As the colder temperatures usher in the new season, many people are bundling up and waiting for warmer days. For skiers and snowboarders, the colder weather marks an exciting time: ski season. Luckily, San Francisco is within driving distance of numerous world-class ski resorts, and two nearby ski towns were recently ranked in the top ten in the United States.
USA Today recently created a list of the 10 best ski towns in the United States, and two are in California. The California ski towns also made the top five in the list, with Truckee near Lake Tahoe at #4 and Mammoth Lakes at #2. The number 1 spot on the list went to North Conway, in New Hampshire.
Truckee is located just north of Lake Tahoe, which is surrounded by numerous high-end ski resorts. The town is a short drive from Northstar, Palisades, Sugar Bowl, and more, making it a convenient place to stay for skiers. Aside from the central location, the town is notable for its historic downtown, which began in the 19th century as a lumber and railroad hub. Today, the town is most well-known for its winter sports, and you can expect a charming town with restaurants and bars ideal for a long day on the mountain. Truckee is approximately a three-hour drive from San Francisco, depending on traffic.
If you want to venture further east, Mammoth Lakes took second place on the ranking. Approximately a five-hour drive from San Francisco, Mammoth Lakes is another scenic mountain town, nestled in the Sierra Nevadas. The town is close to popular ski destinations, such as Mammoth Mountain, which is famous for offering an exceptionally long ski season. Plus, the town offers numerous amenities, including shops, restaurants, and charming bars.
You can find the full list of the best ski towns here.