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You don’t need to travel far from San Francisco to enjoy some of the best skiing in the country. Near the Bay Area, you’ll find a range of stellar ski resorts known for their world-class terrains — suitable for all experience levels — and top-notch amenities.
Whether you’re seeking to indulge in adrenaline-filled winter sports like skiing or snowboarding or enjoy gentler activities such as ice skating, you’re sure to find the perfect resort to do so near San Francisco.
Ready to hit the slopes? Then read on to discover the 6 best ski resorts near San Francisco.
Places To Go Skiing Near San Francisco, California
Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, Pinecrest
Located north of Yosemite National Park, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort is the closest ski resort to the San Francisco Bay Area (mileage-wise). The resort boasts about 800 acres of ski areas, that of which 20 percent is designated for beginners, while 40 percent is for intermediate skiers—the remaining 40 percent is challenging terrain for experienced skiers.
The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,011 and 2,499 m, and aside from enjoying beginner to expert skiing/snowboarding, visitors can also take lessons from pros, or simply relax in one of the lodges available.
Nestled in the North Lake Tahoe area, atop Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is loved by local skiers and snowboarders love it thanks to its accessible size, smaller crowds, and more affordable prices compared to other massive resorts.
This is also one of the few places you can go cross-country skiing near San Francisco.
One of the oldest ski resorts in California, Sugar Bowl offers diverse terrain and has more than 1,500 acres to ski. The resort also features 4 massive peaks and 103 trails, and it’s one of the few places you can go cross-country skiing near San Francisco.
Want to get your heart racing? Then ski the resort’s longest trail, which is 3 miles long and runs from Crowley's off of Mt. Lincoln.
The Bear Valley Resort is a family-friendly resort located in the scenic Central Sierra Mountains. It boasts a mid-sized ski mountain that averages over 30 feet (9 meters) of snow annually and features 67 runs, 1900 vertical feet, 10 lifts, and a beginner carpet lift. About a quarter of the slopes are suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders.
Perfect to be visited all year round, the resort also treats guests to a variety of fun-filled activities during the summer, including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing
Travelers can opt to stay at the cozy Bear Valley Lodge down in the village or up at the resort in one of their seasonal Glamping Tents!
Address: 2280 State Rte 207, Bear Valley
Distance From San Francisco: From San Francisco, you might be able to get to Bear Valley in 2 hours and 45 minutes
Located on the California–Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort is every skier's paradise. The resort boasts 4000-plus acres of skiable terrain, over 75 ski slopes, and 1,900 ft of vertical drop. Over 60 percent of Heavenly's 97 runs are designated for intermediate skiers, and the Skyline and Ridge Run blue runs are known for their fabulous views across Lake Tahoe.
Want to take a break from all the skiing? Then be sure to ride the resort’s gravity-powered alpine coaster, that’ll take you through majestic forests and rock formations. Heavenly Ski also boasts a mountain gondola offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, and a children’s zip line that swirls the little ones 15 feet off the ground.
Located just west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Palisades Tahoe has 6,000 skiable acres across two mountains—including over 65% beginner and intermediate terrain. Formerly known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, the resort is often regarded as Lake Tahoe's winter hub for skiing and snowboarding due to its world-class terrain, and Olympic heritage as host of the 1960 Winter Games.
The resort has a progressive terrain for every ability and a vast 3,600 skiable acres, and it’s perfect for not only skiing but also other snow sports such as snowboarding and disco tubing.
Visitors can also ride the famous Aerial Tram, which will take them 550 feet above an idyllic landscape of creeks, waterfalls, forests, granite rock, and 360 views of Lake Tahoe.
New for the 2022-2023 ski season there's a gondola that'll connect every area of the Palisades, turning it into the largest ski resort in the state!
Address: 3860 Saddle Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Distance From San Francisco: 3h20
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