Whether you’re a a new or avid skier, into sledding or just snowball making and throwing, believe it or not, a day of snow play can be enjoyed near LA. Here are the best places that cater to snow lovers of all skill levels.
LessJust 2 hours away from DTLA (well, sans traffic), you'll find Big Bear Mountain Resort which is now open to the general public thanks to loads of snowmaking taking place over the past few weeks. If you've been hankering to get the family up on skis or a snowboard, this is the place to do it. And for those not quite ready to feel the need for ski or snowboard speed, beginning Dec. 23, you can head to Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, located at Snow Summit.
Located just an hour and half away from DTLA, Mountain High is the perfect place to getaway for a fun day of skiing and snowboarding. And if tubing is more your jam, check out Yeti's Snow Play—the all-day tickets will grant you access to tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chairs on Mountain High Resort plus access to all the food and retail shops on the mountain, tables with firepits, photo ops with Yeti himself and free parking.
Conveniently located in Running Springs, just 30 minutes from the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, this resort features SoCal’s only chairlift serviced sledding area and some of the longest runs in the region, making it the perfect place for kids (young and old) to sled to their heart’s content. Snow Valley also features award-winning ski and snowboarding lessons (both half-day and full) for all skill levels. Night skiing is also offered until 8 p.m. most days, weather permitting.
Located just 52 miles outside of DTLA, this mountain features four chair lifts that provide access to skiing and snowboarding on a wide variety of terrain. For tubing, take the Sugar Pine Chairlift to the Top of the Notch recreation area for snow play at 7,800 feet above sea level. Purchase 90-minute tubing sessions (inner tubes and hard shells are provided) and when everyone is finished (and famished), head to the restaurant for some burgers and unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains.
With five runs, a deep snow pack and a covered magic carpet to take you up the hill, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a swell place to spend the day frolicking in the powder. Evening tubing sessions are available as well. Want to create your own Cool Runnings moment? Check out the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain for an authentic bobsledding experience year-round.
Tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead, is Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park, SoCal’s oldest and largest snow tubing park. Beginner, intermediate and advanced runs are available to riders so there’s definitely something for everyone in the family. Hours are subject to change due to weather and road conditions so be sure to call ahead and check with the park before you head out there.
Easily accessible from Palm Springs, this snowy mountain top is only short ride up the mountain. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world's largest rotating tram car and not for the faint of heart), up and away to the top of Mount San Jacinto Park. Once you reach the top, you can do everything from go snowshoeing and cross country skiing to sledding and snow camping. Bonus: There are also two restaurants at the top in case you get hungry!