Alpine Meadows vs Tahoe Donner

Alpine Meadows (California) and Tahoe Donner (California) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.

StatAlpine MeadowsTahoe Donner
Vertical drop1,637 ft (499 m)489 ft (149 m)
Summit elevation8,494 ft7,280 ft
Base elevation6,857 ft6,791 ft
Lifts145
Runs9318
Beginner terrain5%18%
Intermediate terrain60%65%
Expert terrain35%17%
Night skiing--

Alpine Meadows has the bigger vertical (1,637 ft vs 489 ft); Alpine Meadows has more runs (93 vs 18); Alpine Meadows skews more expert (35% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
Alpine MeadowsIkon Pass: 7 days
Tahoe DonnerNot on a major pass; lift tickets only

No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →

Stay near Alpine Meadows

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Alpine Meadows

Related comparisons

Alpine Meadows vs Mammoth Mountain Ski AreaAlpine Meadows vs Palisades TahoeAlpine Meadows vs Northstar CaliforniaMammoth Mountain Ski Area vs Tahoe DonnerAlpine Meadows vs China PeakAlpine Meadows vs Sierra-at-TahoeAlpine Meadows vs Bear Valley Mountain ResortPalisades Tahoe vs Tahoe Donner

More detail: Alpine Meadows stats · Tahoe Donner stats