California might be best known for its sundrenched beaches and seemingly perfect year-round weather, but did you know that the Golden State is also home to some seriously epic ski resorts?
From November until May, the best ski resorts in California are in full swing, offering skiers and snowboarders with powder-fresh slopes; a variety of green, blue, and black diamond trails; and buzzing après ski spots – and if you’re lucky, you might even get sunny, blue-skied days to boot!
Whether you want to go all out on a family ski trip to Mammoth or get a more laid-back local experience at Sierra-at-Tahoe or Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area, here are my top picks for the very best ski resorts in California to visit this winter season.
- Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Here are my top 3 picks!
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The 9 Best Ski Resorts in California to Visit This Winter
1. Mammoth Mountain
As a San Diego native, it might be easiest to make the 3-hour drive to Bear Mountain or Snow Summit. But nine times out of 10, I choose to make the 7-hour drive out to Mammoth because Mammoth Mountain is just that good!
I’ve been to Mammoth countless times to go snowboarding and it’s easily one of my favorite ski resorts in California. So no, whether you’re based in northern or southern California, Mammoth Mountain isn’t the most convenient ski resort to get to, but if you ask me, it’s worth making the extra effort to visit.
Located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Mammoth Mountain boasts over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, 125 trails, and 25 ski lifts. Another thing that gives Mammoth the reputation as one of the top ski resorts in California is that it has one of the lengthiest ski seasons in North America.
Of course, the season will always vary from year to year, but if you’re lucky, the ski season in Mammoth may run from early November to late May (and sometimes even longer!).
2. Heavenly Mountain Resort
When it comes to places to ski in California, Heavenly Mountain Resort is at the top of most people’s lists. This is another one of my very favorite places to go snowboarding but like Mammoth, it is very popular and very pricey.
But if you ask me, it’s a bucket list mountain to go skiing and snowboarding. Riding up the gondola and taking in the bird’s-eye views of the beautifully blue Lake Tahoe below is an absolutely magical experience.
Views aside, Heavenly boasts 4,800 acres of skiable terrain, 97 trails, 28 lifts, and a pretty epic terrain park. They also have some super fun black diamond trails, as well as loads of intermediate trails.
World-class skiing aside, Heavenly has the added benefit of being located right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. So, when you’re not shredding the slopes, you can take your pick of the many cool things to do in Lake Tahoe. Not only is the nightlife in South Lake Tahoe out of this world, but you’ll have tons of casinos to take a gamble at on the Nevada side of the border!
3. Sierra-at-Tahoe
Located just 30 minutes from Heavenly, Sierra-at-Tahoe is one of the coolest ski resorts in California, especially if you’d like a more low-key and local experience. It doesn’t have the glitz and glam of Heavenly, but that comes with perks like far fewer crowds and much more affordable passes while still having world-class trails and terrain parks.
With 400+ inches of snowfall each year, Sierra is one for powder lovers. This independently-owned resort also offers 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and 48 trails with plenty of options for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers and snowboarders.
If you want to go big, glide your way over to the Sierra Playgrounds with their nine obstacle-studded terrain parks and the only halfpipe in town!
4. Palisades Tahoe
You’re going to find many of the best ski resorts in California clustered around the Lake Tahoe area, and aside from Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe (formerly known as Squaw Valley) is one of the most famous.
Located clear across the lake from Heavenly Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe is perhaps best known for being the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics and it has held onto its world-class status ever since.
The resort has expanded significantly since then and now offers skiers and snowboarders alike 3,600 acres of terrain, 23 lifts, six towering peaks, and a gondola that connects Palisades to the massive Alpine Meadows next door.
5. Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Like Sierra-at-Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is one of the best places to ski in California if you’re looking for fresh powder and low-key, local vibes.
No, you’re not going to get the views offered by Heavenly or Palisades, but you will get one of the highest resort snowfalls in the world and the second-highest in the Lake Tahoe area. Think 600+ inches of fresh powder each season!
Kirkwood is removed from the shores of Lake Tahoe, so you won’t find much else going on at this resort aside from the slopes. But that’s also what I love about Kirkwood. That, and it doesn’t have the crowds or high price tags of Heavenly and Palisades.
Here, you’ll find 2,300 skiable acres, 2,000 feet of vertical drop, and 87 trails that cater to all different skill levels.
6. Sugar Bowl
If you’re looking for places to ski in California that put you near the Lake Tahoe area, Sugar Bowl is always a fun pick. This resort isn’t as big as nearby Heavenly or Palisades, but in my opinion, that’s part of the appeal.
Plus, with its location on top of Donner Summit, this place prides itself on having the deepest snowpack in the area, which can make for some truly world-class conditions.
Sugar Bowl boasts four towering peaks, 12 lifts, 100+ trails, 500 inches of snowfall per year, and 1,650 acres of skiable terrain. If you’re looking to get some serious speed, you’ll love flying down Crowley’s (off of Mt. Lincoln), which is a whopping 3 miles long. Or, if obstacles are more your thing, Sugar Bowl also has a pretty challenging terrain park.
If conditions are truly perfect and you’re an advanced skier or snowboarder, the Palisades offer some truly epic terrain that should only be attempted if you know what you’re doing!
7. Bear Mountain
You’ll find the best skiing in California up in Northern California, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find quality ski resorts in Southern California. While Mammoth Mountain is easily the best So-Cal mountain, it really is a long drive from both LA and San Diego.
But if you’re looking for slopes in Southern California, Bear Mountain is arguably the most popular mountain for snowboarders, largely thanks to its award-winning terrain parks, jumps, bumps, and rails. But if you’re not into obstacles, you’ll love getting serious speed down the steep, well-groomed trails like Geronimo.
Bear Mountain is a part of Big Bear Mountain Resort and boasts eight lifts with runs for all skill levels, including tons of areas for beginners. Like all So-Cal resorts, conditions are going to be their best when the powder is fresh – things can get really icy otherwise. They do, however, make their own snow to make conditions better when natural snowfall is scarce.
8. Snow Summit
Also located in Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Summit is a bit more geared to skiers and families than Bear Mountain. But that doesn’t mean snowboarders don’t love this mountain, too. It’s a great option if you’re not looking for obstacles and terrain parks and just want to cruise down the slopes.
If you’re not sure which one is for you, you can hit both on the same day. Tickets work at both mountains, and there’s a shuttle that runs between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. If you plan to visit both, you’ll get access to over 400 skiable acres, 58+ runs, and 19 lifts. Not too bad for being less than 100 miles from the So-Cal coast!
9. Mt. Shasta Ski Park
Located in Northern California, toward the border with Oregon, Mt. Shasta Ski Park is a great option if you’re looking to avoid the crowds in Lake Tahoe’s top ski resorts.
Mt. Shasta Ski Park is one of the best ski resorts in California if you’re for a more mellow experience. This intimate resort is home to 636 acres and 38 trails. That being said, this is also a super popular mountain for backcountry riders, when the conditions are good.
But if you’re a beginner, fear not. You can sign up for a range of lessons at Mt. Shasta Ski Park. There’s also a magic carpet for those learning to ski or snowboard and tubing available if you’re looking for something more family-friendly.
