What are the Best Ski Places in California With Kids?

There are numerous ski areas in California and many are geared towards families with children. Resorts offer free lift passes for under 5-year-olds and many have discounted packages and tuition for children of all ages. Parents can have a break while their kids take lessons or do activities in their own area, as they're supervised by trained staff.

  1. Northstar At Tahoe

    • The Northstar resort at Lake Tahoe offers winter and summer activities with children in mind, who can ride the lifts for free in summer. In addition to skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and telemark skiing, there is also tubing. The skating rink is free to adults and children. In the Kids' Adventure Parks, the terrain is scaled down so that children can practise on the bumps and in the gullies. Families enjoy geocaching, a treasure hunt using the technology of global positioning.

    Mammoth Ski Resort

    • The Mammoth Ski Resort facilitates skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowcat tours and other winter activities. Children of 6 years and under ski for free and they can get child group lessons at the ski and snowboard school. Classes are for 5- to 12-year-olds of any ability and include ski or snowboard rental, a helmet, lift ticket and lunch.

    Dodge Ridge Winter Sports Area

    • The Dodge Ridge Winter Sports Area for skiing and snowboarding gives free lift tickets for children aged 5 and under. Season passes are also free with a paying adult. The ski and snowboard school runs lessons for 4- to 12-year-olds and the package includes rental equipment, lunch and snacks. Kids Club is a program for the whole season that includes lessons with equipment, lunch and snacks. The Snowplay Program is designed for children ages 4 to 6 and includes equipment, a lift pass, and nutritional lunch and snacks. The program is run during holiday periods and on weekends.

    The Snow Valley Mountain Resort

    • The Snow Valley Mountain Resort has operated since 1937 and it is popular with skiing and snowboarding families. The children's programs are available for half or full day sessions and include lessons, equipment, lift ticket and lunch. The Family Fun Pack option offers families with children and teenagers discounted prices. Children ages 6 to 12 enjoy riding in the Snow Valley Mini Snowmobile Park. For children not ready for skiing or snowboarding, there is sledding in the Snow Play area. The Children's Learning Center offers programs for ages 4 to 11 and there are group lessons for ages 12 and up. Children aged 6 and under get a free lift ticket with a paying adult.