State ski guide
Best Ski Mountains in California
A ranked list of 17 ski areas with snow history, vertical, trails, and ticket context. Use this page as your California guide, then open the app when you want live forecast, drive time, pass access, and crowd signals in one ranking.
Live forecast, drive time, pass access, and crowds in one ranking. Compare the best mountains in California, then find your best fit when you are ready.
Epic Pass vs Ikon Pass: California
4 Epic Pass and 6 Ikon Pass mountains in California. Compare coverage and side-by-side value before you buy.
How California stacks up
California runs from Sierra power to smaller coastal and Southern California spots. Snow and access vary wildly by region, so the statewide view keeps comparisons honest.
| Mountain | Vertical | Trails | Avg Snow/yr | Day Ticket* | Pass | Night Skiing | Live Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkwood | 2,000 ft | 67 | 500" | $210 | Epic Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Palisades Tahoe | 2,850 ft | 270 | 450" | $240 | Ikon Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Sierra-at-Tahoe | 2,212 ft | 46 | 450" | $180 | Epic Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Homewood Mountain | 1,650 ft | 64 | 450" | $110 | No Major Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Mammoth Mountain | 3,100 ft | 175 | 400" | $249 | Ikon Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Donner Ski Ranch | 800 ft | 52 | 400" | $79 | Indy Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Bear Valley Mountain | 1,900 ft | 75 | 359" | $99 | Indy Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Dodge Ridge | 1,600 ft | 68 | 350" | $89 | No Major Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Heavenly | 3,500 ft | 97 | 300" | $255 | Epic Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Northstar California | 2,280 ft | 100 | 300" | $240 | Epic Pass | No | Open live data → |
| China Peak | 1,679 ft | 45 | 260" | $79 | Indy Pass | No | Open live data → |
| June Mountain | 2,590 ft | 35 | 250" | $105 | Ikon Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Mt. Shasta Ski Park | 1,390 ft | 32 | 200" | $82 | No Major Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Bear Mountain | 1,665 ft | 34 | 100" | $100 | Ikon Pass | No | Open live data → |
| Snow Summit | 1,200 ft | 31 | 100" | $90 | Ikon Pass | Yes | Open live data → |
| Mountain High | 1,600 ft | 60 | 100" | $79 | Indy Pass | Yes | Open live data → |
| Snow Valley | 1,141 ft | 31 | 100" | $89 | Ikon Pass | Yes | Open live data → |
*Ticket prices vary by date, demand, and age. Verify with the mountain before purchasing.