When we think about weekend getaways near the city, naturally, lovely small towns by the ocean, unique stays in the desert or glamping in the forest come to mind. But, as many of us already know, Los Angeles is not a one-trick pony when it comes to outdoor activities. We’re surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and even snow! Just a few miles from our beloved city, you’ll find unique spots for skiing and snowboarding that we’ll explore today…
1. Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain, often called “the Park” due to its unique terrain, was one of the first to introduce freestyle parks in the early ’90s. In addition to its renowned park, the mountain features 24 traditional runs, mostly intermediate blues and blacks, with only 15 percent designated for beginners.
Bear Mountain is home to three main peaks, including Bear Peak, which is the highest lift-served peak in SoCal, standing at just over 8,800 feet. It’s one of the best ski resorts near Los Angeles.
📍 Location: Big Bear Lake, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 100 miles (about a 2-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Terrain parks, a variety of runs for skilled skiers, and a vibrant snowboarding scene
🎫 Lift tickets: $79 to $159 for adults
2. Mt. Baldy
The closest option to ski near L.A. is Mt. Baldy, reachable with an easy drive east on I-210, followed by a short 10-mile stretch north on a two-lane road into the scenic San Gabriel Mountains. This spot makes for a perfect day trip from the city.
Despite its proximity, Mt. Baldy is a smaller resort with limited amenities, featuring just a single café[/trackLink] and restrooms. If you’re low on time or gas, this is a convenient option, though exploring further could lead to other great spots on this list.
📍 Location: Mount Baldy, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 50 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Steep terrain, minimal crowds, and a true local mountain experience
🎫 Lift tickets: $50 to $99 for adults
3. Alta Sierra
[smn_responsive_embed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLIrHV3ADVu/" type="instagram" username="" nickname="@altasierraski" /]Alta Sierra is an ideal small ski hill for a day on the slopes while visiting the Sequoias. It features two chair lifts, a charming warming hut and snack bar, and full equipment rentals. Though the skiing options are a bit limited, a day or half-day on fresh powder above Lake Isabella offers a fantastic snow-sport detour. Plus, there’s a terrain park… It’s a great choice for skiing in California near Los Angeles.
📍 Location: Wofford Heights, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA:190 miles (about a 3.5-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Family-friendly atmosphere, beginner and intermediate slopes, and affordable skiing options
🎫 Lift tickets: $35 to $65 for adults
4. Mountain High
Mountain High is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country. It first opened in 1937, when skiers were hauled up the mountain by a rope tow, and by 1960, it had grown significantly. Today, the resort is divided into three distinct areas, making it a top choice among ski resorts near Los Angeles!
The North Resort serves as a ski school, tubing, and snow play area for beginners. The East Resort offers longer runs and more open terrain for alpine snow sports. The West Resort, the most popular of the three, caters to advanced skiers with a focus on the Faultline Terrain Park and numerous tree [trackLink link_url="https://secretlosangeles.com/hikes-in-los-angeles/"]trails.
📍 Location: Wrightwood, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 80 miles (about a 1.5-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Proximity to L.A., night skiing, and a variety of terrain for all skill levels
🎫 Lift tickets: $69 to $149 for adults
5. Snow Summit
Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake, is one of the larger ski areas in Southern California and is particularly popular among locals from Los Angeles. This mid-sized resort features 1,209 feet of elevation gain and 240 acres of skiable terrain.
Most of the runs are groomed blues, but the dedicated beginner area is ideal for those new to skiing. Additionally, a quarter of the mountain is dedicated to black diamond runs.
📍 Location: Big Bear Lake, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 100 miles (about a 2-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Family-friendly environment, well-groomed trails, and excellent conditions for both skiing and snowboarding
🎫 Lift tickets: $79 to $159 for adults
6. Snow Valley Mountain Resort
Snow Valley boasts several standout features, including SoCal’s only six-pack high-speed lift and the state’s only lift-served sledding hill in the southern half. With 12 lifts and 30 runs, the resort caters to a diverse range of skiers and snowboarders. It is particularly dedicated to teaching beginners, both children and adults, and is known for being extremely family-friendly.
📍 Location: Running Springs, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 85 miles (about a 1.5-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Family-friendly atmosphere, beginner to intermediate runs, and Southern California’s only chairlift-serviced sledding area
🎫 Lift tickets: $55 to $99 for adults
7. China Peak Mountain Resort
China Peak, situated in Lakeshore, may not be larger or more upscale than the ski resorts in near Los Angeles… However, it offers the benefit of being much less crowded, as it primarily attracts visitors from the Central Valley.
It provides affordable full- or half-day ski school programs for kids as young as 4 years old. There’s also a special “Mini Skier” lesson for 3-year-olds who are just starting out, which includes parent participation.
📍 Location: Lakeshore, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 220 miles (about a 4-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Varied terrain, stunning lake views, and a mix of runs suitable for all skill levels
🎫 Lift tickets: $70 to $139 for adults
8. June Mountain
June Mountain is the go-to spot for locals when Mammoth gets crowded. With 35 runs, nearly half of which are well-groomed blues and only 20% black diamonds, it’s an excellent choice for families and skiers of beginner to intermediate levels.
The June Meadows chalet, located partway up the mountain, provides lockers, rentals, repairs, a sports shop, and a ski school headquarters. It also features indoor and outdoor dining options and the popular Antler Bar, where you can unwind after your snowy adrenaline rush.
📍 Location: June Lake, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 330 miles (about a 5.5-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Scenic views, a relaxed vibe, and a great variety of terrain for all skill levels
🎫 Lift tickets: $70 to $130 for adults
9. Boreal Mountain Resort
The resort provides night skiing, allowing you to enjoy nearly 12 hours on the slopes with a relatively inexpensive ticket. With almost three-quarters of the mountain dedicated to beginner and intermediate terrain, Boreal is an excellent choice for those still learning to ski or snowboard, offering a cost-effective way to spend a day on the slopes.
📍 Location: Soda Springs, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 190 miles (about a 3-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Convenient access from the Bay Area, terrain parks, and a variety of beginner to advanced runs
🎫 Lift tickets: $55 to $100 for adults
10. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
As you might have implied by its name, this ski resort is certainly huge! Mammoth offers 25 lifts, 175 trails, and 3,500 skiable acres, making it the largest in California by peak elevation. The resort features a vibrant village area filled with restaurants and shops. The Village hosts a variety of special events, including Santa visits during the holidays and fun, kid-friendly dance parties with the mascot “Woolly” on winter Saturdays.
📍 Location: Mammoth Lakes, California
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 320 miles (about a 5-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Extensive terrain, high elevation, and a long ski season with diverse runs for all levels
🎫 Lift tickets: $100 to $200 for adults
11. Mount Waterman
Mt. Waterman offers a hidden gem for skiers near LA with its peaceful, uncrowded vibe and just three chairlifts. Reach heights of 8,030 feet to access the thrilling Upper Bowl, then enjoy a ride down serene, tree-lined trails. For a cozy mid-day break, head to The Warming Hut, where you can sip hot chocolate or whiskey by the open fire, perfect for a recharge before hitting the slopes again.
📍 Location: CA-2, Pearblossom, CA 93553
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 46 miles (about 1-hour drive)
⛷️ Known for: Advanced terrain, tree skiing, and uncrowded slopes
🎫 Lift tickets: $30-$80