Ski season has arrived! While there are no ski resorts located in the mountains of San Diego County, there are a handful of family-friendly ski resorts near San Diego where you can take your kids and the whole family. Plan your flurry of wintry fun skiing adventure with your snow bunnies and take a short drive to the mountains of San Bernardino and San Gabriel for a quick day trip, or go further to the Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Nevada for a week-long mountain escape!
It’s that time of the year when the snow-capped mountains are calling, and kids are so excited to hit the slopes. While it may sound odd to plan a ski trip around sunny San Diego, you may be surprised to know that family-friendly ski resorts are just near and only a few hours away from the city. Each resort offers special deals for kids, ski and snowboarding lessons, cross-country trails for adults, and magnificently breathtaking views. You’ll also find exceptional dining options, shopping, and all your favorite winter activities.
Ready for some snowy adventure filled with alpine good times with the whole family this winter season? Whether you want to go for a day trip or a week’s vacation, here’s a round-up of family-friendly ski resorts near San Diego. So, hop in the car and take a distant drive to the mountains to enjoy a winter getaway with kid-friendly activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, ice skating, snowball fights, and more!
43101 Goldmine Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone Number: (844) 462-2327
E-mail: info@bbmr.com
Bear Mountain, part of the large Big Bear Mountain Resort, which also includes Snow Summit and Snow Valley (see below) stands as a testament to Southern California’s rich ski culture. Evolving over the years, this resort has cemented its status as a top destination for skiers and snowboarders.
Known for its youthful vibe and an unmistakable emphasis on freestyle skiing and snowboarding, Bear Mountain sets itself apart with its innovative terrain parks, attracting freestyle enthusiasts from all over. The resort sprawls across 748 skiable acres and boasts an impressive base elevation of 7,140 feet, with its summit peaking at 8,805 feet.
880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone Number: (844) 462-2327
E-mail: info@bbmr.com
This family-oriented ski resort is one of the best, with 31 runs and 18 skiable miles. Snow Summit has multiple slopes for children to ski or learn. Groomed and wide-open slopes encourage families to spend the day together in a beautiful California mountainous setting. Westridge Terrain Park is where snowboarding all began, and today, riders from beginner to intermediate are invited to jump, jib, box and rail.
Compared to its sibling, Bear Mountain, Snow Summit exudes a more traditional ski resort atmosphere, catering to a broader range of skiing and snowboarding abilities with its well-groomed trails. Its scenic drive from Southern California cities adds to its allure, making it a favored destination for a quick escape to the snow.
35100 State Highway 18, Running Springs, CA 92382
Phone Number: (844) 462-2327
E-mail: info@bbmr.com
The third ski area in the Big Bear Mountain Resort family, Snow Valley Ski Resort offers a mix of skiing and snowboarding experiences for enthusiasts of all levels. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Snow Valley stands out as a charming winter sports destination in Southern California. This spot has 28 runs and beginner terrain that’s perfect if you’re still finding your snow legs or carving skills.
Its Children’s Learning Center offers lessons for kids, while adults can enjoy varied slopes and freestyle features at the Park Avenue terrain park. Snow Valley offers two sections of the mountain when fully open with plenty of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders plus Southern California’s only chairlift serviced snow tubing and snow play area.
8401 Mt Baldy Rd., Mt Baldy, CA 91759
Phone Number: (909) 982-0800
E-mail: thelifts@mtbaldyresort.com
Perched in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mount Baldy Resort offers a distinct skiing and snowboarding experience with its natural, rugged terrain. This mountain ski resort is situated on 400 acres of unincorporated terrain and features 26 trails accessed by four lifts. Beginners and intermediates can find a few trails, but the resort’s lower slopes are primarily black runs.
Known for its unique layout and rustic charm, Baldy provides an authentic mountain experience. Its terrain, largely unaltered and natural, appeals to skiers and snowboarders looking for a more adventurous outing. The resort’s higher elevations offer stunning views and challenging runs, making it a favorite among experienced winter sports enthusiasts.
24510 State Highway 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
Phone Number: (888) 754-7878
E-mail: thelifts@mtbaldyresort.com
Mountain High, one of the most popular family-friendly ski resorts near San Diego, offers accessibility and varied terrain, making it an excellent destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The laid-back resort attracts mostly snowboarders, but its close proximity to San Diego makes it a fun place to ski with kids too. The Children’s Academy gets ages 4 – 9 up on skis and snowboards. Kids ages 6 and under ski free.
Mountain High comprises three distinct areas – the West Resort, East Resort, and North Resort, each offering a unique experience. The West Resort, known for its lively atmosphere and terrain parks, is popular with younger crowds and snowboarders. The East Resort features longer runs and picturesque views, catering to intermediate and advanced skiers. The North Resort, primarily known for its tubing park, is great for families and beginners.
Hwy 2, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Phone Number: (619) 708-6595
E-mail: mtwaterman@outlook.com
Mount Waterman, a hidden gem of the San Gabriel Mountains, offers a classic Southern California skiing experience. Located near San Diego, this smaller, family-friendly ski resort draws visitors with its old-school charm and serene environment, perfect for skiers seeking a break from the crowded resorts. This bare-bones ski area isn’t a resort and the facilities are only for day use.
Known for its natural terrain and uncrowded slopes, Mount Waterman stands apart with its steep, challenging runs, appealing to intermediate and advanced skiers. The resort covers 325 skiable acres with a base elevation of 7,000 feet, with its summit reaching 8,030 feet. The Upper Bowl and tree-lined trails provide a scenic challenge, while The Warming Hut offers hot chocolate or whiskey by a cozy fire.
35100 Hwy 18, Running Springs, CA 92386
Phone Number: (909) 867-2600
E-mail: rimnordic@gmail.com
Located across from Snow Valley on Highway 18, is Southern California’s only cross-country ski resort with machine-groomed trails for Nordic skiing, ski-skating, and snowshoeing. It offers lessons, rentals, and a serene alternative to the busier downhill resorts. While there’s no on-site restaurant, a small shop sells snacks and gear, with dining and lodging available nearby in Running Springs or 20 minutes away at Big Bear Lake.
In the winter, snow permitting, for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. They offer a groomed trail system with tracks set for classic skiing as well as skating lanes. Rentals for cross country skiing and snowshoeing are available on site. Lessons are available for cross country skiing and a small retail shop with snacks inside.
3819 Hwy 158, June Lake, CA 93529
Phone Number: (888) 586-3686
E-mail: aross@mammothresorts.com
Known as “California’s Family Mountain,” June Mountain offers a variety of terrain for all levels and is less crowded compared to its larger neighbor, Mammoth Mountain. A great vacation for the whole crew, kids under 12 actually ski and ride for free any day of the week, no strings attached. Its proximity to Yosemite National Park adds to its scenic charm, making the 6-hour 45-minute drive from San Diego well worth it.
The runs cater to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The enormous width of the trails is perfect for the novice, especially those who are just getting the hang of traversing the mountains. With a vertical drop of 1,500 feet, June Mountain is less intimidating but still a premier ski destination. At June, you can escape the crowds, enjoy the laid-back vibes, and be blown away by the picturesque views of nearby June Lake.
10001 Minaret Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone Number: (800) 626-6684
E-mail: info@mammothresorts.com
Mammoth Mountain offers some of the most jaw-dropping views of the Eastern Sierra Mountains, and that’s probably why they get about 1.5 million visitors each season. Or it could be that people love the 3,500 acres of skiable terrain and a chance to shred down over 150 trails. Renowned for its long skiing season — often extending from November to as late as July — Mammoth boasts a diverse range of terrains suited for all skill levels.
Mammoth Mountain might be the farthest resort from San Diego for a day trip, but many find it well worth the effort. As California’s highest four-seasons resort and one of its most popular ski areas, the Eastern Sierra slopes get over 300 days of sun annually, which means plenty of playtime. The setting is a majestic winter wonderland surrounded by beautiful Mammoth Lakes, so it looks like it leapt right off the pages of a storybook.
Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts for Kids near San Diego
The ski break from school will be here before you know it. San Diego is absolutely spoiled for options of family-friendly ski resorts near the area and it can be tricky to figure out which ski destination is best for your family. These winter hubs offer a range of top-notch skiing facilities and has plenty of things to do with kids on and off the slopes. So, get ready to trade your sunscreen for snow goggles and start your San Diego skiing adventure this winter months!
San Diego offers so many opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources, or browse through our things to do in San Diego with kids.
Still looking for more winter activities for Kids in San Diego? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of places to go in the region and our highly recommended seasonal blog posts.
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