Donner Summit

About Us

Standing tall above the reflections of Donner Lake lies one of the most visible areas for backcountry skiing in the Truckee area, Donner Peak. Boasting mellow glades, technical chutes, steep pillows and incredible spines, when the snow pack fills it all in Donner Peak represents classic Sierra skiing at its finest.

Just past the road closure atop Old Hwy 40 sits lies the ASI area. Despite the fact that Sugar Bowl now owns the property, the access point near the building on the summit is still described as ASI, since it used to house Alpine Skills International (ASI), local mountain guides and educators. From here you can get to both ASI and Donner Peak; there are also a number of short hikes and obvious fun terrain right off the road.

Distance: Very short approaches, you can even shuttle from the summit down!
Elevation: ~ 2,000 feet from the top of Donner Peak to Donner Lake
Trailhead: ASI/Donner Ski Ranch (follow parking signage), Sugar Bowl’s out of bounds gates. There is no parking allowed November 1 - April 30 from Donner Lake West End neighborhood, Tinker Court. You will be ticketed if you park there.