Let's talk value. Can you afford $20 for a lift ticket? That's the deal all winter long Tuesday through Thursday for skiers and riders at Donner Ski Ranch. And for students, military, police and firefighters, that's the deal Monday through Friday.

Complete lesson packages — rental, lift ticket and lesson — go for $40 midweek. Can you say steal? At Donner Ski Ranch you'll find unparalleled deals every day of the week, untouched powder in the glades off the backside days after a storm, and a whole lot of skiing and riding history (the Ranch was the first Sierra resort to allow snowboarding).

On the hill:

The skiing:
With 505 acres and a maximum 721-foot vertical drop, it's unlikely you'll get lost at the Ranch, but it is likely that powderhounds will find fresh tracks well after a storm cycle. The mountain breaks down to 25 percent beginner terrain, 50 percent intermediate, and 25 percent advanced. Beginner to intermediate freestylers will also enjoy the small terrain park and/or the half-pipe on the north-facing backside complete with a new, inclined 57-foot log to slide. Powder-seeking, intermediate tree skiers may actually never want to leave the backside, even when it howls, due to the warming hut (circa 1937) the Ranch recently acquired from the Sierra Club. Also new this year is the magic carpet feature for kids who are just learning.

The Lift Time:
Don't let long lift lines on the front side at Chair One scare you away. Donner Ski Ranch's six lifts spread the crowds out nicely, but air time is a bit of an issue. Chair One seats triples, but all the other lifts are doubles only — best to schedule your ski-trip with a party of an even number.

Gotta try runs:
Beginner: True beginners will want to pay their dues on Chair 6 where they can tackle green circle favorites like Cowboy and Easy Street in full view of friends and family sipping cocktails on the Donner Ski Ranch deck.

Intermediate: Intermediates will fall in love with the terrain off Chair 3, which stays nice and cold due to its north-facing exposure. Of special note is Old German Ridge, which is just a big easy groomer with beautiful views and a line through the trees.

Advanced/Expert: The Face, to looker's right of Chair One, drops a steep 721 vertical feet with a bird's eye view of Donner Lake the whole way. Plus, it's vertically groomed so think Super G turns the whole way. And, if you're ready to launch (and have the wherewithal to do it) you've gotta hit the Palisades off Chair One. But keep in mind, people will be watching, so you better stick it!


Off the hill:

The food and drinks:
So, don't be surprised if you wind up sharing a table with a group of employees from nearby resorts. Why? Because savvy diners know how to stretch their paychecks, and that means big plates of belly-warming comfort food for great prices at the Ranch. For a real fill-me-up, try the Philly cheese steak for around $7. And when you’re looking for a cocktail, there are always a handful of fun-loving folks at the full bar. Order the Dr. Feel Good shot — Bailey's, tequila and a splash of peppermint schnapps — to instill some creamy courage before braving the slopes.

Retail and rental shops:
If you like HEAD equipment you'll be in Heaven at Donner Ski Ranch — that's all they sell and all they rent. It's quality equipment, and for renters, it's nearly brand new. Nothing is more than one year old, so at least you can't blame your flailing on the equipment. The shops are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day of the week. And the rental shop has recently been remodeled to feature a smooth, streamlined transition to the snow.

More information:
You can check out Donner Ski Ranch's website: www.DonnerSkiRanch.com.

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