Many schools in my area still on spring break…and many parents are looking for things to do with their kids.
Since this year our golden state saw more than average amounts of snow fall, many local ski areas are still open – an easy for a day trip from most Southern and Northern California cities. Some are offering discounted post-season lift ticket rates.
Snow Valley, CA
Last week my family skied at Snow Valley near Lake Arrowhead….
luckily it snowed one night when we were there so we had some fresh powder to coat what had turned into some icy runs. The snow might be a little slushy in this warm weather, but the kids still had a good time, and it actually helped my youngest ski down the more advanced runs there. (Snow Valley is a relatively easy resort…which is great for beginner/intermediate skiers. But at one point my 8 year old daughter turned to me and said “Mom, I need some more challenging runs….)
The cost for FIVE lift tickets was only $64 – That is less than one lift ticket at bigger resorts! Kids under 7 ski free. The LA Times reported that Snow Valley and Mountain High will stay open until late April if they get enough skiiers and snow boarders. BTW – there are a lot of snowboarders here..the mountain has a special snowboard area with many jumps.
Other Southern California getaways – Mt Baldy will stay open until end of May….and gotta love Mammoth Mountain. They got so much snow those lifts probably will stay open until mid June!
For Northern California skiiers, the LA Times also reported that Sugar Bowl, Heavenly, and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area will be open until April 25. Sugar Bowl is another one of my favorite family ski destinations..and about three hours from San Francisco. The more advanced resort, Squaw Valley, will stay open until May 9.
A bit of advice: before you go check with the resorts website for snow conditions and which runs are open if that matters to you.
Adorable children!!!