If you’ve never ventured into snow country because you don’t know how to ski — or don’t want to mortgage your house to do so — there are other options.
*A day trip to Yosemite Valley to ice skate in the brisk winter air that comes with the bonus of enjoying the granite splendor while it is draped in snow.
*Low key snow play areas with pit toilets and parking along Highway 88 and Highway 4.
*The children friendly Leland Snow Play Resort with its snow tubing and more.
That said, the 209 has three downhill ski resorts and two cross country ski areas with the most affordable — and arguably the most spectacular being in Yosemite where you can access world-class views from Glacier Point.
Before venturing into snow country, you should rent tire chains just in case.
You can’t enter Yosemite National Park in snow season without them.
Also double check websites to make sure they are operating.
Although snow has fallen already and Dodge Ridge and Bear Valley ski resorts are open, even in years that turn out to be normal December snowfall can be spotty.
It is wise, regardless, to start planning and set aside days if you want to venture into 209 snow country to access various venues.
Try to avoid the “holiday dates” — Christmas-New Year — and weekends to save cash.
At the Leland snow play resort such planning may save a family of four only $20 or so.
But for a family of four with two teens the difference is spending roughly $500 to $640 alone on lift tickets on peak says and $360 to $520 midweek.
CURRY VILLAGE ICE SKATING RINK
The Curry Village Ice Skating Rink, with spectacular views of Half Dome, is my personal favorite, given it is in the heart of Yosemite.
It has been an enchanting winter experience since 1928.
The rink as of Nov.30 has yet to open for the season.
But when it does and weather permitting, the rink is open daily thru early March.
Daily 2½ hour sessions are at noon, 3:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Weekends and holidays have those three sessions plus one added at 8:30 a.m.
Yes, there is a fire pit.
Prices are $16 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Skate rentals are $5.25 extra.
And don’t forget the $35 entrance fee into Yosemite National Park that is good for seven days.
*MORE INFO: The website is www.travelyosemite.com
SNO-PARKS
There are sno-parks along the Highway 4 and Highway 88 corridors.
Sno-Parks are areas maintained in the winter to allow people to park safely so they can enjoy winter activities in national forests such as cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling , and limited snow play.
Sno-parks are far better than just pulling over to the side of the road. Not only do they have pit toilets and parking but they are sited in areas conducive to a wide variety of activity close to where you park.
Day permits can be purchased for $15 for a single day or an annual pass for $40. The pass is good at any sno-park in California as well as Nevada, Oregon, Washington, or Idaho. They can be purchased online at ohv.parks/ca.gov/?page_id=1233 .
LELAND HIGH SIERRA SNOW PLAY RESORT
The ultimate family snow play area minus skiing plus having the added convenience of lifts is the Leland High Sierra Snow play facility.
It consists of 12 acres featuring a “Little Hill” for kids and a “Big Hill” for everyone else. The big thing here is definitely tubing as well as just basic frolicking and having a grand old time playing in the snow.
There is also a lodge with a full kitchen, snack bar, and remodeled restrooms. Toss in a sun deck with plenty of chairs and tables along with a warm fire overlooking the base of the “Little Hill” and its ideal families.
*MORE INFO: The website is snowplay.com.
There are five skiing options in the 209.
*DODGE RIDGE: Located on Highway 108, this is the closest ski resort to Manteca or Turlock.
*BEAR VALLEY: This is the eighth largest ski area in California. It is reached via Highway 4.
*YOSEMITE SKI: You can reach it via Highway 120. It is the most low-key with five lifts. It was known for years as Badger Pass.
*BEAR VALLEY CROSS-COUNTRY: It is separate from Bear Valley Ski Resort and is located right along Highway 4 several miles before the turnout to the downhill ski resort.
*YOSEMITE CROSS-COUNTRY: While this is accessed at the former Badger Pass Ski Resort, there is no charge for access save for the $35 vehicle entrance fee to the park that’s good for seven days.
