Top California Ski Resorts and Nearby California Campgrounds

California is a fantastic state to enjoy winter recreation. The state has some amazing ski resorts, with beautiful powder, sunny days and lots of fun for everyone. Here are some of the top ski resorts in California and a few fantastic nearby campgrounds.

Top Ski Resorts

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
This one of the great Lake Tahoe ski resorts in California. Visitors can enjoy the fun at the resort, with restaurants and more. The summit elevation is at 8,637 feet, and has 2,400 acres. There are 14 lifts and 100 runs. Alpine Meadows gets an average annual snowfall of 365 inches and is a great destination for skiers and snowboarders in California.

Heavenly Ski Resort
Heavenly Ski Resort also overlooks Lake Tahoe. This is the largest ski resort in the state, with 4,800 acres of skiable terrain. In addition, Heavenly has California's longest vertical drop also, at 3,500 feet. The summit at Heavenly is at 10,067 feet. Visitors can enjoy all of the area on the great powder, the mountain averages 360 inches of snow annually. Heavenly is a great California destination to soak up some beautiful sun, while enjoying a great winter sport.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Located southwest of Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is a great destination for skiing. The mountain gets 600 inches of snowfall on average each year. Kirkwood has 2,300 acres of skiable terrain to enjoy all of the powder. There are over 70 trails served by 14 lifts. Visitors to Kirkwood will love all of the fantastic terrain, trails, half pipe and more.

Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth is one of California's great ski destinations. It has an average of 300 days of snow per year, so visitors should bring some sunscreen and sunglasses. On top of beautiful blue skies Mammoth has more than 3,500 skiable acres, over 3,100 vertical feet and the top elevation is 11,503 feet. The ski area has 150 trails and 28 lifts. In addition the ski area has amazing terrain parks, including seven parks and 3 pipes.

Northstar-at-Tahoe
This year round mountain resort is filled with amenities beyond the excellent skiing, including a skating rink and a big spa. There are over 90 trails on over 3,000 skiable acres. Northstar-at-Tahoe also has some great terrain parks, as well as options for cross-country skiing. The summit elevation is over 8,600 feet and a vertical drop of 2,280 feet. The ski area gets an annual average snowfall of 350 inches. Skiers can also enjoy the 344 acres of backcountry terrain, and even 7 trails for tree-skiing.

Sierra at Tahoe
Also located near Lake Tahoe, Sierra at Tahoe is another beautiful California ski resort. Visitors will find 2,000 acres to ski on. These 2,000 acres have a top elevation of 8,852 feet, and a vertical rise of 2,212 feet. With 46 trails and a longest run of 2.5 miles, Sierra at Tahoe is a great destination for winter recreation.

Squaw Valley USA
Squaw Valley USA near Lake Tahoe, was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. The ski area is located among six Sierra peaks. The ski area has varied terrain, a vertical drop of 2,850 feet and a summit elevation of 9,050 feet. Squaw Valley also has one of the largest lift networks in the world with 33 lifts. With 4,000 acres of skiable terrain it is also one of the largest ski areas in the country. In addition, the ski area has facilities for snowboarders as well, including 3 terrain parks and a Super Pipe and a halfpipe.

Sugar Bowl Resort
Sugar Bowl's ski area is composed of 4 peaks, which has 1,500 skiable acres. The ski area gets an average of 500 inches of annual snowfall. Visitors can enjoy 95 trails, served by 13 lifts. Sugar Bowl has terrain parks, and some excellent runs. With a range of runs for all skill levels, Sugar Bowl has something for everyone.

Nearby Campgrounds

Coachland RV Park, Truckee
Located in Truckee in the High Sierras, Coachland RV Park is a great California camping option. Skiers and snowboarders will love the convenient access to nearby Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and more. Visitors should be sure to use the convenient online reservation system to secure their spot at this great RV Park.  Check Availability.

Cedar Pines Resort, South Lake Tahoe
Cedar Pines Resort is another fantastic campground for skiing enthusiasts. In addition the resort offers great year-round access to recreation. Visitors can enjoy the amazing skiing options located nearby, as well as all of the recreation at Lake Tahoe and other nearby lakes. Travelers should make sure to reserve their spot ahead of time using the online reservation system.  Check Availability.