When it comes to beaches, everyone knows that California has it covered, hands down. But did you know wintertime offers up some pretty epic snowboard resorts in the Golden State as well? It’s true. So pack up your winter’s best, grab your chains (we are, after all, from California) and let’s hit the road.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth is a favorite for many. It typically opens up the season early (November) and closes late (May or June) due to its summit elevation of 11,053 feet, making it the highest resort in California. Home to 3 halfpipes, 50 jumps, hundreds of jibs and over 300 sunny days a year, it’s no wonder people come from far and wide to ride Mammoth.
Dank Tip: Mammoth has a well-known and vibrant nightlife scene…good times are to be had!
mammothmountain.com
Sierra-At-Tahoe
Sierra is known for its natural terrain, funky snowboard areas and was one of the earliest and most popular snowboard resorts in California. It’s also one of the lesser-known or visited spots in Lake Tahoe, despite over 2,000 acres of freeriding terrain. It’s a great place to learn to ride if you’re just starting out and on any given day you’ll see snowboarding families and groms out for a good time. Sierra is about as rideable, friendly and fun as you can get.
Dank Tip: Locals know that there’s great backcountry access here too.
sierraattahoe.com
Squaw Valley
Home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw is where skiers and snowboarders flock to in droves. One reason is its average annual snowfall of 450 inches (plus snowmaking on top of that) and its European alpine feel. The place is great for highly-skilled to intermediate riders and is home to 4 parks and 2 halfpipes.
Dank Tip: Want to avoid the crowds? Head to Squaw on weekdays and avoid the crush of weekend city dwellers.
squawalpine.com
Bear Mountain
Just a few short hours from Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, Bear is one of Southern California’s most beloved snowboard resorts. It’s also home to SoCal’s only halfpipes and sits alongside the famed Superpipe. It’s not uncommon to see your favorite local snowboarder doing laps here alongside any number of novice and skilled snowboarders; it’s a mountain that has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Dank Tip: Feeling like a pro? Then try out Geronimo, the resort’s double-black diamond run.
bigbearmountainresort.com/winter/mountains/mountains/bear-mountain
