Montecito Sequoia Ski Resort - Sequoia National Park, California

Address:Sequoia National Park, California
Tel: (559) 565-3341

Family owned and operated on a private lakeside area in Sequoia National Park, lies the Montecito Sequoia Lodge and Ski area. Only an hour's drive East of Fresno, and a 4 1/2 hour drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles, lays a premium cross country ski area. Open sunrise to sunset, bask in the 80km of groomed trails just made for your equipment to sink into.

With a vertical drop of 112 feet and the summit reaching 8400 feet, 12 trails with varying levels of difficulty await you. An average snowfall drops 240 inches a season of fresh powder. 1 surface lift is available. Runs are both groomed and marked with a series of 3 warming huts along the 3rd, 4th and 5th mile markers from the lodge. Sunrise trail loops for 1000 feet to test your stamina.

Snow tubing is available from mid-afternoon to 5pm on Dandy's Hill. There is a kid's program for children 5 to 11 years of age that lasts 90 minutes and teaches them the skills they need to go out on the slopes with their parents. Snowshoeing, or dog sledding tours are available with guides for an extra fee. Want to try something new and exciting? Take a spin on a snowbike, which is like snowboarding on a BMX bike. Sign up at the lodge's front desk. A full service ice skating rink is also on site.

Sequoia National Park has natural bowls, hills, and various terrains which offer those on snowboards delight at every turn. There are no official terrain parks in the ski area – so take what Mother Nature throws at you and shred all day long. However, if groomed hills are more your style, they are available near the Sequoia Lodge.

There is a vehicle entrance fee into the National Park where the resort is located. It costs around $20 and is good for up to 7 days of usage. The National Park service requires all vehicles to have chains on their tires in the winter season.

Package deals are available with lodging, trail passes, meals and snacks. These usually start at around $140 plus tax but this excludes alcohol, rentals, and additional activities, all of which can be added for an extra fee. There is a dining hall which serves delicious home cooked meals, three times a day. You can also drop into the Pine Box bar for cocktails and winding down hot toddies. Gather around one of the two giant stone fireplaces to unwind and relax while listening to the flames crackle. And of course, don't miss out on the fantastic scenic views from their sundeck.

If you're looking for a relaxing, yet challenging, country getaway ski or snowboard adventure, come on over to Montecito Sequoia Lodge and experience all it has to offer.