Imagine this… you and your sweetheart sitting on a luxurious, comfy couch staring into a crackling fire. In one hand a glass of wine while the other is draped around your partner. At this moment, all the stresses from daily life disappear. Taking a deep breath of fresh pine air, you realize why you decided to take this romantic getaway. It’s for that ultimate sense of calm, a feeling of peace, and the pure simplicity of togetherness. There’s just something about a cozy cabin in the middle of winter that helps bring romance back into your life. Here are 10 romantic winter getaways in California High Sierra that will rekindle the passion in your life.
Sonora
Learn more about visiting Sonora, CA
Sonora gives you the opportunity to play in the snow AND get a bit of culture. Stroll down historic Washington Street for a glimpse of the past. Shops, restaurants, and inns are tucked inside well-kept 19th & 20th century buildings, perfect for exploring and entertainment. Be sure to stop by The Thirsty Prospector to grab a Sarsaparilla float in a grand 1850’s saloon.
Snow Play: Located only thirty miles from the slopes at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort. Or, if you want to go snowtubing, head over to the Leland Snowplay snow park. Want to snowshoe instead? Get a guided snowshoe tour with Echo Adventure Coop.
Truckee
Learn more about visiting Tahoe-Truckee
When you imagine a romantic winter getaway in California High Sierra, one of the first places that comes to mind is the town of Truckee. As the snow falls, the quaint Historic Downtown becomes magical. You’ll find plenty of shops to stroll through, cozy eateries for a warming cup of soup, beautiful bars to sip on a hot toddy, and coffee shops for a seasonal latte.
Snow Play: The list of wintry fun in Truckee is like a snow-fueled buffet of fun. Embark on a snowshoeing adventure to Chickadee Ridge. Enjoy sledding and tubing at over 15 locations, including Tahoe Donner Snowplay. Or take a twirl with your better half on various ice-skating rinks such as the Truckee Ice Rink which is located only half of mile from the historic downtown Truckee corridor. Ski or ride down the legendary slopes of Palisades Tahoe. There may not be enough time in the day to do everything you want.
Bridgeport
Learn more about visiting Bridgeport, CA
Trying to get away from the crowds? Highway 395 hugging the Eastern Sierra mountain range is home to some of the most beautiful and least visited areas in the country. Backed by the jagged spires of the Sawtooth range, spend the day soaking in one of the many open-air hot springs like the Travertine Hot Springs.
Snow Play: Bridgeport marks the northern end of the mega-sized peaks with 14,000-foot summits that drop down 8,000 vertical feet. If you have backcountry experience or would like a guided trip, High Sierra Snowcat & Yurt offers snowcat transportation to an 8-person yurt deep into the heart of these peaks.
Hope Valley
Learn more about visiting Hope Valley and Alpine County
If a crackling fire inside a cozy cabin surrounded by tall, snow-covered peaks miles from civilization sounds like your ideal romantic winter getaway, a visit to California’s least populated county—Alpine County—is just what you need. And yet, it’s still easily accessible, making your trip a breeze. Reserve one of the 28 refurbished cabins tucked in an aspen grove at the Desolation Hotel’s – Hope Valley Resort. Or enjoy views of the hulking peaks along the shores of Caples Lake from one of the cabins at Caples Lake Resort.
Snow Play: Venture into the beauty of Hope Valley with a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis. And powder hounds won’t want to miss Kirkwood Mountain Resort. Home to some of the deepest snowfall in the Lake Tahoe region, it offers an unforgettable day on the slopes! To learn more about the fun you can have, check out Alpine County’s Snow page.
Bass Lake
Get ideas for a romantic Yosemite Getaway
It is true life is better at the lake. While Bass Lake may be known for summer fun, winter provides the perfect relaxed atmosphere for a romantic winter getaway. You’ll be surrounded by its beauty of tall pine trees alongside the glassy waters. From cozy cabins at Millers Landing to the luxurious rooms at the Pines, you’ll find the perfect spot for you both to enjoy your time in nature. At this time of year, the crowds visiting Yosemite have lessened providing you the opportunity to see one-of-a kind winter attractions like frazil ice.
Snow Play: The Sierra provides the perfect mix of snow fun but without the hassle. Up high (above 6,000’) you’ll find plenty of the white stuff to play on at Badger Pass. Here you can go tubing, cross-country skiing, sledding, or even downhill skiing. For those that have an adventurous spirit, tackle the 21-mile round-trip cross country skiing journey to Glacier Point Ski Hut.
Mammoth Lakes
Tucked high at 7,900’ above sea level, Mammoth Lakes is the perfect destination for couples seeking a charming, snow-covered landscape. Start your getaway with some tranquility on the peaceful cross-country and snowshoe trails surrounding the Tamarack XC Ski Center. Afterward, make a reservation at Tamarack’s Lakefront Restaurant for a taste of old-school charm. As the oldest continuously operated lodge in Mammoth, this historic gem was built in 1924 as a fishing retreat by Eddy Foy, the renowned stage comedian and vaudevillian. Lovingly restored and modernized by the Watson family, the lodge combines modern amenities with its original, timeless character.
Snow Play: Sample the heart-pounding steeps that made Mammoth Mountain famous by testing your mettle on trails like Avy Chutes or Paranoid Flats. Not a skier? No problem! You can still get your adrenaline fix by booking a snowmobiling tour. Or if it’s storming outside but you still want to have a bit of wintry fun in a comfy environment, venture over to the indoor ice skating facility – the LA Kings Ice Arena.
South Lake Tahoe
From sipping hot toddies in a chic après-ski bar to enjoying hot chocolates in front of a fire, South Lake Tahoe is the destination that has something for everyone. Wear your stylish après boots and stroll through the Heavenly Village. Or strap on a pair of cross-country skis and glide along the shoreline in peace. From pampering spas to rustic cabin retreats, whatever you imagine your romantic getaway to be, you’ll find it here.
Snow Play: Just like its extensive array of activities off the snow, you’ll find just as many options on it. Explore three world-class ski resorts, or set off on a two-hour snowmobile tour that culminates in a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe, helping you appreciate the area Mark Twain famously described. Enjoy some good old-fashioned snow play by building a snowman or sledding down a hill.
Tahoe City
Does the idea of leaving your furry family members for a romantic getaway seem terrible? Luckily, you don’t have to when visiting North Tahoe. There are an abundance of establishments and activities that cater to dog lovers in North Lake Tahoe including the cozy hamlet of Tahoe City. Perched on the north shore at the head of the Truckee River, its walkable downtown is a perfect basecamp for pet-friendly outdoor adventures.
Snow Play: Tahoe City’s Winter Sports Park features all your winter fun rolled up into one location. You’ll find four kilometers of groomed cross-country and snowshoe terrain with views of Lake Tahoe along the way, a sledding hill for gravity style fun, and an outdoor skating rink for family fun. And your pup won’t feel left out, the Winter Sports Park offers dog-friendly trails!
Bishop
Learn more about visiting Bishop, CA
For those couples looking for adventure on their romantic foray, Bishop is your place. A true gateway for outdoor escapades, you’re only a few miles from a multitude of amazing recreational activities. This includes rock climbing, backcountry skiing, or even trail running all in the same vacation. Named as one of “America’s Coolest Mountain Towns” by Men’s Journal, expect to find a cottonwood lined town surrounded by scenic alpine vistas that rise two vertical miles above you.
Snow Play: Head east into the White Mountains, strap on your snowshoes or cross-country skis, and venture into the Ancient Bristlecone forest. Containing the oldest recorded living things on earth, these gnarled, twisted trees will make you appreciate the sweet moments in life. If you feel like heading west into the Sierra, you’ll find both world-class backcountry and downhill skiing at Mammoth Mountain less than an hour away.
Arnold
Learn more about visiting Arnold, CA
If you’re a wine connoisseur AND enjoy mountain sports, Arnold is THE romantic getaway, located above the snow line. Stay in a cozy log cabin surrounded by beautiful pine trees where you can either head up to Bear Valley for more snow fun or head down to Murphys to experience their amazing wines. With over two dozen wine tasting rooms lining Murphys’ Main Street, you’ll get a great overview of the many award-winning wines produced here. If that isn’t enough, explore the surrounding towns of Copperopolis, Angels Camp, Mokelumne Hill, and the Vallecito area to visit the vineyards themselves.
Snow Play: Snowshoe through giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park for unrivaled views of these majestic trees. Bear Valley Snowmobile offers you the opportunity to access the ONLY trail system in California where you can explore the wilderness without a tour guide. It gives you a chance to experience some of the best snowmobiling California offers on Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway. Enjoy miles of groomed trails for nordic ski buffs at Bear Valley Adventure Company, where dogs are welcome to join you on your snowy treks. This area is also home to three snow-parks: Spicer, Round Valley, and Lake Alpine. Thinking more about the slopes? Look no further than Bear Valley Ski Resort!
With so many romantic winter getaways in California High Sierra, these should be on your bucket list for a romantic escape you won’t forget.
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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