From NorCal to SoCal and everywhere in between, the state of California has so many quality options for beginner ski slopes. Whether you're just a once or twice a year type of skier or someone who is eager to learn and get to the top of the game this is a guide for you.
What Makes a Resort in California Good for Beginners?
Beginner ski resorts can be broken down using a simple calculation. Does this spot have a good portfolio of easy, green circle slopes? Does this resort’s population consist mostly of other beginners? Is this spot going to rinse my bank account?
When accounting for these factors the equation spits out a good amount of places up and down California that can be perfect for someone teaching their kids or their friends and maybe even giving up and throwing them in ski school. That's all a part of the beginner skier experience.
The 10 Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in California
#1: Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area
Tahoe Donner is the best place to learn how to ski if it is your very first time. It's the cheapest place in the Lake Tahoe area for tickets, rentals or lessons. The terrain at Tahoe Donner is dominated by beginner slopes and contains a great area with a magic carpet where the ski school operates. It's safe, cheap and a great place to progress around other beginners before entering a more hostile environment.
#2: Northstar California Resort
Northstar is another great place in the Lake Tahoe area to learn how to ski or snowboard. Northstar is known for their ski school and their green slopes that run wide in order for maximum space and safety for any beginners. The family friendly atmosphere provided by the village at Northstar adds a bit of fun off the slopes to keep the fun going as well. Northstar also has access to more challenging terrain if desired.
#3: Snow Summit Ski Resort
Snow Summit is located in the Big Bear Lakes area down in the San Bernardino National Forest. With only 1,200 feet of elevation gain, over 50% of the trails are designated for the beginner skier. Big Bear Lakes as a whole is an easy day trip for any Los Angeles and San Diego area resident looking for a spot to improve their skiing.
#4: Snow Valley Mountain Resort
Going eastbound on the way into Big Bear Lakes, Snow Valley is the first resort of the three in the areas that you will see. Snow Valley is home to some of the best beginner terrain in California including freestyle terrain. With excellent ski school options and plenty of simple and easy trails there is great opportunity to progress at this mountain. The terrain park is also a perfect destination to dial in some of the basics before heading up to some of the more advanced parks in the area at Bear and Snow Summit.
#5: Bear Mountain
The last of the three resorts in the Big Bear Lakes region, this one is the most advanced but still good for beginners. Once you have built up enough skill to get to Bear Mountain Ski Resort you are almost out of the beginner stages of skiing. Bear Mountain has a bit steeper of terrain than the other two resorts in the area but not enough to scare you off. Many of the lifts and freestyle areas are beginner friendly but also give access to more challenging terrain in order to improve.
#6: Boreal Mountain Resort
Boreal Mountain is more known for their freestyle features but they also have 35% of their terrain dedicated to beginner skiers and riders as well as terrain parks for anyone of any level. Boreal has great training programs and deals including a take three ride free deal, which includes three group lessons and a free season pass. It's not going to cost you a fortune to hone in on your skills here. Boreal is also a convenient spot for anyone coming up from the Bay Area, right off the highway and about 30-45 minutes closer than Palisades Tahoe.
Looking for an adventure away from the mountains? Check out our California surf guide.
#7: Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort
Sierra at Tahoe Resort is a resort with terrain designed for many skill levels, including a healthy portion for the beginners on the slopes. On top of that they have their own SMART TERRAIN® program that is for beginners to excel on the mountains and improve their craft. They also provide many deals during the week in order to help out public workers, health care professionals and college students in order to make the whole experience of learning a bit more affordable. They just linked up with Ikon Pass too so keep that in mind for any Ikon pass holders.
#8: June Mountain Ski Area
June Mountain which is also on the Ikon Pass is located in Central California, June Lake to be exact. If you are looking for a resort near Mammoth Mountain that is more beginner friendly this is a great place. June Mountain's biggest asset for beginners is the lack of crowd filing there. It's a lot easier to learn when you're not stressed out with long lines and crowded slopes. The terrain is gentle and there are many designated learning areas within the mountain.
#9: Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Diamond Peak Ski Resort, which is located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, is a more advanced-beginner friendly resort. Another less crowded resort, it's easily accessible and affordable compared to some of the bigger resorts around. They offer private and group lessons with qualified instructors that will take you through the easier slopes of the mountain and direct you in order to improve your skiing even more.
#10: Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is a fun and friendly place to learn how to ski. Some people say it's their favorite place to ski, no matter how long they have been going there. This is a place that is a bit removed from the other Lake Tahoe resorts but that creates less crowds and an easier drive for people coming up from the Bay Area and other locations. Sugar Bowls staff creates a family friendly environment with instructors that are there to teach and slopes that are beginner friendly. There are also higher difficulty runs at Sugar Bowl should you want a challenge or if your group has higher level skiers.
The Bottom Line: Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in California
At the end of the day it's hard to go wrong in California when learning how to ski. With great weather and gentle slopes up and down the state it comes down to your preferred price and destination. Make sure to get out to these beginner friendly resorts this winter to improve your skiing or snowboarding and more importantly, to have fun.
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