Winter storms have arrived, depositing over a foot of snow on our local mountains. Southern California boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding around, and many resorts are just a few hours away from Circa. For more information, visit Ski California, a non-profit trade association representing 32 ski resorts in California and Nevada. The website covers everything from runs to lift systems, terrain parks, and live weather conditions. If you’re looking for a ski getaway vacay, you’ll find world class resorts all across the Western states. Historic ski towns like Vail, Taos, Telluride, and Park City offer luxurious accommodations, along with charming shopping and dining experiences. Check websites for health guidelines and updates.
Mountain High 24510 CA-2 Wrightwood, CA 92397
Open for skiing and snowboarding, Mountain High is Southern California’s closest winter resort with three great mountains and a world class terrain park only an hour and a half from downtown Los Angeles. Situated in the San Gabriel mountains along State Route 2 west of Wrightwood, Mountain High is one of the region’s most visited resorts. With an elevation of 6,600 feet to 8,200 feet for the Mountain High East Resort, 7,000 feet to 8,000 feet for the West Resort, and 7,200 feet to 7,800 ft for the North Resort, you can explore all three mountains with a single lift ticket. Mountain High is committed to your health and well being. Read safety guidelines HERE
Big Bear Mountain Resort 880 Summit Blvd. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
One resort, two mountains, endless options. With Snow Summit (peak 8,200 feet) and Bear Mountain (peak 8,805 feet), Big Bear Mountain Resort is the premier destination to experience the best snow conditions, longest season, and most rideable terrain in Southern California. Winter operations are typically from November to April and all lift tickets are valid for same-day use at both mountains, which means access to over 400 skiable acres, 26 lifts, and more than 55 runs. Operations at Big Bear Mountain Resort this winter will differ from previous seasons. More info HERE
Mammoth Mountain is now open for the 20/21 winter season. Boasting the highest lift-served summit in California at 11,053 feet, Mammoth is the leading four-season mountain resort in the state offering year-round lodging and endless outdoor recreation. Winters are long and legendary – known for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the United States. You can also explore the scenic Lakes Basin on Nordic skis or snowshoes, ride a gondola to Mammoth’s summit, or try some tubing at Woolly’s Tube Park. Make sure you review the new policies and procedures prior to your trip HERE
If you’re planning a Colorado ski trip, a great resource is Colorado Ski Country, a not-for-profit trade association which represents 22 ski and snowboard resorts in Colorado including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Steamboat, Powderhorn, Telluride, Winter Park and more. Check ski area websites, social media and other communications prior to your visit to understand any health policies and procedures in place, current ticketing availability, and what to expect during your visit. More info HERE
Located 100 miles west of Denver in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, with 5.317 skiable acres, 195 trails, and 31 lifts. The base elevation is 8,120 feet, rising to 11.570 feet peak elevation. With twinkling lights and crisp mountain air, Vail’s beautiful mountain village is the backdrop that sparks the winter spirit for visitors and locals alike. Explore shops and restaurants along the heated pedestrian streets that follow the winding Gore Creek to the Covered Bridge, which is just steps away from Gondola One, which takes skiers to Vail Mountain’s finest slopes.
A 35-minute ride from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City sits nestled at 7,000 feet above sea level in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Originally a silver mining town, Park City’s transformation to one of the world’s premier skiing destinations was marked by the first ski lift installation in 1946. Since then the “Greatest Snow on Earth” has been falling on Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resorts. Many Park City are open and available for dine-in eating. While restaurants welcome guests for dine-in, many continue to offer take-out delivery options as well. For details please visit the travel update page HERE
Nestled in an intimate valley, Taos Ski Valley is New Mexico’s largest resort. Renowned for Kachina Peak, which reaches 12,481 ft above sea level, skiers and boarders will discover some of the finest terrain in North America. Bone dry powder shots, steep chutes, big bumps, cornices, and glades – it’s all here to get your adrenaline pumping. For those looking for a little more relaxed adventure, you’ll also find miles of well-manicured slopes and gradual groomers to carve up all season long. If you want to do some more exploring in the Land of Enchantment, Ski New Mexico is a great guide to New Mexico’s eight ski resorts and destinations such as Santa Fe, Village of Taos, Los Alamos, and Red River. More information HERE
With 5,850 skiable acres, 38 lifts, 4,350 vertical feet on one lone peak, Big Sky Resort offers exceptional lodgings, fine dining and meeting facilities. Located midway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, Montana, Big Sky Resort shares the same splendor as the Yellowstone National Park and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Big Sky has implemented many environmental practices and continues to find new ways to operate and develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly mountain resort.
Since 1936, America’s first destination ski resort has captivated the imaginations of ski bums, big city refugees, and lifelong residents who love the uncrowded slopes, leg burning fall line pitches, and stellar guest service. Today, Sun Valley’s 2,000 acres of skiing across Bald and Dollar Mountains, complement a bevy of year round on and off-mountain adventures. With an unrivaled arts and culture scene for a town its size, Sun Valley also has some of the best and most surprising dining and shopping of any mountain town. Business, restaurants, and hotels are open with adapted protocols for operating in the safest manner. More information HERE
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
One of North America’s most exclusive ski resorts, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located at Teton Village, Wyoming, i12 miles northwest of Jackson and due south of Grand Teton National Park. It is named after the historically significant Jackson Hole valley and is known for its steep terrain and a large continuous vertical drop of 4,139 ft. This season, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has taken enhanced health and safety measures for guests and employees. More info HERE
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Big Bear Mountain Resort
Photo #2: Mountain High
Photo #3: Big Bear Mountain Resort
Photo #4: Mammoth Mountain
Photo #5: Colorado Ski Country
Photo #6: Discover Vail
Photo #7: Deer Valley Resort
Photo #8: Ski New Mexico
Photo #9: Big Sky Resort
Photo #10: Visit Sun Valley/Sun Valley Resort
Photo #11: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
