Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? Here Are 4 Great Spots for Snow Fun

Nothing says January fun like a thermos of hot cocoa and family fun in the snow. We’ve had so many wonderful winter storms lately, it’s a great time to go outside and enjoy the freezing white fluff.

I always know it’s sledding season when friends start asking around to borrow snow boots for their kids. I suspect that maybe 3% of the town actually owns snow gear and the rest of the population just drives around borrowing it all winter—at least, that’s what my Facebook feed is telling me.

Here’s the scoop on four local spots for sledding and snow fun (all locations dependent on weather conditions, of course):

great spots for snow fun — What not to do when you go to the snow. Unless of course you want a silly photo and don’t mind making a giant igloo for your photo prop. (*Photo: Mika Morris*)

1. Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite

Located near Fish Camp, this resort is the place to be if you care about clean bathrooms and the ability to sit near a fire after you’ve frozen your toes on the sled run. Although it’s a hotel with tons of amenities (including a spa and restaurant), the sledding hill is free.

If you want to rent a snow disk, it’s 15 dollars for a half day. There are two runs: a big one and a kiddie-sized one. If your children tire of flying down the hill, you can branch out to other winter activities. Ice skating and sleigh rides are available for an additional cost. For more info, call (559) 692-8985.

2. Yosemite Ski Area Tubing

If you’re in the national park, check out the Ski Area tube runs. Open for two-hour increments twice a day, passes to tube are $17 a person, and are given on a first come, first serve basis. The first time block starts at 11:30 a.m. and the second is at 2 p.m. For more information, call (559) 692-8985.

Currently the Yosemite Valley is open, but since we’ve had such exciting storms, it’s recommended that you call 209.372.0200 to check for road closures before you leave.

3. Sno-Parks

Near Fresno there are five U.S. Forest Service Sno-Parks. These locations require a pass for parking, which are available online and are sold in day passes for $5, or season passes (November-May) for $25.

Tamarack Sno-Park is one of the more popular, so on weekends parking can fill up fast. Get there early and bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper because the bathrooms are not always fully stocked. Despite this tiny drawback, Sno-Parks are a great, budget-friendly option for snow fun. Feel free to call the Sno-Park hotline with questions and for more information: (916) 324-1222. For a map of all of the Sno-Parks click here.

4. Snow Play in Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks

There are several locations within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks where you can get your snow fix. The Wolverton Ski Area is two miles north of General Sherman tree and has open sledding hills.

Other snow play locations in the parks include Big Stump, Columbine, Big Meadow, Quail Flat, and Cherry Gap. I feel like I’ve just given you some awesome pet bunny names just now, so you’re welcome for that. Seriously though, if you need snow gear or snowshoe rentals, you can check out Grant Grove Market or Wuksachi Lodge. For weather conditions and additional info, call (559) 565-3341.

In many of these locations, chains can be required. Be sure to be winter ready and check weather conditions before you trek up to the mountains. In other words, wear warm clothes, bring some snacks, and be safe!

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of sledding and snow play locations. If I’ve missed your favorite, drop it in the comments!