Before spring comes and the snow melts away, now is probably your last chance to indulge in skiing this year. Fortunately, if you reside in Victorville, you're just a short drive away from some of the best skiing destinations in Southern California. From mountain resorts to ski huts, there are several skiing facilities in the area that cater to all kinds of skiers. Whether you want to ski, snowboard, or snowshoe, you'll have no trouble finding a great place for your favorite winter activity. Check out this guide to the most popular ski areas near Victorville.
Mountain High Resorts
Established in 1924, Mountain High Resorts is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. It's also the most accessible ski area in Southern California. Formerly consisting of three separate resorts, it's now a single destination with world-class terrain features and amenities. Some of the winter activities you can enjoy at this resort include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and sledding. You can also take a scenic sky chair ride that soars to 8,200 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Mojave Desert and Catalina Island. Ski rentals and lessons are available.
Mountain High Resorts is situated about 39 miles southwest of Victorville in Wrightwood. You can get there via Interstate 15, Route 138, Angeles Crest Highway, and Big Pines Highway. The trip doesn't involve any mountain driving, making it safe and easy. The resort is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Snow Valley Mountain Resort
If you're skiing with your kids or just starting out, Snow Valley Mountain Resort is the right place for you. This is because the resort is home to the best beginner terrain in Southern California. Additionally, it boasts the only chairlift-serviced sledding area in the region. Want something more challenging? Head to the upper mountain trails to cruise on intermediate terrain for more than a mile. Seasoned skiers and snowboarders can tackle adrenaline-pumping runs at The Steeps and Slide Peak.
Altogether, Snow Valley offers about 240 acres of skiable and ridable terrain. In addition to its diverse terrain, it features award-winning learning centers that provide lessons for skiers of all ages and skill levels.
Located in Running Springs, Snow Valley Mountain Resort is about 58 miles from Victorville. The operating hours of the resort are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Driving to the resort is easy, as Route 18 will take you all the way there. However, some parts of the road are a little twisty, so make sure you check your brakes and tires before the trip. If you haven't visited your local service center for a while, you may want to do so to ensure a safe drive.
Mt. Baldy Resort
Few ski resorts in Southern California have a more varied array of slope pitch and exposures than Mt. Baldy Resort. With more than 790 acres of skiable terrain and 26 runs on three mountains, this resort has something for everybody. From wide runs and open glades to mogul runs and tree runs, there are plenty of options for both beginners and experts. If you enjoy trick skiing, make your way to Terrain Park, which offers jumps, rails, hits, and other fun features.
If you're bringing your little ones, you may want to get the All Day Snow Play package. This package includes a round-trip scenic chairlift ticket and all-day sledding and tubing at Snow Play Park. New to skiing or snowboarding? You can improve your skills by signing up for group lessons at the resort.
Mt. Baldy Resort is in the town of Mount Baldy, which is about 60 miles from Victorville. The quickest way to get there is to travel south on Interstate 15 and then take Foothill Freeway, North Mountain Avenue, and Mt. Baldy Road. This resort is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the week.
Rim Nordic Ski Area
Rim Nordic Ski Area is probably the best place in Southern California to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Situated in the stunning San Bernardino Mountains, it's the only cross-country ski area in the region that features machine-groomed trails. Using advanced PistenBully machines, the staff has groomed all trails for classic skiing and skating. Snowshoers are encouraged to venture off the trail for a more authentic outdoor experience.
With 10 miles of trails, Rim Nordic caters to skiers of all ability levels. Beginners can take one of the two “green” trails: the 0.25-mile Deep Creek Loop and the 2-mile Country Road. Known as the “blue” trails, the 2-mile Lower Country Road and 1-mile lower section of the Vista Trail are more strenuous but still manageable, making them ideal for intermediate skiers. If you're an expert, challenge yourself on one of the “black” trails, such as the 1.5-mile Big Cedar Trail, 1.5-mile Lone Pine Trail, or the 1-mile upper section of the Vista Trail.
There are also a number of trails in this ski area that are reserved for snowshoeing, including Snowshoe Trail, Up & Down Trail, Blackbear Trail, and Coyote Trail. All trails are marked with a level of difficulty, making it easy for you to choose the right one. Rental equipment is available for guests of all ages, including skis, snowshoes, telemark gear, and skates.
About 58 miles from Victorville, Rim Nordic Ski Area is located close to Snow Valley Mountain Resort in Running Springs. It can also be reached via Route 18. This skiing facility is only open on Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
So, that's the list of the best skiing destinations around Victorville from the staff at Victorville Chevrolet. As winter sports enthusiasts ourselves, we're familiar with all the ski resorts in the area. If you need more recommendations, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to assist you in any way we can.
Image by Tim Cigelske is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
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