The 9 Best Places To Ski Near San Francisco
When San Francisco is mentioned, what comes to mind is America’s Largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe. This is great news for bikers and campers. Well, skiing enthusiasts aren’t left behind. With numerous long mountains with snow caps all over them, there is space for skiing. If you’re a skiing enthusiast, this must trigger some excitement in you. We’ve gone a step further to outline to you some of the best Skiing Resorts in San Francisco. Next time you’re there, be sure to visit these places.
The Homewood Mountain Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort remains unmatched when it comes to the level of peak shore experience that it offers. With only a 55-minute drive from the San Francisco Airport, you will be at the resort in no time. The resort is situated at a lower elevation which is sheltered from the strong winds and makes its location suitable for the stormy periods. That’s not all, this resort is the only one in the area that is perfect for skiing and partying. If this description fits you, Homewood Mountain Resort is your choice.
The resort provides a1260 acres for ski enthusiasts plus a trail classification of 15% for the professionals, 40% for intermediate, another 15% for beginners. It also boasts of having the highest elevation at 10,00 feet; quite impressive! Epic would be the best word to describe it. From skiing to partying, playing and enjoying delicious cuisines, you couldn’t probably ask for anything better.
Another thing that made us fall in love with this resort, is that traveling to the neighboring cities of California and Nevada isn’t a problem. And if you are a vagabond, then the resort has enough walking distance for you. The Heavenly resort is just an epic pass on its own, as it gives direct access to 46 other resorts inclusive of the Kirkwood, Whistler, Stowe and the Northstar hotels.
One thing that we have to warn you is the big crowds present at all times. Avoiding them will be almost impossible. Also, stay safe during the nights and call it a day early from the Casino to avoid hangovers the next day and missing the first chair.
The Boreal Mountain Resort
If you’re an introvert who enjoys quiet walks and rides in the park, The Boreal Mountain Resort suits you perfectly. Boreal Mountain isn’t the most significant one around the area, but it is definitely beautiful enough to impress your eyes. The resort opens very early in the morning, probably the first in San Francisco; as they say, the early bird catches the worm. Well, with the resort there is plenty more to catch than the ‘worm’.
The resort provides visitors with 380 acres of skiing area. This is land big enough for you to try out every complex trick that you’ve ever wanted to learn. Moreover, it is totally safe as there are guides around 24/7 to assist you with any shortage that you might have.
The hotel offers a trail classification of 15% for advanced, 30% for beginners and a full 55% for the intermediate. There is something for all. Besides the skiing experience, we couldn’t ask for anything better when it comes to their accommodation. Get served by world-class chefs and enjoy delicious cuisines from all over the world. This is one of the nearest and easily located resorts in San Francisco.
The Palisades Tahoe Resort (New Name 2021)
Even though the pronunciation of the name is a bit difficult, the Squaw resort is amongst the most known resorts in San Francisco. The Premier Terrain resort and Alpine Meadows combined to form the Squaw Valley. The two are currently still not connected, but you could always use the bus ride or still ski from one pass to the other.
The Squaw is undoubtedly famous for hosting the historic 1960 Winter Olympics and this is one of the reasons for its fame and popularity. Highlights from this game are normally shown every four years. If you’re a skiing enthusiast, then you’ve probably seen or heard of them. The resort is also home to pro skiers and extreme terrains.
The village surrounding it is a beautiful one, and you will enjoy maneuvering and navigating around it. There is a wide selection of restaurants and stores for dining and shopping. Once in the resort, be sure to expect an encounter with big crowds and long lines during the powder days. Also, be careful as the resort is widely exposed to strong winds. Otherwise, the experience here is world-class!
The Northstar California
Are you looking for a cool place to spend the holidays with your family on some black or slightly blue ski? What separates you from a lifetime of experience is only a 3.5-hour drive which is roughly 200 miles from San Francisco to the Northstar California Resort. This is a high-luxury resort with world-class services; from the accommodation and meals to the most important part; skiing experience.
The Flatstar, as referred by some, is an epic pass that gives direct access to 46 other resorts nearby. These are inclusive of the Breckenridge, Stowe resort, Blackcomb, Whistler, the Kirkwood, and the South Lake Tahoe. This is a dream come true for riders and skiers who adore the smooth and big turns at the corduroy.
We love this resort because it isn’t prone to strong winds like some resorts, thanks to its hidden location. Moreover, it is family-friendly and the modern family will appreciate it most. One thing that you will not like, however, is that the parking lots are a distance from the lifts. Also, of all the resorts in the area, this one has the lowest elevation. This might not be good news to those looking for an epic skiing experience.
The Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
Mammoth Ski Area is a renowned resort in San Francisco mainly because of its 22-foot Super-Duper and mini pipe and the 18-foot Superpipe. That’s not all, it is also one of the most frequently visited resorts by skiers and snowboarders from Southern California. The number of visitors makes it evident that Californians love this resort, and there is a good reason behind it.
Mammoth is among the oldest resorts in San Francisco, as it dates back to as early as 1955. The history behind it is amazing, and its current form is even more amazing. For starters, Mammoth provides terrain for all level of snowboarders and skiers. From beginners to pros, there is something for everyone. Secondly, its location makes driving to and from the town convenient with only a 50 miles drive from the Yosemite Park Eastern Gate.
Another fabulous thing about it is that the resort has one of the longest ski seasons that runs almost to June. This is one of the reasons that make it one of the most significant ski areas in California. While other resorts are off-peak, this one is booming in business. As the saying goes, ‘he who seizes the right moment is the right man’, and therefore, seize the right moment to have an experience of your lifetime in this resort.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
The name of this resort tells everything that there is to know about it. The experience here is heavenly, and you will enjoy every moment, without any doubts. What this resort offers is a blend of fun vibe and an outrageous mix of terrain. It is strategically located between Nevada and California states. The California side offers an impeccable view of the lakes while Nevada gives you a juxtaposed view of the scorching desert.
There are lots of fun activities to partake here with each spring having different skiing games. Half of the mountain in the resort if for the intermediates with beginners and pros getting the other half of the share. There is less snow here than other parts of San Francisco, but the snow here is the driest and lightest. The powder days are the best to navigate around, checking out the trees and even hiking to the top of the mountain.
Lovers and married couples, as well as modern families, will find the experience here heavenly. It isn’t as crowded as other resorts and there aren’t big crowds. It is a quiet place to relax and enjoy the holidays before resuming to your normalcies.
The Alpine Meadows Hotel Resort
Work and daily routines can be hectic! Well, if you’re looking to take a break from everything to enjoy a quiet and cool time on your own or even with friends, the Alpine Meadows Hotel Resort might be just what you are looking for. Cover a 200 miles distance from the San Francisco Airport, and within three and a half hours, you will be at the resort.
The hotel shares a lift ticket with the Squaw Valley hotels and the choice to go for is all dependent on you. The hotel offers a proper terrain, friendly vibe and a base-to-base gondola. If you don’t know what a gondola is, then it’s time to take a trip to the resort. The resort has designated about 2400 acres for skiers and a classification trail of 40% for the intermediate, 25% for beginners and 35% for advanced.
Finally, the Alpine Meadows has got your back with some of the most extended trees, steeps and chutes.
The Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Taking time or day out is always fun, be it with friends or family and the Diamond resort provides exactly this. It comes with a trail classification of 18% for the beginners, 36% for advanced and a 46% for the intermediate and a skiable space of 655 acres.
You will roughly take 3 hours and 40 minutes to drive through 207 miles, to arrive at the resort. It is relatively long, we know, but worth every minute spent there. Although the resort lacks beginner terrain in tons, it is still familiar with beginners, and that is perhaps the secret behind their success. It also offers excellent deals for the newbies around.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort has got a tracking record for every individual that wants to partake in it. You could spend the evenings admiring the beautiful, phenomenal view of the lake. Enjoying yourself at this resort is pocket and budget-friendly, and you won’t need to break your bank to afford it. Who said that you can’t get quality services at a friendly price? This resort disputes that claim. Lastly, it offers skiable acres of around 655 and a trail classification of 18% for beginners, 36% for the advanced and 46% for the intermediate.
The Kirkwood Ski Resort
In case you have the desire to propel your skiing game a notch higher, then the right place that you should visit is the Kirkwood resort. The resort gives direct access to 46 other resorts, the likes of the Vail, Breckenridge resort and the Stowe. This resort offers a classification trail of 20% for experts, 12% for beginners, 38% for advanced and 38% for the intermediate, there is definitely something for everyone.
Locating the Kirkwood Ski Resort isn’t easy, and only diehards will pass two mountains and a 45 minutes walk to arrive at the destination. Well, it is worth it, we have to say. There is vast land to skate, but with the absence of a base village experience like in the case of Northstar and Squaw Valley resorts. To make up for this, the resorts offer one of the deepest terrains at 2,000 ft making it a favorite for skiers.
Conclusion
In every dark cloud, there is a silver lining. While most people would complain about the hazards brought about by winter, we love it for its skiing experience. Winter comes once a year, and don’t let this experience pass you. Make the most out of it. Take time off your normal routines to appreciate nature and have the best skiing experience of your lifetime. Similarly, remember to stay safe and take care of yourself. Keep yourself warm at all times and carry with you any medication that you may require. Above all, have fun!
