Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, new closures occur at the last minute due to Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead and check websites of the locale you plan on visiting for the most current information before you venture out. Be sure to check if you need snow chains for your tires, pack plenty of water and snacks and take cash for parking fees. Stay safe!
Who’s ready to swap flip-flops and shorts for boots and mittens? It may not snow in San Diego, but we know just where to go to experience snow near San Diego this winter. If your kids are wondering “where does it snow near me,” bundle them up in warm clothes and read on to see 7 cool spots for playing in the snow.
Slide into fun at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, located at Snow Summit between chairs 1 and 8. The whole family young and old alike will love whizzing down the snowy hills on high-speed tubes. You can take a magic carpet ride to the top before sliding down 2 300-ft tubing lanes. Kids need to be at least 42 inches tall and a minimum of 40 pounds to ride alone, and at least 36 inches to ride with an adult. Maximum weight to ride is 270 lb.
Tubing tickets can be purchased by calling 844.GO2.BEAR. Online purchase capabilities coming soon.
Good to know: This winter visitors must have a valid ticket, pass, or purchase confirmation to receive gated entry access to the Bear Mountain or Snow Summit base areas. Daily ticket sales may be limited due to reduced operating capacities. Read important purchasing details to plan your trip.
Click here for a Covid-19 update and its impact on Big Bear and here for more info on visiting Big Bear during Covid.
Snowmobile adventures, tubing and cross country skiing all await you on Mammoth Mountain. You can cruise through tree-lined and giant meadows on a guided snowmobile excursion, catch a lift to the top of Woolly's Tube Park and then race down to the bottom via a high speed snow tube or suit up in Nordic skis or snowshoes to get a workout exploring Lakes Basin on a cross country adventure. Plenty of snowy fun for everyone!
Click here for a Covid-19 update and how it's affecting Mammoth.
10001 Minaret Rd. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800-626-6684 Online: mammothmountain.com
Touted as "Southern California's closest winter resort," Mountain High's attraction Yeti's Snow Play is sure to delight your little snow angels. Here you'll find tubing, sledding and snow play... as well as a friendly Yeti who's willing to pose for pics! Dress warm (including gloves) and bring your face masks. Attendance is limited and it's suggested that you arrive early for the best experience.
24510 State Highway 2 Wrightwood, CA 92397 888-754-7878 Online: mthigh.com
Mt. Laguna is a cool San Diego County snow area. You need an Adventure Pass to access the forest. For weather updates follow the Laguna Mountain Lodge Facebook page. When you head up, there are plenty of turn off spots (however, it does get crowded). Bring snacks, a full gas tank and snow chains. It’s a National Forest (not Big Bear!)
Baby, it's cold outside. A Northern storm can drop snow in Julian. Watch the weather, then drive up right after it snows. Your crew can sled on the small snow hills, then it's time for hot cocoa and warm apple pie in town. Remember, the snow melts quickly around Julian.
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
The magic of snow. Travel to Palomar Mountain from North San Diego. Bundle up your little snow bunnies with jackets, scarves and mittens for it's time to make your fave snowman and toboggan down a snow hill.
Good to know: fill-up your tank (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
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 into and places to eat to boot!