Hit the Slopes! 7 Ski Resorts an Easy Drive From San Diego

Ski season is here! That may come as a shock to those of you that would prefer to pretend that snow doesn’t exist, but for those of us San Diego residents that actually like winter, it’s time to dust off the skis and snowboards and get to planning some trips.

One of the best things about living in Southern California is that you are only a short drive to the slopes, and there are a lot of great ski resorts near San Diego.

So whether you want to go for a day or for a week, here are the top seven resorts to visit this winter:

1. Bear Mountain

Big Bear Mountain is THE most popular resort in Southern California. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, ‘The Bear’ can accommodate any type of athlete. Some of the specialty areas include half pipes, the Red Bull Plaza, a freestyle park, and a skill-building park.

Need lessons? Bear offers professionally certified instructors to help get you started.

There is every type of cabin, condo, and hotel to choose from—check out the Big Bear Visitors Bureau site for a full list of options and deals.

For the social butterflies who are looking for a fun, low-budget lodging option, the best place to stay during your “snowcat” is Big Bear Adventure Lodge.

This friendly eco-lodge provides free breakfast, home-cooked dinners, and numerous activities for when you’re not hitting the slopes. The lodge also has two spacious lounge areas, along with private king, queen, and dorm-style rooms.

Fear not, free Wi-Fi and iPads are included in your stay!

While it’s not a long drive as measured by miles, traffic can get bad, so plan ahead. It’s a 3-hour drive from San Diego in the best of cases, but it can be much longer during storms in particular.

2. Snow Summit

Right next door to Big Bear Mountain is the family-friendly Snow Summit!

Summit, although not quite as big as Bear, is great for the whole family. You’ll find 31 snow-covered trails and a tube park for those who do not ski or snowboard.

BigBearVacations offers a reasonably priced cabin experience, perfect for the whole family. You can select and book the cabin that best fits your vacation needs up to 24 hours prior to arrival. So for all of you last-minute planners out there, this is the rental for you.

3. Snow Valley Mountain

Snow Valley is the oldest running ski resort in So Cal, and, at about a 2-hour 40-minute drive from San Diego, it’s the shortest distance from our fine city.

It has slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders, and you’ll find half-pipes and jumps.

More importantly, it has three bars and two restaurants! Not that we would ever recommend imbibing before riding…

For the best lodging deals and rates, Snow Valley Ski Resort has teamed up with local lodging options. Accommodations range from cabins to hotels for every budget.

4. Mammoth

Mammoth Mountain is well-known as one of the best ski resorts in California.

With over 400 inches of snow per year, the trip is well worth the effort. Mammoth Ski Resort offers a large variety of activities, including ski and snowboarding slopes, a tube park, snowmobile adventures, and mountain tours.

Although this mountain is pricey, it is a must-visit destination.

Mammoth Mountain Lodging Collection offers four hotel properties to fit your needs. Many have slope-side views, family activities, and good amenities. For the most affordable rates, click here.

It’s about a 6-hour 45-minute drive from San Diego. Alaska Airlines flies directly to Mammoth and offers free shuttles to your lodging if you don’t want to make the drive.

5. June Mountain

After you visit Mammoth, swing over to June Mountain for a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.

June Mountain offers seven lifts for any type of skier or snowboarder. With a variety of food options and cheap prices, you won’t be disappointed that you made the trip.

It’s a 6-hour 45-minute drive from San Diego and a 30-minute drive from Mammoth.

6. Mt. Baldy

For a quick one-day trip to hit the slopes, Mt. Baldy is a great choice! It’s only a 2-hour 30-minute drive from San Diego, the crowds are mild, and the scenery is beautiful.

Mt. Baldy offers a variety of slopes, including a tubing slope.

7. Mountain High

At just 2 hours and 30 minutes from San Diego, Mountain High Ski Resort is also a quick and affordable day trip.

With 14 lifts, this is one of the most-visited resorts in SoCal, and for good reason.

The resort includes three separate areas: East, West, and North. You will have plenty of room to enjoy the slopes along with a variety of shops, food, and beverages.

Another major selling point for Mountain High is that you avoid a bunch of the traffic on the way to Bear Mountain!