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Ski Resorts in California
California Ski Resorts
If sunshine, convenience and tons of off-mountain activities top your ski vacation docket, a California ski trip will please. Many of California's premiere ski resorts (Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Palisades Tahoe) are located near or around beautiful Lake Tahoe, which provides incredible views and awesome sightseeing opportunities. California is home to some of the highest ski resorts in the United States, such as Mammoth Mountain, which boasts a summit elevation of 11,053 feet. The state's diverse terrain includes everything from wide-open bowls and steep chutes to tree-lined glades, catering to all skill levels.
In fact, thanks to its high elevation and heavy snowfall, Mammoth Mountain often has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, sometimes extending into July. This makes it a rare gem for summer skiing. California's ski resorts offer breathtaking views of both the Sierra Nevada Mountains and, in some locations, the Pacific Ocean. Skiing at resorts like Heavenly, which straddles the California-Nevada border, offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, making it one of the most picturesque ski destinations in the world.
If you've got time, check out Yosemite National Park while en route to California's most beloved ski resort, Mammoth Mountain, which can be reached via a local airport or a lengthy drive from Los Angeles. California's ski resorts are easily accessible from major urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco. For instance, you can be on the slopes of Big Bear or Lake Tahoe within a few hours' drive from these cities, making it a convenient escape for both locals and visitors. For access to Lake Tahoe's mountains, fly into Reno and you’re less than an hour’s drive from most of the area's best ski resorts
Ski Resorts in California
THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN CALIFORNIA ACCORDING TO SKI.COM'S MOUNTAIN TRAVEL EXPERTS
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Heavenly Mountain Resort is where the natural splendor of Lake Tahoe meets the ultimate ski experience. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada, Heavenly is a Ski.com favorite, especially among our Experts, for its jaw-dropping views and diverse terrain. With over 4,800 acres of skiable terrain, it’s one of the largest ski areas in the U.S., offering everything from smooth groomers to adrenaline-pumping steeps and legendary tree skiing. Beyond the slopes, Heavenly shines with winter activities like snowshoeing, tubing and even ice skating on frozen lakes.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability and its epic off-piste opportunities make it a top pick for adventure seekers who also care about the environment. Perfectly positioned on the California-Nevada border, Heavenly is easily accessible from San Francisco and Reno, making it the ideal gateway to the Sierra Nevadas. Get in touch with one of our Mountain Travel Experts, who know this resort like clockwork and can help you plan your dream ski vacation!
Highlights: Breathtaking views, a unique location straddling two states, one of the longest vertical drops in North America (at 3,500 feet) and access to the vibrant nightlife and casino action in South Lake Tahoe.
Closest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - 60 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
Kirkwood Ski Resort
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Kirkwood Ski Resort in California is an adventure seeker's paradise, offering untouched natural beauty and a truly unique experience in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Renowned for its deep powder and some of the most challenging terrain in the state, Kirkwood is a standout destination for expert skiers and snowboarders. The resort's legendary areas, like The Cirque, are perfect for those chasing adrenaline on steep chutes, cliffs, and cornices. With an impressive average snowfall of 350 inches per year, it’s no wonder that our Mountain Travel Experts are so captivated by this destination. Kirkwood's location atop the Sierra Crest ensures it often receives more snow than nearby resorts, making it a haven for powder hounds.
Spanning over 2,300 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 2,000 feet, Kirkwood offers a thrilling mix of steep chutes, open bowls, and exhilarating tree runs. Despite its challenging offerings, Kirkwood maintains a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere, providing a serene escape from the busier Tahoe resorts. The stunning, rugged alpine scenery and high-altitude setting add to its back-to-nature appeal, making Kirkwood a favorite for those looking to push their limits in a tranquil, breathtaking environment.
Highlights: Kirkwood offers some of the most challenging terrain in California, some of the deepest snowfall in the Tahoe region, an uncrowded atmosphere and stunning, rugged alpine scenery.
Closest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - 95 miles (about a 2-hour drive)
Mammoth Mountain
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Mammoth Mountain is the place where epic snow seasons meet unmatched terrain, often allowing skiers and riders to hit the slopes from early November all the way through July 4th. Spanning more than 3,500 acres, Mammoth Mountain caters to all, from thrill-seekers braving the legendary Cornice Bowl and natural half-pipes formed by ancient lava to freestyle fans delighting in one of North America's largest terrain parks. It’s no secret that Mammoth Mountain is a favorite among our Mountain Travel Experts when it comes to skiing in California.
Perched at 11,053 feet, Mammoth’s summit delivers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and Inyo National Forest, making every run a scenic adventure. What makes Mammoth truly unique is its volcanic origins, being located on an active geothermal site in the Eastern Sierra. Plus, with a strong commitment to sustainability, Mammoth Mountain integrates eco-friendly practices like energy-efficient snowmaking, ensuring this spectacular environment is preserved for generations to come. And when the day’s runs are over, the lively après-ski scene awaits with plenty of dining and entertainment options to round out your mountain experience.
Highlights: 400 inches of snow annually, a summit perched at 11,053 feet, the infamous Cornice Bowl and numerous natural half-pipes formed by ancient lava flows.
Closest airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) - 10 miles (about 15 minutes)
Northstar California Resort
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Our Mountain Travel Experts rave about Northstar California Resort for its perfect fusion of laid-back luxury and family-focused adventure. Nestled in the picturesque Lake Tahoe region, Northstar offers over 3,170 acres of pristine slopes, making it a haven for skiers and riders of all abilities. Whether you're cruising down wide, groomed trails or tackling the advanced tree runs on Lookout Mountain, Northstar delivers an epic experience.
For thrill-seekers, Northstar's terrain parks are legendary. The Burton Progression Park is a standout, catering to everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros. With a summit elevation of 8,610 feet, the resort guarantees consistent snow coverage and jaw-dropping views of Lake Tahoe.
After carving up the slopes, unwind in the Village at Northstar, where the après-ski scene is buzzing. Northstar also knows how to do luxury, with top-notch accommodations and a village brimming with shops=, dining options and ice skating. And, in true Tahoe fashion, Northstar is committed to sustainability, featuring green building practices and energy-efficient snowmaking to preserve the breathtaking Sierra Nevada landscape for future generations.
Highlights: Great tree skiing with secret stashes, incredible terrain parks, advanced snowmaking capabilities.
Closest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - 40 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
Palisades Tahoe
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Palisades Tahoe, the reimagined Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, takes California skiing to new heights. As Lake Tahoe's largest ski resort, Palisades Tahoe boasts over 6,000 acres of diverse terrain, reaching elevations of 9,050 feet at Granite Chief Peak. This elevation, combined with the Sierra Nevada's famous deep snowfalls, guarantees prime conditions throughout the season. Even our Ski.com Mountain Travel Experts can’t get enough of Palisades Tahoe’s iconic terrain, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, solidifying its status as a legendary ski destination. The resort is a playground for thrill-seekers, offering everything from epic terrain parks like the Gold Coast to advanced chutes, bowls and cliffs that define its adventurous spirit.
The resort also features one of the most impressive ski lifts in the country—the Aerial Tram, offering breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the village with its vibrant après-ski scene, complete with boutique shopping, gourmet dining and live entertainment. And while you’re reveling in the luxury, you can feel good knowing that Palisades Tahoe is dedicated to sustainability, with initiatives like energy-efficient snowmaking and solar-powered operations to protect this stunning environment.
Highlights: 6,000 acres of skiable terrain, aerial tram connecting Palisades and Alpine, lively village.
Closest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - 47 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
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