They whiz down the hill, full of the excitement with the speed not knowing if they will make it all the way down. No matter how cold, or uncomfortable they may be with tons of layers of clothes, everyone in the family just loves the snow, cold air, and the thrill of sledding or tubing down a mound of snow. And lucky for us here in Southern California is a dream, we can always drive down to the beach or drive up to the mountain for a day in the snow.
This winter season checks out the following places for some fun in the snow, either sledding, tubing or just plain old snowmen making. This list has some cool spots to take the kids too without breaking the bank.
Helpful tips: - Wear layers so you can keep warm in the cold weather and peel off clothing as needed. Waterproof clothing is best.
- Bring a change of clothes; sledding and tubing can make for wet clothing.
- Wear sunscreen. UVB rays are stronger the higher the elevation. Even though it may be cold outside, the winter sun still reaches your skin.
-Bring eye protective gear or sunglasses. The sun bounces off rays from the snow, and it can be a bit uncomfortable without them.
1. Snow Valley
35100 State Highway 18
Running Springs, CA 92382
Phone: (909) 867-2751
The Snow Play sledding area is open everyday from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, it is Southern California's only lift-served sledding (other days sledders walk back up). The runs are long and fun for the whole family. Please check the website for value packages that are offered by Snow Valley. Both adults and kids are required to purchase a ticket.
2. Snow Drift Tube-Boggan Park
San Bernardino National Forest P.O. Box 252
Running Springs, CA 92382
Phone: (909) 867-2640
Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park is an outdoor family recreation attraction located in the San Bernardino National Forest. M-F 10am-4pm; S-S 9am-5pm. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes are available – all at 6500 feet above sea level. Tubing Park price is $20 per person per hour, children under 36 inches are free with paid adult.
3. Big Bear Snow Play
42825 Big Bear Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 585-0075
The Big Bear snow play area consists of six full-length inner tubing runs are the longest runs in Southern California. The runs are serviced by a Magic Carpet uphill lift that eliminates the tiring uphill struggle through snow. Snow Play is open everyday from 10am-4pm, prices are $35 per person. Children 36"-42" tall are $20 with a paying adult, and ride on the same inner tube with the adult (One adult per child 36" - 42").
4. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain – Big Bear
800 Wildrose Lane
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866-4626
The Snow Play hill at Alpine Slide is home to the signature bobsled-type experience of the same name is famous for its “Snake” run patterned after a slope-style track that takes sliders through a series of high-banked turns. Getting to the top of the hill is easy since they have the Magic Carpet uphill lift that is covered in plexiglass and lighted during the evening sessions. Snow Play prices are $35 per person, Small child 36"-42" are $20 (with paying adult 18 years or older). Children 36"-42" tall ride with a paid adult 18 years of age or older, must ride on the same inner tube with the adult, and must have a Child ticket. One on one adult supervision per child (36"-42" tall) at all times. Children under 36" tall and pregnant women are not permitted past the Snow Play gate. Night session price is $35 per person. Open everyday 10am-4pm and Evening Sessions Friday & Saturday Nights 5pm-9pm
5. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tramway Rd.
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(888) 515-8726
Get adventurous and take your family up The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It starts at the Valley Station and travels more than 5,800 feet up to Mountain Station in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. There’s plenty to do once you’re at the top, including sledding, having a snowball fight, going skiing or building snowmen. You can also rent cross-country skis and snowshoes for further explorations for the adults. Bring your own sleds or buy it at the gift shop in case you don't have one.
6. Mt. Baldy Tubing Park
8401 Mt Baldy Rd.
Mt. Baldy, CA 91759
Phone: (909) 982-0800
Only 30 minutes from the 210 freeway, your children could be playing in the snow and enjoying a hot chocolate after.Children must be 36 inches and higher to ride. They offer multiple packages from Winter Pass, 1 day lift ticket, tubing, etc. Please check the website for packages prices and schedules. Time Varies from 8:30am-4:00pm.
7. North Pole Tubing Park - Mt. High
24510 California 2,
Wrightwood, CA 92397
Phone: (888) 754-7878
Largest facility for snow tubing in Southern California with up to ten lanes when fully open, two moving carpets and custom tubes. Please check the website for packages prices and schedules.
8. Snow play area around Frazier Park
3538 Mt. Pinos Way
Frazier Park, CA 93225
(661) 245-3438
Frasier Mountain is a great place to take a quick day trip and play in the snow. Located right off of Interstate 5, Frazier Mountain is a broad, pine-forested peak within the Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County. Go tubing, sledding and jump around in this snowy oasis during the winter months. Please check on Snow Condition before heading over.
9. Angeles Crest Highway
Eagles Roost Picnic Area
Angeles Crest Highway
(909) 866-5766
For a short day trip just head up north of La Canada on Angeles Crest Highway. The higher you go up the mountains, the more likely you'll get better snow. Visit the Eagles Roost Picnic Area, and for a small parking fee, you can enjoy a day tubing or sledding with the family.
10. Palomar State Park - Los Padres National Forest
19952 State Park Rd.
Palomar Moutain, CA 92060
Acres and acres (more than 2,000) to roam and sled and cross country ski. Check the website for specific spots to head for. A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required.
*Many of the location above are suggestions of possible snow play. Please check on weather report and snow condition before heading to the location. Some places also require you to have Adventure Pass, Parking Pass, etc. Please check the website or contact each place prior to heading there.
