Jan 2, 2024 - Things to Do

Where to ski and snowboard near San Francisco

Megan Rose Dickey

The view at ski resort in Lake Tahoe in April. Photo by Barbara Munker/picture alliance via Getty Images

'Tis the season to cruise down the snowy mountain on your mode of choice, or cozy up by the fireplace while your loved ones shred the slope.

What's happening: You won't find any of the Axios San Francisco team on the slopes (we're too scared of breaking all of our legs) but there's much fun to be had in the snow. And who knows, you might even get to dodge a bear.

Here are a few places worth checking out in the Lake Tahoe area:

Northstar California Resort

Family-oriented, featuring a cute mountain village with an ice skating rink, fire pits, shopping and dining.
About three hours from San Francisco.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Known as a "stomping ground for elite skiers and snowboarders," Kirkwood also offers snowshoeing, sled dog tours and more.
About 3.5 hours from San Francisco.

Sugar Bowl Resort

Another family-friendly resort, Sugar Bowl caters to both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
About three hours from San Francisco.

Of note: If you're hoping to avoid some of the Lake Tahoe crowds, consider checking out Bear Valley Mountain Resort or Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort.

Both resorts are about 3.5 hours from San Francisco.

Be smart: Do not park along highways to play in the snow while traveling through the Sierra Nevada, the California Highway Patrol cautioned last week.

Also, it's typically cheaper to buy everything in advance, whether it's lift tickets from the resorts themselves or equipment rentals in the city at Sports Basement, for example.

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Where to ski and snowboard near San Francisco

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