When it comes to snow, we’ve got you covered. When snow is in the forecast, here is where you'll find it in or near San Diego County. Be sure to check websites for projected snowfall, weather conditions and road closures.

finding snow in sd 1515

SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS
(Approximate driving times from central San Diego)

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (1 hour)
A bit closer to San Diego than Julian, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is a great stop for an afternoon of snow. Park in legal turnouts along the highway for free or enter the park with a day pass. Better yet, stop here for snow fun and then head to Julian for apple pie and hot cocoa.

Julian (1 hour, 15 mins.)
Julian is filled with hiking trails, shops, riding stables, historic sites and restaurants. For a day trip, head to picnic areas and local community parks for open play spaces. Try Jess Martin Park or William Heise Park. Remember that Julian is a residential community and its welcoming residents will enjoy city folk more if we respect private property (no hopping fences), park legally and leave no litter.

Laguna Mountain/Mt. Laguna (1 hour)
At over 6,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Laguna receives the most snowfall in all of San Diego County. Mt. Laguna’s numerous trails make for great snowshoeing. Make it a weekend and cozy up at the Laguna Mountain Lodge where you will find pet-friendly accommodations available.

Palomar Mountain (1 hour, 30 mins.)
“Large pine, fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere,” states the Parks and Recreation Department. Palomar Mountain also boasts a favorite local destination, the Palomar Observatory. Owned and operated by CalTech, the observatory is a wonderful end to a scenic wintery drive. Visit www.astro.caltech.edu/palomar for weather conditions and closures.



SKI RESORTS

WRIGHTWOOD (2 hours, 15 mins.)
Mountain High
Located a few miles from the town of Wrightwood, Mountain High is home to three resorts connected by a free shuttle service. Tickets are good for all three mountains. Flexible ticket options include by the run or by the hour.

Mountain High’s Adaptive Program serves students with disabilities. Adaptive parking is available.

Yeti's Snow Park
Yeti's Snow Park offers tubing, sledding, snow play, and scenic sky chair rides. Visit Mountain High’s website for details!

 

BIG BEAR (2 hours, 45 mins.)
--> Get the inside scoop on skiing and snow play in Big Bear: Winter Family Fun in Big Bear.

Snow Summit Mountain Resort
Snow Summit has something for every level in skiing and snowboarding. They offer the largest area around for beginners. You can even preview lessons on video. Fun zones offer plenty of freestyle features. Snow Summit also boasts some of the best night skiing in the world.
 “It is an entirely different experience and leaves a lasting memory for the entire family,” says one ski enthusiast.

Bear Mountain
Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will go wild for Bear Mountain resort with plenty of jumps, jibs and transitions. 

Big Bear Snow Play
Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain combine real and manmade snow for snow play all winter long; tubes included. “Magic Carpets” take you to the hilltops with ease.

RUNNING SPRINGS (3 hours)
Snow Valley
Snow Valley, five miles east of the mountain town of Running Springs, features skiing and snowboarding for all levels. The Children’s Learning Center for ages 4–12 offers traditional skiing and snowboarding lessons. The EDGE is Snow Valley’s terrain park and includes a beginner’s progression park. Snow Valley boasts an exceptional backcountry experience for the intermediate and advanced.

Rim Nordic Ski Area
The only cross-country skiing area in Southern California. Affordable lessons and equipment rentals make for the cheapest snow fun around. All levels are accommodated on 10 miles of groomed trails and snowshoers are encouraged to go off-trail for a special outdoor experience. Bring lunch and stop at a picnic table along the trail. 

--------------------

 

 

 

12 Easy Ways to Care for the Earth

12 Easy Ways to Care for the Earth

It’s easy to let busyness of daily life push thoughts of being eco-friendly to the back burner. But caring for our planet might be easier than you think. Start small by trying one activity a month . . .

Read more

Fun Ways to Celebrate Spring in San Diego

Fun Ways to Celebrate Spring in San Diego

By the time the first day of spring rolls around (March 19), San Diegans are usually ready for a “change in weather.” Let’s face it, a low of 48 degrees is downright freezing in these parts. (Le . . .

Read more

Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrate the unique culture and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) throughout the month of May and all year long! Our list of family-friendly AAPI Heritage Month events i . . .

Read more

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Dim Sum

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Dim Sum

  With May being Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, families across the nation will be celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the AAPI community. One way to participat . . .

Read more

Fun Ways to Celebrate Star Wars Day: Art Projects and Recipes

Fun Ways to Celebrate Star Wars Day: Art Projects and Recipes

Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day (May 4), having a Star Wars-themed birthday party or a festive celebration at home, here are great ideas that transport you to a galaxy far, far away. We l . . .

Read more

How to Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in San Diego

How to Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in San Diego

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The term AAPI includes people with origins from dozens of countries from . . .

Read more

Cinco de Mayo in San Diego

Cinco de Mayo in San Diego

You've heard of Cinco de Mayo but do you know why it's celebrated? Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla that resulted in Mexico's military victory over Napol . . .

Read more

Where to Celebrate Mother’s Day in San Diego 2025

Where to Celebrate Mother’s Day in San Diego 2025

Mother's Day is the perfect time to show your love and appreciation for Mom in creative and fun ways. Check out these Mom-inspired in-person events that the whole family (but especially Mom) will en . . .

Read more

36 Unique Mother’s Day Gifts

36 Unique Mother’s Day Gifts

It’s almost Mother’s Day and I’m trying (again) to figure out what to get my mom. The woman needs nothing, rarely hints at what she might like, and doesn’t need any more “things” to clut . . .

Read more

Memorial Day Events and Activities 2024

Memorial Day Events and Activities 2024

This Memorial Day Weekend, spend some time with your family honoring and remembering the sacrifices of our military heroes.  Don’t miss USS Midway’s Legacy Week, (May 24-May 28) an annua . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe