Snow Day!

Snowy mountains mean one thing for kids: FUN! Local snow parks offer many options for fun in the snow, including sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more.

Don’t forget to check on road conditions before you leave by calling (800) 427-7623 for a Caltrans recording of highway conditions.

 

Sierra National Forest

These snow-cleared areas provide direct access to cross-country ski trails, snow play areas, and snowmobile routes for a $15 a day vehicle fee ($40 for the season). Visit ohv.parks.ca.gov for maps, guides, and information. You can also receive a SNO-Park guide by calling the SNO-Park hotline at (916) 324-1222.

Coyote – North side of Highway 168, east of Shaver Lake in Sierra National Forest. Snow play, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding. No snowmobiling. (559) 855-5355

Eastwood – East side of Highway 168, at Huntington Lake Road, in Sierra National Forest. Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. (559) 855-5355

Huntington Lake – West side of Huntington Lake off Highway 168 in Sierra National Forest. Snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and limited snow play. (559) 855-5355

Tamarack – South side of Highway 168 in Sierra National Forest. Snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding. (559) 855-5355

 

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Entrance fees to the park range from $20–$80 a day. There are no individual snow park fees, just the entrance fee. Visit nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/snowplay.htm or call (559) 565-3341 for more information.

Here are a few local spots to visit on your next family snow day!

Big Stump – Along Highway 180, 0.6 miles past the northern entrance in Kings Canyon National Park. Snow play.
(559) 565-3341

Columbine – Along Highway 180 to the Big Stump Entrance Station in Kings Canyon National Park. Continue through Grant Grove and watch for the left turn leading down to the General Grant Tree. Play area is 0.2 miles down the road. Snow play.
(559) 565-3341

Wolverton – Along the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park, end of Wolverton Road, 2 miles north of the General Sherman Tree. Cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and snow play. (559) 565-3341

A drive to the parks in the winter may involve icy and snowy conditions. Mountain roads can be hazardous, so follow these Winter Driving tips.

• Check websites for road and route suggestions before visiting.

• Know the weather conditions before you leave.

• Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Make sure you are always prepared for worse weather, just in case.

• Tire chains may be required. Make sure you know how to attach your specific chains to your specific tires.

• If you don’t own chains, make sure you purchase a set that fits the tires on the vehicle you plan to take to the snow.

• Do not drive if you are not comfortable in the conditions.

• Driving on windy, icy roads can be dangerous. Make sure you are driving safely for the current conditions.

• Slow down and don’t tailgate the vehicle in front of you.

• Speak with your kids beforehand and remind them that you’ll be focusing on the road while driving and that they should not distract you unless it is absolutely an emergency.