Best Ski Resorts for Every Level in Riverside, California, United States
1. Snow Summit
Family-friendly ski resort offering a variety of trails for beginners and intermediates.
- Diverse Terrain: Offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes
- Family-Oriented: Ideal for families with a dedicated learning area and kid-friendly activities
- Close to Riverside: Located just over an hour's drive from Riverside
2. Mountain High Resort
Three distinct areas for skiing and snowboarding, catering to all skill levels.
- Multiple Zones: Offers East, West, and North resorts with varying terrains
- Night Skiing: One of the few resorts in Southern California offering night skiing
- Convenient Access: Located within a two-hour drive from Riverside
3. Bear Mountain
Advanced terrain park with halfpipes and rails for expert skiers and snowboarders.
- Advanced Terrain Park: Features a vast terrain park for experienced skiers and snowboarders
- Close to Los Angeles: Just over an hour's drive from Los Angeles and less than two hours from Riverside
- Night Skiing: Offers night skiing with various lit trails
4. Big Bear Mountain Resort
A mix of beginner and intermediate slopes perfect for improving your skiing skills.
- Learning Terrain: Features easy-to-navigate slopes ideal for learning
- Scenic Gondola Ride: Offers a scenic gondola ride with stunning mountain views
- Located in Big Bear Lake: Set within the beautiful Big Bear Lake area
5. Mt. Waterman
A backcountry skiing experience with challenging slopes for experts.
- Backcountry Experience: Provides a remote, off-piste skiing adventure
- Steep Terrain: Features steep slopes suitable for advanced skiers
- Access Requires Hiking or Snowcat: Requires hiking or using a snowcat to access the mountain
6. Angeles Crest Highway
A scenic drive with several small ski areas along the route.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a beautiful mountain drive through the San Gabriel Mountains
- Multiple Ski Areas: Features several small ski areas along the highway
- Close to Los Angeles: Located within a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and less than three hours from Riverside
7. Cresta Verde Ski Area
A small ski area perfect for beginners with affordable lift tickets.
- Affordable Lift Tickets: Offers relatively inexpensive lift tickets
- Beginner-Friendly: Features easy slopes suitable for beginners
- Located on Angeles Crest Highway: Accessible via the scenic Angeles Crest Highway
8. Mt. Pinos Ski Area
A rustic ski area with moderate trails for intermediates.
- Rustic Atmosphere: Provides a charming, old-fashioned ski experience
- Moderate Terrain: Features moderate slopes suitable for intermediate skiers
- Located on Highway 58: Accessible via Highway 58, around a three-hour drive from Riverside
9. Kennedy Meadows Ski Area
A remote backcountry ski area with challenging slopes for experts.
- Backcountry Experience: Provides a remote, off-piste skiing adventure
- Steep Terrain: Features steep slopes suitable for advanced skiers
- Access Requires Hiking or Snowcat: Requires hiking or using a snowcat to access the mountain
10. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
A large resort with extensive terrain for skiers of all levels.
- Extensive Terrain: Features a wide variety of trails suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts
- Close to Mammoth Lakes: Located within the beautiful town of Mammoth Lakes
- Night Skiing: Offers night skiing with various lit trails
11. June Mountain Ski Area
A smaller resort part of the Mammoth Mountain complex, ideal for intermediates.
- Part of Mammoth Complex: Connected to Mammoth Mountain via a lift
- Intermediate Terrain: Features intermediate slopes perfect for improving your skills
- Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains: Set within the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains
12. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area
A community-owned ski area with gentle slopes for beginners and families.
- Community-Owned: Operated by the Tahoe Donner Association
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for families with easy slopes and a dedicated learning area
- Located in Tahoe Donner: Set within the beautiful Tahoe Donner community
13. Squaw Valley Ski Resort
A large resort with extensive terrain and challenging expert-level slopes.
- Extensive Terrain: Features a wide variety of trails suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts
- Advanced Terrain Park: Offers advanced terrain parks for expert skiers and snowboarders
- Night Skiing: Offers night skiing with various lit trails
14. Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
A laid-back resort with challenging expert-level terrain and stunning views.
- Laid-Back Atmosphere: Provides a relaxed, low-key atmosphere
- Advanced Terrain: Features challenging expert-level slopes and terrain parks
- Stunning Mountain Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
15. Heavenly Mountain Resort
A massive resort straddling the California-Nevada border with diverse terrain.
- Huge Terrain: Features a vast array of trails suitable for all skill levels
- Diverse Terrain: Offers a mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert slopes
- Located on the California-Nevada Border: Straddles the border between California and Nevada