Head for the Hills: It’s Ski Season
Winter storms have arrived, piling a bounty of snow on our local mountains. Southern California boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding around, and many resorts are just a few hours away from The Crest. 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.
Going on a ski getaway vacay? Top resort destinations like Lake Tahoe, Park City and Colorado offer luxurious accommodations, along with charming shopping and dining experiences. Before you go, check for snow reports, health guidelines, and policy updates. Our local ski resorts in particular have received a lot of snow. Visit their websites for road conditions and chain-control checkpoints.
Mountain High 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. 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. Read safety guidelines HERE
Mt. Baldy Resort 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, 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 those new to the snow.
Mt. Waterman Ski Resort California 2 La Cañada Flintridge, CA 93553
Deemed a national monument, Mt. Waterman is the closest ski lift area to the L.A basin. Escape the crowds at larger resorts and really get the most out of a powder day 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 ft, 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 also available.
Big Bear Mountain Resort 880 Summit Blvd. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
One resort, two mountains, 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. 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. Read health guidelines 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. 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. Review the new policies and procedures 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. For health 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 prior to your visit to understand any health policies and procedures, current ticketing availability, and what is expected of you during your visit. More info HERE
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Ski New Mexico
Photo #2: Discover Vail
Photo #3: Mountain High
Photo #4: Mt. Baldy Resort
Photo #5: Mt. Waterman Ski Resort
Photo #6: Big Bear Mountain Resort
Photo #7: Mammoth Mountain
Photo #8: Heavenly Mountain
Photo #9: Deer Valley Resort
Photo #10: Colorado Ski Country