Skiing Northern California opens a world of opportunities. Deep Chutes, Alpine slopes, some of the countries best cross country. Remote lodges without a hint of commercialism and pristine service at your elbow with casinos just across the street. Snow shoeing at 8000 feet, skijoring with the dogs, overnight snow camping or a twilight cross country adventure to see the moon rise so close you can touch it. Northern California has it all.

Mount Shasta is a good place to start. Located 75 miles south on I-5 from the Oregon border it is both convenient and secluded all at the same time. They have a world class ski school for alpine, cross country, telemark and boarding. These guys are so confident in their program that if it doesn't work the first time it is free until it does. The rates are unbelievable with ski and stay combos for $42 per person.

The Central Sierras in and around Yosemite offer a step back in time. These high altitude sites are a long way from the mainstream, family friendly and extremely reasonable. Badger Pass right in the park is the oldest ski resort in California. It is an hour long shuttle ride from the lodges to the slopes through lightly touched landscape. There are terrain parks and downhill runs but the real jewel here is 350 acres of breath taking cross country trails. Overnight cross country and snow camping trips can be the experience of a lifetime.

Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge/ Pinecrest just down the road are the place to go for tough expert level downhill skiing. Both run season passes for around $400 dollars. Bear Valley has a bunkhouse for $25 dollars a night with ski and stay for as little as $40 per person. Dodge Ridge has put a new emphasis on developing young skiers and even has a toddler program. Quiet night life and great rates for rooms and skiing make this area very family friendly.

Just a little to the south in the Eastern Sierras is Mamouth and June Lake. This has been a hidden jewel for years but as the folks who run Vail have purchased Mamouth it won't stay hidden for long. Freeskiers magazine ranks the combo resorts as number one for Terrain parks. June Mountain allows those under ten to ski for free. Many avid skiers make the five hour drive from LA nearly every weekend in season. Mamouth sports one of the countries best cross country schools run by Olympic Champion Nancy Fiddler.

Tahoe is conveniently located just west of Reno Nevada. Surrounding America's largest alpine lake is California's largest

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