California is known for many things. Surf and sea, Silicon Valley, wine, and Hollywood jump to mind. But what many don’t know is that you’ll find some of the country’s best ski resorts in California. Who would have thought – it’s the ultimate paradox.
You’re carving powder laps in the morning, and by afternoon, you could be beachside sipping a pina colada. Skiing in California is different – but in the best way. For starters, the snow can be moody, with powder quickly turning to icy slush. But when the snow gods rain down on the Sierras – it means buttery runs, big blue skies, and views that can make the most passionate skier stop to take a photo.
And it’s not just vistas and powder here. The ski resort rentals in California are just as impressive. Cast your mind to homey cabins, ranging from rustic ski-to-door lodges to sleek A-frames with no neighbors.
Don’t be mistaken – California isn’t the cheapest ski destination, but it has reason not to be. For starters, just take the year-round sunshine and killer terrain close to some of the state’s biggest cities.
In this article, I’ve put together the best resorts in the state, featuring an extra-special accommodation recommendation for each:
Photo: Ana Pereira
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Staying in a Ski Resort in California
The difference between Californian resorts and others in the U.S. is the laid-back, low-key vibe. The powder can be as good as that in Colorado or Switzerland, but with a side of West Coast cool. I mean, where else can you ski and surf in one weekend?
And the accommodations really mirror this Cali-cool ambiance. Forget the old-school, cookie-cutter alpine lodges – nope, these places to stay are as diverse as the state itself. Picture everything from snug, rustic cabins to high-end boutique chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows.
One thing a trip to California knows how to do is curate a crisp, easygoing vibe. And it’s pretty clear once you spot the bubbling hot tubs, buzzing bars, apres-ski scene, and flannel outfits.
Photo: Ana Pereira
If you’re on a budget, ski pass prices might give you the shock of a lifetime. If you can ski for more than one week over the winter season, your best bet would be to purchase a season pass. Food and accommodation are also pretty pricey, but there are always ways to stay within your budget. Because let’s be honest, it’s not a trip to the US without hitting the slopes in Cali.
Suppose you’ve got cash to spend – lucky you! You could choose from a range of condos or ski-in/ski-out chalets with heated floors, fireplaces, and private decks overlooking the Sierra Nevada.
The usual amenities are common here: onsite ski rentals, outdoor firepits in the villages, apres-ski hours, and complimentary baked goods to reward you for making it to the final lift of the day. The vibes are always high in California’s ski resorts. I’d say there is the perfect combination of glitzy bars with craft cocktails and gritty pubs.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
- > $$$
- > 2-6 Guests
- > Walking distance from the lifts
- > Access to hot tubs, saunas, and fitness centers
Summit Lofts Boutique Hotel
- > $
- > 2-3 Guests
- > Modern suites with mountain views
- > Ground floor coffee shop
Luxury 5-Bed Home with Lake Views
- > $$$$
- > 12 Guests
- > Long-term stays allowed
- > Deck with firepit and BBQ
Boho-Modern Condo with Resort Pool and Hot Tub
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Private BBQ deck
- > Access to pool, sauna, and hot tub
The 10 Top Ski Resorts in California
From the advanced chutes and cliffs at Palisades Tahoe to the snowboarder-friendly vibe at Mammoth to the kid-friendly bunny hills at Northstar, these are ten of the best resorts in the Golden State.
And tbh, they might be some of the best ski resorts in the US too!
1. The Village at Palisades Tahoe – Lake Tahoe | Overall Best Value Ski Resort in California
Palisades is known for its technical terrain. And what better place to rest and recover after a day cruising steep runs than the main village lodge itself? The ski resort is built around this lodge, which comprises multiple buildings, each with rooms ranging from standard rooms to two-bedroom condos.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Tahoe City
- Truckee
- The Rocker Restaurant
Palisades is the stuff of ski legends. Once home to the Winter Olympics, this iconic resort boasts some of the world’s top advanced terrain, chutes, drops, and bowls—all with a high-energy apres-ski vibe and exquisite views of Lake Tahoe.
You won’t find a more convenient place to stay than The Village at Palisades. It’s an integral part of the resort, with multiple buildings and different types of rooms. The condos have everything you might wish for – cooking utensils, gas fireplaces, and bathtubs. It also includes daily housekeeping and access to the resort hot tubs, saunas, and gyms.
2. Summit Lofts Boutique Hotel – Mount Shasta | Best Budget Ski Resort in California
Mount Shasta is perfect for powder lovers after a bit of peace in the mountains. It’s not as popular as other Californian ski resorts but is absolutely blessed when it comes to powder. Pair that with uncrowded slopes and a particularly laid-back and local vibe, and you have a winner.
Summit Lofts is the answer if you’re looking for budget accommodation in Mount Shasta. Its modern interiors, clean lines, and abundance of light give it an elevated feel. The entire space has been refurnished, with spacious rooms and a coffee shop on the ground floor.
3. Luxury 5-Bed Home with Lake Views – Lake Tahoe | Most Luxurious Ski Resort in California
Homewood is a smaller resort in Tahoe, which arguably has the best views of them all. In fact, it’s not even a discussion – most of these runs gaze straight down onto the lake. It’s charming and relatively affordable compared with other Tahoe resorts.
Luxurious cabins aren’t hard to come by in Tahoe, but this place is a level above the rest. Located right on the edge of the lake, it has five spacious bedrooms and an open-plan living space that will make all your luxury cabin dreams come true. If you’re not convinced, just take a look at the pool table, fireplace, children’s playroom, firepit, and BBQ.
4. Boho-Modern Condo with Hot Tub – Mammoth Lakes | Perfect California in Ski Resort for Couples
At Mammoth Lakes, the snow is deep, the mountains are high, and the season can stretch well into May and even June. This resort’s special focus on snowboarding gives it a chilled-out, carefree ambiance. Oh, and it’s one of the closest ski resorts in California to Los Angeles.
Right next to the village, this one-bedroom condo is perfectly equipped for a romantic stay. The space is beautifully decorated, with modern cabin interiors. But it’s the extra touches like the new mattresses, luxurious bedding, and a kitchen stocked with essential condiments that put this condo on my top ten radar.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!5. Black Bear Lodge – Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe
I think Heavenly lives up to its name. The resort is in South Lake Tahoe, along the Nevada-California border, and is best known for its family-friendly atmosphere. It’s part of the Vail Epic Pass system, which means a season pass here could allow you access to plenty of other resorts worldwide.
If a cabin and a hotel were to have a baby, it would be Black Bear Lodge. It’s got it all – hotel service and amenities, paired with a private kitchen, living room with a fireplace, and simple yet stylish interiors.
6. Studio with Covered Parking and Fireplace – Kirkwood, Lake Tahoe
Kirkwood delivers some serious terrain when it comes to die-hard skiers. Tons of snow, and a no-frills laid-back atmosphere make this the perfect place for purists.
And in true Kirkwood style, this studio has all the amenities you could wish for from a short-term rental, with none of the uppity fuss. What do I mean by this? Well, you can park in the private covered parking, use a hot tub and wood-burning fireplace in the studio, and sit on the deck gazing out across the mountain.
The ski locker, waxing station, and cross-country skiing trails outside the front door only add to its convenience.
7. Gravity Haus Truckee, Tahoe – Northstar, Truckee
Northstar is the luxurious, family-friendly ski resort in California you never knew you needed. It’s got some of the best ski schools in the country, ice skating, a posh village, and some epic options for traveling with kids.
If I had to describe Gravity Haus in two words, they would be ‘understated style.’ From outside the building, the hotel seems like a classic cabin. But the rooms are more modern and functional than you would think. They’re quiet and spacious, each with a personal workspace and ensuite bathroom.
The hotel also has a hot tub, fitness center, a restaurant serving delicious après-ski meals, and plenty of parking.
8. Mid-Century Home Overlooking Donner Lake – Sugar Bowl Resort, Norden
Sugar Bowl flies a bit under the radar, but it’s steeped in history and has a classic old-school ski resort vibe. It’s in the Lake Tahoe area but not on the lake, which makes it a quick weekend getaway for locals of the Bay Area and Sacramento.
One look at this cabin, and you’ll understand why it was chosen as the Interior Design Magazine’s best small country home. It’s absolutely stunning, from the quirky modern living space that opens onto the mountain to the office space and hot tub deck.
A top-notch deal on top-notch gear.
WANDRD is not your average backpack brand.
And this is not your average sale.
Get up to 40% OFF some of their best and most beloved pieces of gear.
9. Modern 2-Bed Cabin in Cold Springs – Dodge Ridge Ski Resort
Dodge Ridge is another family-focused resort that is also budget-friendly. I rate it as one of the best ski resorts in California for beginners, not only because it isn’t a huge investment but also because it has a relaxed ambiance and is far away from the large Tahoe crowds.
This family-friendly cabin is easily accessible from Highway 108, which is especially important after a big winter storm. It’s been newly renovated with high wooden ceilings, updated furniture, and a wood-burning fireplace. Ideal for families, the unit includes laundry facilities, a crib, a high chair, and toys for kids.
10. Adventure-Friendly Cabin – Bear Valley Ski Resort
Bear Valley is known for hosting a famous ski race course during winter. But its recreational skiing is just as impressive. It’s quieter and more affordable than Tahoe and is suitable for everyone from beginners to expert skiers and snowboarders.
Perfect for a couple or a small family, this condo has all the amenities you could wish for from a ski vacation. A kids’ crib, high chairs, board games, a fully stocked kitchen with the utensils and appliances you’d expect from a chef’s home, and laundry facilities take this home from ordinary to extraordinarily homey and convenient.
FAQ’s About Ski Resorts in California
A few more questions travelers usually ask me about Cali’s ski resorts and lodges:
Don’t Forget Your California Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance is essential for any US trip, especially one that involves adventure sports!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ski Resorts in California
Surprisingly, California has no shortage of ski resorts. The state experiences Pacific storms and winter climate patterns, which, along with its high elevation and geographical location along the Sierra Nevada mountain range, are the perfect recipe for a snowy winter.
When it comes to finding the best ski resort in California, it’s hard to beat the variety and charm the state offers. From the breathtaking views at Heavenly to the laid-back vibes at Mammoth and Big Bear, there’s a slope and a cabin for every traveler. And for those traveling with kids, resorts like Mammoth and Northstar are renowned as great ski resorts in California for families.
Combine all of that with sunny skies, stunning scenery, and the easy-going energy that we know as California’s claim to fame, and you have yourself a winter dreamscape.
Photo: Ana Pereira
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in California.
- Get yourself covered with trusty travel insurance for the USA.
- For adventurers check out the best national parks of California.
- Then there are the most epic beaches in California for the beach bums.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around California.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
