The Super Duper half-pipe attracts snowboarders to Mammoth in winter and spring. only 65 miles northeast of Fresno in the Sierra National Forest. The mountain has 1,679 feet of vertical with a base elevation of 7,030 feet and the peak at just over 8,700 feet. The resort offers seven chairlifts. This resort has lodging just steps from the lifts starting from $99 to $499 a day, with two lift tickets included in the room price for all rooms except economy rooms. Lessons at China Peak, which include equipment, are $59 for ages 13 and up. For $99, you can get your equipment rental, lift ticket and lessons. The resort also offers lessons for children age 6 to 12 for $79 a day. If you are simply looking to rent equipment, a package of ski or snowboarding equipment for a day will cost you $37.
Alta Sierra
altasierra.com The Alta Sierra Ski Resort is located approximately one hour from Bakersfield, in the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The resort is 7,000 feet in elevation and the weather can get very cold. You will want to dress in layers, with a waterresistant jacket, pants, shoes or boots. The resort recommends that everyone participating in a snow-related activity consider wearing a helmet. If you are looking to rent equipment at Alta Sierra, you can get skis, boots and poles for $20 for a full day and a board and boots for $35 a day with a driver's license and deposit fee. Alta Sierra offers a Ski School, which is a great way to learn about the mountain, meet new friends and improve your skiing or snowboarding skills. Private and group lessons are also available for all ability levels. Class lessons for ages 6 and up are $25 per
hour and private lessons are $50 per hour. The resorts prices for Fridays are more economical than other days of the week. The Friday Special for children 12 years and under is $50 and $60 for adults. This includes the lift pass, rental equipment and a one-hour lesson. While some people pack their own lunch, Alta Sierra offers breakfast items in the morning, and for lunch choose from burgers, hot dogs, soups, salads and more as well as a variety of drinks. Alta Sierra Ski Resort considers itself to be a family-friendly resort.
Mammoth Mountain
mammothmountain.com Mammoth Mountain has a variety of lodging options entertainment, shopping and dinning to make your weekend of skiing just slightly more diverse and enjoyable. One-day lift tickets are $92 for adults, $69 for youths 13 to 18, $46 for children 7 to 12 and for seniors 65 and up. Mammoth Mountain also allows you to rent your equipment online to save you some time in the line and allow you more time in the snow. If you are looking to hit the slopes while your child is well taken care of, you can take advantage of Mammoth’s Child Care for newborns to 8-year-olds. The hourly rate for day care is $25 with a daily rate of $119. Child ski lesson combo packages for kids 3 to 6 are also available for $198 with advanced reservation and they include child care, ski lesson, ski rental equipment and helmet, lift privileges and lunch. Mammoth’s regular season goes from Nov. 24 to April 24. www.BakersfieldLife.com
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