Between the frozen flakes and the joyful winter vibes, a vacation in the California snow is festive from the get-go. Ski resorts elevate the action by hosting events and throwing parties all season long, which gives skiers and non-skiers even more reason to head to the slopes. From Mount Shasta to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Big Bear, there’s always something fun going down in the snow. Check out these special offerings at eight California ski resorts:
Heavenly Ski Resort, South Lake Tahoe
Plan a trip to South Lake Tahoe from March 1-3, when Heavenly will host the Toyota Air and Après event, an action-packed show in which a dozen Olympic and X-Game skiers and riders show off their tricks on a 45-foot-high jump at the base of Heavenly’s World Cup run. As if the gravity-defying stunts aren’t dazzling enough, a grooving lights-and-fireworks show adds extra dazzle. For a slightly less rowdy bash, show up for the monthly Brews and Views event at the on-mountain Lakeview Lodge. Sip locally made beers, nosh on appetizers, listen to live music, and stare out the window at unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe 2,000 feet below. Check Heavenly’s events calendar for the schedule.
Kirkwood, Kirkwood
In April, head to Kirkwood for fun-filled events like the community-focused Banked Slalom, a zig-zagging race course through Snow Snake Gully. Anyone who can carve a sharp turn can enter the race in one of 10 age divisions, and spectators get to cheer on the 8-and-under rippers and 60-plus shredders as they throw it down. Also in April, local skiers and riders compete in the Vertical Drop, an event benefitting the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Individuals and teams of three to five attempt to ski as much vertical feet as possible in a four-hour time period. Then as the ski season nears its end, Kirkwood holds a traditional rite of passage from winter to spring: the Slush Cup, a daredevil tradition that involves skimming across a pond on skis (ideally without sinking). Costumes are required, and champions are crowned for staying dry and for the most impressive splash. Check Kirkwood’s events calendar for dates.
Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley
On Feb. 23-25, Palisades Tahoe hosts the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup, one of one of only four U.S. stops on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup circuit. Some of the world’s best ski racers including Marco Schwarz and Henrik Kristoffersen will bang the gates in the men’s slalom and giant slalom events on Palisades’ Dog Leg and Red Dog Face. The event also features fireworks, a parade, and live music. Fans can check out the course and watch the action from the base area. On April 5-7, the 8th annual three-day WinterWonderGrass Festival attracts a music-loving crowd for three days of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music. Festival-goers groove to more than two dozen live bands. Additionally, the Olympic Village Events Center hosts the Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series featuring stories and insights from inspiring ski and snowboard athletes (Nov. 30, Jan. 4, Jan. 17, Feb. 15., and Mar. 7). Now in its 18th year, the series raises funds for Truckee and North Lake Tahoe nonprofit organizations. Check Palisades Tahoe’s events calendar for more competitions, festivals, and events.
Northstar California, Truckee
It’s always s’more o’clock at Northstar California, where the après festivities are designed for family fun. At 4 p.m. every day, head over to the Village Overlook Bar for s’mores by the fire pits. Or attend the rockin’ party at Northstar’s Winter Music Series every Fri., Sat., and Sun. at 4:30 p.m. on the Village Stage. If you’re visiting between Dec. 15-31, don’t miss Winter Wonders, a nonstop holiday party with holiday music, outdoor ice skating, photos with Santa, guided snowshoe tours, and more.
Sugar Bowl, Norden
This season, Sugar Bowl celebrates its 85th anniversary with a return of the Silver Belt Classic, a ski race that was first held in 1940 at this resort west of Truckee. The three-event series taking place March 25-29 is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages, ability levels, and interests. Contests include a poker run, banked slalom, and a mini pipe contest. There’s also a USASA-sanctioned Rail Jam contest on Dec. 10 and an Easter egg hunt on Mar. 31 (for the over-21 crowd, it’s actually a “keg hunt”). On April 6, skiers who enjoy earning their turns should show up for the Sugar Bowl Uphiller. Dress up in a crazy costume, skin up your skis, and complete as many laps as you can without riding a chairlift, then collapse into a chair at the Judah Lodge pop-up bar.
Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes
There’s a party happening almost every day at Mammoth Mountain, and it’s hard to pick favorites. But the Unbound Running Start Rail Jam (Dec. 28) is a strong contender, especially for dedicated “park rats” (skiers and riders who spend all day in terrain parks). The all-ages, all-abilities event is open to anyone who’s willing to throw down their best trick in front of hundreds of spectators. Catch some air with a gnarly backside spin and you might just qualify for USASA Nationals. There’s also the Toyota U.S. Snowboard & Freeski Grand Prix (Jan. 31), a nationally televised contest that showcases the world’s best skiers and riders. Skiers who aren’t superstars (or amateur show-offs) can simply head to the Weekend Après Party on Canyon Lodge’s sundeck, with a DJ spinning tunes and happy-hour beer prices. It happens every Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Mt. Shasta
If you’ve never skied on Mt. Shasta’s fantastic snow, Mt. Shasta Ski Park’s calendar of events gives you plenty of excuses to make the trip to this north-of-Redding resort. Start with the 10th annual Shasta Ascension Backcountry Race on Jan. 20, a backcountry ski and splitboard race in which contestants race up and down the mountain under their own power, not riding a chairlift, while passing through a series of checkpoints. Whether you join or watch, it’s a spectacle. There’s also live music every Saturday, a banked slalom race, and a rail jam (dates TBD). If you and your sweetie would like to tie the knot in a winter wonderland, you can do it for free on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) at Black Diamond Grill, perched at the top of Douglas Butte. You’ll have to ski there in your wedding attire, which makes for awesome photos.
Big Bear Mountain Resort, Big Bear
Big Bear Mountain Resort now includes three separate mountains—Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley—so there’s plenty of action on these slopes 100 miles east of Los Angeles in San Bernardino County. On New Year’s Eve, watch 200-plus skiers and snowboarders form a spellbinding trail of lights as they slide down the mountain wearing headlamps and carrying torches for the 59th Annual Torchlight Parade. Or test out your quadriceps endurance Dec. 22-Jan. 7, when chairlifts will turn from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. See if you can ski for 12 hours straight. Check out Big Bear’s events calendar for more events including freeski and rail jam competitions, a Super Bowl Sunday Viewing Party, discounted ticket days for firefighters and law enforcement personnel, and night skiing sessions at Snow Summit and Snow Valley.