Think of California vacation destinations, and you’ll probably picture a sunny, sandy beach or Disneyland. Less discussed is the fact that the state boasts some of the highest peaks in the country, making it a prime destination for skiing. Wondering where to start your California ski adventure? Here are several of the state’s best resorts.
Heavenly
The largest resort in Lake Tahoe encompasses 4,800 acres of terrain. With a summit elevation of 10,067 feet and the region’s longest vertical drop, it’s easy to see why Heavenly is as popular as it is.
Located on the California–Nevada border, Heavenly comprises four base lodges, each of which attracts different types of skiers. California Base Lodge, for instance, offers trails of a variety of difficulties, while Boulder Lodge is best for beginners. Spacious groomed trails, double-black-diamond descents, tree skiing—regardless of your level and your interests, there’s something for you across this enormous resort.
Even non-skiers will be entertained, as Heavenly’s après options are some of the best in the country. The casinos on the Nevada side are easily accessible. In addition, the views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada are alone worth the trip. Heavenly gets an average of 360 inches of snowfall annually, and conditions here are ideal for skiing approximately 300 days per year.
Kirkwood
A destination for diehard skiers, Kirkwood offers the most challenging slopes and deepest power in the Tahoe region. Located south of Lake Tahoe in the Eldorado National Forest, the resort has over 80 trails, many of them expert level. While smaller than large resorts like Heavenly, Kirkwood boasts sparser crowds and more room to maneuver across its 2,300 acres.
Despite the many expert skiers who flock here, Kirkwood maintains a number of easier groomed trails, meaning there are plenty of options for those who are still developing their skills. There’s also cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and dog-sled tours. Ski-in, ski-out accommodations mean you don’t have to worry about parking. There are fewer shops and restaurants at Kirkwood than other resorts, but its relative isolation makes it feel a little more exclusive.
Mammoth Mountain
A resort befitting its name, Mammoth Mountain has an elevation of 11,503 feet, the highest of any ski area in the state. Located in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Mammoth Mountain is a little more difficult to reach from the major California cities. It’s a testament to the quality of the resort that skiers from Southern California regularly make the long trek here.
Rated the No. 1 overall resort in California by OnTheSnow, Mammoth Mountain has one of the longest ski seasons in the country thanks to the incredible 400 inches of average annual snowfall it receives. In one recent year (2017), it stayed open for the better part of 10 months.
Founded in 1953, Mammoth Mountain has trails for all levels of skiers across its 3,500 acres. It also maintains one of the best terrain parks in the country. Staying here is relatively expensive, however, so consider resting your head in nearby Mammoth Lakes, a charming town that offers an array of accommodations at a variety of price points.
Northstar California
Known as a luxury ski destination, Northstar California boasts an outstanding base village chock-full of upscale restaurants, lodging, and shops. There’s so much to do in the village, in fact, that you could spend much of your getaway exploring it.
As for the mountain itself, Northstar is home to some of the best intermediate skiing in California. Beginners and experts will also find plenty of terrain suitable to them, as will tree skiers and park skiers, the latter of whom can perform tricks on a superpipe designed by Olympic gold medalist Shaun White.
Palisades Tahoe
Known for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe actually consists of two separate ski areas. Fortunately, one lift ticket gives skiers access to both, meaning there are 6,000 skiable acres here for you to enjoy.
Palisades Tahoe receives an annual average of 400 inches of snow across its 6,000 acres. Because it has a lower elevation than other Lake Tahoe mountains, conditions here can be less than ideal at the beginning and end of the season. The season here can be long, however, often lasting until Memorial Day.
As California’s largest resort, Palisades Tahoe stands out for its variety. A mountain-top beginner area, several expansive intermediate sections, ample groomers and chutes—the resort’s 270 trails offer something for everyone. Meanwhile, the Village of Palisades Tahoe is the perfect place to unwind after you unbuckle your skis.
Honorable Mention: Mount Whitney
Far from a traditional ski area, Mount Whitney is a destination for ski mountaineers looking to conquer the tallest peak in the continental United States. Skiers typically make their descent via the Mountaineer’s Route, which begins at 14,150 feet. The couloir looks impossibly steep from a distance, and at 35 degrees, it is quite challenging. The terrain becomes more moderate farther down the mountain, and skiing is usually possible only until about 9,200 feet. Conditions are best in March and April, and navigating parts of the Mountaineer’s Route may require climbing.