The 6 best ski resorts in California

Welcome to California. There are few other places in the world where you can surf in the morning on sun-soaked waves and then drop powder cliffs in the afternoon on some of the world’s deepest pow. 

California benefits from a long north-to-south shape with the Sierra Nevada mountains running its eastern border. And, because of its coastal location, lots of air currents flow in from the Pacific. These currents are loaded with moisture, meaning they bring tons of snow to the party. The result? California ski resorts host deep powder, epic freeride terrain, and unmatched views. Ready to get into it? Let’s launch into the six best ski resorts in California! 

And if you’re ripping that deep Californian snow, you’ll need the gear fit for the job. It just so happens that MONTEC’s range of ski pants for men and ski pants for women are here and made for it.

Where to ski in California

Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain tops our list – and the list of many, many people who ride sporadically and regularly in the Sierras. It’s a sprawling, complete resort with wide-open powder faces, gnarly bowls and chutes, epic tree riding, insane terrain parks, and great learner facilities. 

You’ll also find a lively resort village at the foot of the lifts, equipped with everything you need for an awesome winter getaway. We’re talking pillows, powder, and plenty of Californian après.

You’ll have tons of beginner terrain to play with around the base. More into mellow glade riding? Head skier’s left off Cloud Nine Express above Slot. For more adventurous riding, aim for Dragon’s Back or Cornice Bowl and all the incredible terrain off the side of Scotty’s.

Palisades Tahoe

Famed for its deep snow and 300-days-a-year sunshine record, Palisades Tahoe should be on everyone’s California hit list. With long, winding groomers, plenty of expert terrain if you’re looking to test your mettle, and a lively resort center stuffed with slopeside lodging and après opportunities, Palisades Tahoe is one of the biggest – and best – Californian ski resorts. 

Just three and a half hours from San Fran, it’s a popular weekend destination for city-goers. So, you’ll find tons of luxury accommodation options to make things a little fancier on your next vacation. But let’s get to the goods, shall we?

The valley bottom has lots of long marked runs – perfect for beginners and those nursing nasty hangovers. Higher up, you’ll find tons for experts, too. Have a hearty breakfast and then head out to find Hidden Bowl, Tram Bowl, Siberia Bowl, and G.S. Bowl. Hit all four and do a mighty lap of the mountain – while no doubt discovering plenty of stash on the way!

Heavenly Ski Resort

Heavenly Ski Resort is the largest on our list, clocking in at a mighty 4,800 acres. Straddling the border with Nevada, Heavenly offers a unique experience for you to ride two states on the same day! Beyond this, it’s known for its impressive snow record and unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe. 

Plus, because of its wide-open slopes and the largest vertical on the West Coast, Heavenly is a brilliant choice if you’re wanting serious riding. And with plenty of beginner terrain, it’s also one of the best suited to mixed-ability groups. 

Low down, the difficulty level is pretty mellow. But aim higher, and things get interesting. The Milky Way Bowl is pretty legendary and has to be ripped. However, don’t sleep on the Ski Ways Glades or Hogsback, which always have stash if you’re willing to explore! Having a day off or with non-skiers? Take the Scenic Gondola to the Observation Deck and snap truly amazing photos. 

Northstar Resort

Northstar Resort is epic. It’s popular with families and those looking for a really special getaway. The village is full of high-end hotels and luxury accommodation options, and the mountain is pretty incredible, too. 

Owned by Vail Resorts, expect high-tech lifts and great infrastructure, including perfectly groomed groomers if you’re into easy, cruisey laps. Something many people don’t know is that a lot of the lower groomers are packed down on grass. This means much of the terrain stays open when there’s minimal snow coverage. So, Northstar becomes a superb choice for relaxed turns throughout early and late-season ski trips.

In the days of old, Northstar lacked altitude and challenging terrain. However, nowadays, the newer lifts unlock the likes of The Backside, where adrenaline-pumping advanced terrain awaits. Alternatively, hit The Stash, Burton’s terrain park. It makes its home on Mt. Pluto and guarantees insane freestyle laps!

Kirkwood Ski Resort

Cruise any online forum or discussion thread about Californian ski resorts, and you’ll see the words ‘Kirkwood is a hidden gem’. We have a question, though: why is Kirkwood Ski Resort so hidden when it’s posting awesome stats? 

Located south of Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood benefits from the same weather and rock-solid near 30 feet of snow every season as other Tahoe resorts. However, it’s not packed out by weekenders from the coast, so it keeps that more locals-only vibe. And, thanks to a lot of recent investment, many accommodation options, eateries, and bars have made their home here, giving you the best of both worlds!

You’ll discover good learner terrain around the Children’s Center and Mountain Village base areas. Venture up, though, and you’ll sample the ‘goods,’ so to say. For the best snow, head to Sentinel Bowl and Palisades Bowl. They’re both northeast-facing and sheltered from the wind and afternoon sun. However, don’t forget the Sunrise Lift. It opens up epic, long descents you’d be crazy to overlook!

Sugar Bowl Resort

Sugar Bowl posts one of the highest annual snowfalls of any Californian resort (an impressive 42 feet!). Although it doesn’t reach as high as Mammoth or Heavenly, it still holds solid stats to back up its snow record. Located northwest of Lake Tahoe, Sugar Bowl scoops up Pacific snowstorms before other Tahoe resorts. And being almost entirely north-facing, it stays cooler than its sun-drenched neighbors for better pow quality. 

However, because of its ‘local hill’ feel and lack of investment from major stakeholders, it’s not built up. Plus, it doesn’t have a bustling resort feel. That said, though, it’s the closest resort to The Bay area, so it becomes a little busy on weekends. Just don’t sleep in if you want first lines on a pow day.

Funnily, Walt Disney invested in Sugar Bowl way back when, which is why one zone is called Mount Disney. And you’ll find some stash off the top of this lift by hitting Sugar Bowl or Donald Duck and the trees there. However, Roller Pass is where you’ll want to target on a pow day. To get there, head left off the Mt. Lincoln Express and take Crowley’s Traverse to the ridge.

Wrapping up

Well, that’s it! If you’re not stoked to ride Cali snow after this, I probably need to find another job! All jokes aside, who isn’t psyched at the idea of sun-drenched laps above Lake Tahoe? 

Let us know which resort you’re aiming for first in the Golden State! Or, if you think we missed something obvious, shoot us a message via crew@montecwear.com. Want to make us jealous instead? Tag @montecwear in your IG snaps!

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