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When you think of California, images of sunny beaches, palm trees, and Hollywood might come to mind. However, California is also home to some of the best ski and snowboarding destinations in the United States. With its diverse terrain, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and abundance of snowfall, California offers winter sports enthusiasts an unforgettable alpine experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time rider, here are some must-visit ski and snowboarding destinations in the Golden State.
WHERE CAN I SKI/SNOWBOARD IN CALIFORNIA?
| Badger Pass Ski Area – Yosemite (1) |
| Big Bear Mountain Resort – Big Bear (1) |
| Boreal Mountain – Lake Tahoe (1) |
| China Peak Mountain Resort – Lake Shore (1) |
| Donner Ski Ranch – Lake Tahoe (2) |
| Diamond Peak – Lake Tahoe (3) |
| Granlibakken – Lake Tahoe (4) |
| Heavenly – Lake Tahoe (5) |
| Homewood Mountain Resort – Lake Tahoe (6) |
| June Mountain Ski Area – June Lake (1) |
| Kirkwood Ski Area – Lake Tahoe (7) |
| Mammoth Mountain – Mammoth Lakes (1) |
| Mount Shasta Ski Park – Mount Shasta (1) |
| Mountain High Resort – Wrightwood (1) |
| Mt. Baldy Resort – Mt. Baldy (1) |
| Mount Rose – Lake Tahoe (8) |
| Northstar at Tahoe Ski Area – Lake Tahoe (9) |
| Palisades Tahoe – Lake Tahoe (10) |
| Sierra at Tahoe Ski Area – Lake Tahoe (11) |
| Soda Springs – Lake Tahoe (12) |
| Sugar Bowl Resort – Lake Tahoe (13) |
| Tahoe Donner Ski Area – Lake Tahoe (14) |
Top Destinations to Visit with Ski/Snowboarding Resorts
1. Mammoth Lakes
Located in the Eastern Sierra region, Mammoth Mountain is one of California’s premier ski resorts, offering over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of over 3,000 feet. With an average annual snowfall of 400 inches, Mammoth provides excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding from November through June. The resort features a variety of terrain parks, halfpipes, and groomed runs suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, Mammoth offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains and is known for its vibrant aprรจs-ski scene.โIf you’re looking for deals on where to stay, click here.
2. Lake Tahoe
Situated on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and world-class ski resorts. The Lake Tahoe area boasts a total of 14 resorts, including, Palisades Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort, Kirkwood Ski Area, Sierra at Tahoe and Diamond Peak Resort, to name a few. With over 300 days of sunshine each year and an average annual snowfall of over 300 inches, Lake Tahoe offers exceptional skiing and snowboarding conditions. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of terrain, from groomed slopes to challenging backcountry terrain, as well as breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lake and surrounding mountains. Find deals on places to stay, here.
3. Big Bear
Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Mountain Resort is Southern California’s premier winter sports destination. The resort comprises two distinct ski areas: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Snow Summit offers wide-open groomed runs and terrain parks suitable for families and beginners, while Bear Mountain is known for its challenging terrain and world-class terrain parks. With over 400 skiable acres and an average annual snowfall of 100 inches, Big Bear Mountain Resort provides excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions just a short drive from Los Angeles. Find lodging options here.
4. Mount Shasta
Located at the base of majestic Mount Shasta in Northern California, Mount Shasta Ski Park offers a unique skiing and snowboarding experience in a pristine alpine setting. The resort features diverse terrain for all skill levels, including beginner-friendly slopes, intermediate runs, and challenging black diamond trails. With an average annual snowfall of over 300 inches, Mount Shasta Ski Park provides excellent snow conditions from December through April. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of Mount Shasta and the surrounding wilderness while exploring the resort’s scenic trails. Find lodging options in Mount Shasta here.
5. Wrightwood
Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains near the town of Wrightwood, Mountain High Resort is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in Southern California. The resort offers three separate areas: East, West, and North, each with its own unique terrain and features. With a variety of runs ranging from beginner to expert, as well as terrain parks and night skiing, Mountain High provides options for riders of all skill levels. Plus, its close proximity to Los Angeles makes it a convenient choice for day trips or weekend getaways. If you’re looking for a place to stay near Mountain High, click here.
6. Mt. Baldy
Perched atop the scenic San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. Baldy Resort offers stunning views and challenging terrain for skiers and snowboarders. With over 800 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 2,100 feet, the resort boasts a mix of groomed runs, steep chutes, and tree-lined trails. Visitors can also enjoy scenic chairlift rides, tubing, and snowshoeing in addition to skiing and snowboarding. Plus, its close proximity to the greater Los Angeles area makes it a convenient option for day trips or weekend adventures. Find places to stay near the resort, here.
7. Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is not just a summer destination; it transforms into a winter wonderland at the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area, also known as Badger Pass. This family-friendly resort offers a range of slopes for all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for beginners and families. With stunning views of iconic Yosemite landmarks and a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing and tubing, Badger Pass provides a unique alpine experience within the breathtaking Yosemite National Park. Find deals on lodging, here.
8. June Lake
Nestled in the Eastern Sierra near June Lake, June Mountain Resort is a hidden gem with a laid-back atmosphere. Boasting over 1,500 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,590 feet, June Mountain offers diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders. The resort is known for its uncrowded slopes, stunning mountain vistas, and family-friendly atmosphere. With an average annual snowfall of around 250 inches, June Mountain provides a tranquil and picturesque winter escape. For those looking for a place to stay in the area, click here.
9. Lake Shore
Located near Huntington Lake in the Sierra National Forest, China Peak Mountain Resort is a local favorite known for its diverse terrain and reliable snow conditions. With over 1,600 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 1,679 feet, China Peak offers a mix of groomed runs, challenging steeps, and tree-lined glades. The resort’s proximity to the Central Valley makes it a popular choice for both day trips and weekend getaways, providing a mountain retreat for skiers and snowboarders. Find deals on where to stay, here.
From the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the rugged mountains of the San Bernardino range, California offers an abundance of ski and snowboarding destinations for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re seeking steep chutes, groomed runs, or terrain parks, you’ll find it all in the Golden State. So, grab your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes for an unforgettable alpine adventure in California’s winter wonderland.