California offers incredible diversity in winter recreation – and the options aren’t limited to the shred heads among us. From dining to dancing, shopping to snow parks, California’s snowy scene has a little something for everyone.
The Lake Tahoe area is a mecca for winter activities. Get whisked along by racing huskies, teeter or whirl on ice skates, or listen to those jingle bells on a sleigh ride. Of course, it’s also the scene to some of the best slopes and snow in the world. Don’t be afraid to enter Tahoe’s wonderful winter world!
Another un beatable experience awaits one at the ‘Heavenly Ski Resort’ that stands out with its gondola, within walking distance of about 5,000 hotels rooms, multiple five-star restaurants, two cineplexes, spas, shopping and all-night dance clubs. At 4,800 acres, it’s the largest resort in California, providing spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.
The Village at Northstar is also a dining hotspot, with three new restaurants bringing the total to 13. Don’t miss The Chocolate Bar, featuring a one-of-a-kind menu specializing in the highest-quality chocolate.
1. Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
California is a hot favourite for snowshoers and cross country skiers who relish a good workout amidst the quiet of an alpine forest. You can find a wealth of opportunities throughout the state on trails leading off the highways or roads. Or, you can enjoy one of the resorts that cater to cross-country aficionados.
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Kirkwood Cross Country & Snowshoe Centre offers some incredible scenery and exciting terrain for cross-country skiers and snowshoers in California. Climb to ridge tops, glide along the base of impressive lava cliffs and roll along through picturesque meadows. Kirkwood is also pet-friendly, so you and man’s best friend can enjoy winter together.
Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in north-western California along the hundreds of miles of little-travelled trails in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Or, if you prefer groomed trails, Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort near North Lake Tahoe is the largest in North America.
2. Family Fun in the Snow
Families can discover all forms of snow play up and down the state, from ice skating at an Olympic rink overlooking Lake Tahoe, to an outing in a horse-drawn carriage on a crisp, starry night. In addition, California has dozens of great sledding sites, including 19 snow-parks , which are located off major highways.
3. Visit the terrain parks of Alpine Meadows with aspiring air-catchers
The perfect place to learn on smaller rails and jumps, the alpine meadows offers the perfect learning ground for all beginners, from the kids to the grandparents. Alpine Meadows also features some of the finest children’s programs in the region, focusing on safety, fun and learning.
4. Winter Adventure at the Mt. San Jacinto on the Pal Springs Aerial Tramway
For a unique winter experience, ascend 2.5 miles up the sheer face of Mt. San Jacinto on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Deep in the desert, you’ll find the frozen stuff—and the Winter Adventure Center, which rents showshoes, cross-country skis, and snow tubes. For a more traditional experience, tour Yosemite nestled in blankets atop a two-horse open sleigh, courtesy of Yosemite Trails Pack Station.
5. Skiing & Snowboarding
California boasts elite downhill skiing and boarding. While the focal point is the Lake Tahoe area, you can find great runs at Mt. Shasta, Mammoth Mountain and even on the Southern California slopes.
Lake Tahoe & night riding at Squaw Vally
The Lake Tahoe Ski Area is packed with dozens of world-class resorts. The High Sierras’ varied terrain offers plenty of challenges for the beginner on up to the black diamond enthusiasts. One Tahoe favourites is Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Squaw Valley also offers a twist on traditional skiing – night riding! Visitors can take to the slopes under a specially-made floodlight system.
Bear Valley to Mammoth Mountain, enjoy the slopes of the Central Sierras
The Central Sierras offer outstanding snowboarding and skiing, from Bear Valley to Mammoth Mountain. Families flock to the Stanislaus National Forest, home to Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge. South of Yosemite, Mammoth Mountain is the favourite snow getaway with over 3,500 acres of steep chutes, open bowls and well-groomed trails. Offering ‘pure mountain fun’ Mammoth Mountain provides endless possibilities for a winter getaway.
Mt. Shasta Ski Park
North and South of the Sierras, California boasts challenging downhill terrains and full-service resorts. Mt. Shasta, at 14,162 feet, looms over California’s northern reaches and throughout the winter, snowboarders and skiers flock to the Mt. Shasta Ski Park . While, just a few hours from Los Angeles and San Diego, resorts in the San Bernardino National Forest offer unmatched terrain at the Snow Summit and Bear Mountain resorts. With over 150 jumps, ranging from spines, tables, hips, gaps, transfers, cheese wedges, rollers and bumps, Bear Mountain is the place to learn them all.