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California

Looking for the best skiing in California? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around California. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Skiing Spots in and near California

  • Arnold, California

    Snow Camp at Bull Run Lake

    15 mi / 2400 ft gain
    This is a long, beautiful snowshoe to a lake that is very accessible in the summer but almost untouched in the winter! There are a couple of ways to access the lake during the winter, but this is the most interesting: Starting at the easternmost sno-park along Highway 4 going east of Bear Valley,...
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  • Mono County, California

    Snowshoe the Obsidian Dome Trail

    6 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Obsidian Dome Trailhead provides access to a large network of winter hiking trails through Inyo National Forest. These are marked trails that are groomed on an intermittent basis by the National Forest Service. To find the trailhead and parking area, drive north on highway 395 from Mammoth La...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Cross Country Skiing at Mammoth Mountain

    5.0
    Slip away to a scenic winter wonderland. Leave it all behind and explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin on Nordic skis or snowshoes. Rentals, lessons and guided tours are available from Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center so you can experience the serene beauty of alpine lakes and ancient forests on over ...
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  • Markleeville, California

    Snowmobile at Hope Valley Sno-Park

    Book a snowmobile trip through a local adventure center (we love Lake Tahoe Adventures) or bring your own gear. Don't forget to grab permits ahead of time if you come on your own (more info here.) Drive (from anywhere) to Highway 88 and the snow park entrance is on the south side of the highway. ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Ski or Snowboard Heavenly

    5.0
    One of the more beautiful resorts in Lake Tahoe to go snowboarding and skiing.  Heavenly is situated in South Lake Tahoe on the border of California and Nevada.  This ski resort has an amazing view of the lake while going down, as well as one of the largest total areas to ski in Lake Tahoe. This ...
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  • Bishop, California

    Snowshoe to Blue Lake

    6.2 mi / 1350 ft gain
    Starting in Aspendale at 8500 feet, this 5 mile hike is very invigorating and beautiful. To get here, take hwy 395 until in Bishop. Turn onto hwy 168 until you pass the small town of Aspendale. The road dead ends about another mile up the road and you can park. Walk past the yellow gate toward la...
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  • Shasta County, California

    Summit Mt. Lassen via the Northeast Face

    5.0
    8 mi / 4000 ft gain
    This route is perfect for those with some mountaineering skill looking to challenge themselves on either a long day climb (10-12 hours) of one of California’s most iconic peaks.  1: The approach (1500 feet of elevation gain) For the best chance of summiting, start very early, around 2-4 am. Most ...
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  • Bear Valley, California

    Ski or Snowboard at Skyline Bear Valley

    5.0
    Bear Valley is nestled in the high Sierra between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.  It is a popular destination for families and nature lovers.  It boasts 1,900 vertical feet over 1680 acres for skiing and snowboarding. Winter is a popular time at Bear Valley.  Most visitors come to ski or snowboard, but...
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