California skiing is legendary with the combination of the high peaks in the Shasta Mountain region of the north, the breathtaking views and plentiful powder of the Lake Tahoe Region, and the playful mountains right outside of the Los Angeles area.
California skiing is legendary with the combination of the high peaks in the Shasta Mountain region of the north, the breathtaking views and plentiful powder of the Lake Tahoe Region, and the playful mountains right outside of the Los Angeles area. California’s mountains create some of the best skiing conditions in the United States with huge amounts of snowfall and close proximity to the state’s major cities. One of the most popular areas to ski in California, as well as the rest of the country, is majestic Lake Tahoe.
The area is home to over 10 mountains and resorts providing a variety of terrain, personality, and accommodations to visitors to the area. Squaw Valley, one of the largest ski areas in the United States is a world-class destination resort nestled among six high Sierra peaks. With 4,000 acres of lift-served terrain and an annual snowpack of over 450 inches, the mountain is able to cater to a wide variety of skier and snowboarder abilities. Homewood Mountain Resort is located on the western shore and is the only ski area to have its lifts and runs begin within hundreds of feet of beautiful Lake Tahoe. The resort is known for its incredible tree skiing, groomed runs and spectacular lake views and offers lessons, clinics, and plenty of space to enjoy the thrills of these energetic sports.
Heavenly Ski Resort is the only Vail owned ski resorts located outside the state of Colorado. It is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at Monument Peak, straddling the state line between California and Nevada and has over 4,800 acres of terrain. Few ski resorts match Heavenly’s superior scenic beauty and expansive network of lifts, terrain, trails and snowmaking that make it able to provide visitors long intermediate cruisers, the chutes of Mott Canyon, and the gentle slopes of the beginner areas so there is terrain for every level of skier.
The rest of the ski areas in California are spread from the north in the Shasta Mountain region to areas right outside the Los Angeles area. Mt. Shasta Ski Park is located on mighty 14,162í Mt. Shasta in northern California. There are miles of fabulously groomed trails that cater to all levels of skill and a park that is a cruisers paradise and a powder lovers delight when Mother Nature decides to visit. Trick riders and wannabes can access two terrain parks, which feature all the jibs, rails, and half pipes that guarantee to get the adrenaline pumping. Southern California is home to Bear Mountain Resort with 24 chairlifts serving over 400 acres, more than 50 trails, and a 1,700-foot vertical drop. This is the only mountain resort in the U.S. devoted almost entirely to freestyle terrain and is home to “The Park” that integrates over 100 jumps with step-ups, step-downs, tables, hips, spines, rollers, and nearly 60 jibs including rails and boxes. No matter what the ability level or style, “The Park” at Bear Mountain has something for everyone. Mammoth Mountain, located in central California, has one of America’s longest ski seasons lasting November to June, a ten to fifteen foot snowpack, and a high ski elevation of 11,053 feet making it one of the most popular places to ski in the US. Visitors love its world-famous bowls, gentle groomed trails, steep chutes, secluded tree runs, and California sunshine. Skiing in California makes for great family vacations or fun weekend getaways providing hours of recreation, great scenery, and plenty of snow!