Winter is here! If you’re asking “Where is the closest place to play in the snow?” here are five snow play areas and resorts that cater to families. All are within a 5-hour drive from Monterey and a few are budget-friendly. Check your destination’s website carefully before your trip so you are prepared.
Ebbetts Pass • www.ebbettspassadventures.com
One of the most intimate and untamed trans-Sierra routes, the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway is a 61-mile stretch of Highways 4 and 89, in between the towns of Arnold in Calaveras County and Markleeville in Alpine County.
Glacially carved valleys, ancient volcanic peaks, deep river canyon, majestic Giant Sequoia, and breathtaking views are just a few of the wonders of Ebbetts Pass. There are a variety of lodging options available including campgrounds, resorts, hotels, and cabin rentals. You can find a list at the Ebbetts Pass website.
Bear Valley Mountain Ski Area is a great ski resort for both beginners and experts. Unlike the Tahoe resorts, Bear Valley Mountain rarely has huge crowds. Multiple lifts offer a wide variety of runs.
Ebbetts Pass Snow Play areas can be found up and down Highway 4. There are three Sno-Parks on Highway 4, one at the Spicer Meadow Road turnoff, another at the end of the plowed highway near Lake Alpine, and Round Valley, off Highway 207 leading to the Bear Valley Ski Resort. Sno-Parks have two big advantages over other spots along the highway - toilets, and parking.
To use a Sno-Park you must obtain a permit. You can purchase a day permit for $5 or an annual pass (Nov. 1 - May 30) for $25. They are good at any California Sno-Park. Passes can be purchased online at: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233.
Pinecrest Lake Resort • 421 Pinecrest Lake Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364 • www.pinecrestlakeresort.com
Overlooking Pinecrest Lake, this woodsy resort is within the Stanislaus National Forest at an elevation of 5,600-ft elevation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Leland Snow Play is less than a 15-minute drive away.
The resort offers pared-down rooms, some with cable TV and high-speed Internet for an additional fee. Cozy 2- and 3-bedroom cottages sleep up to 6 and feature kitchens and living rooms. Relaxed 2-story townhouses sleep up to 8 and have fireplaces.
Dodge Ridge • 1 Dodge Ridge Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364 • www.dodgeridge.com
Dodge Ridge is located in Tuolumne County near Pinecrest. Pack up your ski gear and bring sleds or sliding equipment for later and get to the resort early to maximize your fun. The resort offers several learn-to-ski and learn-to-snowboard programs, including private and group lessons
There are plenty of fun activities at Dodge Ridge if skiing is not your forte. Currently, they offer outdoor seating and takeout only at Creekside Café for breakfast and lunch. There are pricing options for a season pass and a day pass.
The closest tubing area to Dodge Ridge is Leland Snow Play. The big hill is about eight lanes of tubing and provides both children and adults with lots of fun. Children have to be 44” to ride the tow. For more info on Leland Snow Play, check snowplay.com.
Pinecrest Chalet • 500 Dodge Ridge Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364 • pinecrestchalet.com
The Pinecrest Chalet is a Sierra Nevada landmark founded in 1952 as a rustic three-story dorm room with a separate kitchen and an outhouse. Over the past sixty years “the Chalet” has grown considerably and has hosted thousands of guests from all around the world.
Each of the accommodations is unique and inviting. The chalets have full kitchens and sleep up to 14 people. Pinecrest Chalet also offers more intimate cottages that are perfect for a cozy two to four-person stay. All guests are invited to enjoy the community areas, including a heated pool, bear garden, and den full of literature, games, and movies. The Pinecrest Chalet is a pet-friendly resort.
Many people find Pinecrest Chalet to be a great affordable option and take advantage of the proximity of nearby Dodge Ridge Ski Resort.
Soda Springs • 10244 Soda Springs Rd, Soda Springs, CA 95728 • www.skisodasprings.com
If you are looking for an extremely kid-centered snow resort, Soda Springs may be a perfect match. They have a kids-only snow playground featuring tubing carousels, tubing lanes, ski/snowboard learning areas, snow volcanoes to climb, snowman building, and more. One parent/guardian pedestrian ticket is included with each kid's general admission ticket.
One-day, two-day, and season passes are available and can be purchased online. Only guests with valid daily tickets or a season pass will be able to access indoor facilities.