9 Best Towns In California's Sierra Nevada For A Winter Getaway
Winter in the Sierra Nevada is California’s hidden engine as storms off the Pacific stack dense “Sierra cement” that later melts into the state’s biggest natural reservoir, the snowpack!
That same moisture turns small mountain towns into full-season bases for skiing, skating, and lake-view cabins. In Truckee, you can trace the old trans-Sierra corridor at Donner Pass before chasing fresh tracks nearby. Mammoth Lakes sits on the rim of the Long Valley Caldera, where volcanic geology shapes both scenery and snowfall. These nine towns ahead prove that the Golden State’s winter story is written in elevation, weather, and communities built for snow days every year.
Lakeshore
This small but gorgeous town reclines on the picturesque banks of Huntington Lake, about 71 miles (one-and-a-half-hour's drive) northeast of Fresno. One of Lakeshore's defining draws is China Peak Mountain Resort, a hidden gem that boasts longer and steeper runs than most California resorts. This facility provides beautiful views of Huntington Lake, whose waters shimmer from about a mile away. With adult all-day lift tickets typically priced below those at many of California's larger resorts, the rates here are fairly affordable. After what will look like a discovery, one can sit down to a cold beer and burger at the Buckhorn Bar & Grill situated at the base of Chair 2. While this property has hotel rooms that are pretty decent, one can still opt for a rustic cabin or a cozy chalet among the trees at Pines Resort, about 60 miles away.
Truckee
Boasting a population of about 17,800, this town is located about 13 miles from Lake Tahoe's North Shore. Truckee was the site of one of the most fascinating tragedies in the history of the Golden State. In 1846, a group of pioneers headed westward to California got trapped by snow in the Sierras. When food ran out, some members of the group would start cannibalizing the flesh of their deceased team members. The leader of the expedition was George Donner, in whose memory Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park (which documents the tragic story), and Donner Pass are named. For almost half a century, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort has been the go-to spot for skiing in the area. After a temporary closure, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort has fully reopened and is operating for the 2025-26 season with a brand-new base lodge. Still, the slopes of Palisades Tahoe are just 11 miles away. One will enjoy staying at Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee because it is an easy drive to Palisades and Lake Tahoe.
Twain Harte
Twain Harte is a tiny town of about 2,471 located in California's Tuolumne County along Highway 108. This town is worth checking out because it is co-named for Mark Twain, an American literary legend whose work as a humorist is unrivaled. If you want to stay in the woods, Thompson Lodge is a cute two-story modified A-frame cabin with an oasis-like feeling. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort often gets more than 300 inches of snowfall every year and could be the closest ski resort to the Bay Area. While Twain Harte Lake is nice and worth checking out, it is a member-only property, a factor that may limit access. Otherwise, the 18-hole Twain Harte Miniature Golf Course will thrill any avid golfer and has been a staple of the town for almost 70 years.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport may not be as big or as famous for its winter adventures as, for instance, Park City; however, it is a Sierra Nevada winter wonderland that boasts more than 500 miles of cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. Virginia Creek Settlement, located just five miles south of town, offers old-school, rustic cabins with a homey, comfortable feel. Just outside town, the Bridgeport Winter Trail System and nearby Twin Lakes area provide groomed Nordic and snowshoe routes with sweeping views of the Bridgeport Valley and surrounding peaks. While the town's winter attractions are in the 7,254-acre Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area, no visitor should let the chance to explore the Bodie State Historic Park slip through the fingers.
June Lake
Located in a landscape that is beautifully carved into mountains and valleys, there are no prices for guessing why June Lake is often called the "Switzerland of California." The town boasts not one but four glittering lakes, including the lake that lends the town its name, and is situated at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The town's array of lakes is the reason it is known to provide the best beach experience in the Eastern Sierras. June Mountain Ski Area, a famous winter highlight, features both Rainbow Mountain and June Mountain and offers 1,500 acres of snow — as well as heart-melting 360-degree sceneries. For a place to lodge, Heidelberg Inn is cozy and quaint and is steps away from a number of shops and restaurants.
Tahoe City
Tucked away on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, this Sierra Nevada gem could just be the most gorgeous town among the group that encircles Lake Tahoe, a famous water marvel reputed to be among the most stunning alpine lakes on Earth. While the town boasts numerous accommodation facilities within the downtown area, one may want to opt for the Cottage Inn at Lake Tahoe, a quiet cabin getaway near the town, yet just the right distance from it. Hidden among the pines, Cottage Inn is close to the Truckee River and, for winter adventurers, just down the hill from Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as the Squaw Valley USA, as well as the Alpine Meadows ski area. For those who want to dabble in some shopping, Boatworks Shopping Mall is right on the lake and will see you smiling even as you pick your favorite items.
Lake Alpine
Boasting numerous winter adventure opportunities, Lake Alpine (not to be confused with Alpine Lake in West Virginia) remains a well-kept California secret that often surprises snow enthusiasts. The nearby Bear Valley Ski Resort, a less busy destination offering all skill levels of skiing and snowboarding, is a hidden gem just a 5-minute drive from Lake Alpine. For overnight stays, the cozy Bear Valley Lodge, about 4 miles from the resort, is renowned for its warm, inviting atmosphere. During the right season, you might see bluejays flitting among snow-covered trees and filling the air with their songs. Lake Alpine itself, which gives the community its name, is typically an excellent spot for boating or fishing.
Pinecrest
Even for those with only a slight interest in outdoor activities, Pinecrest is a fantastic destination to add to your travel bucket list. Surrounded by the Stanislaus National Forest—an often overlooked gem and outdoor paradise covering nearly 900,000 acres—it offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Visitors can stay at the High Sierra Retreat, which offers cozy rooms overlooking Pinecrest Lake. The retreat features a fireplace (a must-have in winter), stunning mountain and lake views, and easy access to Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, located about 3 miles away.
Mammoth Lakes
Home to approximately 7,300 residents, Mammoth Lakes is situated on the edge of the Long Valley Caldera, about 169 miles southeast of Reno. If you could pick a single Sierra Nevada spot as a winter getaway, Mammoth Lakes would be hard to beat. Famous for its stunning chain of alpine lakes and breathtaking natural scenery, it was named after the historic Mammoth Mining Company. It hosts California's highest all-season, lift-served resort — Mammoth Mountain, which reaches 11,053 feet. During the 22/23 winter season, it received a record 702 inches of snow at the main lodge and nearly 900 inches at the summit. For overnight stays, Tamarack Lodge offers delicious food and spectacular views of the area's soaring cliffs. Additionally, Twin Falls Overlook provides spectacular sunrise vistas.
The Takeaway
Reputed to be the most beautiful state in the nation, California is a tapestry of natural wonders that defy superlatives. For winter adventure, California's Sierra Nevada Mountains — and the area around it — is a snowy wonderland that often exceeds the expectations of first-time visitors. Mammoth Mountain, for instance, got a record-shattering 702 inches of snow in the 22/23 winter season at its main lodge. Other California Sierra Nevada towns that provide awesome winter adventures include Truckee, Twain Harte, and Bridgeport.
