Hit The Slopes: Ski Season is Here
Winter storms have showered our mountains with a bounty of snow. And Southern California boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding around, with many popular resorts just a few hours away from The Pearl. If you’re planning a local trip, visit Ski California, a non-profit trade association representing 32 ski resorts in California and Nevada. The website covers everything from runs to lift systems, terrain parks, and live weather conditions. Ready for a ski getaway vacay? Top resort destinations like Lake Tahoe, Park City, and Vail, Colorado offer luxurious accommodations, along with charming shopping and dining experiences. Before you go, check for snow reports, health guidelines, and policy updates.
24510 CA-2
Wrightwood, CA 92397
Open for skiing and snowboarding, Mountain High is one of Southern California’s closest winter resorts, with three great mountains and a world class terrain park only an hour and a half from downtown Los Angeles. Situated in the San Gabriel mountains along State Route 2 west of Wrightwood, Mountain High is one of the region’s most visited resorts. With an elevation of 6,600 to 8,200 feet for the Mountain High East Resort, 7,000 to 8,000 feet for the West Resort, and 7,200 to 7,800 feet for the North Resort, you can explore all three mountains with a single lift ticket. Mountain High is committed to your health and well being. Read safety guidelines HERE
8401 Mt Baldy Rd.
Mt Baldy, CA 91759
Mt. Baldy Resort has been known for decades as hosting Southern California’s best natural skiing and snowboarding terrain. With over 800 acres of skiable and rideable terrain, at 2100 vertical feet, Mt. Baldy Resort has the most dramatic vertical drop in Southern California. Skiers and riders alike can enjoy the traditional runs, open bowls, chutes, and tree runs that this unique destination has to offer. To compliment the world class alpine terrain, Mt. Baldy Resort also has a state of the art Terrain Based Learning Center and Snow Tubing Park for an introduction to those new to the snow.
California 2
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 93553
Deemed a national monument, Mt. Waterman is the closest ski lift area to the L.A basin. You can escape the crowds at larger resorts and really get the most out of a powder day at this day ski and snowboard area. With three chair lifts and 25 runs, 65% of the hill is advanced, while offering beginner and intermediate runs at the top of the mountain. Ride the lifts up to 8,030 feet, drop into the Upper Bowl, and then carve down tree-lined trails all the way to the base area. Lessons for skiing and snowboarding are available as well. Check website for more details about snow conditions, lift openings, and health guidelines.
880 Summit Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
One resort, two mountains, and endless options. With Snow Summit (peak 8,200 feet) and Bear Mountain (peak 8,805 feet), Big Bear Mountain Resort is the premier destination to experience the best snow conditions, longest season, and most rideable terrain in Southern California. Winter operations are typically from November to April and all lift tickets are valid for same-day use at both mountains, which means access to over 400 skiable acres, 26 lifts, and more than 55 runs. Operations at Big Bear Mountain Resort this winter will differ from previous seasons. More info HERE
Boasting the highest lift-served summit in California at 11,053 feet, Mammoth is the leading four-season mountain resort in the state, offering year-round lodging and endless outdoor recreation. Winters are long and legendary – known for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the United States. You can also explore the scenic Lakes Basin on Nordic skis or snowshoes, ride a gondola to Mammoth’s summit, or try some tubing at Woolly’s Tube Park. Please review the new policies and procedures prior to your trip HERE
Ski Lake Tahoe is a great resource for planning your Tahoe trip, with detailed information for six major resorts, including Sierra at Tahoe, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows, Northstar, and Mt. Rose. You can check snow and weather conditions, trail maps, tickets & passes, lessons, rentals, and lodging & dining options. Health policies vary at individual ski resorts, so be sure to visit their websites for guidelines before you go. More info HERE
A 35-minute ride from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City sits nestled at 7,000 feet above sea level in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Originally a silver mining town, Park City’s transformation to one of the world’s premier skiing destinations was marked by the first ski lift installation in 1946. Since then, the “Greatest Snow on Earth” has been falling on Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resorts. While some restaurants welcome guests for dine-in, many continue to offer take-out delivery options as well. For details please visit the travel update page HERE
If you’re planning a Colorado ski trip, a great resource is Colorado Ski Country, a not-for-profit trade association which represents 22 ski and snowboard resorts in Colorado including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Steamboat, Powderhorn, Telluride, Winter Park and more. Check ski area websites, social media and other communications prior to your visit to understand any health policies and procedures in place, current ticketing availability, and what is expected of you during your visit. More info HERE
Located 100 miles west of Denver in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, with 5.317 skiable acres, 195 trails, and 31 lifts. The base elevation is 8,120 feet, rising to 11.570 feet peak elevation. With twinkling lights and crisp mountain air, Vail’s beautiful mountain village is the backdrop that sparks the winter spirit for visitors and locals alike. Explore shops and restaurants along the heated pedestrian streets that follow the winding Gore Creek to the Covered Bridge, which is just steps away from Gondola One, which takes skiers to Vail Mountain’s finest slopes.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Colorado Ski Country
Photo #2: Mountain High
Photo #3: Mt. Baldy Resort
Photo #4: Mt. Waterman Ski Resort
Photo #5: Big Bear Mountain Resort
Photo #6: Mammoth Mountain
Photo #7: Heavenly Mountain
Photo #8: Deer Valley Resort
Photo #9: Colorado Ski Country
Photo #10: Discover Vail