Best Places to Play in the Snow Near Los Angeles, CA

Temperatures may be heating up around the Los Angeles basin but you can still find lots of snow and snow play nearby, at least through the end of Mar. Whether you’re a a new or avid skier, a thrill-seeking snowboarder, into sledding or just snowball making and throwing, now’s the time to go have fun with the frozen stuff before winter is officially over. Here are the best places to find snow to play in near LA.

where to play in the snow near LA — Lee Stockwell BBMR

Snow Play at Big Bear Mountain Resort

Just 2 hours away from DTLA (well, sans traffic), you’ll find Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR) which is now open to the general public thanks to loads of snowmaking taking place over the past few weeks. If you’ve been hankering to get the family up on skis or a snowboard, this is the place to do it—we especially love their advance reservations for tickets, gear and lessons—saving you from waiting in line and a ton of time in the process. And of course, nothing can ruin your time on the mountain like a hangry crew—download their new mobile food app so you can order meals and drinks ahead of time, again saving you tons of time.

For those not quite ready to feel the need for ski or snowboard speed, head to Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, located at Snow Summit. There you’ll find a magic carpet ride that takes you to the top (no out-of-breath hiking up the hill here!) and you can choose one of three, 300-foot tubing lanes. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Good to Know: Grizzly Ridge Tube Park closes for the season Apr. 1st.

BBMR
880 Summit Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Online: bigbearmountainresort.com

best places to play in the snow near LA — Woolly’s Tube Park via Yelp

Snow Play at Mammoth Lakes

Of course we have a whole article on how to take your kids skiing at Mammoth but this mountain town offers more than just ski hills! Head to Woolly’s Tube Park for thrilling sled rides everyone will enjoy. For those 42” and smaller who aren’t tall enough to enjoy the ride, Woolly’s has a fun snow park area and heated deck serving up hot cocoa and adult beverages.

Good to Know: Woolly’s closes Apr. 10th for the season.

Woolly’s Tube Park & Snow Play
Minaret Rd.
Online: mammothmountain.com

Snow Play at Mountain High Resort

Wouldn’t it be groovy to spend less time on the road and more time playing in the snow? Located just an hour and half away from DTLA, Mountain High is the perfect place to getaway for a fun day of skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. With an incredible snow system that covers 80% of the mountain, the resort strives to make the very best conditions consistently possible for its visitors. There are East, West and North sections of the mountain, but your ticket is good at all (yes, all) locations and it’s super easy to experience with their free shuttle service. First time skiers and snowboarders (or ones just looking to brush up on their skills) can take advantage of lessons from a wide variety of highly experienced instructors.

Is tubing more your jam? Then check out Yeti’s Snow Play—the all-day tickets will grant you access to tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chairs on Mountain High Resort plus access to all the food and retail shops on the mountain, tables with fire pits, photo ops with Yeti himself and free parking. Make sure to check out the height restrictions before you go.

Good to Know: Yeti’s Snow Play closes Apr. 3

Mountain High Resort
24510 CA-2
Wrightwood
Online: mthigh.com

where to find snow near LA — Juan G. via Yelp

Snow Play at Snow Valley Mountain Resort

Snow Valley, conveniently located in Running Springs, just 30 minutes from the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, is a super welcoming resort for a day of powdery fun. The resort features SoCal’s only chairlift serviced sledding area and some of the longest runs in the region, making it the perfect place for kids (young and old) to sled to their heart’s content. Snow Valley also features award-winning ski and snowboarding lessons (both half-day and full) for all skill levels. Night skiing is also offered until 8 p.m. most days, weather permitting.

Bonus: Snow Valley has a new lift for the Children’s Learning Center—improving the learning experience for the youngest of guests.

Snow Valley Mountain Resort
35100 CA-18
Running Springs
Online: snow-valley.com

Snow Play at Mt. Baldy

Located just 52 miles outside of DTLA, it’s the perfect way to work in some snow play without much road time. The mountain features four chair lifts that provide access to skiing and snowboarding on a wide variety of terrain. For tubing, take the Sugar Pine Chairlift to the Top of the Notch recreation area for snow play at 7,800 feet above sea level. Purchase 90-minute tubing sessions (inner tubes and hard shells are provided) and when everyone is finished (and famished), head to the restaurant on site for some burgers and unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains.

Good to Know: Mt. Baldy Tubing is only available on weekends and closes Apr. 30th.

Mt. Baldy
8401 Mt. Baldy Rd.
Mt. Baldy
Online: mtbaldyresort.com

best snow play near LA — Amy Y. via Yelp

Snow Play at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

With five runs, a deep snow pack and a covered magic carpet to take you up the hill, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a swell place to spend the day frolicking in the powder. Evening tubing sessions are available as well. Want to create your own Cool Runnings moment? Check out the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain for an authentic bobsledding experience year-round.

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wild Rose Ln.
Big Bear Lake
Online: alpineslidebigbear.com

Snow Play at Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

Tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead, is Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park, SoCal’s oldest and largest snow tubing park. Beginner, intermediate and advanced runs are available to riders so there’s definitely something for everyone in the family. Hours are subject to change due to weather and road conditions so be sure to call ahead and check with the park before you head out there.

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park
34600 Hwy. 18
Running Springs
Online: snowdrift.net

The best places to play in snow near LA — Henry S. via Yelp

Snow Play at Mount San Jacinto Park

Easily accessible from Palm Springs, this snowy mountain top is only short ride up the mountain. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world’s largest rotating tram car and not for the faint of heart), up and away to the top of Mount San Jacinto Park. Once you reach the top, you can do everything from go snowshoeing and cross country skiing to sledding and snow camping. Bonus: There are also two restaurants at the top in case you get hungry!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs
Online: pstramway.com

—Jennifer O’Brien & Andie Huber

Feature image: iStock

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