Please note: This “Know Before You Go” update is as of Jan. 22. Travel restrictions and requirements can change quickly, so be sure and check resort websites prior to travel.
Northern California’s High Sierra is home to world-class ski resorts many circling Lake Tahoe and the Mammoth Lakes. Some of our favorite nearby ski areas are within about a 4-hour drive of the Bay Area, but there also are plenty of choices for flying to Western resort destinations as well.
We have compiled the latest COVID-19 information for driving and flying so you can decide the safest and most convenient ways to enjoy this ski season. Check back often, as we’ll be updating these pages as new information comes in.
OnTheSnow.com invites all of our site visitors to choose their favorite ski resorts in a variety of categories each spring. Resorts listed in this guide are the top choices by Northern California site visitors.
Easy Day or Weekend Trips
Luckily, it only takes half a day to get to the slopes in Northern California. Most of our resort picks are about a 4- to 5-hour jaunt from San Francisco so we can leave early in the morning to spend a good part of the day on the snow, return back the same night or stay a day or two before heading back home.
OntheSnow Visitor Drive-To Picks
COVID Fast Facts – Day/Weekend Trips
When and where do I need to wear a face covering?
Face coverings required virtually everywhere at the resort except when eating or drinking and whenever social distancing is not possible.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information or COVID guidelines?
Destination Resort Fly-To Options
OnTheSnow Visitor Picks: These are the most popular resort choices for those coming from the Northern California metro area.
Colorado
Travel restrictions between California and Colorado: None.
The move to COVID-19 red level in many Colorato counties does not affect n-mountain operations. Statewide mask mandate for those 11+. Pitkin County (home to Aspen and other ski resorts) visitors must sign a visitor affidavit and take test within 72 hours of arrival or quarantine for 10 days. Counties under color-coded risk levels through Feb. 6.
Idaho
Travel restrictions between California and Idaho: Statewide mask mandate suggested but not required.
Montana
Travel restrictions between California and Montana: None as of Jan. 19. Masks mandatory in public spaces for those 5+ in public spaces.
Nevada
Travel restrictions between California and Nevada: None. Statewide mask mandate for those 9+.
Oregon
Travel restrictions between California and Oregon: Current restrictions depend on a county's risk level. Statewide mask mandate outdoors if 6 foot distancing cannot be maintained and in public spaces for those 5+. Out of state travelers urged to quarantine for 14 days.
Utah
Travel restrictions between California and Utah: None. Mandatory mask order for those 2+.
British Columbia, Canada
Travel between California and BC:
Avoid all non-essential travel. Mandatory negative COVID test for those 5+ 72 hours before flying into Canada. International travelers must self quarantine for 14 days and complete ArriveCAN application to enter Canada through Feb. 5.