Find out all about skiing in California. If you want to enjoy the low temperatures in this state with lots of activities, check out these unmissable tips.
When is there snow in California?
If you’re going to California and want to understand when to go skiing there, know that the initial tip is in winter – which runs from December to the end of March.
Also, be aware that this period is considered low season in California, i.e. when all services are cheaper due to the lack of demand. This way, you can have the unique experience of seeing the snow and still save a lot on your trip.
Where can I ski in California?
Although this state is very famous for its warm climate, high temperatures and stunning beaches, you can also find cities and regions where you can see snow and even ski there. Check them out:
Mammoth Lakes in California
Mammoth Lakes is located 240 km from Sacramento, the capital of California. It’s a very cozy town that offers everything you need on your trip: restaurants, stores, hotels and even nightclubs for those who want to party. And that’s where you’ll find the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, where you can practise all the snow sports you can imagine on the 150 slopes available.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also take a ride on the town’s cable car. On it, you have a privileged view of the whole of Mammoth Lakes, rising about 3 meters above the ground.
- Important tip: California is a state that has many tourist cities, with museums, attractions and tours. So, regardless of where you go there, always buy the tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
Lake Tahoe region in California
The Lake Tahoe region is home to several small towns with attractions for those looking to see snow in California. The most popular are certainly the towns of Heavenly, Northstar and Squaw Valley, about 100 km from Sacramento.
And in all of them the experience is excellent. The most breathtaking landscapes are on offer, while everyone can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and many other activities. There is no shortage of places for children to have lots of fun and experience everything we see in the movies. So get ready to create lots of snowmen, snow angels and snowball fights.
- Heavenly: has a better infrastructure.
Main advantages: it has ski resorts, a gondola ride and a viewpoint. - Northstar: ideal for family trips.
Main advantages: hotel complexes full of entertainment, skating and skiing rinks. - Squaw Valley: has hosted the Winter Olympics.
Main advantages: a museum about the Olympics, swimming pools and jacuzzis (for warmer seasons) and ski resorts.
Lassen National Volcanic Park in California
Continuing with this guide to when and where to ski in California, we come to Lassen National Volcanic Park, a place full of natural beauty that surprises all tourists. You will undoubtedly want to spend hours just contemplating some of the local nature.
In addition to the amazing beauty of this park, it offers activities such as:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
It’s about 230 km from San Francisco, which is less than 5 hours by car. To get to know the cities where you can ski in California, we highly recommend that you rent a car there. With a car, you’ll have more freedom to go wherever you want. What’s more, the price of this service is very good.
Big Bear Mountain region in California
As the name suggests, Big Bear Mountain is a mountainous region, ideal for those looking to go snow skiing. As such, its main highlights are the ski resorts: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. If you’re in Los Angeles, it only takes 2 hours to get to Big Bear Mountain.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to California, staying in the best tourist cities is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main cities and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
Yosemite Park in California
Located in eastern California is Yosemite Park, one of California’s largest parks. As soon as winter sets in, the area is completely covered in snow, giving it extra charm, as well as new activities such as ice skating.
The park, which is located among the Sierra Nevada mountains, came third in the ranking of the most visited parks in the United States. This is mainly due to the park’s great infrastructure, which even offers hotels and restaurants to its visitors.
And in summer, the area remains an unmissable attraction in California, with its waterfalls, forests and viewpoints.
Save money on your trip to California:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to California cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your California tickets in the cheapest and safest way. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
