Where is the closest best place for snow play? (San Jose: ski resort, camp)

[Wintermomma]

Easiest to get to, roads rarely close down, etc. Hoping to find something near a town with a place to eat/rest/use restrooms. How's the traffic?

Doesn't need to be a ski resort b/c we just want to play and sled. Though if there's an inner tube park that would be a fun bonus. I've just found sometimes near resort areas there is not as much play area.

I must find snow!

Thank you!

[humboldtrat]

Check out Dodge Ridge on Hwy 108, almost due east of San Jose (more or less). www.dodgeridge.com

Also, Yosemite Park would be a good place to see some snow with great scenery. There's a ski area in the park called Badger Pass Badger Pass Ski Area - Badger Pass - Yosemite : Yosemite Park but anywhere in the valley floor of the park will do. They also have an ice skating rink in the valley floor of the park.

Expect about 3 -4 hours to get to either place.

[farhadB]

I hate snow

[Wintermomma]

Originally Posted by humboldtrat

Check out Dodge Ridge on Hwy 108, almost due east of San Jose (more or less). www.dodgeridge.com

Also, Yosemite Park would be a good place to see some snow with great scenery. There's a ski area in the park called Badger Pass Badger Pass Ski Area - Badger Pass - Yosemite : Yosemite Park but anywhere in the valley floor of the park will do. They also have an ice skating rink in the valley floor of the park.

Expect about 3 -4 hours to get to either place.

Thanks! I was actually thinking of Dodge Ridge so it's good to get some confirmation. Yosemite is fun, but we'll probably save that for a trip we can stay longer and weather is more amenable to hikes and water falls.

I've also heard people mention "Bear" (Where is that? I can't find it), Kirkwood and Auburn.

Any opinions on those?

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by Wintermomma

I've also heard people mention "Bear" (Where is that? I can't find it), Kirkwood and Auburn.

That's Bear Valley on Hwy 4 east of Angels Camp Bear Valley – Ski and Snowboard Resort In California's Central Sierra Nevada*|*

With all this rain and snow we're getting, you should visit Yosemite in the spring. The waterfalls should be fantastic!

[DMenscha]

You also might try the Dell Osso farm near Lathrop and Manteca. Google Dell Osso.

[zitsky]

A very good place is Mount Hamilton (the observatory) but I think they close the roads to everyone but residents when there is heavy snow. There are some folks who live up there. I believe the road through there goes over the hill to Livermore.

[Wintermomma]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. We've settled on Bear Valley this time. I'm very excited!!