Snowbound: Winter Resort Guide 2018-2019

Winter is here and it is time to hit the slopes. Here’s a guide to help you keep track of the best spots in California/Nevada to get your turns in!

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Featured Resorts

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Town South Lake Tahoe / Stateline NV
Avg Snowfall 360”
Skiable Acres 4630
Vertical Drop 3500′
Lifts 28
Trails 97
Terrain Parks 2
Opening Day Nov 16
Miles to Major Cities Reno 60, Sacramento 100, San Francisco 190
Highlights for 2018 / 2019: New this year is the Lakeland Village Resort, an official lodging property right on the shore of Lake Tahoe offering 19 acres of lakeside woodlands, beachfront residences, and stunning views of Lake Tahoe and The Sierra Nevada. This is a great place to set up a home base for your Lake Tahoe adventure. Also NEW this year are the WINTER GUIDED UTB TOURS, a great way for to experience Heavenly’s big time thrill or just take in the views. NEW UPGRADES for 2018/2019 season include GALAXY CHAIR LIFT has been updated from a double to a triple, the SNOWMAKING has been updated and approved along the Nevada and Boulder trails.
Winter Events Include Heavenly Holidays (Dec 16–31) // Pink Heavenly (March 23), Spring Loaded (March 30: Gunbarrel 25 // April 6: Spring Fling Rail Jam // April 13: Pond Skim Competition).
More Info skiheavenly.com

Homewood Mountain Resort

Town Homewood, CA
Avg Snowfall 450″
Skiable Acres 2010
Vertical Drop 1650′
Lifts 8
Trails 67
Terrain Parks 4
Opening Day TBD
Miles to Major Cities Sacramento 118, San Francisco 205
Highlights for 2018 / 2019: The resort has invested in on-mountain improvements that include new portable snowmaking equipment, upgrades to its snowmaking automation, and top-to-bottom brush clearing on trails under the Madden and Ellis chairlifts. A new cab for the snowcat used to transport guests participating in the resort’s guided Snowcat Adventures to the backcountry terrain located just outside the resort’s boundary was also purchased. “Our team is focused on creating memorable experiences for skiers and riders every time they visit Homewood,” said Kevin Mitchell, general manager of Homewood Mountain Resort. “We anticipate the improvements we made ahead of this season will allow us to open more terrain sooner, and the events we have planned will add to the fun, relaxed vibe guests will find when they visit Homewood.” ALSO the Tahoe Fusion Food Truck will find a new home at Homewood’s Big Blue View Bar this winter. Resort guests who stop at the Tahoe Fusion Food Truck this winter will enjoy unmatched views of Lake Tahoe and a new menu created by West Shore Café’s executive chef Robb Wyss.
Winter Events Include The Very Best Day to Learn How to Ski and Ride (January 21, 2019) // First Tracks Breakfast (January 26, February 10 and March 3, 2019) // Community Cup Series (February 11, February 25 and March 11, 2019) // Third Annual Beer & Gear (March 16 & 17).
More Info skihomewood.com

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Town Kirkwood, CA
Avg Snowfall 354″
Skiable Acres 2300
Vertical Drop 2000′
Lifts 15
Trails 86
Terrain Parks 2
Opening Day Nov 24
Miles to Major Cities Sacramento 98, South Lake Tahoe 35, San Francisco 182
Highlights for 2018 / 2019: New this year is the The Cornice Pizza in Kirkwood Village. With a fun and fresh concept and interior, this will be a great spot to go to fill up, share stories and take a turn on the karaoke microphone. For parents and teens looking to take it to the next level and explore more of Kirkwood, check out Expedition: Kirkwood  for an introduction to backcountry skiing within the confines of the resort, with some courses recognized by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIRE).
Winter Events There will be some special events this year, including: the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Show (12/31/2018), Kirkwood Banked Slalom (Feb. 23–24), IFSA Freeride World Tour Qualifier (Apri 2–6) + Women’s Clinics and Camps.
More Info kirkwood.com

Mammoth Mountain

Town Mammoth Lakes, CA
Avg Snowfall 400″+
Skiable Acres 3500+
Vertical Drop 3100′
Lifts 28
Trails 150
Terrain Parks 7
Opening Day Nov 10
Miles to Major Cities Los Angeles 310, Reno 170, San Francisco 320
What’s New The Hemlocks – Inbounds hike-to big mountain freestyle park. Mammoth has taken a steep and rowdy area of the mountain and accentuated the freestyle aspects by building jumps, step-downs and tree bonks. The Outpost – A new eatery located on the backside of the mountain that specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches and craft beers. The Lunchbox – A new eatery located at the base of Roller Coaster Express (Chair 4) that specializes in Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches served on furniture created from some of our classic Unbound Terrain Park features.
More Info mammothmountain.com

Mt. Shasta Ski Park

Town McCloud, CA
Avg Snowfall 280″
Skiable Acres 425
Vertical Drop 1435′
Lifts 4
Trails 32
Terrain Parks 2
Opening Day Dec 14 (Scheduled)
Miles to Major Cities Reno 234, Sacramento 254, San Francisco 282, San Jose 315
What’s New Mt. Shasta Ski Park is rolling out their brand-new “Ski Beyond the Boundaries” program which opens up a huge amount of new terrain at the ski park. Grey Butte (8,800′) offers a variety of skiing from wide open big mountain turns to fun tree runs, and ranges from intermediate to advanced skiing. A second cabin has been opened on Grey Butte that will sleep up to 8 people and can be reserved 7 days a week. Pricing and other details to be announced on the Mt. Shasta Ski Park website soon. The ski park has also partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of the Siskiyous for a once-a-week winter program. Every child in the club will have the opportunity to ski or snowboard this winter; rentals and lessons provided.
More Info skipark.com

Northstar California Resort

Town Truckee, CA
Avg Snowfall 350″
Skiable Acres 3170
Vertical Drop 2280′
Lifts 20
Trails 100
Terrain Parks 8
Opening Day Nov 16
Miles to Major Cities Reno 32, Sacramento 100, San Francisco 186
Highlights for 2018 / 2019: Northstar California’s mountaintop culinary experience transforms as the ski-in, ski-out Summit Smokehouse is renovated physically and conceptually. The menu focuses on meats smoked low and slow, using almond wood chips for a nutty, sweet flavor and the interior has been transformed using nature’s inspiration, vintage lighting, hand-drawn chalk murals, and a welcoming atmosphere to set the stage for a memorable meal. ALSO the Lodge at Big Springs is getting a refresher with repurposed hardware décor and fixtures to pay homage to Historic Truckee. The items include antique photographs, railroad spikes, and much more from mid-1800’s Truckee, when the town provided much of the lumber and transportation needed to connect regions and transport goods during the area’s mining boom. NEW this year is the Totally Tubular Family Fun at the Overlook offering a hike-and-slide experience on a groomed, mellow slope at a lower elevation. And the SNOWMAKING at Northstar is getting a boost with the addition of 24 low energy  snow guns along the Luggi’s and Lower Wahshoe trails. 12 other low energy snow guns are also being upgraded, reflecting our ongoing commitment to zero net emissions. 
Winter Traditions and Experiences A Northstar Tradition, every afternoon skiers and snowboarders gather off of East Ridge Run for a complimentary glass of bubbly or sparkling cider and tōst to the mountains, Lake Tahoe, and friends and family. After ski school gets out each day at 4 p.m., S’mores Ambassadors descend upon the Village at S’more O’clock carrying silver platters covered in ooey-gooey chocolate, graham cracker and marshmallow treats. Other experiences include: Platinum First Tracks, Platinum Season and Day Passes, Platinum tōst, Burton Snowboard Academy, Northstar Kids Adventure Zones, Women’s Experiences and much more. 
More Info northstarcalifornia.com

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Plus …

Bear Mountain (Big Bear Mountain Resort)

Town Big Bear Lake, CA
Avg Snowfall 100″
Skiable Acres 198
Vertical Drop 1665′
Lifts 12
Trails 15
Terrain Parks 14
Opening Day Nov 23
Miles to Major Cities Los Angeles 100
More Info bigbearmountainresort.com

Bear Valley Ski Resort

Town Bear Valley
Avg Snowfall 359″
Skiable Acres 1680
Vertical Drop 1900’
Lifts 10 Trails 75 Terrain Parks 2
Scheduled Opening Day Nov 23
Miles to Major Cities Sacramento 123, San Francisco 178, San Jose 176
More Info bearvalley.com

Boreal Mountain Resort

Town Soda Springs
Avg Snowfall 400″
Skiable Acres 380
Vertical Drop 500′
Lifts 8
Trails 33
Terrain Parks 6
Scheduled Opening Day Nov 13
Miles to Major Cities Sacramento 88, San Francisco 175, San Jose 207, Reno 45
More Info rideboreal.com

China Peak Mountain Resort

Town Lakeshore
Avg Snowfall 325″
Skiable Acres 1400+
Vertical Drop 1679′
Lifts 9
Trails 55
Terrain Parks 1
Opening Day Nov 25
Miles to Major Cities Fresno/Clovis 60
More Info skichinapeak.com

Diamond Peak Ski Resort

Town Incline Village
Avg Snowfall 300-350”
Skiable Acres 655
Vertical Drop 1840′
Lifts 7
Trails 31
Terrain Parks 3
Opening Day Dec 13 (Scheduled)
Miles to Major Cities Reno 27, Sacramento 135, San Francisco 225
More Info diamondpeak.com

Dodge Ridge Ski Resort

Town Pinecrest
Avg Snowfall 300–500”
Skiable Acres 862
Vertical Drop 1600′
Lifts 12
Trails 67
Terrain Parks 5
Scheduled Opening Day Dec 22 (Scheduled)
Miles to Major Cities San Jose 161, San Francisco 163
More Info dodgeridge.com

Donner Ski Ranch

Town Norden
Avg Snowfall 411”
Skiable Acres 505
Vertical Drop 750′
Lifts 8
Trails 52
Terrain Parks 2
Scheduled Opening Day Dec 15
Miles to Major Cities Reno 25, Sacramento 90, San Francisco 175
More Info donnerskiranch.com

June Mountain

Town June Lake
Avg Snowfall 250″
Skiable Acres 1500+
Vertical Drop 2590′
Lifts 7
Trails 42
Terrain Parks 2
Opening Day Dec 21 (Scheduled)
Miles to Major Cities Los Angeles 310, Reno 170
More Info junemountain.com

Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe

Town North Lake Tahoe NV
Avg Snowfall 350″
Skiable Acres 1200
Vertical Drop 1800′
Lifts 8
Trails 60
Terrain Parks 3
Scheduled Opening Day Oct 19
Miles to Major Cities Sacramento 128, San Francisco 215, Reno 25
More Info skirose.com

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Town Twin Bridges, CA
Avg Snowfall 460″
Skiable Acres 2000
Vertical Drop 2212′
Lifts 14
Trails 46
Terrain Parks 6
Scheduled Opening Day Dec 1 (Scheduled)
Miles to Major Cities Sacramento 83, San  Francisco 170
More Info sierraattahoe.com

Snow Summit (Big Bear Mountain Resort)

Town Big Bear Lake
Avg Snowfall 100”
Skiable Acres 240
Vertical Drop 1200′
Lifts 16
Trails 26
Terrain Parks 6
Opening Day Nov 16
Miles to Major Cities Los Angeles 100
More Info bigbearmountainresort.com

Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows

Town Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows
Avg Snowfall 450″
Skiable Acres 6000+
Vertical Drop 2850′
Lifts 42
Trails 270+
Terrain Parks 6
Opening Day Nov 18
Miles to Major Cities Reno 42, Sacramento 96, San Francisco 196
More Info squawalpine.com

Sugar Bowl Resort

Town Norden
Avg Snowfall 500″+
Skiable Acres 1650
Vertical Drop 1500’
Lifts 12
Trails 105
Terrain Parks 3
Opening Day Nov 30
Miles to Major Cities San Jose 210, Reno 45
More info sugarbowl.com