5 Breathtaking Alpine Towns In California

As we near the end of 2025, California’s breathtaking mountainscapes have already begun to take center stage. Although we often associate the Golden State with its sunshine, surf culture, and Hollywood landmarks, its towering peaks and alpine valleys are equally striking, especially in winter. Centered around ski resorts, Swiss-style downtowns, and shimmering alpine waters, winter recreation and postcard scenes overlap in these regions like gift wrap. Whether planning a last-minute holiday vacation or researching a ski trip for the new year, these 5 breathtaking alpine towns in California will help make your winter memorable, magical, and far from blue.

Mammoth Lakes

A historic mining town, today Mammoth Lakes strikes gold with its spectacular alpine surroundings and recreation. Bounded by Mammoth Mountain to the west and California’s Sherwin Range to the south, the Sierra Nevada town sits snug in between at 7,880 feet. The high-elevation beauty is a four-season outdoor playground, but winter is when its peaks shine brightest. Averaging 400 inches of annual snowfall, Mammoth Lakes boasts some of North America’s best winter sports conditions. Whether tubing at Woolly's Adventure Summit or snowshoeing to the Minaret Vista for its dramatic alpine skyline, winter fun is in high supply.

Skiing reigns supreme at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, a winter paradise with slopes for all abilities. The area stands apart as the highest chairlift-accessible ski spot in California, soaring 11,053 feet high, with 3,500+ acres of skiable terrain. Experienced snowboarders and skiers can shred challenging paths like the Top Of The World or Skyline, each accompanied by sweeping views. The Main Lodge also offers a healthy range of novice-friendly ski trails, such as the Easy Rider, Sesame Street, and Apple Pie. As for kid-friendly fun beyond the ski slopes, Mammoth Mountain's Snow Play Area is a cute section with slides and plenty of open space to build a smiling snowman or two.

South Lake Tahoe

A small, cozy city on the banks of its namesake lake, South Lake Tahoe is another Sierra Nevada gem that comes alive in winter. Although the city is famous for its beaches, snow makes the Heavenly Mountain Resort even more enchanting. Celebrating its 70th year in 2025, the resort is a treasure trove of recreation and jaw-dropping scenes. Spanning sections of California and Nevada, Heavenly Mountain towers 10,067 feet high with 4,800 skiable acres and 111 trails, with beginner and advanced terrains. First-timers can also consider Heavenly's Ski and Ride School, ensuring all guests enjoy their time on the slopes.

For heavenly views beyond Heavenly’s ski trails, the Scenic Gondola Ride is known for its sightseeing. The 2.4-mile ride showcases the mountain and Lake Tahoe in all their glory. The Observation Deck serves as a grand finale, or you can tack on some follow-up fun, such as tubing or riding Heavenly’s Mountain Coaster. Afterward, Heavenly Village is a relaxing break from the snow. Perched at the resort’s base, guests can stroll cobblestone walkways lined with over 40 quaint businesses, such as Heaven's Little Café. Nearby, the Heavenly Village Ice Rink is another charming winter activity for the whole family.

Big Bear Lake

Situated in the heart of Southern California, Big Bear Lake is another bewitching alpine town anchored by its namesake lake and ski resort. The San Bernardino Mountain town is tucked inside San Bernardino National Forest, with breathtaking landscapes as far as the eye can see. Its name-sharing reservoir gets all its water from snowmelt, and winters here are absolutely magical. Snow-covered lake views are beautiful at Boulder Bay Park, or you can dine on the water’s edge at De La Nonna. From there, the downtown Village district is a storybook follow-up, whether souvenir hunting at Village Faire or grabbing a sweet treat at North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream Co.

For more outdoor fun in Big Bear, the Big Bear Mountain Resort is its crown jewel. Spanning 3 mountain ranges, Big Bear Lake serves as a gateway to 2: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. The former features a great mix of beginner and expert ski terrains, paired with stunning views of Big Bear Lake. Mountaintop dining can also be enjoyed here, at cafes like Ironwood Coffee and restaurants like Oakfire Grill. Conversely, Bear Mountain is more of a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts, offering “SoCal's Only Halfpipes” and an epic superpipe.

Truckee

Back in California’s Sierra Nevada, Truckee is a spellbinding alpine town where winter is a way of life. In a 2024 article by the Weather Channel, Truckee was named one of America’s snowiest towns, allowing the area’s ski resorts to thrive. Several are under a 20-minute drive from Truckee, including Palisades Tahoe, the Sugar Bowl, and Northstar California. The latter is the closest of the three, offering a range of winter resort activities, on and off the slope.

Northstar’s highest Sierra peak towers 8,610 feet tall, accompanied by 100 trails across 3,170 skiable acres. As for fun off the slopes, the resort’s snowshoe and Nordic ski trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding valley and Lake Tahoe. The Northstar Village Ice Rink is equally serene, and you can head to the nearby Northstar Village Overlook for complimentary s'mores, served daily at 4:00 PM. The remaining Village district features an eclectic collection of eateries and boutiques, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping at stores like Patagonia. Grab a warm drink and pastry from the Copper Lane Cafe, and window shop to your heart’s desire.

Kirkwood

Split between Alpine and Amador counties, Kirkwood is another Sierra Nevada ski town with scenic slopes for all abilities. Located in the Eldorado National Forest, the town’s landscapes feature a fabulous contrast of green pine and white snow, backed by colossal Sierra peaks. Its tallest summit is at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, soaring 9,800 feet high. Coupled with 2,300 acres of skiable terrain and 354 inches of annual snowfall, this is the best place by far to spend your winter escape in Kirkwood.

Of the resort’s 86 trails, 12% are beginner-friendly, 30% are intermediate, 38% are advanced, and 20% are expert level. Its Timber Creek area is known for its gentle terrain and beginner-friendly hills like the Funny Bunny, School Run, and Squirrel Ridge. For newbies and self-improvers, the resort also offers world-class ski and snowboard Instructors for all ages and experience levels. As for the already-experienced thrill-seekers, the Wagon Wheel Bowl offers heart-pounding ski routes like its Cliff Chute and Saddle Chute. Nearby, adventurous experts can try to ride The Wall, a famously steep and challenging ski run.

Escape Winter Blues In These California Mountain Towns

While we often associate outdoor fun with spring and summer, these California alpine towns are at their best with snow. Even with shorter days and colder temperatures, these mountain communities are in full swing, with no slowing down in sight. If you want to avoid or relieve winter blues, these snowy escapes can help make your season brighter. Whether holiday shopping in South Lake Tahoe, downhill skiing in Kirkwood, or snowshoe hiking in Mammoth Lakes, these California mountain towns can turn any frown upside down.