Looking to hit the slopes in California this winter?
category:Sports and Recreation posted:December 3rd, 2007
When it comes to snow, there’s more to do with it than just making snowangels. Skiing – downhill or crosscountry – along with snowboarding are two great winter activities everyone (even a klutz) can enjoy. We’ve gathered a list of resorts near you perfect for winter fun; here are some tips to get the most out of them.
Review the stats: Besides snow conditions, you’ll want to know how many trails are available for your level of expertise, and whether lessons are offered. Families will also want to check and see if the resort is suitable for kids. And snowboarders will want to find out if they’re welcome on the hill.
Beginners should look for a mountain that has a dedicated area for newbies; the last thing you need are experts whizzing past you as you put a deathgrip on the poles. For the experienced skier, you’ll want some challenging advanced terrain to keep the day interesting.
Purchase lift tickets online: Most places let you do this, and often offer a discount.
Get a package: No matter what level of skiier you are, a package is the way to go. Resorts may offer anything from a deal that includes all-day lift tickets and equipment to one with hotel rooms and private lessons.
Avoid the weekends: Ski mid-week (Tuesday –Thursday) and you’ll avoid the crowds; you may also get a break on the cost, too.
Alpine Meadows
530-583-4232
www.skialpine.com
Badger Pass Ski Area
209-372-8430
Bear Valley
209-753-2301
www.bearvalley.com
Big Bear Mountain Resorts
909-866-5766
www.bigbearmountainresorts.com
Boreal Ridge
530-426-3666
www.borealski.com
Coppervale
530-257-9965
Dodge Ridge
209-965-3474
www.dodgeridge.com
Donner Ski Ranch
916-426-3635
www.donnerskiranch.com
Granlibakken
530-581-7533
Heavenly
775-586-7000
www.skiheavenly.com
Homewood Mountain Resort
530-525-2992
www.skihomewood.com
June Mountain Resort
760-648-7733
www.junemountain.com
Kirkwood Ski Resort
209-258-6000
www.kirkwood.com
Mammoth Mountain
760-934-2571
www.mammothmountain.com
Montecito Sequoia Resort
650-967-8612
Mount Shasta Ski Park
530-926-8610
www.skipark.com
Mount Waterman
626-440-1041
Mountain High
760-249-5808
www.mthigh.com
Mt Baldy
909-982-0800
www.mtbaldy.com
Northstar-at-Tahoe
530-562-1010
www.northstarattahoe.com
Plumas - Eureka Ski Bowl
916-836-2317
Royal Gorge Cross Country
530-426-3871
www.royalgorge.com
Shirley Meadows Ski Area
619-376-4186
www.shirleymeadows.com
Sierra Summit
559-233-2500
www.sierrasummit.com
Sierra-at-Tahoe
530-659-7453
www.sierratahoe.com
Ski Green Valley
909-867-2338
Snow Valley Mountain Resort
909-867-2751
www.snow-valley.com
Snowcrest
818-248-3539
Soda Springs
916-426-3666
www.skisodasprings.com
Squaw Valley USA
530-583-6985
www.squaw.com
Stover Mountain Ski Area
530-258-4220
Sugar Bowl
530-426-9000
www.skisugarbowl.com
Tahoe Donner
530-587-9444
www.tahoedonner.com
Source: www.highaltitude2u.com
