We have some beautiful weather here in Los Angeles, but sometimes you need to be reminded that there are changes in the weather other than cool and cooler and warm and warmer. These spots are close enough that you get a taste of winter weather, but still drive home if you’d like. PLUS we’ve compiled an updated list of snow events that will bring the magic of snow almost to your own backyard. Enjoy!
Humber Park Snow in Idyllwild (credit: city-data.com)
Idyllwild
54325 North Circle Drive
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(959) 659-3259
http://www.idyllwildchamber.com/
This little mountain town nestled in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park has something for everyone. It’s got snow for the kids to play around in, cute Bed and Breakfasts for the family to stay overnight, and good restaurants for mom and dad. Idyllwild has no skiing so it doesn’t get as crowded as some mountain spots, but there are hiking trails and rock climbing.
(credit: mtbaldy.com)
Mt. Baldy
Mt. Baldy Ski Resort - End of Mt. Baldy Road
Mt. Baldy, CA 91759
(909) 982-0800
http://www.mtbaldy.com/
When it’s snowing on Mt. Baldy you can see it from most of the greater Los Angeles area. That means it won’t take you long to get there, but you’ll feel like you’re on a fabulous ski vacation far, far away. There’s skiing, snowboarding, and tubing available on the mountain. Just because it’s close doesn’t mean it’s not exciting. Mt. Baldy is home to the steepest vertical drop in Southern California.
(credit: pstramway.com)
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mount San Jacinto State Park
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(818) 515-TRAM
http://www.pstramway.com/index.asp
Palm Springs evokes images of palm trees and cocktails not snow and hot chocolate, but winter weather is just a tram ride away. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway starts at the Valley Station and travels more than 5,800 feet up to Mountain Station in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. There’s plenty to do once there including snow shoeing or cross country skiing. If it’s possible to make it to through the Desert View Trail, check out the view from 10,000 feet.
(credit: citybigbearlake.com)
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Visitors Center-630 Bartlett Road
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-4607
http://www.citybigbearlake.com
Skiiing, snowboarding, sledding, and cross-country skiing are all just a 2 to 3 hour drive away from Los Angeles (3 to 5 when it gets really crowded). Serious skiers can head to Snow Summit or Bear Mountain (http://www.bigbearmountainresorts.com/index_winter.php) for a day of hitting the slopes, but there’s also hiking and snowball fighting to be had.
(credit: frazmtn.com)
Frazier Park
Frazier Park Visitors Center-3538 Mt. Pinos Way
Frazier Park, CA 93225
(661) 245-3438
http://www.frazmtn.com/fmcoc/parks_rec.html
Have you ever driven over the Grapevine to the Bay Area and wondered what was in that beautiful open space area? Frasier Park is part of that and it’s a great place to take a quick day trip and play in the snow. It’s right off of Interstate 5 and the small community is a beautiful stop along the Tejon Pass in the Los Padres National Forest.
(credit: lakearrowhead.net)
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce-28200 California 189
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
(909) 337-3715
http://www.lakearrowhead.net/
Lake Arrowhead is just a few hours outside of Los Angeles and a great place to spend a weekend playing in the snow. The lake itself is beautiful, and the Lake Arrowhead Village offers a nice afternoon of shopping, eating, and hiking. There is an outlet mall, cute little shops, a playground for kids, festivals throughout the year, and access to day hikes. If you don’t feel like driving to the mountains, you can see snow right here in flats of LA. Some malls and cities are treating guests with snow.
(credit: americanaatbrand.com)
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Suite 330
Glendale, CA 91210
(818) 637-8982
http://www.americanaatbrand.com/
Get a bite to eat, do a little shopping, and have a snowball fight. It’s going to snow every night until 7:00 and 8:oo PM.
(credit: thegrovela.com)
The Grove LA
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
http://www.thegrovela.com/
There is quite the backdrop when it starts snowing at the Grove every night at 7pm and 8pm, November 12 - December 31. The Grove has one of the tallest Christmas trees in North America, a fabulous water show from the fountains, and a Santa’s house that’s almost as big as my own house. It’s not to be missed.
(credit: oldpasadena.org)
November 26
Holly Street Wonderland
21 E. Holly Street
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 356-9725
More Info
Old Town Pasadena turns into a Winter Wonderland on Black Friday. After a day of shopping head over with the kids for an evening of fun in 20 tons of snow. There will be a holiday train, kid’s crafts, and reindeer. Don’t forget to bring your mittens and a camera!
Friday, November 25th: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
(credit: Winterfest)
December 3
Garden Grove Winterfest
Atlantis Playground
13630 Atlantis Way
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 741-5000
More Info
Atlantis Play Center is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with crafts,
inflatables, a visit from Santa and 20 tons of snow for sledding and play. Bundle up and be prepared for a day of fun in the snow!
Saturday, December 3: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
December 10-11 and 24
Ice Station Family Snow Day
27745 N. Smyth Drive, Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 775-8686
More Info
Play in the snow with the entire family, ice skate and warm up with some hot chocolate. Bring your camera and Christmas lists for a special meet and greet with Santa.
Saturday, December 10th: 1:00PM – 4:15PM (Snow Play Area: 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM)
Sunday, December 11th: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Saturday, December 24th: 1:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Price: $12.00 for kids 17 and under
Free for adults
December 26-28, 29-30
Snow Days at Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 449-9144
More Info
It’s a winter wonderland in the middle of Pasadena! Bundle up and head out to Kidspace Children’s museum for a day in the snow. Kidspace trucks in tons of snow for both children and adults to play in. Be prepared for hours of fun making snow men or snow angels.
(credit: lakeforestca.gov)
January 26, 2013
Snowfest Lake Forest
21701 Pittsford Drive
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 461-3400
More Info
Head over for a day in the Snow at Pittsford Park! Grab the kids, the camera, and your friends and play in the snow. Sleds and saucers will be available for you and your family to slide down Mount Pitts. There will also be a free snow play area for kids 5 and under and additional attractions, including guest appearances from a galaxy far away. Food and drinks are available for a nominal fee. Pre-registration is mandatory. Tickets are sold out by the time of the event!
Yvonne Condes blogs at Yvonne in LA
Aracely Worley publishes the blog Daytripping Mom.
