California consistently ranks among the top states for producing Winter Olympians. More than 20 homegrown athletes competed in each of the past three Winter Games, many snagging podium spots for their on-the-snow performances.
The Golden State's gold medal count is no coincidence. With world-renowned terrain, the legendary High Sierra snowpack, and lift-accessed ski areas that span the state, California has earned a reputation as an elite snow sport training ground.
And the best part? The very same runs, halfpipes, and freeride zones that shape tomorrow’s champions are open to anyone with a lift ticket. Meet some of the athletes who grew up on California snow—and discover their favorite mountains, runs, and après spots.
2026 Winter Olympians
Bea Kim
Home Turf: Mammoth Mountain
Event: Snowboard halfpipe
Since joining the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team in 2022, Kim has been making waves in the halfpipe event. She earned her first World Cup podium with a second-place finish at the 2023/24 LAAX Open and third overall in the FIS World Cup and her first Olympic team spot for the 2026 Winter Games. The Southern California native honed her freeride skills on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain.
Why you’ll love her home mountain: Expansive freeride parks plus diverse, challenging terrain
“Mammoth Mountain has it all—jumps, rails, and halfpipes of all different sizes, which fosters progression. Athletes who train here learn to ride everything. That’s why the resort produces so many world-class snowboarders.”
Top terrain picks: The halfpipe at Main Park
“If I’ve been riding pipe a lot, South Park is my favorite place for a change of pace. The jumps and rails are the perfect size for me.”
Off-mountain activities: Backcountry splitboarding or cross-country skiing at Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center
“Both are great when I want to switch up the terrain or try a new way to slide on the snow.”
Cross-training: More board sports
“Surfing is my favorite. My cardio stays up, and I get to be outside and stand sideways! For a similar vibe in Mammoth Lakes, Volcom Brothers Skate Park is a classic.”
Fuel up: The Stove for a classic breakfast and Mammoth Brewing Co. or Mammoth Tavern for dinner
“I love the banh mi at Mammoth Brewing for a quick bite, or the oysters and shepherd’s pie at Mammoth Tavern.”
Don’t miss: Summertime in Mammoth
“There are just as many activities, and the views are equally beautiful.”
AJ Hurt
Home turf: Palisades Tahoe
Event: Alpine skiing
The daughter of a Palisades Tahoe ski patroller, Olympian AJ Hurt has been skiing at the resort her entire life. Her foundational training on Palisades’ world-class terrain propelled her to two World Cup podium finishes—one in slalom and one in giant slalom—since joining Team USA in 2018, and she’s headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Why you’ll love her home mountain: Diverse, challenging terrain—and lots of it!
“This mountain has been my playground since I first got on skis at age 2, and it’s still fun and challenging for me all these years later.”
Top terrain picks: KT-22 and Headwall all day!
Off-mountain activities: Year-round walks in the woods, sledding in the winter, and summer beach days at Waterman’s Landing in Carnelian Bay
Cross-training: Staying active outdoors and playing pickleball
Fuel up: Wildflour Baking Company, plus Fire Sign Cafe, Wild Cherries, and La Mexicana
“I always go to Wildflour at the base of the mountain. Get the pizza bagel and a chocolate chip cookie. For breakfast, I love Fire Sign Cafe on the West Shore. Everything they serve is so good. My coffee and snacks stop is Wild Cherries in Truckee. In Kings Beach, La Mexicana is a must.”
Don’t miss: Tahoe’s year-round natural beauty
“I live in a beautiful mountain town. In the winter, we ski and in the summer we play in the lake.”
Keely Cashman
Home turf: Dodge Ridge, Palisades Tahoe
Event: Alpine skiing
Cashman is a 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympian who has been representing Team USA in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and slalom since 2018. From her early years at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort to training on the world-class terrain at Palisades Tahoe, the giant slalom national champion and overall Nor-Am Cup circuit winner credits her skills to her California ski resort roots.
Why you’ll love her home mountains: Beginner-friendly, small-mountain feel at Dodge Ridge and world-class terrain at Palisades Tahoe
“I got to experience a rare combination of starting in such a nurturing, small-mountain environment and then training at the highest level of competition, surrounded by some of the best skiers on the planet.”
Top terrain picks: Granite Chief Peak and Headwall at Palisades Tahoe
“The terrain is steep, technical, and absolutely incredible on a powder day.”
Off-mountain activities: Lake days and riverside hangs
“I love spending time with friends at Pinecrest Lake or fishing along the Truckee River. Both are relaxing ways to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.”
Cross-training: Road biking steep mountain passes
“Sonora Pass is a grueling climb, but the incredible views at the top are completely worth the effort—you really can’t beat them.”
Fuel up: Her family’s coffee shop, Serene Bean, in Pinecrest and Wildflour Baking Company (aka the Cookie Shop) in Palisades
“I might be biased, but I truly believe Serene Bean serves some of the best coffee and breakfast burritos in the world. At Wildflour, the owner Susan is always there to greet you with her infectious enthusiasm, which makes the experience even better.”
Don’t miss: The welcoming environment of Dodge Ridge
“Dodge Ridge has no high-speed chairlifts, which gives it a slower, more old-school ski feel you don’t often find anymore. It’s a mountain that makes learning to ski an affordable and accessible option for families. That sense of inclusivity and community is a big part of what makes it special.”
More Top Winter Athletes
Robby Burns
Home turf: Mt. Shasta
Event: Alpine snowboarding
Now in his thirteenth year of competitive snowboarding, Olympian Robby Burns has been training with Team USA since 2022. After more than a decade on the world stage, the 2023 FIS North American Cup champion can't imagine anywhere better to train than the slopes in Mt. Shasta.
Why you’ll love his home mountain: Easy access, good vibes, and a small ski park feel with big mountain terrain
“Local access to the ski hill is very streamlined… A serious athlete looking for quality training would be able to have a conversation with the staff at the ski park.”
Top terrain picks: Top-to-bottom turns on North Saddle and off-piste riding at the Pumpkin Patch
“For groomers? North Saddle to Highland Glide—no stops, full carving the whole way down. When the powder is deep, head straight to the new lift on Gray Butte, for access to an immense amount of skiable terrain.”
Off-mountain activities: Snowtubing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing at Castle Lake
“Tubing at Mt. Shasta Ski Park can be a wonderful intro to being on snow if you are new to winter sports. They also have great snowmobile opportunities on and around the mountain. Ice fishing at Castle Lake can be a fun day outside as well.”
Cross-training: Nordic skiing at Mt. Shasta Nordic, hiking to waterfalls and lakes
“My fiancée competes professionally in biathlon, so we spend a lot of time on Nordic skis in the winter and roller skis in the summer. During the summer months, I am a sucker for the McCloud Falls. There is a dirt trail that takes you to all three falls and shows you a gorgeous stretch of river. A hike up to and a dip in Heart Lake or Castle Lake are also great options.”
Fuel up: Seven Suns for a.m. eats and Baldovinos Wine Bar and Kitchen for special occasions
“My first stop is by Seven Suns for a morning coffee and a Sevens Suns Meat Lovers’ Breakfast Burrito. Their salsa is wonderful and fresh, and the thought of that burrito is pure nostalgia. You’ll also need to experience a Tiger Tail from Papa’s Donuts and a burger from Drizzle. If you're in town for a special occasion, go to Baldovinos Wine Bar and Kitchen. Chef Clint has a worldly pedigree and just knows how to curate a delicious menu. Get a Widow Burger and duck fat fries at Pipeline. Tri-tip sandwiches from the Mt. Shasta Supermarkets on Fridays are an experience.”
Don’t miss: Connecting with the local community
“Within the surrounding area in Siskiyou County, there are sleeper hikes to beautiful waterfalls, high alpine lakes, gorgeous rivers, beautiful sunrises—and they are all true gems. From the outside our little town might just look like a one-stop shop for a picture of a beautiful volcano, but it is so much more. The community is truly unique, and the people here are good.”
Dylan Marcellini
Home turf: Palisades Tahoe
Event: Moguls skiing
Up-and-coming athlete Dylan Marcellini joined Team USA in 2022. The Bay Area skier grew up training with the "incredibly supportive and close-knit" community at Palisades Tahoe. In the 2024/25 season, Marcellini landed a double victory in moguls and dual moguls at the NorAm Cup, held at his old stomping grounds—the Red Dog moguls course at Palisades Tahoe.
Why you’ll love his home mountain: World-class skiing, exceptional snowfall, and an Olympic heritage
“The varied, challenging runs provide an unmatched training environment, while the legacy of hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics adds a sense of pride and inspiration.”
Top terrain picks: The moguls off Red Dog, plus The Fingers off KT-22
“Red Dog holds so many memories from my ski team days. But you can’t talk about Palisades Tahoe without mentioning the iconic KT-22 and sending it off The Fingers knowing everyone on the chair is watching.”
Off-mountain activities: Sledding and other snow play activities
“I love heading outdoors with friends, building things like a jump or an igloo in the snowbank next to my house, or racing down one of Tahoe City’s many great sledding hills.”
Cross-training: Road biking, weightlifting, and water ramp training
“Road biking has become my favorite low-impact workout that still builds endurance and leg strength. Offseason, I spend a lot of time dryland training on the water ramp. It’s fun flying through the air and working on technique, but it’s definitely a grind—cold water, early wake-ups, and lots of repetition. Still, it all pays off when the season starts.”
Fuel up: Bridgetender Tavern & Grill or Front Street Station Pizza
“Off the mountain, Bridgetender Tavern and Front Street Pizza Station are true locals’ spots where the atmosphere is laid-back and the food consistently hits the mark.”
Don’t miss: Taking the scenic route on Mountain Run
“After hours of shredding technical terrain, there's nothing better than cruising down that long, scenic trail to wrap up the day.”
More California Resorts with Olympic Ties
Big Bear Valley Resort
Home to the first and only halfpipes in Southern California, Big Bear Mountain Resort is the perfect place for terrain park–curious riders to test the waters. It’s no wonder the resort has served as a launchpad for top California snow sport athletes, including Shaun White, Chloe Kim, Maddie Mastro, and Dusty Henricksen (snowboard slopestyle), who spent time dialing in their tricks on the slopes at Big Bear.
Why you’ll love this mountain: With more than 678 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains—Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley—Big Bear has the most on-the-snow access in Southern California. Plus, Snow Valley and Snow Summit are two of only a handful of mountains in the state that offer night skiing.
Off-mountain activities: Explore a different Olympic sport at the quarter-mile bobsled track at Alpine Slide.
Where to fuel up: Chow down on barbecue at Skyline Taphouse, the only mountaintop restaurant in Big Bear. Off-resort, opt for Barrel 33, where fondue and wine tasting hit the mark for ski-trip vibes.
Northstar Resort
Northstar California has an Olympic legacy of its own. During the 2011/12 season, the resort debuted a 22-foot super pipe designed by snowboarding legend Shaun White. This behemoth feature was the first of its kind in the Tahoe area and one of just a few competition-sized halfpipes in the country that served as training grounds for White and fellow athletes, including Olympian David Wise (freeski halfpipe), leading up to the 2014 Games in Sochi. Chinese-American athlete Eileen Gu (freeski) also started her training at Northstar. She competed for China in 2022 and was the first woman to medal in all three freeski disciplines (slopestyle, halfpipe, big air).
Why you’ll love this mountain: Today, you can ride fun features, including an 18-foot pipe and a mini pipe, in the resort’s nine distinct terrain parks. If natural features are more your style, head to Lookout Mountain for endless tree skiing.
Off-mountain activities: The picturesque ice rink at Northstar Village is the ultimate spot for an après-ski hang. Grab a beverage from the rink-side bar and cozy up by the outdoor firepits to watch the action or rent a pair of skates for a session on the ice.
Where to fuel up: For a healthy, hearty meal, choose from the fresh salads and bowls made with rotisserie meats at Wild Pine Kitchen & Bar.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Sierra-at-Tahoe feels like a local secret among South Lake Tahoe resorts. But don’t let this unassuming mountain fool you. With excellent terrain for freestyle riders and top-notch access to backcountry terrain, it’s easy to see why Olympic gold medalists Jamie Anderson (snowboard slopestyle and big air) and Maddie Bowman (freeski halfpipe) proudly rep Sierra as their early-career stomping grounds.
Why you’ll love this mountain: From nationally recognized terrain parks to tight tree skiing and access to backcountry terrain in Huckleberry Canyon via five in-bounds gates, the resort offers plenty of room to push your boundaries.
Off-mountain activities: South of the resort, Kirkwood Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center offers nearly 50 miles of groomed trails to explore at a slower pace.
Where to fuel up: Enjoy mountaintop dining with a side of Lake Tahoe views at 360 Smokehouse BBQ. Or steer away from traditional ski resort fare at Solstice Eatery, where produce-forward bowls and fresh salads dominate the menu.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Located in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort offers expansive terrain—including the 5.5-mile Olympic Downhill run, the longest continuous ski run in the state—paired with unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe. Beyond the award-worthy scenery, Heavenly has a legacy of producing top-tier talent. Olympian Jonna Mendes (alpine skiing) rose through the ranks of Heavenly’s ski racing program in the ‘90s. More recently, decorated athlete Sho Kashima (freeski moguls) who won a Junior Olympics moguls title at 17 and narrowly missed Olympic showings in 2010 and 2014 due to injuries.
Why you’ll love this mountain: Explore an exciting mix of wide-open bowls, glade runs, and unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe.
Off-mountain activities: With a prime location in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly offers easy access to a vibrant nightlife scene, with live music, comedy performances, and other events throughout the winter.
Where to fuel up: For a quick bite before you hit the slopes, grab a soup and sandwich on homemade bread from Sprouts Cafe. Or take your pick of Mediterranean, Argentinian, Vietnamese, and more from top dinner spots in town.
Where to Try Olympic Winter Sports in California
Outside of skiing and snowboarding, you can choose from a slew of guided and self-guided winter sports and offerings throughout the state.
Ice skating
San Jose has long been a training hub for figure skating and legendary ice stars such as Kristi Yamaguchi and Nathan Chen. Solar4America Ice at San Jose serves as the official training facility for the NHL San Jose Sharks and the San Jose State University Spartans hockey team. At this indoor ice mecca, sign up for skating lessons with a pro, brush up on your hockey lingo, or try your hand at curling or speed skating. At the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink in Yosemite, practice spins, twirls, and backward skating skills at the outdoor rink surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
Cross-country skiing
At Tahoe Cross Country Ski Center, discover the basics of gliding, stopping, and turning with an hour-long group lesson ($60 for equipment rental and all-day trail pass), or go solo on 21 well-groomed trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. In Yosemite National Park at the Badger Pass Ski Area, advanced cross-country skiers can sign up for a guided, overnight 21-mile roundtrip trek to Glacier Point, perched at 3,200 feet with views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
Curling
Los Angeles is home to the Southern California Curling Center, a 42,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the sport of curling in Southern California. It welcomes visitors of all levels (and abilities—the center is also wheelchair accessible, both on and off the ice). You can also learn the sport in San Jose and Fremont at the Silicon Valley Curling Club, near Sacramento at the Wine Country Curling Club in Roseville, and throughout various California cities with the Granite Curling Club.
Fat biking, snowshoeing, and other winter activities
For other outdoor winter fun, try fat biking (or snow biking), snowshoeing, tubing, or snowkiting. In Lake Tahoe, opt for a scenic and historical snowshoe tour and learn about local plants and wildlife with Tahoe Adventure Company tours.
At Bear Valley Cross Country & Adventure Company, located about an hour from Stockton, grab a trail map and a fat bike or snowshoes and venture to an outdoor café situated along the trails. For skate-skiing, snowkiting, and cross-country skiing, head to Royal Gorge in the Village at Sugar Bowl, where you’ll find more than 6,000 acres consisting of 80 miles of trails, six distinct track systems, and 10 warming huts.