A well-developed infrastructure and a huge number of hotels make it possible to spend an unforgettable weekend among beautiful landscapes. You will also find resorts on the shores of picturesque lakes, which can be easily reached by car.

Located in the central part of the state, Los Angeles is an excellent starting point for travel to local ski resorts. If you pick up under 25 car rental LAX airport, you will find your desired destination in just a few hours.

We offer several worthwhile winter getaways near Los Angeles. So, check them out and choose where to go on your next vacation.

Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain is the largest ski resort in California, USA. Skiing is possible there until early May, but sometimes the slopes can be open even until early June. Mammoth Mountain is so named because of its unique shape, which truly resembles an ancient mighty beast. By the way, it was the shape of the mountain that caused such a variety of slopes. The resort is located in southern California, bathed in sunshine most of the year.

If you rent a car in LA, it will take approximately 5 hours to get to the resort. You will follow a scenic road, where you can additionally make a stop to visit the Lone Pine Film Museum and the Laws Railroad Museum in Bishop. The road from Las Vegas will also take about 5 hours. 

Alternatively, the planes go to Mammoth with direct flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco. The nearest airport is Mammoth Yosemite, located east of US-395.

Northstar

Among all the tempting opportunities, you will surely find what you need at Northstar.  First of all, ride among the trees on Lookout Mountain, and then try 9 challenging two-kilometers-long slopes on the Backside and Magic Moguls. You will also be happy to visit the local snow parks. In addition to traditional alpine skiing and snowboarding, cross-country, telemark skiing and snowshoeing are at your service. Great views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada will complement your experience!

Visitors of all ages will have fun at Northstar Resort, even if they don’t like skiing or snowboarding. Northstar Village is full of dining, shopping, and entertainment options around the outdoor ice rink. You can toast a soufflé over a fire and chat with family and friends while enjoying hot drinks. 

Take a few laps at the skating rink, then relax and watch a movie in the cinema, or try your hand at creative arts like painting pottery, making candles, and jewelry.

At Northstar Resort you will enjoy every minute, so plan ahead for how you will spend your time there. Getting to the resort is not difficult at all! The Northstar is situated 3.5 hours’ drive from San Francisco, but it will take about 6 hours to reach it on your rental car from Los Angeles.

Heavenly

Heavenly Resort is located on the Nevada-California border. In order to get there from Los Angeles, follow your rental car onto US-395 highway and head north. At the foot of the Heavenly Mountain, there’s Lake Tahoe, which is the largest mountain lake on the American continent. Here you will have a unique opportunity to enjoy skiing and visiting local gambling establishments.

Heavenly Resort combines the beauty of nature, great skiing on wooded slopes, and amazing nightlife. Placed on the Nevada border, Heavenly is full of gambling centers and casinos for evening entertainment. A large selection of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and discos are at the disposal of young travelers.

The unique weather conditions with 300 sunny days a year, and the humid ocean air, which brings heavy snowfall, make Heavenly a perfect winter holiday destination for skiers and snowboarders.

Squaw Valley

Along with other 17 large and small ski resorts located around the amazingly beautiful Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley forms the largest ski area in the United States. Los Angeles is about 400 miles from there, which means the whole car rental trip will take about 7 hours. However, it will be a fun experience as you will see many amazing sights along the way.

Squaw Valley has two ski areas for beginners. The large Bailey's Beach is located on the top of the mountain next to High Camp. This area is served by 5 chair lifts. Another ski area - The Papoose Learning Area - is located on the lower slope next to the Far East Center.

Most of the tracks are located on the upper slopes, allowing even beginners to enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.

Squaw Valley is considered to be the birthplace of the American extreme skiing movement. Thus, skiers looking for steep slopes, narrow corridors, and a variety of off-piste skiing will find their dream there.