Spend a Weekend in a Winter Wonderland

White Christmases are pretty much non-existent in Sacramento, but if you’ve been dreaming of a white post-Christmas getaway, you’re in luck. There are plenty of snowy dreamscapes within just a few hours, complete with glistening tree tops and sleigh bells in the snow.

The Lake Tahoe region is the obvious choice for a winter getaway near Sacramento, and for good reason. There are a dozen ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe Basin, plus other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating. Lodging options run the gamut, from luxury lakeside retreats to affordable family-friendly hotels and everything in between. Après-ski, there are numerous restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.

But Lake Tahoe’s many amenities and world-class skiing means it gets crowded. Really crowded. In fact, the Lake Tahoe basin welcomes 15 million people a year, many of them during the winter months. And while the lively alpine vibes are certainly a draw, some visitors may be looking for alternatives that are a bit more low key. There are lots of other destinations in Northern California where you can enjoy a winter wonderland, whether you’re into the thrill of the slopes or just relaxing from the comfort of your cabin with a hot mug of cocoa. Following are some top spots:

Bear Valley

Photo courtesy of Bear Valley Resort

Located along Highway 4 in Alpine County, Bear Valley is a laid-back choice for a weekend getaway. It’s anchored by a ski resort of the same name, which has lessons and rentals. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, there’s also a sno-park nearby. In winter, Ebbetts Pass is closed to cars, but you can rent a snowmobile and ride along the snow-covered highway, which hugs the shores of Lake Alpine.

For lodging, you can stay at Bear Valley Lodge, which offers stay-and-ski specials. There’s also a restaurant and café onsite. Otherwise, consider renting a nearby cabin or condo. About a half hour down the hill are the towns of Camp Connell and Arnold, both of which offer vacation rentals, restaurants, and shops.  

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Graeagle

The Plumas County town of Graeagle is the gateway to the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. In winter, the highway is closed to cars, but the area is open for snowmobiling and there are miles upon miles of groomed snowmobile trails. You can also cross-country ski or snowshoe alongside the groomed trails. If it’s snow play you’re after, you can visit Plumas-Eureka State Park and explore the wintry forests. There is also a groomed cross-country ski loop, a historic ski bowl and numerous backcountry trails.

Some Graeagle hotels and restaurants close down during the winter, so your best bet are private vacation rentals via Airbnb or VRBO. Another option is the River Pines Resort, which also offers offsite vacation home rentals, or the Clio Inn, which has basic rooms in a historic general store. Hungry? Check out this handy winter hours dining guide to Graeagle.

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Sierra City

Averaging more than 100 inches of snow a year, Sierra City is a charming mountain town along Highway 49. It’s a great basecamp for exploring the winter wonderland that is Sierra County. There are hundreds of miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, which you can access via the Yuba Pass Sno-Park. You can also snowmobile at the Little Truckee Summit OHV area.

There are plenty of charming lodging options in Sierra City to choose from. The Buttes Resort is centrally located, featuring quaint mountain cabins. Sierra Pines Resort is another option. They have tidy rooms with views of the Yuba River. There’s also an onsite restaurant open for guests during the winter.

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Mt. Shasta

Photo courtesy of Visit Mount Shasta

Mt. Shasta is just over three hours from Sacramento, but it’s an easy drive straight up I-5. The city is small but charming, with commanding views of its namesake peak. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, Mt. Shasta Ski Park has beginner to advanced runs as well as a dedicated hill for tubing. If cross-country skiing is your sport, Mt. Shasta Nordic Center has more than a dozen trails for every level. Traveling with kids? Snowman’s Hill is a designated sledding hill in the nearby town of McCloud.

As far as lodging, Mount Shasta Resort offers private chalets in an alpine forest, complete with full kitchens and living rooms. They also have a restaurant, day spa, and discounts for visitors who show their lift tickets. Another good bet is the Inn at Mt. Shasta, located in the heart of town and just minutes from several great restaurants.

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Hope Valley

Winter Adventure at Grass Lake in the Sierra Nevada

South of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley is known for its scenic natural beauty. Come winter, it’s a playground for those who love winter sports. Hope Valley has numerous spots for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and nearby Kirkwood Ski Resort offers something for everyone, from advanced runs and jumps to beginner terrain parks. If it’s snow play you’re after, you’ll find several managed snow parks in the Carson Pass area, including Hope Valley Sno-Park, Carson Pass Sno-Park, Meiss Meadow Sno-Park, and Iron Mountain Sno-Park.

When it comes to lodging in Hope Valley, nothing beats Desolation Hotel. Aesthetic log cabins dot the forested property, all with cozy fireplaces and rustic charm. There are also luxury yurts available, with fireplaces, soaking tubs and skylights for stargazing. The property also has its own hiking trails, a wood-fired sauna and a restaurant.

California’s Sierra Nevada is known as a world-class winter destination. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of rushing down a mountain or the tranquility of a crackling fire in a cozy mountain cabin, there are plenty of options. Take your pick from one of the many winter wonderlands near Sacramento and plan your weekend getaway today!