23 Best Places for Snow in California [+ Ski Resorts to Visit]

The ideal destination for playing in the snow is Lake Tahoe, which offers a picturesque setting for skiing, tubing, or a romantic getaway in a snow-covered cabin.

Growing up in California, I spent most of my winters playing in the snowy mountains. 

I started by sledding and making snowmen as a kid in Southern California and eventually started snowboarding at the state’s best resorts. 

It is safe to say if there is a place in California that has snow, I have been there to get my fill for some wintertime snowy fun.

Where Does it Snow in Northern California?

1. Lake Tahoe

• Closest Big Cities: Reno, NV (42 miles), Sacramento, CA (85 miles)
• Winter Activities: Ice skating, Skiing, Sledding, Tubing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
• Ski Resorts: Heavenly Ski Resort, Kirkwood Ski Resort, Sierra at Tahoe

Why Visit: Lake Tahoe and the surrounding regions are considered the snow sports capital of California.

We visit Lake Tahoe multiple times a year, especially during the winter, to go snowboarding.

The area’s 15 ski resorts take advantage of the 400-plus inches of snow each year that coincides with 300 beautiful sunny days.

Lake Tahoe is also the perfect destination for snow lovers of all types, including those who just want to take in the stunning views of the snow-covered peaks that surround the lake.

You don’t have to go tubing or carve the slopes to enjoy this winter destination in California. 

For nonskiers or snowboarders, Lake Tahoe has a plethora of options for things to do, such as soaking in one of the hot springs nearby.

You can go ice skating at the Northstar Village ice rink, hot tubing at the top of Palisades ski resort, ride the Gondola at Heavenly, or even do some epic sledding and tubing at Granlibakken Ski & Sled Hill. See the Tahoe ski resorts map here.

One of our favorite things to do after playing in the snow is to hang out by the fireplace at South of North Brewing while enjoying a pint of beer.

Getting Here: Reno-Tahoe International is the airport closest to Lake Tahoe. Make sure to get acclimated to Tahoe’s altitude to enjoy your stay.

Expert Tip: Hotel prices are inflated this time of the year and traffic can be horrible on the weekends, so plan accordingly.

Where to Stay:

• Black Bear Lodge for a cabin with a private hot tub
• The Landing Resort & Spa for a lakefront resort stay
• Basecamp Tahoe South for a mid-range budget lodging

2. Truckee

• Closest Big Cities: Reno, NV (24 miles), Sacramento, CA (87 miles)
• Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Tubing, Sledding, Fat Tire Snow Biking
• Ski Resorts: Northstar California, Palisades (Squaw Valley), Alpine Meadows

Why Visit: Located just a stone’s throw from Lake Tahoe, this historic logging town is the perfect place to stay for a winter getaway in California.

Truckee’s old town is a quaint mix of boutique stores, restaurants, and breweries that are housed in the city’s vintage buildings.

When we visited in December, we had fun walking down Truckee’s main street when the town was decorated, and the trees were all lit up. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit.

Truckee is also close to all the action with five of the area’s best ski resorts all within a 20-minute drive in good road conditions.

The fun doesn’t stop there as there are many nearby trails where you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, or ride an electric fat tire mountain bike.

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, Truckee Donner Lodge, Tahoe North Shore Lodge

READ MORE: Stop by one of these natural hot springs to warm your bones on a chilly night.

3. Donner Lake

• Closest Big Cities: Reno, NV (29 miles), Sacramento, CA (83 miles)
• Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowmobiling, Sledding, Snowboarding
• Ski Resorts: Donner Ski Ranch, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center

Why Visit: When we’re looking for a quiet retreat where we can watch it snow while curled up on the couch with the crackle of a fire in the fireplace, we think Donner Lake is the perfect snow destination in California.

This smaller lake is situated northeast of Lake Tahoe and is a winter paradise where we can escape the stresses of life and make ourselves at home in a cute cabin. 

Although we’ve been tempted to stay inside and read a good book, the outdoors call us as some of the best Nordic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing takes place on the many trails surrounding the lake and in the Donner Memorial State Park.

When we get a little cabin fever and want to get out to explore, or shop, both Truckee and Tahoe City are short drives away, along with several ski resorts being in the area.

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake Dream Cabin, Donner Lake Village

4. Kirkwood

• Closest Big Cities: Lake Tahoe (40 miles), Truckee (73 miles)
• Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Cross-country skiing, Sledding
• Ski Resorts: Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Why Visit: Located in the El Dorado National Forest, the town of Kirkwood is only 35 miles to the south of Lake Tahoe.

Although this area is very connected to its busier neighbor, it would be remiss not to mention it just based on the fact that Kirkwood Mountain Resort has the most snow of any ski area in California.

One of the reasons we love going to Kirkwood is that it has the best powder skiing and snowboarding in California.

Another added bonus is that the resort doesn’t get as crowded, so we don’t have to wait in lift lines.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit for snow in California, make sure to check out Kirkwood.

Kirkwood is one of the best ski resorts close to Sacramento. Wondering if snowboarding is difficult to learn? Find out here.

5. Mount Shasta

• Closest Big Cities: Redding, CA (62 miles), Sacramento, CA (220 miles)
• Winter Activities: Skiing, Sledding, Dogsledding, Tubing, Snowshoeing
• Ski Resorts: Mt Shasta Ski Park, Mt. Shasta Nordic Center

Why Visit: This jaw-dropping mountain peak is a potentially active volcano that is annually blanketed with a thick layer of snow.

Located just 70 miles from the Oregon border, Mount Shasta is a perfect stopover for any interstate travel, as the views are stunning and are worth the trip alone.

The mountain is home to a small ski resort and a few recreation areas, including Sand Flat and Bunny Flat, where you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, or just have a snowball fight.

Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Tree House, Shasta Inn

6. Yosemite National Park

• Closest Big Cities: Fresno, CA. (78 miles), Modesto, CA. (79 miles)
• Winter Activities: Ice skating, Cross-country Skiing, Sledding, Tubing, Winter Sightseeing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Camping
• Ski Resorts: Badger Pass Ski Area

Why Visit: Yosemite National Park may be at its best when the first snow of the year blankets the valley and the giant redwoods and dogwoods are flocked with a dusting of white powder.

We love visiting Yosemite this time of the year as the crowds are gone for the season, and we have access to many of the park’s best sites without waiting in traffic.

It’s also a lot easier for us to book a stay inside the park at discounted prices compared to going in the summer.

The lower elevations in the park get an estimated 29 inches of snow per year, making it a photographer’s dream location to shoot, but it’s not enough snow for most snow sports.

On the other hand, the park’s upper elevations get a thick layer of snow that is sufficient for some skiing or snowboarding at the area’s only ski resort.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to see snow in California, or spend a California Christmas, then Yosemite should be on your list.

Where to Stay: Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite, Cedar Lodge, Tenaya Lodge for a dog-friendly stay

📍 Read this post to find the best towns to stay near Yosemite.

Related:

• Sacramento to Yosemite
• Closest Airports to Yosemite
• Yosemite in November

7. Mammoth Lakes

• Closest Big Cities: Fresno, CA (77 miles), Modesto, CA (111 miles)
• Winter Activities: Ice skating, Skiing, Sledding, Tubing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Cross Country & Nordic Skiing, Snowcat Tours
• Ski Resorts: Mammoth Mountain Chalets, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Mammoth Mountain Ski & Snowboard School

Why Visit: The beautiful Mammoth Lakes and the town by the same name are located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, halfway between Yosemite and Inyo National Forest.

We love coming to this scenic mountain town as it is home to the legendary Mammoth Mountain ski resort that boasts the longest season and deep snow almost every year. 

Although Mammoth draws in huge crowds for its wintertime skiing and snowboarding, this snowy California winter destination has endless things to do.

We’ve done everything from snowmobiling adventures to sipping on a beer at the highest-altitude brewery on the West Coast.

If you’re looking for where to find snow in California, visit Mammoth Lakes.

Where to Stay:

• The Village Lodge – this is the best place to stay in Mammoth
• Tamarack Lodge & Resort – stay here if you want to be surrounded by nature
• Edelweiss Lodge

READ MORE: Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

8. Hot Creek Geological Site

• Closest Big Cities: Fresno, CA (116 miles), Bakersfield, CA (118 miles)
• Winter Activities: Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
• Ski Resorts: None

Why Visit: A visit to Hot Creek during the winter is worth the trip just to take in the dramatic views of the Eastern Sierras when they are blanketed with snow.

What makes this snow destination in California unique is the juxtaposition of this area’s hot water springs that flow out of the ground while it snows from above.

This means that you can sit in a natural hot tub at Willy’s hot springs or while watching the flakes fall from the sky. 

The road into the park closes off during the winter so you will need to be prepared to hike on a snow-covered road. If there was a recent storm, you will want to bring a pair of snowshoes to make the trek.

Where to Stay: McGee Creek Lodge, Convict Lake Resort, the Mammoth Creek Inn

9. Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Closest Big Cities: Reno, NV (110 miles), Sacramento, CA (122 miles)
• Winter Activities: Sledding, Snowplay, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Snowboarding
• Ski Resorts: None

Why Visit: Lassen National Park is stunning during the winter months and a perfect place to get your snow fix for the season.

You have two main options when visiting during winter. The first is to head to the Northern portion of the park at Manzanita Lake where you can play in the snow or do some cross-country skiing.

The second option is to head to the southwestern entrance and park near the Kohm Yah-mah-ee visitor center, where you can play in the snow, do some sledding, and snowshoe through the trees.

The main roads into the national park are closed off during the winter months due to the 30-plus feet of snow that hit the park each year.

This means that most of the park is only accessible by the numerous cross-country skiing paths or by snowshoeing.

The good news is that park rangers give snowshoeing classes so that you can visit areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Where to Stay: Highlands Ranch Resort, The Village at Highlands Ranch, Timber House Lodge

10. Bear Valley

• Closest Big Cities: Reno, NV (75 miles), Stockton, CA (76 miles)
• Winter Activities: Downhill skiing and snowboarding, Cross country skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Tubing, Sledding, Backcountry snow sports
• Ski Resorts: Skyline Bear Valley Resort

Why Visit: Located within the boundaries of Stanislaus National Forest, this alpine area gets dumped with an annual snowfall of 73 inches making it a perfect location for a winter getaway.

Bear Valley offers up the entire gauntlet of snow activities from snowmobiling to groomed tubing runs. 

Stop by the community-owned Bear Valley Adventure Company where you can sled, tube, and do some snowshoeing.

If you want a little more adrenaline in your outing, Bear Valley resort has you covered with 1900 feet of vertical to carve up while skiing or snowboarding.

Where to Stay: Bear Valley Lodge, Lake Alpine Lodge

10. Klamath National Forest

• Closest Big Cities: Redding, CA (130 miles), Sacramento, CA (288 miles)
• Winter Activities: Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Ice skating, Sledding
• Ski Resorts: None

Why Visit: Located just 57 miles from the Oregon Border, Klamath National Forest is a great place to see snow in California.

Although it is a big drive from the major city centers in California, you will be rewarded with some stunning views of the snow-covered mountain Shasta from most of the park.

Klamath National Forest is a hotspot for snowmobiling. The park has four different snowmobiling areas with over 250 miles of connected groomed trails.

This area is also a popular place for the sport of skijoring which entails horses with a rider pulling a skier by a rope.

If this sounds a little strange, cross-country skiing is also amazing in the park.

Where to Stay: The Historic Requa Inn, Klamath Coast Over Look Lodge

Where Does it Snow in Southern California?

11. Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park

• Closest Big Cities: Fresno, CA (58 miles), Bakersfield, CA (83 miles)
• Winter Activities: Sledding, Snowshoeing, Cross-country skiing
• Ski Resorts: None

Why Visit: Although these are two separate national parks, they share a common forest and the largest trees in the world called the Sequoia.

These national parks are some of the best places that snow in California.

We love that they remain open throughout the winter and are a great winter getaway, especially if you want to get in touch with nature. 

We found that the best way to see the giant sequoia trees during the winter is to rent some snowshoes from the Lodgepole Market and explore the park’s trails on your own.

If you are a beginner, the park offers ranger-led snowshoe walks that will give you a free tutorial and a 2-mile tour of the neighboring part of the park.

Cross country skiing and snow play are also available in designated areas and on specified trails.

Where to Stay: Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia Kings Canyon, Sierra Lodge

12. June Lake

• Closest Big Cities: Fresno, CA (174 miles)
• Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding
• Ski Resorts: June Mountain Ski Area

Why Visit: This quieter and lesser-known neighbor to the nearby Mammoth Lakes is the perfect place to have a snowy adventure without the crowds.

June Lake is referred to as the Switzerland of California for its beautiful snow-covered peaks and its sweeping views down through the valley that includes four lakes.

This small mountain town is a great place to go for snow in California as it is home to all of the outdoor winter recreation that you could want, including the June Mountain ski area.

This area is also famous for its ice climbing if you are up for a vertical challenge.

Where to Stay: June Lake Pines Cottage, Reverse Creek Lodge

14. Lake Convict

• Closest Big Cities: Fresno, CA (77 miles), Modesto, CA (111 miles)
• Winter Activities: Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
• Ski Resorts: None

Why Visit: This eastern sierra lake is even more stunning during the winter than when it’s crowded with summer hikers.

This is a must-stop on your way to Mammoth to take in the beauty of the area especially when the lake is partially frozen over.

Convict Lake has a trail that loops around its shores that is perfect for hiking when the snow is lighter and is even better for snowshoeing when there’s plenty of powder.

Where to Stay: Ventura Grand Inn, Mammoth Mountain Inn, Edelweiss Lodge

15. Big Bear Lake

• Closest Big Cities: San Bernardino, CA. (24 miles), Riverside, CA (32 miles)
• Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, Tubing
• Ski Resorts: Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort

Why Visit: Big Bear Lake is the perfect winter destination for anyone living or visiting southern California.

Located in the San Bernadino Mountains, this mountain lake is less than two hours away from most of Los Angeles and Orange County when the roads are clear.

If you are looking for a place to have a winter getaway where you can stay and play in the snow, this is one of the best places for snow in California.

The best part about Big Bear Lake in winter is that there is something for everyone. You can do some holiday shopping in the village or you can catch some air in the terrain park at the two local ski resorts.

There are tubing areas, ice skating rinks, winter zip-lining, and snowshoeing adventures.

Where to Stay: WorldMark Big Bear Lake, Lagonita Lodge, ITH Big Bear Lake Hostel

16. Los Padres National Forest (Mount Pinos)

• Closest Big Cities: Santa Clarita, CA (48 miles)
• Winter Activities: Sledding, Tubing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
• Ski Resorts: No

Why Visit: This is a great destination for a day trip to the snow from Santa Clarita or anywhere around the northern Los Angeles area.

Snow conditions can vary greatly but there is usually plenty to play with if you head toward the higher elevations near Mount Pinos. 

This is a great snowy place for kids to build a snowman along with getting runs on the sled. The area trails can also be utilized for cross-country skiing or a snowshoeing adventure.

17. Mount Baldy

• Closest Big Cities: San Bernardino, CA (23 miles), Riverside, CA (24 miles)
• Winter Activities: Tubing, Skiing, Snowboarding
• Ski Resorts: Snow Summit Ski Resort, Mountain High Resort, Mt. Baldy Resort

Why Visit: This California snowy wintertime destination is located in the San Gabriel Mountains just 45 minutes outside of downtown Los Angeles.

This makes Mount Baldy an ideal destination for a day trip to the snow if you live in or are visiting the city of angels.

There are several options for some snowy family fun including plenty of open areas to build a snowman or ride a saucer.

If you are feeling a little more extreme, you can check out Mount Baldy resort which is the closest ski resort to Los Angeles.

Where to Stay: Mt Baldy Lodge, Buckhorn Lodge & Restaurant, Grand Pine Cabins

18. Lake Arrowhead

• Closest Big Cities: San Bernardino, CA (11 miles), Riverside, CA (21 miles)
• Winter Activities: Ice Skating, Sledding, Skiing, Snowboarding
• Ski Resorts: Snow Valley Mountain Resort, Rim Nordic Ski Area

Why Visit: This quaint mountain town in the San Gabriel Mountains is a great snow destination in California for a wintertime getaway.

Although Lake Arrowhead doesn’t get as much snow as neighboring Big Bear Lake, it still gets an average of 40 inches per year. This is enough snow to turn Lake Arrowhead into a winter wonderland.

The best time to visit is just before the holidays when the area’s biggest attraction is lit up with lights and the tree is decorated.

Santa’s Village is an amusement park complete with ice skating, cookie decorating, ornament workshop, and Santa Claus.

Where to Stay: Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, Arrowhead Lake Inn, NorthBay at Lake Arrowhead

19. Mount Laguna

• Closest Big Cities: Chula Vista, CA (42 miles)
• Winter Activities: Sledding,  Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Cross-country skiing
• Ski Resorts: None

Why Visit: While Mount Laguna may not be the winter snow playground like some of the other places on the list, it does get snow.

Considering that Mount Laguna is only about 35 miles from the US-Mexico border and an hour outside of San Diego, any snow is kind of surprising.

If you want to make a day trip to the snow, you will need to watch the weather forecast to see when a storm is coming in order to ensure that the trees are covered in powder and that there’s enough snow for a snowball fight.

Where to Stay: Tiny House Block, Laguna Mountain Lodge & Store, Stagecoach Trails RV Resort

20. Palm Springs

• Closest Big Cities: San Bernardino, CA (47 miles), Riverside, CA (49 miles)
• Winter Activities: Winter camping, Snowball fighting
• Ski Resorts: Snow Valley Mountain Resort, Ski Haus, Keller Ski Hut

Why Visit: Snow is not a certain thing during winters in Palm Springs, but this dessert area does get snow in its higher elevation in most years.

Timing is critical if you want to see this beautiful dessert covered with a dusting of white powder. Watch the news and make a last-second trip if the report says snow is on the way.

If you go to Palm Springs in the winter and don’t ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, you will miss out on the best views of the desert and the surrounding mountains.

Most of the snow is going to be at the top of the tram area which sits at a much higher elevation at the top of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Where to Stay: The Marley Hotel by AvantStay, Hilton Palm Springs, Palm Mountain Resort & Spa

21. Idyllwild

• Closest Big Cities: San Bernardino, CA (41 miles), Riverside, CA (41 miles)
• Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding
• Ski Resorts: Snow Valley Mountain Resort, Ski Haus, Keller Ski Hut

Why Visit: This super cute mountain town is located on the opposite side of Mount San Jacinto of Palm Springs.

The town gets enough snow every winter to make it a popular destination for day-trippers to visit for a day of playing in the snow with family and friends. 

While you will not find a Starbucks or big-box retailers, you will find small family-owned businesses that are locally run.

Services will be limited in town so if you need a restroom, support one of these businesses and buy a coffee or sit down to eat at one of the town’s restaurants.

Where to Stay: The Grand Idyllwild Lodge, Idyllwild Bunkhouse, Silver Pines Lodge

22. Wrightwood

• Closest Big Cities: San Bernardino, CA (26 miles), Riverside, CA (30 miles)
• Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding
• Ski Resorts: Mountain High Resort

Why Visit: Wrightwood is a popular snow destination near Los Angeles because of its close proximity to the big city.

A trip to this mountain town can be made in good conditions in under 1.5 hours. Wrightwood is a great place to rent a cabin for a quick getaway from the stresses of Southern California life.

Wrightwood is also home to the low-key Mountain High Ski and Snowboard resort which is a popular option for its epic terrain parks and the fact that the resort is made up of three unique and detached parks.

Where to Stay: Grand Pine Cabins, Canyon Creek Inn

23. Mount Whitney

• Closest Big Cities: Fresno, CA (87 miles), Bakersfield, CA (95 miles)
• Winter Activities: Ice climbing, skiing
• Ski Resorts: None

Why Visit: Mount Whitney is a stunning wintertime destination in California that has limited accessibility except for serious adventurers that have experience dealing with the mountain’s harsh winter conditions.

If you do brave the icy roads and snowshoe to the base of the mountain, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of this high mountain summit. 

This is not a destination for a family snow trip and serious planning and considerations should be taken as the area is prone to avalanches along with road closures when storms roll in.

Where to Stay: Quality Inn Lone Pine, Best Western Frontier

FAQs about Snow in California

When does it snow in California?

The high-altitude mountainous regions of California have consistent snowfall from mid-December through February.

Winter storms vary year to year and can bring heavy snow as early as Thanksgiving and can deliver a fresh blanket of powder as late as May.

Where is the best snow in California?

According to ZRankings, Kirkwood is the only California site in the top ten for snow in North America.

For this reason, Kirkwood should be recognized as the undisputed king of snow in California for its deep base and light powder.

Where can you see snow near San Francisco?

Dodge Ridge is the nearest ski area to the San Francisco Bay Area (160 miles from the San Francisco Peninsula) and one of the best places to go for snow.

Also, on Highway 108, Sonora has access to Stanislaus National Forest, Dodge Ridge Ski Area, cross-country skiing, and snow play activities.

Where is the closest snow to Los Angeles?

Mt. Baldy is the nearest snow play area to Los Angeles, and you can witness its snow-capped top across the entire Los Angeles metropolitan region.

Their tubing facility provides packages that include a return trip on the Sugar Pine chairlift and a 90-minute session of tubing.

Where Does It Snow in California in December?

The best chance for snow in December in California is going to be in the northern part of the state in areas like Lake Tahoe which gets an average of 35 inches.

Wrap-up: Best Places for Snow in California

There are so many excellent locations to discover snow in California. With this list of the best places for snow in California, you can efficiently plan your trip.

When it finally snows, which one of these winter getaways in California would you visit?

Related:

• Best Neck Gaiters for Skiers & Snowboarders
• Best Hot Springs in Northern California
• Best Caves in California