Skiing activities in California
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Skiing
As the days shorten, the valley becomes a quiet, frosty world of snow-draped evergreens, ice-coated lakes and vivid vistas of gleaming white mountains sparkling against blue skies. Winter tends to arrive in full force by mid-November and whimper out in early April. Most of the action converges on the family-friendly Badger Pass Ski Area.
Cross-country skiers can explore 350 miles of skiable trails and roads, including 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of machine-groomed track near Badger Pass. The scenic but grueling trail to Glacier Point - 21-mile round-trip - also starts from here. More trails are at Crane Flat and the Mariposa Grove. The nongroomed trails can…
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Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
Alpine is a no-nonsense resort without the fancy village, attitude or crowds. It gets more snow than neighboring Squaw and its open-boundary policy makes it the most backcountry-friendly around. Boarders can jib down the mountain in a terrain park designed by Eric Rosenwald. Also look for the adorable - and supersmart - ski patrol dogs. Stats: 13 lifts, 1802 vertical ft, 100 runs. It's 6 miles northwest of Tahoe City.
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Ostrander Ski Hut
Ostrander Ski Hut, on Ostrander Lake, is operated by the Yosemite Association. It is staffed throughout winter and open to backcountry skiers and snowshoers for around per person, per night. The 10-mile trip (one way) requires experience and a high fitness level. The website has details.
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Badger Pass
Gentle slopes are perfect for beginning skiers and snowboarders. Cross-country skiers can schuss along 25 miles of groomed tracks and 90 miles of marked trails, which are also great for snowshoers. Equipment rental and lessons are available.
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Camp Richardson Cross-Country Ski Resort
At this woodsy resort with 35km of groomed track you can ski lakeside or head for the solitude of the Desolation Wilderness. Locals turn out in droves for the Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Parties, which kick off at the Beacon Bar & Grill.
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Badger Pass Cross-Country Center & Ski School
The Badger Pass Cross-Country Center & Ski School offers beginners' packages, guided tours and equipment rentals. The center also runs overnight trips to Glacier Point Ski Hut, a rustic stone and log cabin.
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Mt Rose
In winter, Lake Tahoe ski resorts are close by, and Mt Rose is a mere 25 minutes away.
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Diamond Peak
Ritzy Incline Village is the gateway to Diamond Peak ski resort, a good place to learn. From the top of the mountain you’ll have a 360-degree panorama of desert, peaks and lake.
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