California Ski Resorts

Jack Lee
Written by Jack Lee / Photos by Greg Burke
Last updated 27 June 2024

Skiing in California

Pros

  • Warmer than Colorado and Utah Ski resorts in Lake Tahoe receive massive powder dumps

  • Home to Mammoth Mountain, which has one of the longest seasons in the US

  • Lively après ski, vibrant nightlife and high-stakes casinos in Lake Tahoe

Cons

  • Some resorts with low elevation are generally warmer and can see rain

  • ‘Sierra cement’ – notorious wet and hard snow

  • Popular ski resorts are a far drive from the closest airport compared to those in Utah

Map of California Ski Resorts

List of Destination Ski Resorts in California

There’s much more to the Golden State than beaches and surfing! Head east where the winter storms dump the powder and you’ll see that California’s best ski resorts hold up well compared to Utah and Colorado. We’ve teamed up with local experts up and down the Sierra to bring you the top 5!

Heavenly

Known for: Entertaining base village with Tahoe Casinos nearby.

Preferred Airport: Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport - 56 miles (1 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 10067 feet

Skiable area: 4800 acre

Average Snowfall: 360 inch

Google Maps | Heavenly Ski Packages

Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley)

Alpine Meadows is quite an underrated for such an epic mountain

Known for: Wide variety of extreme terrain, vibrant ski culture and Olympic heritage.

Preferred Airports: Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport - 47 miles (50 minute drive)

Summit Elevation: 9050 feet

Skiable area: 6000 acre

Average Snowfall: 450 inch

Google Maps | Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley) Ski Packages

Mammoth Mountain

Taking a spot in this list, Mammoth!

Known for: Huge size, long seasons, and all the amenities you’d expect from a high-end resort.

Preferred Airports:

Mammoth Yosemite Airport - 14 miles (25 minute drive)

Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport - 171 miles (3.5 hour drive)

Los Angeles Intl. Airport - 318 miles (5.5 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 11053 feet

Skiable area: 3500 acre

Google Maps | Mammoth Mountain Ski Packages

Kirkwood

Love a good challenge? Check out Thimble Peak at Kirkwood

Known for: Local-vibe mountain with arguably Lake Tahoe's most challenging terrain.

Preferred Airport: Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport - 80 miles (1.5 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 9800 feet

Skiable area: 2300 acre

Google Maps | Kirkwood Ski Packages

Northstar California

Northstar is California's family-friendly resort and offers exceptional intermediate terrain

Known for: Upscale family-friendly ski resort.

Preferred Airport: Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport - 42 miles (45 minute drive)

Summit Elevation: 8610 feet

Skiable area: 3170 acre

Average Snowfall: 350 inch

Google Maps | Northstar California Ski Packages