This is the time of year to break out your skis and snowboards and hit the slopes. Even though Southern California is best known for its beaches, LA is only a few hours away from some excellent skiing. These are just a few of our favorite ski resorts for quick weekend trips.
BEST FOR SKIING
Snow Summit features snow-making on all 24 of its ski runs, giving it more open days than other ski facilities in the region. The slopes also feature nighttime skiing on weekends and holidays, which is a fun novelty if you have never tried it before. You can make the 104 mile drive to Big Bear Lake in about two hours, depending on traffic.
BEST FOR SURF TO SKI
Since Mt. Baldy is a mere 55 miles away from DTLA, on a good day you can make the trek from the beach to the mountain in about an hour and half. Start your day off surfing the Pacific and end it by hitting the slopes! The facilities aren’t as sleek as other ski resorts on this list, but they still offer good runs for beginner to advanced skiers.
BEST FOR FAMILIES
Mountain High is the closest full-service ski and snowboarding resort to LA that also features on-site dining, equipment rental, and nearby lodging. Mountain High is made up of three different resorts which can all be accessed with a single lift pass. The resorts have special programs for seniors, women over 30, an adaptive program for learners with various disabilities, and weekend ski day-camps for children and teens — making it the best choice for diverse groups and families. You can make the trip to Mountain High in about an hour and half.
Are you planning any ski trips this winter? Let us know about them in the comments!