10 Snowy Winter Escapes in California
Plan an escape to California’s winter wonderlands this season to swish down ski slopes, snowshoe through the wilderness, or glide through the snow on a pair of cross-country skis. Afterwards, bask in the warmth of a nearby boutique hotel with a roaring fire, a steaming cup of cocoa, luxe amenities, and unique personal touches. Here’s a list of California retreats that are ideal for snowy winter adventures and relaxation.
Black Bear Lodge
In South Lake Tahoe and minutes from world-class skiing, Black Bear Lodge combines rustic alpine style with a modern, upscale vibe. A 32-foot river rock fireplace anchors the main lodge’s soaring great room, which features exposed wood beams and a wall of windows for watching the snowflakes swirl outside. A ski shuttle for Heavenly Mountain Resort stops just outside the front door, providing easy access to the lifts and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Snowshoe and cross-country trails, sledding hills, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are also nearby. After a day of adventure in the snow, cozy up to the fire with a glass of wine or soak in the gazebo-covered outdoor hot tub.
Cottage Inn at Lake Tahoe
Tucked among towering pines on Lake Tahoe’s quiet western shore, the Cottage Inn at Lake Tahoe features a cluster of cozy vintage cottages with enchanting, woodsy décor. Built in “Old Tahoe” style in 1938, each cottage is uniquely themed, but all feature warm, knotty-pine paneling, stone accents, inviting fireplaces, and thoughtfully designed baths. Some cottages also offer soaking tubs for two. Just steps from the lake, guests can stroll the shore along a private beach and enjoy the panoramic views of snow-covered mountains. Nearby, several downhill and cross-country ski resorts await, including Lake Tahoe’s largest resort: Palisades Tahoe. After the day’s adventure, guests enjoy mulled wine and hors d’oeuvres beside a crackling fire in the main lodge.
Donner Lake Inn
Near historic Truckee, the Donner Lake Inn is nestled on two forested acres just steps from Donner Lake. The small, family-friendly lodge offers five comfortable guest rooms with private entrances, cozy gas stoves, and bunk beds for the kids. The lodge is close to several downhill and cross-country ski areas. Sugar Bowl Resort is just five miles away. Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California Resort, and Royal Gorge Cross Country are all within a 20-minute drive. Back at the inn, a creek-side hot tub provides a relaxing soak beneath the stars and towering pines. The next morning, guests can fuel up for a day on the slopes or the trail with a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast.
Highlands Ranch Resort
Near the southern entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Highlands Ranch Resort sits on 175 acres at the edge of a bucolic meadow. Seven newly built cottages stand along the meadow’s edge, combining contemporary design with rustic-chic décor and luxe amenities. Guests can warm themselves by the fire, enjoy the heated tile floors, cuddle up in dreamy beds, and soak in a private hot tub overlooking the meadow. An upscale lodge anchors the resort with a full-service restaurant and bar. In the winter months, cross-country skiers glide across the snow while others cozy up to the outdoor fire pit with views of Lassen’s snow-capped peaks. The resort is also just minutes from backcountry skiing and snowmobile trails.
McCloud Hotel
Built in 1915, the Arts and Crafts-style McCloud Hotel pays homage to McCloud’s bygone days as a lumber mill town. The town lies at the base of Mount Shasta’s southern slope, and while every season has its charms, the winters in McCloud are magical. Snowshoe to waterfalls along the McCloud River. Skate along the groomed cross-country trails at Mt. Shasta Nordic Center. Ski or snowboard down the slopes at Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Discover over 250 miles of snowmobile trails traversing the Modoc, Shasta Trinity, and Klamath National Forests. After a day’s adventure, enjoy a chef-prepared dinner at Sage and curl up in front of the fire in the hotel’s inviting lobby to watch the snowflakes swirl outside.
McCloud Mercantile Hotel
Just down the street, the McCloud Mercantile Hotel is housed in McCloud’s original 1895 mercantile and features a stylish selection of guest rooms to suit every budget. Each room is inspired by a unique aspect of the region’s history and combines fascinating period-specific details with modern creature comforts. No matter which room you choose, you’ll enjoy heated bathroom floors, down comforters, and luxe amenities. Many rooms also offer fireplaces and whirlpool or clawfoot tubs. The hotel is just minutes from Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Shasta Nordic Center, sledding hills, and miles of trails for snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The hotel also offers several winter packages, including one for Christmas tree cutting.
McCloud River Bed & Breakfast
A short walk from McCloud’s main street, the McCloud River Bed & Breakfast is an intimate, country inn nestled on five acres. Built in 1903 by the McCloud River Lumber Company, the historic building once housed the lumber company’s bank, offices, and telephone switchboard. Beautifully restored, each space was transformed into a unique guest room inspired by its history with cozy furnishings and modern amenities. Guests wake to a gourmet breakfast and delicious made-from-scratch pastries each morning. Dinner is also available with advance reservations. The inn is just minutes from Mt. Shasta’s winter wonderland adventures, including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and more.
McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn
Tucked into the forested slopes of the Sierra Nevada, the McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn offers easy access to winter adventures. Ski or snowboard at Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. Slide down the hills in an inner tube at Leland Snowplay. Go ice skating at Long Barn Lodge Ice Rink. The inn’s location is also within an easy drive of Yosemite National Park. The charming, three-story inn is nestled in a quiet forest hollow near Twain Harte. Guest rooms feature cozy fire stoves and views of the towering pines. In the evenings, gather in the living room for the fireside wine reception. Each morning, wake to a made-from-scratch breakfast accompanied by forest views, and if the timing is right, snowflakes swirling outside.
Downieville River Inn & Resort
Nestled along the North Fork of the Yuba River in the quiet, historic gold rush town of Downieville, Downieville River Inn & Resort offers a cozy home-away-from-home for winter recreation in the Tahoe National Forest. Each of the charming cottages and guest rooms features a well-stocked kitchen or kitchenette. Most of the rooms have porches or balconies overlooking the river. The on-site sauna is the perfect way to warm up after adventures in the snow. The resort’s location provides easy access to the miles of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobile trails that traverse the Sierra. The resort hosts are happy to serve as your guide.
Sierra Pines Resort
At the base of the 8,600-foot Sierra Buttes, Sierra Pines Resort offers a remote winter getaway along the North Yuba River in Sierra City. Founded in 1850, the former mining town is a popular summer destination for anglers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. But winter snowfall brings lesser-known opportunities to explore the surrounding Tahoe National Forest on snowmobiles and cross-country skis. The historic 40-acre Sierra Pines Resort offers simple yet comfortable accommodations with views of the river and waterfall or the surrounding buttes. Some of the units feature fully equipped kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces. After the day’s adventure, gather in the game room to play ping-pong or billiards and enjoy hot cocoa by the fire.