Typically, when spring arrives in Southern California, the ski season ends and we start looking forward to beach weather. The athletic and adventurous hang up their snowsuits and skis and pull out their wetsuits and surfboards. However, this winter has been anything but typical, and the seasons are experiencing a rare overlap which means the opportunity to surf and ski in Southern California - both on the same day!
It's referred to as the “California Double,” a challenge that thrills SoCal adventure-seekers. Because we have snowy mountains in such close proximity to the city, with sandy beaches on the other side, all it takes is a really epic snowfall to make the California Double possible.
Even if you are not a hard-core skier, snowboarder, or surfer, just being able to go from the slopes to the surf in one day is a fun challenge.
Some ski resorts, such as Mammoth Mountain up north, have already announced that they are extending the ski season! While Southern California’s ski resorts may not extend quite that long, even our closest locations to the city will be open until late in the spring, if not beyond.
Ready to take on the California Double? We have a couple of itinerary ideas to help you plan your epic day.
To start with, make sure have everything you need for this long day. Of course, you'll need your ski gear and wet suit, a change of warm, dry clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. We would suggest bringing a thermos with coffee or hot cocoa and some yummy snacks. Lastly, its a good idea to bring a dry bag for your phone and other tech, along with charging cords for the car and even a battery pack to stay charged all day.
If you are starting out anywhere near Los Angeles or surrounding counties, the closest ski resort that is great for beginners, experts, and anyone just wanting to play in the snow, is Mountain High.
This resort in Wrightwood is less than an hour and a half from downtown L.A. Get an early start and plan to reach the mountain by 9 a.m. when slopes open, so you can spend a good three to four hours skiing or playing. Need a lesson? No problem! You can book an adult lesson from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. With up to six inches of fresh snow falling as recently as the end of March, the season at Mountain High is already set to extend to May, and will remain open on weekends as long as conditions permit.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on the mountain before starting the next leg of your adventure.
At this point, you can head to almost any of Los Angeles’ great beaches (you probably have a favorite spot!) and arrive in less than two hours. Will Rogers and Malibu Lagoon State Beaches in Los Angeles are popular choices, with great waves for surfing and boogie boarding.
Swap your ski-pants for your wetsuit and hit the water for a few hours, then hang around and watch one of SoCal’s iconic beach sunsets for a picture-perfect end to your California Double day.
Another idea for your one-day slopes-to-surf adventure is to head to Big Bear the day before and stay overnight, ready to take on the mountain in the morning.
From Big Bear Mountain or Snow Summit Ski Resort, it will take at least two and a half hours to reach the shore in Huntington Beach, another fabulous spot to hit the waves. Plan it right and you can get a few hours in the snow and still have a few hours to surf before the sun goes down.
So, what do you say? Are you up for the challenge of the California Double? If you are excited to surf and ski in Southern California on the same day, share your plans and experience with us in the comments! Before tackling the California Double yourself, be sure to check ski conditions on the websites for Mountain High or Big Bear Mountain Ski Resorts. If you decide to stay the night in Big Bear before the big day, we know of a charming cabin rental worth checking out.
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