LET IT (CONTINUE TO) SNOW
Great Ski Resorts Near Woodland Hills

In keeping with the “post-holiday” theme our last few articles concentrated on, let’s now take a look at some ski resorts near Woodland Hills that would make for perfect weekend getaways while we wind down from the hectic holidays.

Although the City of Angels isn’t normally associated with images of snow-capped mountaintops – instead being likened to visions of sun-kissed beaches and tanned bodies taking in those rays – Southern California residents have access to some pretty impressive skiing and snowboarding near L.A., with some decently-sized resorts being a few hours away in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.

For the best ski retreats this winter, Woodland Hills residents won’t have to travel far…after all, while most people think of palm tree-lined streets like Rodeo Drive when they think of L.A., the city is surrounded by mountains. Is there any surprise, then, that there is a thriving winter skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing culture at multiple ski resorts within easy driving distance of Los Angeles?

Mountain High is Southern California’s closest winter resort with no mountain driving, located just an hour and a half from L.A. and Orange County. This breathtaking property, comfortably nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, is actually three resorts in one: East, West and North, each with different terrain to challenge a wide variety of expertise. If you have been looking for a ski resort not too far from your Woodland Hills digs for a post-holiday getaway jaunt that offers skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, Mountain High is the perfect option. In addition to fun activities for the whole family, this incredible Southern California ski destination hosts annual competitions that attract skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from all over the country. Mountain High Resort is located at 24510 CA-2 in Wrightwood.

Mammoth Mountain is California’s highest four-season resort and playground, boasting a summit at 11,053 feet above sea level. With 300 days of sunshine annually, the Eastern Sierra offers infinite recreation and scenic beauty all year round, and the mountain’s legendary snowfall provides a perfect winter playground, enabling Mammoth to truly claim the title of Southern California’s mountain home. Mammoth Mountain is situated in Mammoth Lakes, California along the 395 corridor in the Eastern Sierra of the Golden State, sitting approximately five hours north of Los Angeles and three hours south of Reno, Nevada by car. Further, during the summer months of May through October, Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park is open – it doesn’t get any more scenic than that. Mammoth Mountain is located at 10001 Minaret Road in Mammoth Lakes.

Perhaps one of the most recognized names in West Coast outdoor activity spots, Big Bear Lake is a unique mountain resort community located 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. With approximately 21,000 residents making their home here full-time, Big Bear’s altitude ranges from 6,750 to 9,000 feet, while boasting over 300 days of sunshine each year. Pine and oak forests flourish in Big Bear’s alpine environment, the area providing a natural habitat for approximately 30 wintering bald eagles and 29 species of rare flora, 10 of which are indigenous to the region. The recreational activities offered by this hospitable community include fishing, water sports, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tours and winter sports, and the area even features a public zoo, nine-hole golf course, seven public campgrounds, great restaurants, entertainment and a plethora of shopping experiences. Big Bear Lake’s Visitor Center is located at 630 Bartlett Road in Big Bear Lake.

Whether you’re planning your next adventure out of Woodland Hills and into the snow-capped mountains surrounding L.A. or your first, the getaways showcased here offer plenty of opportunities to experience the post-holiday fun of it all.