Snow Summit Ski Resort
Snow Summit is a famous ski resort in Big Bear Lake, located about 1-2 hours' drive from Los Angeles, making it easy to drive here for skiing. Established in 1948, this ski resort is the first family-friendly ski resort in Southern California. The ski area covers 240 acres and is suitable for both skiing (two-plank skiing) and snowboarding (single-plank skiing). The resort also offers ski lessons and equipment rentals for both adults and children, so beginners need not worry. Birthday celebrants can get a free Lift Ticket on their birthday!
Mt. Baldy Resort
This is the highest peak in Los Angeles County, Southern California. It is not only suitable for hiking, but also attracts many tourists for skiing in winter. However, in recent years, there have been several reports of unfortunate accidents involving outdoor adventurers at Mt. Baldy, so safety is paramount. The ski resort is not very large, with only four lifts and 26 ski trails. Both alpine skiing and snowboarding are available, but many people find alpine skiing more enjoyable here, though both are possible. From the peak, you can also enjoy stunning views of the Los Angeles Basin. Ski equipment can be rented on-site. Besides skiing and hiking in winter, other seasonal outdoor activities include zip-lining, disc golf, and mountain biking.
Mountain High Resort
Located north of the San Gabriel Valley, Mountain High Resort is just a 1-hour drive from Los Angeles and attracts many residents from the city each year for skiing. While it cannot compare in size and facilities to larger resorts like Mammoth or Tahoe, its convenient location makes it an easy and spontaneous destination. Mountain High actually consists of three ski resorts: West Resort, East Resort, and North Resort, and the lift tickets purchased are valid for all three. The largest of the three is West Resort, which has nearly 10 lifts and over 30 ski trails. All three resorts offer lessons and rental services, and there are nearby restaurants and shopping areas. A free shuttle service is available to transport visitors to various locations. Additionally, birthday celebrants can enjoy a free lift ticket on their special day.
Tahoe Donner
Although not very famous, Tahoe Donner has been in operation for 38 years. It does not have snowmaking equipment and relies entirely on natural snowfall. The longest ski run is 1 mile long. There is a 4-person chairlift, a 2-person chairlift, and two tow lifts. Tahoe Donner's slogan is 'Best Place to Begin,' which indicates that it is a place suitable for beginners to ski, offering various teaching modes.
Boreal Mountain Resort
Boreal Mountain Resort is located around Lake Tahoe in Northern California, accessible via Highway 80. Boreal is one of the earliest ski resorts to open each year around Lake Tahoe, with a skiable area of 380 acres and an average annual snowfall of 1016 cm. Boreal is known as a family-friendly ski resort, offering a wide variety of ski trails for different skill levels. The trails are generally simple and short, making it very suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Mt. Rose
The ski resort is divided into four terrains: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert (featuring some of the most challenging slopes in the Tahoe area, such as the triple-black-diamond slope. These nearly vertical slopes are a great test even for the best skiers), allowing skiers of all levels to safely and comfortably enjoy the skiing experience.
NorthStar Resort
NorthStar is located north of Lake Tahoe, south of Truckee town. Initially catering to beginners and intermediate players, it has become the most luxurious and upscale resort in the Lake Tahoe area and the most family-friendly ski resort in North America, known for its long trails, fast lifts, exquisite restaurants, and five-star hotels. Although it doesn't have Double-Black level trails, it offers everything from half-pipe areas to dedicated children's areas. It has also been ranked fifth in family ski programs by SKI Magazine.
Squaw Valley Ski Resort
Squaw Valley was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics and has since become one of the most sought-after ski destinations in the world. However, what I find most interesting is that people like to translate its name to 'Wife Valley.' The mountains here reach an altitude of 2758 meters, with a ski area covering over 4000 acres. 70% of the terrain consists of wide open spaces and well-groomed trails, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Homewood Mountain Resort
Homewood is the closest ski resort to Lake Tahoe, located 5 miles south of Tahoe City and 19 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. It offers charming forested skiing and remains an unspoiled natural ski area. Of the 59 ski trails, 15% are for beginners, 35% for experts, and 50% for the whole family. It is very suitable for novice and intermediate skiers and is renowned for being a great place for family recreation and leisure.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Heavenly is the only ski resort in the West that spans both California and Nevada. There is an aerial tramway from downtown to the summit, rising 2.4 miles in height and stopping at an observation deck 9,123 feet high, nearly 3,000 feet above Lake Tahoe. This is exactly the state border, with California on the left, Nevada on the right, and Lake Tahoe in front, like a giant mirror, offering an unobstructed and breathtaking view.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
It can be considered the best ski resort for beginners in the West, with various friendly slopes, 3 leisure areas, a huge half-pipe, and a dedicated snow play area, allowing you to enjoy all kinds of snow fun. Of course, besides the beginner slopes, Sierra-at-Tahoe also has very long trails, the longest of which is Sugar N Spice (2.5 miles long), and the best local tree skiing experience, making it a paradise for advanced skiers.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, all your requirements for a ski resort can be met here. Not only that, but it also offers various types of rooms, a variety of delicious foods, and high-quality ski lessons. For a more thrilling experience, you can go to the famous The Wall, which starts off exceptionally steep and then takes you into an amazing dream world.
