Viscape Travel Review of the Week: Skiing in L.A.

Did you know you could ski in Los Angeles?  Well, if you didn’t, now you do!

Who knew that skiing is easily accessible to all the beautiful people of La-La-Land?  I know what you’re thinking……”But Mammoth is 6 hours away.”

Well, I’ve got news for you.  There are ski mountains that are within a 2 hour drive of L.A. that offer some great skiing.  Learn from an expert and avid skiier who has tried all the local mountains.  Our very own Jay Reidy!  Go Jay!

Jay Reidy

Travel Review of Ski mountains near Los Angeles, California

And in the winter they get snow. Well, not in LA actually, but in the nearby mountains. About 50 miles east of the city, Mt. Baldy Ski Resort’s base sits at 6,800 feet (2073 meters) with Thunder Mountain and Chair 4 rising another 2000 (609 meters) feet above that. Baldy is actually three mountains, and has 2100 feet (640 meters) of vertical elevation.

Its 26 groomed runs offer some of the steepest drops and scariest chutes in Southern California. The mountain features wide open glades, tree runs, bowls, moguls, groomed runs and cornices. Baldy has just installed an 11 million gallon reservoir, and intends to expand snow making this year to several more intermediate runs and some of black diamond steeps. In addition to skiing and boarding, Baldy offers snow play, tubing and winter hiking. If you get high enough, snow camping is available.

Both group and individual ski snow board lessons are available from PSIA and USSI certified instructors. It’s 39 person ski patrol was selected the Best Small Ski Patrol in the Western United States by the National Ski Patrol even though they have relatively few accidents. The lifts, open year round for hiking, mountain biking and sight seeing, usually see deep snow between November and late March. Prices are reasonable with an adult all day ticket for $54 for the 2009-2010 season. Other deals are available including group discounts. This is the mountain to visit if you’re a good skier and want to be challenged without having to drive six or more hours to Mammoth. Unfortunately, there is very limited beginner terrain, and even that has some steeper spots.

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