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Skiing in California
California is home to 34 ski resorts, spread throughout five distinct regions in the state - Mount Shasta, Lake Tahoe, the Central Sierra region, Mammoth Lakes and Southern California. The resorts are very diverse, ranging from the fast paced south shores of Tahoe, home to flashy casinos and vibrant nightlife, to the smaller no-frills family and weekend family resorts of Southern California, and the immense ski area of Lake Mammoth. The skiing in California is characterised by a wide variety of terrain, from long continuous runs to steep chutes, accompanied by an average of almost 400” of annual snowfall and copious sunny days.
Skiing in California – The resorts
By far the most famous and popular ski resort in California is Lake Tahoe, with its’ two distinct shores. The South Shore is home to Heavenly, one of the largest ski areas in North America with the highest peak and longest vertical drop in Tahoe, straddling both California and Nevada, and boasting spectacular views. Here in Heavenly, there is plenty of expert terrain to explore, whilst in neighbouring family friendly Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood, which receives a massive 529” of snow per year, cruising intermediate runs trail through the trees. The North Shores of Tahoe are much quieter and attract those whose prime concern is the slopes – here you’ll find Squaw Valley USA, the world-class Olympic resort, with its’ extensive lifts system, grooming facilities and backcountry terrain, Sugar Bowl, with its’ old-fashioned atmosphere, and Alpine Meadows, a great intermediate base averaging 500”of snow and a favourite of snowboarders. The aptly named Mammoth is a huge ski area in Central California, one of the largest and busiest, with skiing for everyone within its’ 3,500 acres of terrain, and offering one of the longest seasons from November to June. To the very north of the state is the one of the highest mountains in California, Mount Shasta, a great family resort offering fantastic powder. In Southern California, smaller resorts like Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are good all-round everyday ski areas with the emphasis on family fun.
Skiing in California – The Atmosphere
Throughout all the Californian ski resorts, visitors will enjoy the West Coast laid-back hospitality. The après-ski scene in California varies greatly between resorts, with the larger international ski areas offering the best in eating, drinking, and all-round entertainment off the slopes. Heavenly has the liveliest and most unique après-ski with its’ choice of bustling bars, upscale restaurants and extensive nightlife, including the casinos of Nevada.
California Ski Holidays & Resorts
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