5 Best Ski Resorts In California For Beginners

Summit Skier Affiliate Disclosure

Are you looking for the best ski resorts in California for beginners? You’ve come to the right place. As an avid skier, I’ve traveled across the United States searching for the best ski slopes. 

When I was learning to ski, I spent a lot of time in California, so I know the top spots for beginners. While I’m no longer a beginner, my daughter is just starting out, and we’re planning a trip to California this ski season. So, with my personal experience and recent research I know all about the best ski resorts in California for beginners.

Skiers sitting on a chair lift at one of the best ski resorts in California for beginners.

Best Ski Resorts In California For Beginners

Below, I’ve highlighted five of the best ski resorts in California for beginners, perfect for those new to skiing and snowboarding!

1. Palisades Tahoe

My favorite and top pick for beginners in California is Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley. This legendary resort hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics!

I first visited Palisades Tahoe as a beginner and quickly fell in love with the green runs. With 25% of its slopes designed for beginners, it offers plenty of space for new skiers and snowboarders without feeling crowded or overwhelming.

The resort also boasts excellent ski and snowboard schools, perfect for those wanting expert lessons.

And to top it off, the fantastic restaurant and après-ski scene make it easy to enjoy some food and drinks when you need a break from learning the sport.

  • Location: 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
  • Terrain: 25% Beginner
  • Skiable Acres: 3,600 
  • Lifts: 29 

A chair lift, rocks, and trees at a ski resort in California that is great for beginners.

2. Mammoth Mountain

My second favorite resort in California for beginners is Mammoth Mountain. One of its best features is its incredibly long ski season. Depending on the snowfall each year, you could ski Mammoth from October all the way into August! This gives you plenty of flexibility for planning your visit.

While the ideal time to ski Mammoth is January or February, the extended season is great if your schedule is packed during the peak winter months. However, I recommend visiting in January or February as a beginner to enjoy the best conditions. Avoiding icy conditions or minimal snow is crucial for a smooth learning experience.

In addition to its long season, Mammoth offers 13% of its terrain for beginners, providing plenty of options for learning.

Another feature that makes Mammoth stand out for newbies is that they offer countless program options for those wanting to take lessons, including a Lesson + Child Care package for parents wanting their children to learn. This program is designed for 3-4 year olds who aren’t quite ready for an entire day on the slopes. It combines lessons, lunch, rest, and playing in the snow!

  • Location: 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Terrain: 13% Beginner
  • Skiable Acres: 3500+
  • Lifts: 25

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort on a partly cloudy day.

3. Sierra At Tahoe

Sierra At Tahoe ranks #3 on this list of the best ski resorts in Tahoe and in California for beginners. It’s an excellent choice for new snowboarders and skiers, offering 25% of its terrain for those just starting out. They even have a Smart Terrain Program, designed specifically for beginners, featuring Easy Street—a dedicated 11-acre area with easy banks for turning and two conveyor lifts to make getting up the hill a breeze.

Additionally, Sierra At Tahoe boasts world-class instructors and offers various programs for both adults and kids, making it a fantastic place to learn and take lessons.

  • Location: 1111 Sierra-At-Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges, CA 95735
  • Terrain: 25% Beginner 
  • Skiable Acres: 2,000 
  • Lifts: 14 

A ski resort in California with a nearby road and lake.

4. Northstar 

Another excellent ski resort in California for beginners is Northstar California Resort. With 13% of its runs designated for beginners and a fantastic ski school, it’s a great place to learn. 

One of the standout features is their Green Run Guarantee for ages 7 and up. After three runs, they guarantee you’ll be able to ski down a green run on your own, or you get your fourth lesson for free. This demonstrates the resort’s confidence in its beginner slopes and world-class instructors.

  • Location: 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA 96161
  • Terrain: 13% Beginner 
  • Skiable Acres: 3,170 
  • Lifts: 20

A chairlift at a ski resort surrounded by snow covered trees.

5. Sugar Bowl Resort

Sugar Bowl Resort is another excellent option for beginner snowboarders and skiers to learn the sport in California. One of my favorite things about Sugar Bowl is their welcoming attitude towards beginners. They even encourage you to ask the lift operator to slow the chair down for you if you’re nervous about getting on. I’ve been there before, and it’s so nice to have understanding people when you’re just starting out.

Another great feature of Sugar Bowl is that 15% of their runs are designed for beginners. Additionally, both base areas provide access to beginner terrain, which is convenient depending on where you’re coming from and where you park. If you can, I recommend parking and spending time at Judah Lodge. It offers plenty of good beginner runs and is a great place to take a break when needed.

  • Location: 629 Sugar Bowl Road, Norden, CA 95724
  • Terrain: 15% Beginner 
  • Skiable Acres: 1,650 
  • Lifts: 13 

Sugar Bowl Resort in the winter covered in snow.

FAQs About The Best Ski Resorts In California For Beginners

Keep reading below as I answer a few frequently asked questions about California ski resorts for beginners. 

Is Lake Tahoe skiing good for beginners?

Lake Tahoe is a great place for beginners. Not only are there a handful of different ski resorts with beginner terrain but there’s also incredible views, great apres ski to enjoy when you are tired of hitting the slopes, and an incredible town to explore. 

Does Heavenly have beginner skiing?

Heavenly does have beginner skiing. While Heavenly Mountain Resort is typically known as an expert mountain, the resort has 2% of its 4800 skiable acres designed for beginner skiers and snowboarders. 

How hard is Lake Tahoe skiing?

Lake Tahoe is a pretty hard place to go skiing and snowboarding. The area is known for its steep slopes but there are still some opportunities for beginners and intermediates too. 

A snowboarder shredding down the slopes with mountains in the distance and sunny blue skies above.

Final Thoughts On The Best Ski Resorts In California For Beginners

While California may not have as many ski resorts and mountains as Colorado, it’s still an incredible place to go skiing and learn winter sports. 

I hope this guide helps you choose the best ski resorts in California for beginners, and that you’ll be conquering the slopes in no time!

Abby Price

Abby, a co-founder of Summit Skier, is an avid skier with extensive expertise in skiing, snowboarding, and ski resorts. Abby enjoys spending time in the mountains and cherishes the winter season for its exciting sports. Her mission is to inspire others to embrace the outdoors, have fun while skiing and snowboarding, and discover fantastic ski resorts, whether they're well-known or hidden gems, all around the world, with a special focus on those in the United States.