SoCal Snowfall! 8 Cool Spots for Playing in the Snow

Snow N Glow at Del Mar Fairgrounds

A brand new snow experience this year will delight everyone and you won’t have to travel far. It’s all happening at the Del Mar Fairgrounds where you can snow tube down the giant Snow Hill and make snow angels in the snow field. Sip on hot cocoa as you stroll through the Winter Wonderland light display, made with over 1 million twinkling lights. You can even rent a private Igloo, complete with your own fire pit for roasting s’mores. On your way out, take a drive through their Holidays in Your Car experience and drive around the Del Mar Racetrack that will be filled with dazzling animated Christmas light displays.

Dates: December 4 – January 2 (Fri-Sun only, except Holidays in Your Car is open nightly)

Deal: Get 20% off your tickets when you use this writer's discount code: FAMDIEGO. (Good for the first 200 uses and then it drops down to 10% off.)

Snow N Glow
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar Fairgounds
Online: snownglow.com

Big Bear

Slide into fun at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at the top of Snow Summit in Big Bear. The whole family young and old alike will love whizzing down the snowy hills on high-speed tubes. Ride the magic carpet up to the top before sliding down one of three 300-ft tubing lanes. Ride again and again during your 1.5 hour time slot.

Good to know: Book your time slot online, tickets  include 1.5 hours of unlimited access, one tube per person (no doubles) and all riders must be 42 in. tall and 40 lbs. to ride. Snow tubing is scheduled to open Dec. 10, 2021, subject to change based on weather.

Big Bear
880 Summit Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
844-462-2327
Online: bigbearmountainresort.com

Mammoth Mountain

Snowmobile adventures, tubing and cross country skiing await you on Mammoth Mountain. Cruise through tree-lined meadows on a guided snowmobile excursion or catch a lift to the top for Woolly's Tube Park and snow tube back down. You can click into some Nordic skis or snowshoes to get a workout exploring Lakes Basin on a cross country adventure. Whichever you choose to do, you’ll find plenty of snowy fun for everyone!

Good to know: Book your time slot online for a 1 hr 15 min session. Same day walk-ups are based on availability. You can combine a snow tube session with a scenic gondola ride, or just pay for a snow play only session. Snow tubing is scheduled to open Dec. 10, 2021, subject to change based on weather.

Mammoth Mountain
10001 Minaret Rd.
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
800-626-6684
Online: mammothmountain.com

Mountain High

Your little snow angels will squeal with delight at Yeti's Snow Play. Here you'll find tubing, sledding and snow play... as well as a friendly Yeti who's willing to pose for pics. The snow play area is open only for kids 36” tall and under, while those over 36” tall can go sledding, tubing and ride the gondola up to the top! Kids between 32”-36” can snow tube with a paid parent on a separate tube.

Good to know: Tickets are required for everyone on the snow and are valid for all day fun. Space is limited and it's suggested that you arrive early for the best experience. Yeti’s Snow Play is scheduled to open Dec. 11, 2021, subject to change based on weather.

Mountain High
24510 State Highway 2
Wrightwood, CA 92397
888-754-7878
Online: mthigh.com

Mount Laguna

You’ll be able to cool down on top of this mountain about an hour due east of San Diego. Watch for weather updates from the Laguna Mountain Lodge Facebook page. When you head up, there are plenty of turn off spots, but it does get crowded. Along with your boots and mittens, you’ll want to bring some snacks, a full tank of gas and some snow chains.

Need to know: You’ll need an Adventure Pass to access the forest.

Mount Laguna Lodge
10678 Sunrise Hwy.
Mt. Laguna, CA 91948
619-473-8533
Online: lagunamountainlodge.com

Julian

You’ll have to wait for just the right time, but every year a good Northern storm can drop snow in Julian. Watch the weather reports, then drive up right after it snows. Your crew can sled on the small snow hills and then warm up with some hot apple pie in town. Remember, the snow melts quickly around Julian.

Parking: Please only park in designated lots and not on resident’s yards and sides of the road. Also please pack out what you bring in. Many times the town has to clean up broken sleds, trash and end up with tire marks in their yard. This is a problem every year, so please be considerate in this small town.

Jess Martin Park
2955 Highway 79
Julian, CA 92036

William Heise Park
4945 Heise Park Rd.
Julian, CA 92036

Lake Cuyamaca
15027 Hwy 79
Julian, CA 92036

Online: lakecuyamaca.org
Online: visitjulian.com

Palomar Mountain

Find the magic of snow on Palomar Mountain just North of San Diego. Bundle up to make snowmen and snow-angels or toboggan down a snow hill. Dress warmly and you may want to pack an insulated thermos of hot water and cocoa packets to enjoy on the way home.

Good to know: Fill-up your tank before you go (no gas stations on the mountain); bring snacks and snow chains too.

Palomar Mountain
9952 State Park Rd.
Palomar, CA 92060
760-742-3462
Online: palomarmountian.gov

Idyllwild

Worth the drive! Whether you take the day or a weekend trip you’ll be glad you drove (about two hours) up to Idyllwild. You’ll find a cute mountain town where you can take a winter hike, sled or just walk the town after a fresh snow. There are plenty of cute shops to look at and places to eat too.

Idyllwild, CA 92549
Online: idyllwild.com