cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Central and Southern California

Bear Valley Cross County (209/753-2834, www.bearvalleyxc.com) is in Bear Valley, CA, which boasts substantial annual snow depths. There are 70 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing. Lessons and xc ski and snowshoe rental equipment are available at Rossignol Demo Center. Bear Valley Lodge offers accommodations. For a full page of info on Bear Valley Cross Country click here. Use Sacramento airport to fly there. CCSAA member

Rim Nordic is 5 miles outside of Running Springs in the San Bernardino Mountains across from Snow Valley Mountain Resort making it the closest cross country ski area to the southern CA metro area. Only 1.5 hours from Los Angeles and Orange County and 2.5 hours from San Diego, Rim Nordic has spectacular scenery at 6,775 feet of elevation. There are about 20 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing and this includes 2 separate trails for snowshoers. CCSAA member

Montecito Sequoia Winter Sports Center is in Kings Canyon National Park and has 85 km of which 28 km are groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Popular as a family resort in the south central California region, Montecito won the best xc ski resort in the Pacific region in the 2002/03 Best XC Ski Resort Poll. Lessons and xc ski and snowshoe equipment rentals available. Rustic cabins and lodge buildings available and food is served buffet style. Warming huts and yurts in the wilderness several miles on the trail fully stocked with stoves, hot drinks and futons for overnight stays. Naturalist and outdoor education programs, visits to giant redwoods, near to Sequoia National Park.Snow tubing with a handle tow and ice skating, too.

Yosemite Cross Country Ski Center is in Yosemite National Park, which is known for the most stupendous views in the world including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Overlook. There are 45 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Lessons are available. CCSAA member