The Best Snowboarding in California

Looking for the best snowboarding 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 snowboarding spots in and near California

Mammoth Lakes, California

Ski and Snowboard Mammoth

5.0

At 11,053 feet, Mammoth boasts the highest summit of any California resort, making for deeper, higher quality snow, beautiful views and a season that can last until July. And with 3,500 skiable acres, 400 inches of snowfall and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, we enjoy re-earning our...
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McCloud, California

Mt. Shasta via Clear Creek Route

11.43 mi / 7615 ft gain

The least technical route to the summit of Mt Shasta begins at the Clear Creek Trailhead (elevation 6390 ft). Please note that although this is a less technical route, this is still dangerous and there have been deaths on Mt. Shasta because of falling rock. To start this, you should be a good hik...
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Twin Bridges, California

Hike Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon

5.0

7.4 mi / 4100 ft gain

Pyramid Peak is the tallest peak in the Crystal Range and the Desolation Wilderness, just west of Lake Tahoe. On a clear day it can be seen from the Bay Area over 150 miles away. Named for its distinct shape, Pyramid a massive heap of glaciated granite slabs and talus, and the Rocky Canyon route ...
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Truckee, California

Ski and Snowboard Northstar

3.5

Northstar California, previously known as Northstar-at-Tahoe, is located near the north shore of Lake Tahoe and is home to over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is known for its laid back atmosphere coupled with high-end luxury accommodations, shopping and dining.The resort is home to i...
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Bridgeport, California

Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir

10 mi / 6000 ft gain

Matterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...
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Shaver Lake, California

Camp at Bretz Mill Campground

4.0

/ 3286 ft gain

Bretz Mill Campground is truly one of a kind - no fee, open year round, first come, first serve. This is a wonderful campground is an oasis for those seeking to picnic, cool off during hot summer days, or explore snowy trails. This is also a great place to spend the night when many campgrounds at...
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Tahoe City, California

Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry

This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...
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Tahoe City, California

Camp at William Kent Campground

/ 6282 ft gain

William Kent Campground is a few miles south of Tahoe City on Lake Tahoe's western shore. Access to the lake is just a short walk from the campground. The campground provides bathrooms, campfire rings, a trash dump station, firewood vendor, grills, picnic tables, and food storage lockers. Pets ar...
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Warner Springs, California

Camp at Oak Grove Campground

/ 2772 ft gain

Apart from being visually appealing, the campground features open, yet secluded sites that are perfect for stargazing and shooting-star spotting. Each campsite has a picnic table and a grill. There are vault toilets and flush toilets. There is also potable water. If you are interested in seeing b...
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Echo Lake, California

Ski Ralston Peak

5.0

Ralston Peak is a classic south Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing and snowboarding area, and is excellent for hiking in the summer, too. Please note, however, that backcountry skiing and snowboarding is dangerous – make sure you know the conditions and have avalanche equipment.There are two main appr...
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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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Mammoth Lakes, California

Camp at Holiday Campground

/ 7197 ft gain

Holiday Campground is the perfect spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The campground is close to a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. In the winter, water is shut off so bring plenty of extra potable water for cooking...
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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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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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