A roundup of updates for regional ski resorts
From big-name destinations to smaller local hills, this guide offers a quick snapshot of our region’s resorts for the coming winter. Every mountain has its own character, and rediscovering them each year is part of what makes the Sierra so special. Use this guide as a spark—an invitation to get outside, explore, and maybe add a new resort to your rotation this season.
BADGER PASS SKI AREA
5 LIFTS • 800′ VERTICAL • 90 ACRES
Yosemite National Park 
BEST VIEW Top of Eagle Lift // ICONIC RUN Eagle // DON’T MISS Enjoying a drink or meal on the sun deck of the Day Lodge // NEWS & NOTES Badger Pass is one of only three lift-served ski areas in US national parks and delivers a welcoming, family-friendly vibe that’s perfect for beginners.
travelyosemite.com/winter/badger-pass-ski-area
BEAR VALLEY RESORT
9 LIFTS • 1,900′ VERTICAL • 1,680 ACRES
Bear Valley
BEST VIEW Top of Monte Wolfe and National // ICONIC RUN Grizzly Bowl // DON’T MISS Bear Valley Ticket Packs // NEWS & NOTES Improved shuttle service, new events, refreshed lodge areas, and enhanced terrain-park features.
BEAR MOUNTAIN
9 LIFTS • 1,665′ VERTICAL • 198 ACRES
Big Bear Lake
BEST VIEW Top of Chair 8 // ICONIC RUN Geronimo // DON’T MISS A lap through the Red Bull Plaza // NEWS & NOTES // Signature events like Bear Bowl (Feb. 7), KROQ Storms Bear Mountain (Feb. 28), and Bear Break (April 4).
BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT
7 LIFTS • 500′ VERTICAL • 380 ACRES
Soda Springs
BEST VIEW Top of Accelerator chair // ICONIC RUN Sunset Boulevard // DON’T MISS Night skiing under the lights and a stop at Woodward Tahoe // NEWS & NOTES Play Forever Fridays is back this season! Once a month, we offer $35 lift tickets for everyone, and $5 of each ticket goes to local non-profits.
CHINA PEAK
9 LIFTS • 1679′ VERTICAL • 800 ACRES
Lakeshore
BEST VIEW Top of chairs 1, 2 and 5 // ICONIC RUN China Bowl // DON’T MISS Mid-mountain sun and lake-view seating at Buckhorn deck // NEWS & NOTES New Mainstream Station deck, refreshed Daylodge spaces, upgraded shuttles, a new snack shack, and weekend live music.
DIAMOND PEAK SKI RESORT
7 LIFTS • 1,840′ VERTICAL • 655 ACRES
Incline Village
BEST VIEW Snowflake Lodge’s mid-mountain deck // ICONIC RUN Crystal Ridge // DON’T MISS Explore the glade zones — nearly 500 acres of tree skiing await // NEWS & NOTES 60th-season deals — $60 lift tickets and $60 beginner lessons on select dates, plus new Google Street View trail tours.
DODGE RIDGE SKI RESORT
10 LIFTS • 1,600′ VERTICAL • 862 ACRES
Pinecrest
BEST VIEW Separator // ICONIC RUN Creekside // DON’T MISS The closest snow to home and a classic mountain vibe // DON’T MISS Santa Sunday returns, plus New Year’s Eve fireworks & live music, and 75th anniversary celebrations all season long.
DONNER SKI RANCH
6 LIFTS • 800′ VERTICAL • 500 ACRES
Norden
BEST VIEW Top of Chair 1 ICONIC RUN The Face // DON’T MISS The homemade pie at the Old 40 Bar and Grill — it is made fresh daily // NEWS & NOTES Still family-owned with some of Tahoe’s most affordable lift tickets and a laid-back, retro lodge vibe.
HEAVENLY
26 LIFTS • 3,500′ VERTICAL • 4,800 ACRES
South Lake Tahoe / Stateline NV
BEST VIEW California Trail // ICONIC RUN Ridge Run // DON’T MISS Après at Tamarack Lodge // NEWS & NOTES 70th Anniversary Party on Dec 20.
HOMEWOOD
7 LIFTS • 1,650′ VERTICAL • 1,260 ACRES
Homewood
BEST VIEW Rainbow Ridge // ICONIC RUN Bechtle’s Bonanza and Quail Face // DON’T MISS The view at mid-mountain Big Blue View Bar // NEWS & NOTES Reopening this winter with upgraded grooming and snowmaking equipment and progress on a new Doppelmayr gondola launching the resort’s redevelopment.
JUNE MOUNTAIN
7 LIFTS • 2,590′ VERTICAL • 1,500 ACRES
June Lake
BEST VIEW From the Chalet, top of chair J1 // ICONIC RUN Matterhorn // DON’T MISS Family vibes — as one of the most kid friendly resorts in North America, don’t leave the little ones at home // NEWS & NOTES Often referred to as America’s Switzerland, June Mountain’s jaw dropping views and uncrowded slopes never disappoint.
KIRKWOOD
13 LIFTS • 2,000′ VERTICAL • 2,300 ACRES
Kirkwood
BEST VIEW Wagon Wheel Ridge // ICONIC RUN The Wall // DON’T MISS Grab a drink at the Wall Bar // NEWS & NOTES Fresh updates at Timber Creek Base Lodge and a full slate of returning signature events and freeride comps.
LEE CANYON
3 LIFTS • 860′ VERTICAL • 445 ACRES
Las Vegas, NV
BEST VIEW Top of Bluebird Chair // ICONIC RUN Sherwood // DON’T MISS The terrain park, now with a moveable rope tow for quick laps // NEWS & NOTES Lift tickets from just $7 online, plus resort-credit perks and expanded terrain-park access
MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN
28 LIFTS • 3,100′ VERTICAL • 3,500 ACRES
Mammoth Lakes
BEST VIEW Summit views of Ritter, Banner, and the Minarets // ICONIC RUN Cornice Bowl // DON’T MISS The Melthouse for tasty on-hill eats with a view and the Unbound Terrain Parks // NEWS & NOTES $9M in upgrades including expanded snowmaking, new ski-patrol infrastructure, added Woolly’s Adventure Summit features, and returning events like Arc’teryx Academy and the US Revolution Tour.He
mammothmountain.com
MOUNTAIN HIGH
14 LIFTS • 1,600′ VERTICAL • 290 ACRES
Wrightwood, CA
BEST VIEW Discovery Chair’s summit // ICONIC RUN Gold Rush // DON’T MISS Night skiing and the vibrant terrain-park // NEWS & NOTES $500K in upgrades: expanded snowmaking, improved grooming, the return of Discovery Chair, and the new First Turn program.
mthigh.com
BALDY
4 LIFTS • 2,200′ VERTICAL • 600 ACRES
Mount Baldy, CA
BEST VIEW Summit ridge from the top of Lift 3 // ICONIC RUN The Face // DON’T MISS Expert glades, big-mountain exposure and a historic feel just north of LA // NEWS & NOTES Still SoCal’s “real mountain, real close” with vintage chairs and challenging terrain.
mtbaldyresort.com
ROSE SKI TAHOE
8 LIFTS • 1,800’VERTICAL • 1,200 ACRES
Reno, NV
BEST VIEW Blue View off Upper Ramsey’s, overlooking Lake Tahoe // ICONIC RUN The Chutes // DON’T MISS Local beer selections at Timbers Bar and Sky Bar // NEWS & NOTES $6M in upgrades including the new 20-lane, dual-conveyor Wildslide Tubing Center and expanded snowmaking, plus returning high school and NCAA race events
skirose.com
SHASTA SKI PARK
6 LIFTS • 2,034′ VERTICAL • 635 ACRES
McCloud
BEST VIEW Views of Mt. Shasta from the upper mountain // ICONIC RUN Highland // DON’T MISS The Backcountry Cabins Experience, with ski-in access and a rustic overnight stay // NEWS & NOTES The Ski Park is celebrating 40 years of making lasting memories with our community.
skipark.com
NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA
20 LIFTS • 2,280′ VERTICAL • 3,170 ACRES
Truckee
BEST VIEW East Ridge // ICONIC RUN Axe Handle // DON’T MISS Timeless traditions of a mountain-top Tōst and S’mores in the Village // NEWS & NOTES New Epic Friends tickets offer 50% off lift tickets for season-long passholders’ guests.
northstarcalifornia.com
PALISADES TAHOE
43 LIFTS • 2,850′ VERTICAL • 6,000 ACRES
Olympic Valley / Alpine Meadows
BEST VIEW High Camp at the top of the Aerial Tram // ICONIC RUN KT-22’s classic fall-line steeps // DON’T MISS Après at KT Bass Bar with live DJs // NEWS & NOTES Upgraded snowmaking, easier lift access, expanded Mountaineer microtransit, new mogul clinics, and a packed slate of signature events.
squawalpine.com
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE
14 LIFTS • 2,212′ VERTICAL • 2,000 ACRES
Twin Bridges
BEST VIEW At the top of 360 Smokehouse BBQ // ICONIC RUN Huckleberry Canyon — Sierra’s marquee steep-and-deep terrain // DON’T MISS The “Sierra-at-Cabo” spring event series // NEWS & NOTES Two new West Bowl trails, expanded terrain park and learning zones, avalanche dog Yuki, and weekly live music.
sierraattahoe.com
SNOW SUMMIT
10 LIFTS • 1,200′ VERTICAL • 240 ACRES
Big Bear Lake
BEST VIEW Top of Chair 1 // ICONIC RUN Westridge // DON’T MISS Tubing and night skiing on select dates // NEWS & NOTES Hosted 1st Winter X Games in 1997; NYE Torchlight Parade returns on 12/31.
bigbearmountain.com
SODA SPRINGS
5 LIFTS • 550′ VERTICAL • 217 ACRES
Soda Springs
BEST VIEW Summit Cabin area // ICONIC RUN The Ridge // DON’T MISS Play Forever Fridays — budget day passes and charity support once a month // NEWS & NOTES Family-friendly snow-play zone expanded, affordable day-tickets and tubing lift deals continue this season.
skisodasprings.com
SKY TAVERN SKI AREA
5 LIFTS • 700′ VERTICAL • 140 ACRES
Reno, NV
BEST VIEW The ridge accessed via the Sky Ridge Chair // ICONIC RUN The Ridge // DON’T MISS The legendary Jr. Ski Program, one of the oldest in the US // NEWS & NOTES Affordable family-friendly access, strong adaptive programs, and a non-profit community focus.
skytavern.com
SUGAR BOWL RESORT
12 LIFTS • 1,500′ VERTICAL • 1,650 ACRES
Norden
BEST VIEW Summit of Mt. Lincoln // ICONIC RUN Lake View // DON’T MISS All-new terrain parks with a full-size training facility built for progression, creativity, and style // NEWS & NOTES $100M in upgrades rolling out, including a new gondola, lodge renovations, improved snowmaking, and upgraded park features.
sugarbowl.com
TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL SKI RESORT
5 LIFTS • 600′ VERTICAL • 120 ACRES
Truckee
BEST VIEW Top of Eagle Rock chairlift // ICONIC RUN Mile Run // DON’T MISS The brand new ski lodge and award winning learn-to-ski programs // NEWS & NOTES New ski lodge just opened, new snowcat for pristine grooming, and expanded beginner lesson packages this season.
tahoedonner.com
For the latest updates — and the best deals — visit each resort’s website before your trip.
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CROSS-COUNTRY, SNOWSHOEING & SLEDDING
ASC XC TRAINING CENTER
Soda Springs
The Auburn Ski Club Training Center has expanded its nighttime terrain with new trail lighting, opening more evening laps to athletes and community skiers. ASC also continues to grow its biathlon program. asctrainingcenter.org
BEAR VALLEY ADVENTURE CO.
Bear Valley
This world-class cross country ski & snowshoe trail system just got better with stump grinding, hazard tree removal, and snowcat grooming upgrades. Plus a new snack shack near the sledding & tubing hills. bvadventures.com
GRANLIBAKKEN
Tahoe City
One of the original hills cleared for skiing and sledding at Tahoe, Granlibakken offers affordable beginner skiing and snowboarding plus one of the best sled hills around. New this season, evening sledding sessions. granlibakken.com
KINGVALE RESORT
Kingvale / Donner Summit
Kingvale serves up fast, lift-served tubing on multiple lanes plus a smaller hill for beginners. Snow-play areas and sled rentals make it an easy, low-stress option for families looking for a simple day in the snow. kingvaleresort.com
KIRKWOOD CROSS-COUNTRY
Kirkwood
Kirkwood’s XC & Snowshoe Center offers a full menu of clinics and programs, from Explore Kirkwood XC Classic to Advanced Skate and XC Downhill. Rentals available with free “Gear Talks” from instructors to help guests get dialed. kirkwood.com
NORTHSTAR CROSS-COUNTRY
Truckee
Northstar features more than 35 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails winding through quiet forest and meadows. Snowshoeing and fat biking are also popular, with rentals available on-site. northstarcalifornia.com
RIM NORDIC
San Bernadino Mountains
Southern California’s only dedicated, machine-groomed cross-country ski area, celebrates 35 years with $29 adult day passes, youth and military discounts, kids 10 and under ski free, and learn-to-ski packages. rimnordic.com
ROYAL GORGE
Soda Springs
North America’s largest cross-country ski area spans 6,000 acres with 92 trails for every level, plus eight warming huts tucked along the network. Recent upgrades and a new kids’ Nordic program. royalgorge.com
TAHOE DONNER XC
Truckee
Celebrating 40 years with special events like Tour de Euer, new season-long instruction for all levels, $40 learn to ski programs and a new PistenBully 400 groomer to keep the grooming sharp. Visit the rental and demo center for Tahoe’s most expansive XC ski options. tahoedonner.com/xc
TAHOE CROSS-COUNTRY
Tahoe City
Tahoe Cross-Country (Tahoe XC) is moving ahead with its new lodge project, designed as a net-zero energy building through adaptive reuse. This season, the new Glide Pass offers on-site rental access for classic and skate skis. tahoexc.org
TAMARACK CROSS-COUNTRY
Mammoth Lakes
Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center offers more than 19 miles of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing, plus rentals, lessons, clinics, and family-friendly races. Guided snowshoe tours round out the experience. mammothmountain.com/xc
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