From carving up the waves to riding the deepest powder, San Diego is home to many avid snow skiers and snowboarders. However, San Diego is known for its luxurious, sunny beaches, warm climate, and attractions. San Digian's love for the mountains remains unmatched.
This guide will help you identify quality resorts that will best fit your needs. These ski resorts are uniquely different and will offer you an experience of a lifetime. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert rider or just looking to enjoy the winter season, these resorts listed will offer you an unforgettable experience.
What Makes Skiing Near San Diego Unique?
Having the convenience of living in San Diego grants you many ski resort options. Whether you want to go on a day trip or a weekend trip, you have the luxury of choosing.
What Time of Year Can You Ski Near San Diego?
Ski season begins in late November and lasts until July if the winter season brings enough snow. From winter to spring, the slopes will remain open, allowing you to make the most out of your winter gear.
What Ski Gear do you need near San Diego?
Having the proper snow equipment is essential for a comfortable and fulfilling experience. Ensuring you have waterproof gloves, warm thermals and socks, neck gators, goggles, helmets, snow pants, ski jackets, and secure equipment will help you conquer any snow activity you choose.
The Best X Ski Resorts/Mountains Near San Diego
Mammoth Mountain
The Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is approximately six to seven hours away. Although the drive seems a bit hefty, the experience will compensate for the long road trip.
Mammoth has over 3,500 acres of ridable terrain that involves bowls, tree runs, groomers, and gnarly chutes. The resort has five base lodges that deliver pristine service: Main Lodge, The Village, Canyon Lodge, Eagle Lodge, and The Mill.
The Main Lodge is the furthest up the mountain, leading you straight to the summit. It's a ski-in, ski-out lodging experience with many grub options.
The Village has straight gondola access to the slopes as it drops riders at the base of Canyon Lodge. The Village is a cozy, walkable hamlet with a variety of food options and clothing stores. Apart from the other lodges, Canyon Lodge hosts après ski events at the base of the mountain where people come to dance and celebrate to good tunes.
The Eagle Lodge is home to more groomers and long runs. All lodges except The Mill and The Village provide snow skiing and snowboarding classes for any ability level. The Mill is the only lodge that doesn’t provide housing but has a delicious grill at the base where many riders gather.
Arizona Snowbowl
The Arizona Snowbowl resort is another longer road trip, taking around seven hours to travel. This resort is located west of Mount Humphreys, the tallest point in the state. Arizona Snowbowl offers 61 trails of skiable terrain to snow skiers and snowboarders of any experience level.
Lodging is offered at the base of Snowbowl, with a variety of cozy cabins, ski-in, ski-out, hotels, and luxury suites. Along with the lodging options, Arizona Snowbowl offers a variety of grab-and-go and dining options. Arizona Snowbowl has you covered if you're looking for a ski-in, ski-out venue or a fine-dining experience.
Big Bear
With a driving time of three hours from the heart of San Diego, Big Bear offers three unique, skiable resort experiences. The first resort you can explore is Bear Mountain, known to have park features and over 50 trails ranging from groomed runs to vertical chutes.
Snow Summit is another great option for snowboarding or snow skiing. This resort is a little smaller than Bear Mountain, with 33 trails.
Snow Valley is known to be the longest-operating resort in the state of Southern California. Snow Valley offers some of the best beginner-terrain activities other than skiing, like tubing, and sledding. Snow Valley would be a perfect option for families with young kids.
All three options offer spacious, cozy lodging experiences that will make you feel right at home. If you want to explore and discover the town of Big Bear, The Village offers a variety of restaurants and clothing stores that are all within driving distance of the three resorts listed above.
Mountain High
Only two and a half hours away, Mountain High is another fantastic option to ski or ride. Mountain High has around 59 trails to ride, from groomers to steep chutes. Whether you are an expert, intermediate, or beginner, Mountain High has a variety of slope options that can best suit your riding ability.
The Mountain High Resort offers a wide selection of lodging experiences. They have everything from cozy hotel rooms to newly renovated cabins and spacious chalets with forest views. Mountain High is a great option, and you will not regret it.
China Peak Mountain Resort
The China Peak Mountain ski resort is in Fresno County, about seven hours away from San Diego. China Peak was initially named “The Chinese Mountain” to honor Charley Blasingame, the U.S. Forest Service.
Along with the skiing and snowboarding experience, China Peak offers other activities, such as tubing. This ski resort has around 54 trail runs ranging from long groomers to gnarly drops.
China Peak offers slope side lodging along with other options ranging from warm, cozy cabins to spacious hotels. You will not regret your stay at the China Peak Mountain Resort.
Skiing Near San Diego: Conclusion
It is time to strap on your boots and hit the slopes. Any resort listed above will provide you with an unforgettable skiing experience.
See you on the slopes!