Epic West Coast snow is being measured in feet, not inches, this winter; here's what you need to know
It has been a winter for the record books in the western U.S. in terms of weather. California is enduring historic rain and flooding that has left many people in the state navigating dangerous roads and trying to protect their homes from the deluge. Across the state, people are cleaning up and recovering from some of the wettest weather in decades.
Along with the rain, there has also been epic snowfall in the mountains of California. Ski areas are experiencing escalating crowds and some best-ever runs.
Just how much snow are we talking about? As of Jan. 19, the Central Sierra Snow Lab had officially recorded 175 inches of snow in the ski areas of the Northern Sierra Nevada mountains — that's 249% of the 52-year average of 70 inches for the entire month of January. At Mammoth Lakes, 400 inches of snow have fallen already this year, the most in the country. In Lake Tahoe, some areas have already seen 100 inches more snow than they received last year.
With all this snow comes a few concerns. First, the unprecedented amount of snow affects driving and skiing safety. Second, many are worried about what will happen when all that ground covering melts.
If you're trying to figure out where to go, what's safe and what's best to avoid right now on a California ski trip, here's what you need to know.
Related: From hidden gems to big names: Here are 11 of California's best ski resorts
Lake Tahoe
Just when you think Lake Tahoe has collected as much snow as it can in one season, the skies open up and add another layer of fluff to the ground. The area has met, and will likely break, historic snowfall records this year. In North Tahoe, home to Northstar California Resort (part of Epic Pass), snowfall has surpassed last year's record by 100 inches.
For skiers, this not only means an incredible base but also spring skiing extending to May 7. So, you still have more than 100 days to get on the slopes.
Since this season will bring more than 350 inches of snow to some spots in the southern part of the lake — an average of 10 inches per day in January alone — it's important to keep an eye on safety, too.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort, located in South Tahoe, offers some safety tips worth noting. First, ski with a buddy and bring a beacon, shovel and probe if you can. Also, be aware of your surroundings in the base area, as the snow stacking up on roofs can fall off in bunches big enough to bury you. Finally, wear reflective gear and use lights when walking around at night since snow removal continues after dark.
El Dorado County, where Tahoe is located, also warns of blocked roadways and routes. The county has a website where you can monitor road closures, emergency evacuation orders, flooding protocols and more. If you're headed to the area, check conditions in advance and follow all precautions.
Related: How to plan your ski trip with points and miles
Northern California
In Northern California, Redding is the perfect, cozy place to enjoy the snow and fully embrace cold-weather activities without the typical California crowds.
Located here, Mt. Shasta Ski Park is one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets. Limited crowds and 425 acres of skiable terrain make it the perfect winter wonderland, with slopes perfect for all ages and experience levels. So far this season, Mt. Shasta has received 180 inches of snowfall; typically, the average snowfall for the entire season is closer to 136 inches.
The area also lends itself well to non-skiers. At Lassen Volcanic National Park, rangers lead snowshoe tours across volcanoes on weekends during the winter months. At Mt. Shasta, you can race a snowmobile across the mountain and through the national forests around the area. For a family-friendly option, there's Eskimo Hill, one of the most popular sledding spots in Northern California.
To keep up with weather advisories and related issues, sign up for the area's new text service which alerts visitors of operational changes. Text “MSSP Updates” to 844-596-7275 to opt in to the text updates.
Central California
Located in the Central Sierras, Mammoth is the largest ski resort in California outside the Tahoe area. It is owned and operated by Alterra Mountain Company and participates in the Ikon Pass.
Home to the state's highest ski peak and highest base elevation — as well as 3,500 skiable acres of every terrain type — Mammoth legitimately earns its name. Plus, the massive resort usually offers one of the longest ski seasons in the state.
Mammoth usually describes its snow as "unreal," and this year's snowfall truly fits the description. As of Jan. 20, more than 400 inches of snow have fallen this year, and Mammoth Lakes has the most snow in the country. And more is on the way.
Much like Northern Tahoe, this abundance of snow comes with some precautions. "Most places would view what we just experienced in Mammoth Lakes as a natural disaster," Visit Mammoth notes in reference to the more than 33 feet of snow that have already fallen this year.
The official tourism website adds that while Mammoth is celebrating the weather, visitors must keep safety in mind. "Our normal four-lane roads have now been narrowed to two and sometimes even one lane," according to Visit Mammoth.
Its safety guidelines for visiting this winter include coming prepared for road closures and delays by carrying snow chains and packing an ice scraper, warm blankets, extra clothing, food and water in your car.
Southern California
Big Bear Mountain Resort, in the San Bernardino Mountains, is the largest ski resort that's reachable from most of Southern California in an easy daytrip or overnight drive.
An Ikon Pass resort, Big Bear Mountain is two destinations in one. Tickets and passes are valid at two base areas on two different mountains: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. The two are located about a 10-minute drive apart, and skiers can reach them by shuttle.
The area usually receives about 120 inches of snow annually, and while snowpack numbers aren't soaring there, it's been a windy and stormy season. The resort area suggests visitors check with the Caltrans QuickMap for updates on road conditions and closures.
Bottom line
It has certainly been a wild weather season in California. Many ski resorts have already experienced record-setting snow levels — perfect for avid skiers and snow lovers. However, it's crucial to exercise caution when you head into the mountains. Be sure to check current weather and traffic reports as well as with the resort you're planning to visit to ensure you can safely travel there.
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Intro offer
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Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.