Mt. Ashland skiing

Mt. Ashland Skiing

If you’re looking for a place to spend a fun winter day, you don’t have to travel very far to find the perfect spot. Mt. Ashland Ski Area is a short 20 minute drive south, and offers some excellent skiing in the winter, great hiking in the summer and breathtaking views year-round.

The highest peak in the Siskiyou Mountain range, Mt. Ashland peaks at a respectable elevation of 7,533 feet. The 200-acre ski area receives over 300 inches of snow annually, has 23 trails, four lifts and chute skiing in a glacial cirque, known as the bowl.

Best of all, Mt. Ashland is affordable. Kids six years old or younger and seniors 70 and older ski for free every time. For the rest of the family, lift tickets range from $7 to $43, depending on age, day and time of day.

The mountain offers skiing for every skill level; but with more than half the trails rated as advanced, prepare for some steep runs. The crowds are minimal, the staff is great and the hot toddy at the lodge is without equal.

Directions: From Ashland downtown, drive southeast through town on Siskiyou Blvd until it merges onto the I-5 on-ramp. After 6 miles, take Exit 6 to Mt. Ashland. In .7 miles, turn right onto Mt. Ashland Ski Road. This winds uphill for 8.9 miles to the Mt. Ashland parking lot. Sno-Park permits are necessary from November 1st through April 30th, and can be purchased in the parking lot.

Mt. Shasta

Besides Mt. Ashland skiing, skiiers and snowboarding enthusiasts looking for a change of pace don’t have to look much further than Mt. Shasta, that beautiful snow-capped mountain to our south. Located at the southern end of the Cascade Range in northern California, Mt. Shasta Ski Park makes for a fun and easy day trip from Ashland.

The resort, built in 1985, is the newest in the state of California. It features 425 acres of skiable terrain, 32 trails, three lifts and multiple terrain parks. With more than half of the runs rated for intermediate skiers, Mt. Shasta is an ideal destination for skiers of all skill levels.

Passes range from $5 for kids and seniors to $50 for adults, depending on day, age and time. Multiple day passes are also available. More budget-friendly than Tahoe, you’ll be delighted to find that Mt. Shasta Ski Park features friendly staff, small crowds and a great time for the family.

Directions: From Ashland downtown, drive southeast through town on Siskiyou Blvd until it merges onto the I-5 on-ramp, heading south toward California. Drive 71 miles and then exit CA-89 South. Follow the road for 4 miles east and then turn left onto Ski Park Highway. The resort will be 4.5 miles ahead, on the right.

Outdoor Recreation Safety Note: Please be sure to read our safety note on our Outdoor Recreation home page.