Pic courtesy of Mountain High Yeti Snow Play
Dreaming of snow without having to plan a long winter getaway? There are several fantastic places near Los Angeles where you can experience real snow, winter fun, and stunning mountain scenery, all within a few hours of the city.
From gentle snow play areas perfect for younger kids to thrilling tubing hills and scenic alpine towns, Southern California offers a surprising variety of snowy escapes that feel worlds away from palm trees and sunshine.
While so far in 2026 its been unusually warm in January and February those are usually the most reliable months for snow in nearby Big Bear. So keep an eye on the weather report and hope for more snow in the mountains in late February.
In this guide, we’re sharing the most exciting and family-friendly places to see and play in the snow near Los Angeles. Build snowmen, go sledding or tubing, enjoy a cozy mountain village, or introduce your kids to their first snowy adventure! These destinations offer memorable winter fun for all ages.
Keep reading to discover where to find the best snow experiences close to home and start planning your perfect winter day trip or weekend getaway.
1 – Mount Baldy Resort
Description:
Mount Baldy in Southern California is a classic, family-friendly winter escape just a short drive from the Los Angeles area. Nestled in the Angeles National Forest, this cozy ski resort offers snow play, skiing, snowboarding, and scenic chairlift rides ideal for families looking for an accessible mountain day trip.
With gentle slopes alongside more challenging terrain, it’s a great place for kids and adults alike to experience fresh mountain air and build confidence on the snow.
It is typically open from late November through late March, with the season projected to run through March 29, 2026, depending on snow conditions. Lift tickets and season passes can be purchased online or at the resort, and prices vary based on age and pass type.
Daily lift tickets are generally more affordable than larger resorts, and purchasing in advance can often save money. The resort also offers tubing, snow play, and a magic carpet area that’s fun for younger children and beginners.
Mt. Baldy keeps winter activities lively with 4 lifts including the Sugarlump chair and a magic carpet for tubing and skiing, with extended evening hours on weekends.
This is a convenient seasonal destination for Southern California families! Before you go, check the resort’s website for the most up-to-date snow conditions, lift operations, and ticket details so you make the most of your winter adventure.
Location: 8401 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759
2 – Big Bear Snow Play
Description:
If you’re looking for a true snowy adventure not too far from LA, then head to Big Bear Snow Play, one of the most popular winter destinations in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Designed specifically for snow tubing and play (rather than skiing), this family-friendly spot delivers classic winter fun without the learning curve – making it perfect for kids, parents, and multi-generational groups alike.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a full day in the snow, Big Bear Snow Play offers an easy and exciting way to enjoy winter in SoCal.
Formerly a ski hill, Big Bear Snow Play has transformed its slopes into a large, tubing park with multiple lanes and well-maintained snow conditions throughout the season. For families looking to add a little extra excitement, Glow Tubing on select evenings lights up the slopes with colorful LEDs, creating a festive, high-energy atmosphere that kids absolutely love.
The onsite lodge provides warm-up spots with hot cocoa and snacks, making it easy to take breaks and stay comfortable throughout the day.
Located just minutes from Big Bear Lake and the Village, it’s simple to turn your snow play visit into a full mountain getaway, complete with dining, shopping, and scenic winter views.
Location: 42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
3 – Yeti Snow Play
Description:
Located in the scenic San Gabriel Mountains, just about 1½ hours from Los Angeles, Yeti Snow Play at Mountain High Resort is one of Southern California’s closest and most family-friendly winter destinations.
The snow play area welcomes families through early April this year (weather and conditions permitting). It’s an ideal spot to build snowmen, have snowball fights, and experience snowy fun without needing advanced skiing skills.
The heart of the attraction at Yeti Snow Play is its snow tubing lanes, where kids and adults can zoom down gentle, well-groomed slopes. These lanes often come with moving carpet lifts so you can ride back up without trudging through the snow, maximizing fun and minimizing fatigue.
You can also enjoy sledding and classic snow play areas perfect for building forts or making snow angels. For an extra treat, ride the Scenic Sky Chair up to 8,200 ft for incredible mountain views and easy access to the snow play zone.
Tickets available for a variety of activities, from snow play access to all-activities passes that include tubing, sledding, and the Scenic Sky Chair. Reservations are strongly recommended as Yeti Snow Play is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Parking fees also apply and should be factored into your plans. Amenities like a cozy lodge area with snacks and hot drinks help make your visit comfortable, and seasonal events like holiday festivities add extra fun.
Since weather and snow conditions change, be sure to check Mountain High’s official calendar and ticketing page before heading up the mountain.
Location: 24510 CA-2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
4 – Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park
Description:
Nestled in the scenic San Bernardino National Forest along CA-18 in Green Valley Lake, Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park offers a classic and exhilarating winter adventure for families looking to enjoy snow tubing close to Southern California.
Known as SoCal’s largest and oldest snow tubing park, Snowdrift has been welcoming generations of visitors with snowy slopes of varying steepness.
From gentle runs for little ones to more thrilling descents for older kids and adults. With snow tubes provided on site and hills for all ages, it’s a great way to experience fresh mountain air and make fun memories together.
Snowdrift snow season is expected to remain open until mid winter as weather permits, with daily hours generally from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Tickets are purchased on site (cash only) – tubing is charged per person, per hour, and an ATM is available for convenience.
Children 36″ tall or under are free with a paying adult, and there’s a parking fee per vehicle. Because the park can reach capacity, arriving early is recommended so you can make the most of your tubing time.
Enjoy snow play and tubing hills for all levels to keep kids entertained for hours. A very easy going option, pack your own snacks and prepare to climb up stairs to reach the top of the runs.
Location: 24510 CA-2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
5 – Snow Valley Mountain Resort
Description:
A favorite among Southern California families, Snow Valley Mountain Resort offers a welcoming and approachable winter experience just above the mountain town of Running Springs. As the oldest continuously operating ski resort in Southern California, Snow Valley has built a reputation for being especially friendly to beginners and families, while still offering enough variety to keep experienced skiers and snowboarders engaged.
The resort typically opens in late November and runs through early spring, with daily operations depending on snow conditions and weather.
One of Snow Valley’s biggest draws for families is its lift-served snow tubing park, a rare feature in the region. The tubing area includes multiple long lanes, often stretching up to 400 feet, and paired with magic carpet conveyor lifts, so riders can enjoy repeated runs without climbing uphill.
Beyond tubing, Snow Valley offers a solid mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, along with ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults, making it an ideal place for first-timers to learn in a low-pressure environment.
Equipment rentals are available on site, allowing families to travel light and rent everything they need at the mountain.
To round out the experience, Snow Valley provides convenient lodging-style amenities, including dining areas where guests can warm up with hot meals and drinks between runs.
Lift tickets and season passes can be purchased online in advance, with pass options offering added value such as flexible access and discounts at sister resorts.
Thanks to its manageable size, friendly atmosphere, and variety of winter activities, Snow Valley Mountain Resort remains a top choice for families looking to enjoy snow play, tubing, and skiing without the crowds or long drive associated with larger mountain resorts.
Location: 35100 CA-18 Suite A, Running Springs, CA 92382
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