by NR INDRAN / INT

From the northern tip of California, practically all the way to the Mexican border, California offers superb snow activities. Hundreds of miles of white-capped mountains provide unparalleled opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, skating, snow climbing — even sleigh riding.California offers incredible diversity in winter recreation – and the options aren’t limited to the shred heads among us. From dining to dancing, shopping to snow parks, California’s snowy scene has a little something for everyone.

Lake Tahoe

Yesomite

Shasta Cascade

Alpine Meadows

The Lake Tahoe area is a mecca for winter activities. Get whisked along by racing huskies, teeter or whirl on ice skates, or listen to those jingle bells on a sleigh ride. Of course, it’s also the scene to some of the best slopes and snow in the world. Don’t be afraid to enter Tahoe’s wonderful winter world!

1. Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

California is a hot favourite for snowshoers and cross country skiers who relish a good workout amidst the quiet of an alpine forest. You can find a wealth of opportunities throughout the state on trails leading off the highways or roads. Or, you can enjoy one of the resorts that cater to cross-country aficionados.

Kirkwood Cross Country & Snowshoe Centre offers some incredible scenery and exciting terrain for cross-country skiers and snowshoers in California. Climb to ridge tops, glide along the base of impressive lava cliffs and roll along through picturesque meadows. Kirkwood is also pet-friendly, so you and man’s best friend can enjoy winter together.

Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in north-western California along the hundreds of miles of little-travelled trails in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Or, if you prefer groomed trails, Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort near North Lake Tahoe is the largest in North America.

2. Family Fun in the Snow

Families can discover all forms of snow play up and down the state, from ice skating at an Olympic rink overlooking Lake Tahoe, to an outing in a horse-drawn carriage on a crisp, starry night. In addition, California has dozens of great sledding sites, including 19 snow-parks , which are located off major highways.

Visit the terrain parks of Alpine Meadows with aspiring air-catchers – the perfect place to learn on smaller rails and jumps. Perfect for all beginners, from the kids to the grandparents. Alpine Meadows also features some of the finest children’s programs in the region, focusing on safety, fun and learning.

The whole family can slide and glide at the new Woolly’s Adventure Summit Tube Park and Snowplay Area . Just a short shuttle from The Village at Mammoth, the Tube Park offers groomed tubing lanes, an area to sled and build snowmen, and of course, plenty of hot cocoa. Nearby Mammoth Mountain is perfect for families with the most beginner terrain in California and learning programs for the entire family.

3. Skiing & Snowboarding

California boasts elite downhill skiing and boarding. While the focal point is the Lake Tahoe area, you can find great runs at Mt. Shasta, Mammoth Mountain and even on the Southern California slopes.

The Lake Tahoe Ski Area is packed with dozens of world-class resorts. The High Sierras’ varied terrain offers plenty of challenges for the beginner on up to the black diamond enthusiasts. One Tahoe favourites is Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Squaw Valley also offers a twist on traditional skiing – night riding! Visitors can take to the slopes under a specially-made floodlight system.

The Central Sierras offer outstanding snowboarding and skiing, from Bear Valley to Mammoth Mountain. Families flock to the Stanislaus National Forest, home to Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge. South of Yosemite, Mammoth Mountain is the favourite snow getaway with over 3,500 acres of steep chutes, open bowls and well-groomed trails. Offering ‘pure mountain fun’ Mammoth Mountain provides endless possibilities for a winter getaway.

North and South of the Sierras, California boasts challenging downhill terrains and full-service resorts. Mt. Shasta, at 14,162 feet, looms over California’s northern reaches and throughout the winter, snowboarders and skiers flock to the Mt. Shasta Ski Park . While, just a few hours from Los Angeles and San Diego, resorts in the San Bernardino National Forest offer unmatched terrain at the Snow Summit  and Bear Mountain  resorts.  With over 150 jumps, ranging from spines, tables, hips, gaps, transfers, cheese wedges, rollers and bumps, Bear Mountain is the place to learn them all.

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