Humble California Ski Area Blasts Inconsiderate Motorcycle Group
You know all of the big-name ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe region, but a humble, independent ski area on Donner Pass regularly makes the news here at POWDER.
Why? Because nobody does it like Donner Ski Ranch (DSR).
DSR is small by Tahoe standards, but it packs a punch with deep annual snowfall, cheap lift tickets, and a no-frills yet welcoming experience. It keeps diehard skiers and snowboarders coming back year after year.
DSR was open for skiing and riding into May last season, but with below-average snowfall and warm temperatures, the ski area kicked off its summer operations at the Old 40 Bar & Grill a bit earlier than normal this spring.
The Old 40 Bar & Grill serves cold beer, bar-style food, and sandwiches. If you're still hungry for a sweet treat, DSR's homemade pies are delicious. The restaurant and bar are Donner Ski Ranch's lone sources of revenue in the summer months. The hiking trails and disc golf course are free, but DSR relies on hungry and thirsty patrons to keep the lights on after the snow has melted.
That's why a recent group of motorcyclists, who didn't purchase any food or drinks, but used DSR's bathrooms, have been put on blast, so to speak, by the ski area in a social media post.
"This is the slowest time of year, and we are looking for business to keep all of our employees busy," writes DSR on Facebook. "Not long ago, a group rode up on their Harleys. Every single rider came up onto the deck, into the Bar & Grill, and headed for the bathrooms, did their business, turned around, went back through the Bar & Grill, onto the deck, and left. Not one spent a dime."
"When we suggested their next ride should be up Old Hwy 40 to clean the restrooms at DSR, it did not go over well," DSR says in the post.
DSR mentions earlier in the post that they have actively reached out to motorcycle clubs in the region to encourage visits.
"A few years ago, we sent out flyers to every car and motorcycle club in Northern CA & NV promoting the beautiful Old Highway 40 drive to the Old 40 Bar & grill for some food, drink & pie," writes DSR. "Continue down Tahoe's West Shore then take Hwy 50 back. Many clubs take advantage of this most recently The Lancis owners club. We Try So Hard But Still Suck."
The original social media post has been flooded with comments supporting DSR and expressing disdain for the inconsiderate group of motorcyclists. It seems the ski area's sarcastic, self-deprecating jab played off well.
As I said at the beginning, nobody does it like Donner Ski Ranch.
As a resident of Truckee, eating a sandwich and drinking a beer on the Old 40 Bar & Grill patio after playing DSR's free disc golf course is one of my favorite summer pastimes. See ya up there!
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 5:47 AM.