the (easy) trails we skied.

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Typical of the (easy) trails we skied.

Boreal Inn - Room with two queen beds

Boreal Inn

2.3(48 reviews)
0.4 mi

Dang bud! Some of these reviews are HARSH. If you want the Ritz but are balling on a budget, you…read moreare better off going into Truckee or slipping down to South Shore. The facts: Boreal is the closest resort and opens 1st ALWAYS. The lodge is old yes but it is a roof over your head and a bed under your bum. I went up here with 2 friends over NYE 2013-2014 this past year and we knew exactly what to expect. That is why we drank hella in the room, passed out, then woke up and rode. Sure it is old fashioned but the fact is this: you did not spend over $200 per night per guest, you got to ride their mountain, and you made it home with out having to give up your 1st born child. Too many 1 star reviews for the reality that this place is: an older ski lodge next to a small mountain. what did you expect? If they renovate the prices are going to be in the upwards of $250-350 per night and that wont fly.

It's like a motel 6 but in the snow. You're paying for the convenience of the location…read more I stayed in their "premium" room...which means it was remodeled. It had two queen beds with no bed skirts, no artwork on the walls, a colored accent wall, a fiberglass 1980's beige tub/ shower, new linoleum, a new granite window sill and a 13" television in an armoire. The TV is an old tube tv with no auxillary hook-ups. They do have a full selection of cable channels. The room was very clean but they used cheap ikea style lamps on the corner table and the night stand. The only central lighting was in the entry hall. The beds were plush, the linens were good quality, the pillows were soft, each bed had a down comforter & the towels were very soft. I was on the 3rd floor. There are no elevators so you'll get your exercise. They serve a continental breakfast in the lobby but it doesn't look appealing at all. They re-use disposable black plastic table cloths and just set the cereal and muffins out from 8:00-9:30am. They are right next to the day-use snow park, so you can stay parked in their lot and walk to the snow park without having to pay the fee. They also rent sleds for $7 a day to use at the park. NOTE: you can buy the same sled for $10 at any store in the area. The staff was nice and they sell sodas, chips & candy. You can also order pizza's to your room. In all, it was a pleasant experience. I had expected the worst after reading other reviews but I knew going into it that it wasn't the Hilton and more like an older motel. The benefit of staying here was that I was close to all the snow related things I like within two exits on either side of it.

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Boreal Inn - More furniture

More furniture

Boreal Inn - Microwave, refrigerator, tv and window

Microwave, refrigerator, tv and window

Boreal Inn - Furniture

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Furniture

Donner Ski Ranch

Donner Ski Ranch

3.4(209 reviews)
1.7 mi

This is for the techs in the ski shop. Great people and great service. They were so helpful with my…read moredaughter's skis today, going above and beyond. I would say in general the people that work here make the whole vibe a great place to spend the day. From the people in the parking lot, to the ticket window, to the restaurant, and the lifts, all of them made for a great experience today. Kudos.

We wern't there for skiing or tubing, we were there for food…read more We saw the sign for pies, ice cream, and cocktails as we parked for an epic bike ride through the Donner Tunnels We rode the donner tunnels bike trail, and were starving, so we stopped in. Not sure if there was a handicap entrance, but I would have appreciated that. I stiffen up pretty quickly after a ride, so the climb up the two sets of stairs was excruciating. The pain was worth it. I had a great Western Burger, and my friend enjoyed the Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad Dogs are not allowed inside. Not even well behaved service dogs?! We sat on the deck. Multiple untrained dogs on the deck. Yes your dogs are cute, but watch them! And your kids! They should be AT YOUR TABLE. One adorable frenchie kept running inside every time the door opened. Are there no leash laws in California? Our well trained service dog was rolling her eyes, at all the crazy behavior. Pretty sure the cocktails made the climb down to the parking lot much more enjoyable. Thank you!

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Donner Ski Ranch - Photogenic chair

Photogenic chair

Donner Ski Ranch - Snow  Tubing

Snow Tubing

Donner Ski Ranch

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Clair Tappaan Lodge - Library room

Clair Tappaan Lodge

4.2(45 reviews)
1.8 mi

Clair Tappaan Lodge was an incredible experience, especially during a major storm week…read more The atmosphere is what makes this place special. You're surrounded by a great, down-to-earth crowd, and it feels like a true mountain community rather than a typical hotel. The staff were outstanding across the board. Everyone was helpful and welcoming, even with the challenges of the storm. The biggest highlight for our family was the food team. Our son has a dairy allergy, and they went above and beyond to accommodate him. They clearly communicated which foods were safe, and on multiple occasions prepared separate options just for him. That level of care made a huge difference for us and gave us real peace of mind. A special thank you to Juan, who was incredibly helpful throughout our stay. From assisting with the reservation, to coordinating with the kitchen, to being a consistent and reliable point of contact, he made everything smooth and easy. If you're looking for a unique, authentic Sierra lodge experience with great people and genuinely caring staff, this is a special place. We would absolutely come back.

Truly wonderful staff and delicious home-cooked meals. The lodge is very welcoming and offers…read moreeverything you need for a comfortable stay in this historic setting. I highly recommend it for short stays while skiing near Sugar Bowl. Myra, Andrew, and the cook, Sue, make you feel like part of the family. Very rustic and absolutely fabulous.

Photos
Clair Tappaan Lodge - Fire pit

Fire pit

Clair Tappaan Lodge - Coat and ski boots area

Coat and ski boots area

Clair Tappaan Lodge - Dining room

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Dining room

Tahoe Donner - Downhill Ski Resort - The only lift on this mountain, there's a bunny hill lift on the left

Tahoe Donner - Downhill Ski Resort

3.4(110 reviews)
4.6 mi

Conveniently located a 15 minute drive outside the charming Northern California town of Truckee…read more The name is appropriate. This is a down hill ski resort. Its highest elevation is below 7,400' feet. By comparison Vail's lowest elevation is more than 8,000' feet. Skiing here does occur on mountainous terrain but with well under 200 skiable acres compared to 5,300 at Vail. This is a small-scale resort and certainly cute. Those accustomed to Colorado or European skiing might find it limited. That said, it has all the makings of a perfect place to learn the sport especially if it's a child skier or beginner.

Best place for first timers. We signed our daughters up for private lessons for their first time…read moreskiing. Since my wife and I snowboard we knew we were not best suited to teach them and we wanted them to start off with skiing first since it's easier to learn. They were taught by the very best, Coach Patty! She is phenomenal and did great with our girls. Our girls had so much fun and improved so much from start to finish that they're now chairlift ready. Highly recommend taking your little ones here for lessons. I also want to note that they have a brand new lodge and it's awesome. Everything is new, clean, and nice. We ate lunch here as well and the food wasn't bad either. We'll definitely be back to take the girls skiing again!

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Tahoe Donner - Downhill Ski Resort - Magic carpet

Magic carpet

Tahoe Donner - Downhill Ski Resort - Conveyor lift broken down and roped off

Conveyor lift broken down and roped off

Tahoe Donner - Downhill Ski Resort

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Donner Summit Sno-Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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