Updated for 2024
Want to play in the snow, Los Angeles? Within a few hour’s drive from town, you can show your LA kids what snow is all about this winter.
From tubing to sledding to making snowmen, and every “snowfun” thing in between, we’ve rounded up the best places for snow play near Los Angeles. This list will help you find snow mountains near you and show you where to find snow in California — at least in Southern California.
MAP to Snow Near Me
Best Places for Snow Play in SoCal
San Bernardino Forest Locations including Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain — Big Bear
800 Wildrose Ln., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-4626
The Magic Mountain Recreation Area at Big Bear Lake is “home of the world-famous Alpine Slide,” described as “Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience.”
The fun starts with a scenic chairlift providing incredible panoramic views of Big Bear Lake. Then, “riders navigate their own individually controlled sleds, each with Teflon runners and ball bearing wheels, down their choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks filled with high-banked turns and long straightaways.” Check the website for prices and details.
Big Bear Mountain Resort
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain
880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(844) 462-2327
This attraction is actually two resorts in one: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, which both offer skiing, snowboarding, and tons of snow play in the winter, not to mention hiking, biking, and golfing in the summer. New this year: Snow Valley is now part of Big Bear Mountain Resort! Described as the “region’s best beginner terrain” and boasts “Southern California’s only chairlift serviced sledding area.” Additionally, Snow Valley’s Learning Center offers lessons for the entire family — of all ages and ability levels. Check the website for prices and more details.
Big Bear Snow Play
42825 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 585-0075
Big Bear Snow Play offers the longest runs in Southern California. The runs are “serviced by a Magic Carpet uphill lift that eliminates the tiring uphill struggle through snow. Lift-assisted inner tubing lets parents and children conserve their energy for the thrilling downhill twists and turns.” Check the website for hours and rates for this year’s winter season.
Skypark at Santa’s Village
28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385
(909) 744-9373
Want to see Santa ice skate? Apparently, he’s very good on the rink, according to social media, and you can find him there during the holidays, along with a ton of family fun — and snow.
Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park — Running Springs
San Bernardino National Forest
34600 Hwy 18, Running Springs, CA 92386
(866) 942-2824
Southern California’s largest and oldest snow tubing park offers snowy slopes for downhill rides on individual snow tubes that are specially designed with a belly strap and handles. You’ll find beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes here at this family-favorite spot located in the San Bernardino National Forest, and all at 6500 feet above sea level. In-season operating hours are offered seven days a week, though hours are subject to change due to weather and road conditions.
Places to stay near San Bernardino Forest, Big Bear, and Lake Arrowhead
- Hilton Garden Inn San Bernardino, 1755 S. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92408
- Hot Tub! Cozy 2 bedroom Mountain/lake getaway!, 31634 Valley View Dr., Running Springs, CA 92382
- Cozy, Dog Friendly 2 BD near Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead, 31771 Christmas Tree Lane, Running Springs, CA 92382
Looking for other places to stay when you visit the snow mountains?
Try one of these VRBO rentals or Hotels via our Stay22 Map and Affiliate links.
Angeles National Forest Locations including Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy
Mount Baldy
8401 Mt. Baldy Rd., Mt. Baldy, CA 91759
(909) 982-0800
Mt. Baldy is the closest snow play area to Los Angeles, and its snow-capped peak is visible throughout the entire LA area. Their tubing park offers packages including a round-trip scenic lift ride on the Sugar Pine chairlift and a 90-minute tubing session. Check the website for conditions, prices, and opening day information.
Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High
24510 CA-2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
(888) 754-7878
Make it a snow day at the Yeti’s Snow Play, open Thanksgiving through March at Mountain High Resorts. Slide down the tubing lanes, meet the Yeti & his friends, or take a scenic sky chair ride. Mountain High is Southern California’s gateway to winter, just an hour and a half from downtown Los Angeles with no mountain driving. Open weekends & holidays during peak season.
Wrightwood Snow Play Areas
(Info at Mountain Hardware)
1390 Hwy. 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
There are multiple places to play in the snow in the town of Wrightwood, some right off the edge of the highway. But, you’ll need to stop in at Mountain Hardware for a parking pass and map first. Have fun at Inspiration Point, Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, PeavineCampground, Apple Tree Campground, and the Arch Picnic Area. Plus, the store has plenty of winter gear in case you need supplies.
Where to stay near Wrightwood or Mount Baldy
- Grand Pine Cabins, 6045 Pine St., Wrightwood, CA 92397
- Mountain View Cabins, 1098 California 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
Need to Gear Up? Visit our post with suggestions for Where to Buy Snow Gear for Kids in Los Angeles.
Frazier Park/Grapevine Area
Mount Pinos Campground Area
Turns out there are multiple places to find snow play right along the highways and roads in the Frazier Park area. But while that may sound like a wonderful thing (no need to buy tickets to a ski resort), it also means you may fight crowds.
Conditions there may require tire chains, and be aware that residents of the area need to use the roads too, so it helps to be courteous. One spot to try is Mount Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest.
Where to stay in the Frazier or Grapevine area
- Days Inn by Wyndham Lebec, 9000 Countryside Ct., Grapevine, CA 93243
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frazier Park, 612 Wainright Ct., Lebec, CA 93243
Snow Mountains in Northern California
If you’re prepared for a long drive to the snow, Mammoth Mountain is a favorite destination for SoCal ski buffs and snow bunnies.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
Woolly’s Tube Park
10001 Minaret Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
800-626-6684
Mammoth offers skiing and snowboarding, as well as a play area for all ages. Woolly’s Tube Park is there for those who want to sled and make snowmen. Check the website for prices and more information. This year, Mammoth is scheduled to open on November 25th, weather permitting.
Places to stay near Northern California for Snow Play
- Mammoth Mountain Inn, 10400 Minaret Rd., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
- Quality Inn near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, 3537 Main St., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Find Snow Near Me
Quick Links:
- MAP to Snow Near Me
- Snow Play in the San Bernardino Forest Area (including Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead)
- Snow Play in the Angeles National Forest Area (including Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy)
- Snow Play in the Frazier Park/Grapevine Area
- Snow Play in Northern California
- Where to buy Snow Gear for Kids
- Best Cozy Cabins and Lodges to Stay Near the Snow
- Essential Winter Gear for Kids
- Best Ski and Snowboarding Lessons
- Best Things to do in Big Bear with Kids
- Family Ski Trip in Lake Tahoe
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.