The massive Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is the go-to resort for many southern Californians who want to access serious terrain, as it gets much more natural snowfall and tends to boast longer seasons than resort areas closer to Los Angeles. Still, slopes exist for all levels of skiers and snowboarders at Mammoth. Lessons are available for kids starting at age 3 for skiing and at age 5 for snowboarding. The onsite Small World Child Care offers babysitting for kids newborn to 8 years old on weekend days (book at least 2 weeks ahead). The Ski Area sits on the north side of Mammoth Mountain, a young volcano that hasn’t seen an eruption in a couple hundred years.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area also owns June Mountain, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Purchase a Cali4nia Pass to ski all four resorts at one price!