It should come as no surprise that the Sierra Nevada is perfection when it comes to winter weather. At the higher elevations, we get copious amounts of snow, but it statistically falls on only 50 days per year. That means you can have a snow-cation AND enjoy the sun. Talk about a win-win! For those still struggling with the idea of visiting the High Sierra in the snowy months, here’s 5 High Sierra bucket list items to do this winter.

Try Skiing/Snowboarding At June Mountain

June mountain snowboarding views of California Alps on a winter day — Photo by: Local Freshies®

Maybe you’ve watched the Olympics or seen a GoPro commercial where skiing & snowboarding look amazing. Like any outdoor sport, taking the 1^st step can be intimidating. Instead of starting at one of the star-studded mega-resorts, head to one of the lesser known ski areas like June Mountain. Mammoth’s sister resort is the perfect place to try skiing/snowboarding. With less crowded slopes and a more laid back vibe alongside its views, you’ll fall in love with the sport AND the town of June Lake.

Act Out A Sci-Fi or Western Scene In The Alabama Hills

Alabama Hills Lookout Bishop Visitor — Image appears courtesy: Bishop Visitor Center

If Hollywood is the center of the movie industry then Alabama Hills is the natural backlot for it. Near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, this unique formation of rocks & hills has been in hundreds of films. From Marvel’s Iron Man to the western classic How the West was Won, as soon as you see it, you’ll understand why it has become such a prime filming location. Since it’s in the desert, the best time to visit is in the winter or spring when it’s cooler. For more about the Alabama Hills and what to see & do, check out the Visit Bishop Quick Guide to the Alabama Hills.

Catch A Glimpse Of The Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Fall in Yosemite National Park during Spring snowmelt — Image appears courtesy: Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau – Photo by: Kristal Leonard

Yosemite isn’t just a hotbed to see countless waterfalls. It also has the “King Kong” of falls – Yosemite Falls. This monster is the tallest in North America with a whopping 2,425 vertical feet of water splendor. Made up of three separate falls, Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet), the roar from the volume of water can be heard throughout the park. Since it’s fed by snowmelt, the best time to see it is during winter or early spring.

Go Spelunking In The Mercer Caverns

mercer caverns high sierra attractions — Image appears courtesy: Mercer Caverns

Discovered in 1885, the Mercer Caverns are one of the crown jewels of the Gold Country. They’re even named after the gold prospector that found them originally thinking it was a gold mine. While he didn’t find gold, he saw the opportunity as an attraction and thus started charging .50 cents for tours. It is world renowned for a rare rock formation known as aragonite flos ferri. This beautiful and delicate array of aragonite crystals are so beautiful that they won a Grand Prize at the 1900 Paris World Exposition. For more bucket list ideas to try this winter in Tuolumne County, check out their 20 ways to experience winter in Tuolumne County.

Snowmobile To Views Of Tahoe

snowmobile tours north Lake Tahoe snowing — Image appears courtesy: North Lake Tahoe Tourism Bureau

For those that enjoy motorized fun, snowmobiling is a MUST try, and what better place to do it than the North Lake Tahoe wilderness. If it’s your 1^st time, we HIGHLY recommend to mount up with a snowmobile tour such as Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours. In business since 1985, they provide exciting tours designed for all ages and ability levels. From snow play to some of the best views of Tahoe in the winter from the summit of Mt. Watson at an elevation of 8200’, you’ll come home with stories to tell. Also located in Squaw Valley, the SnoVentures Activity Zone boasts mini snowmobiles for kids. Kids ages 6 and up can strap on a helmet and ride a snowmobile that is just their size around the SnoVentures mini snowmobile course. Not enough? Check out North Lake Tahoe’s wintry bucket list for more ideas on how to embrace winter this year.

It is our hope that you use this bucket list of High Sierra winter fun not as the be all or end all for fun and adventure, but rather a diving board into the possibilities to be found in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Author: Alex Silgalis

Alex Silgalis is an outdoors travel writer who enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, or having a cold one from a local mountain brewery. See more of Alex’s work at https://localfreshies.com

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