California Ski Resort Guide

Photo of skier getting air at Diamond Peak Ski Resort with a view of Lake Tahoe in the background Photo of skier getting air at Diamond Peak Ski Resort with a view of Lake Tahoe in the background
Photo: Ryland West / Diamond Peak

A roundup of regional ski resorts

By Jess Weaver

Last winter brought record-breaking snowfall to resorts across California and Nevada, with 20 feet of snow falling in February and March alone. It was one of the best seasons on record, drawing millions of visitors and reinforcing the region’s reputation as a premier destination for winter sports.

Building on that momentum, resorts have made major investments to enhance the guest experience. From cutting-edge lifts and expanded terrain to reimagined dining options and innovative programs, there’s something new for everyone. And it’s not just about fun—resorts are also ramping up safety initiatives and sustainability efforts to ensure a safe and eco-friendly season. Here’s a look at what’s new for the 2024-25 season:

Photo of skier on blue bird day at Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
Photo by Bear Valley Mountain Resort

Bear Valley

Guests will find a new triple chair for beginners and a quad chair for intermediate and advanced terrain. Food service has been revamped, including a pizza bar in the day lodge. Extensive trail clearing and exciting events will keep the slopes lively this season. bearvalley.com

Advertisement

Big Bear Mountain Resort

This season includes the introduction of the new Midway high-speed 6-passenger lift at Bear Mountain, and the season-long celebration of Snow Valley’s history and Fish Camp rec area. bigbearmountainresort.com     

Boreal / Woodward Tahoe

In addition to this being Boreal’s 60th anniversary season, Play Forever Fridays return this year, offering $25 lift tickets once a month for everyone, with $5 from every ticket supporting a charity. rideboreal.com

China Peak

Changes this season include doubling terrain park features, new food service at Mainstream Station, and expanded snowmaking on Chair #7 and Lakeview Run. The 805 Banked Slalom returns, along with a packed event lineup. Last season’s Canyon Quad also continues to enhance the on-mountain experience. skichinapeak.com

A photo of freshly groomed run at Diamond Peak with a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe in the background.
Fresh corduroy on Crystal Ridge at Diamond Peak. Photo by Ryland West

Diamond Peak

This season, skiers and snowboarders can explore backcountry terrain via a new access gate near the Crystal Express Chairlift. The 3-Day Flex Pass, offering three direct-to-lift days, is also available starting at $120 for adults, $100 for youth/seniors, and $50 for children. diamondpeak.com

Photo of an adult with a child getting ready to make some turns at Dodge Ridge Moutnain Resort

Photo courtesy of Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort

Dodge Ridge

This season features River’s Otter Run Tubing, a new rental system, and a resort app. Popular events like Santa Sunday, B4BC, Grom Fest, the Pinecrest Invitational, and the Cali Pass Banked Slalom return, bringing excitement for skiers and snowboarders alike. dodgeridge.com

Donner Ski Ranch

Among the oldest and most iconic ski areas in the Western US, Donner Ski Ranch is a family-friendly resort that features a wide variety of terrain, inviting skiers and riders of all abilities to enjoy the fully-featured mountain oasis. donnerskiranch.com

Heavenly

New this season is “My Epic Gear,” offering top ski and snowboard gear with valet services. A 9-week Adult Development Team program focuses on advanced skills, while Ski & Ride School provides lessons in 10 languages. California Lodge debuts Golden State Kitchen, featuring healthier fare. skiheavenly.com

Photo fo a group of skiers and snowboarders going down the hill with a veiw of mountains in the background.
Photo by Peter Morning / June Mountain

June MountaIn

With 1,500 acres of uncrowded slopes, beginner-friendly terrain, and breathtaking views, the whole family will enjoy a ski day at June Mountain. Kids 12 and under ski and ride free. junemountain.com    

Kirkwood

This winter brings new parking options, including a reservations-based system on weekends and peak periods. Returning events include the New Year’s Eve Celebration, Banked Slalom, and Slush Cup. Ski and Ride School offers everything from first turns to advanced backcountry coaching through Expedition programs, alongside expanded sustainability initiatives. kirkwood.com    

Lee Canyon

A new 300-foot conveyor lift completes Lee Canyon’s beginner terrain expansion, joining the new quad lift and 500-foot conveyor lift installed last season. Lift access ranges from $19 to $129+, while kids ages 12 and under ski free with no restrictions. leecanyonlv.com    

Photo of a gondola heading up a snow covered mountain at Mammoth Mountain Resort
Photo courtesy of Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain

This season features a new 6-seat Broadway Express, boosting uphill capacity by 25%, and upgrades to Face Lift and Unbound Express lifts. A $3.5M investment enhances snowmaking with new fan and tower guns. Woolly’s Adventure Summit debuts, and Tamarack Lodge celebrates its 100th anniversary. mammothmountain.com

Mountain High

Despite challenges presented by the Bridge Fire, Mountain High intends to open this year and celebrate the resort’s 100th season. mthigh.com    

Mt. Baldy

This season, Westside Chair #4 will offer up and downhill loading, with lift tickets starting at $29. Limited edition “Built for Baldy” merchandise will support Bridge Fire relief, with proceeds benefiting Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts and the Mt. Baldy Village Church relief fund. mtbaldyresort.com

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

For its 60th anniversary, $2.2 million in upgrades include a renovated dining area with a Taco Bar, enhanced snowmaking, trail improvements, and a new snowcat. The popular ‘Open Late’ schedule will expand to Fridays and Saturdays starting February 2025, offering more evening skiing opportunities. skirose.com 

Mt. Shasta Ski Park

Reloadable RFID cards now make online transactions easier. On-site  upgrades in rental, food & beverage servies will enhance the guest experience. Starting in January, a Saturday shuttle from Mt. Shasta adds even more convenience. skipark.com

Northstar California

This season introduces “My Epic Gear,” offering access to top ski and snowboard gear with valet services. Reservation-based parking continues for premium lots, while Castle Peak remains free. Returning events include Women’s Weekend, the Spring It On pond skim, Winter Wonders, and a winter music series.  northstarcalifornia.com

Palisades Tahoe

For its 75th anniversary, the resort has invested $1.4M in snowmaking upgrades and switched to renewable diesel for snowcats, reducing emissions by up to 80%. The new Little Bear Cafe will feature house-made pastries, coffee, and locally sourced fare, enhancing the on-mountain experience. palisadestahoe.com  

Sierra-at-Tahoe

As an Ikon Pass partner, the resort offers expanded Tahoe access. Pre-season upgrades include new haul ropes, repaved parking lots, and enhanced snowmaking. Signature events like Subaru Winterfest return. Lift tickets start at $85, season passes at $389, and First Responder passes debut at $259. sierraattahoe.com

Sky Tavern

Located on the Mt. Rose Highway, 20 minutes from Reno, Sky Tavern is home to the oldest non-profit ski and snowboard training facility in America and the nation’s largest youth learn-to-ski program. The Junior Ski Program begins in mid-January. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. skytavern.com

Sugar Bowl

This season brings a reimagined park experience and progress on a world-class athlete training facility. Snowmaking at Sugar Rush Tubing is up 400%, and Village Lodge renovations continue with a refreshed espresso bar, lobby, and luxurious Deluxe Suite, enhancing the resort’s rich 85-year tradition of athletic excellence. sugarbowl.com

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort

A new ski lodge will be under construction, so this winter guests will find all resort operations housed in temporary facilities. Still a great option for learn to ski and ride programs, lift tickets are expected to average $85 for adults / $40 for kids. tahoedonner.com

Photo of cross-country skier at Tahoe Donner XC
Photo courtesy of Tahoe Donner XC

Cross-Country , Snowshoeing & Sledding

ASC XC Training CenteR

This season marks the 96th year ASC has offered snow sports to the region. New this season, additional energy-efficient LED lighting has been added to the trail network, enhancing night XC skiing opportunities on the 1.5km loop. asctrainingcenter.org    

Bear Valley Adventure Co.

Extensive trail clearing took place this summer. Trailblazers, the youth cross-country ski team, returns for its second season of skiing, training, and fun. New this season, third graders get a free season pass and lesson, plus discounts on tubing and sledding. bvadventures.com

Granlibakken

One of the very first hills cleared for skiing and sledding at Tahoe. Affordable beginner-level skiing and snowboarding, with the best sledding area around. The sled hill offers two slopes for all ages. Discounts for lodging guests. granlibakken.com 

Kingvale Resort

Enjoy thrilling sledding with 12 lanes and a smaller hill for beginners. Snow play areas provide fun for all ages. Sled rentals available, and tubing sessions offered. Perfect for a family day in the snow. kingvaleresort.com

Kirkwood Cross-Country

The resort offers over 80 acres of cross-country trails suitable for all skill levels, along with designated snowshoeing areas. Family-friendly sledding zones, equipment rentals, and guided tours are also available. kirkwood.com

Northstar Cross-Country

Over 35 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails with beautiful views. Snowshoeing and fat biking are also available, with rentals provided on-site. northstarcalifornia.com

Rim Nordic

Located in San Bernardino Mountains, Rim Nordic is the only cross-country ski area in Southern California with machine groomed trails. rimnordic. rimnordic.com

Royal Gorge

North America’s largest cross-country ski area with 92 trails spread across 6,000 acres. Trails cater to all skill levels. Eight warming huts are available along the routes, providing a rest stop with scenic mountain views. royalgorge.com

Soda Springs

Cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and a dedicated snow play area for families. Play Forever Fridays return this season, offering $25 lift tickets once a month for everyone, with $5 from every ticket supporting a charity. skisodasprings.com

Tahoe Donner XC

In collaboration with Ski for Light, a nonprofit teaching visually- and mobility-impaired adults to ski, a 5K and 10K loop will be available for skiers and guides. Advanced skiers can race, while others can enjoy a XC ski rally for a more relaxed touring experience. tahoedonner.com

Tahoe Cross-Country

Celebrating 25 years, Tahoe XC offers $25 Tuesdays for adults and free XC skiing for those under 19 and 70+. The new Lifetime Legacy Pass includes unique perks for 70+. Youth programs, lessons, and events. tahoexc.org    

Tamarack Cross-Country

With over 19 miles of groomed trails, Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center offers skiing, snowshoeing, and rentals. Trails cater to all levels, with options for private lessons, clinics, and family-friendly races. Guided snowshoe tours and naturalist-led excursions are also available throughout the season. mammothmountain.com/xc

Most of these resorts are part of Ski California, a nonprofit trade association representing 36 ski areas in California and Nevada. Learn more about Ski California, its member resorts, and view the award-winning Ski California Mountain Safety Guide at  skicalifornia.org

STAY INSPIRED!

Get monthly web exclusive content & event updates delivered straight to you.
Add a comment Add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Post
Photo of Onewheel XR Classic

Onewheel XR Classic: Gift the Ultimate Ride

Next Post
Two adventurers with bikes, skis, and gear stop near a bridge on a road during their journey.

Greg Hill at Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series #3

calfire
Advertisement