JennyL

We are considering taking our kids over to Tenaya Lodge for some snow play because I read that there is a snow park nearby. We grew up with snow and want our kids to be able to experience it for a few days. We live on the California coast, and Yosemite seems to be the nearest snow area for us (closer than Tahoe).

My questions are- how likely is Tenaya to have snow in January, and where can I monitor how much snow they have (I couldn't find that on their website)?

What is the road to Tenaya like? Do we need chains?

Any other suggestions for snow play that are close to the Central California Coast?

Thanks!

MBnancy

We went to Tenaya Lodge and Yosemite last Jan. driving up through Fresno, Oakhurst to Fish Camp. The road was fine. They had lots of snow and activities at the Lodge, sledding, etc. It was a great place to stay, your family should enjoy it.

We took chains because you had to show them to get into Yosemite, if it was snowing.

Go to Weather underground to find out about snow in Fish Camp.

http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Fish_Camp.html

curmudgeon

Yosemite or Sequoia NP can be reasonable locations for snow play; realistically, any of the highways heading up into the Sierras will tend to lead into snow areas during the winter, with various lodging or activity options (some are pretty limited). Skiing areas depend on more consistent snow, but there is an area near Huntington Lake east of Fresno. In Yosemite, there is a small, low-key ski area at Badger Pass. If you are staying at Tenaya, it will be only a few miles into the park to Badger Pass; you can find ski reports to give a feel of how much snow is up there. Further north there are quite a few ski areas.

For a day trip of snow play, one other option may be Mt Pinos/Mt Abel, this is east of Santa Maria off hwy 166. This one is more weather depended than the Sierras, but probably has snow right now.

For a multi day trip, I would plan to carry chains; the mountain roads often require them after a storm.

kimamom

We just returned from a few days up in the Huntington Lake area at our condo, wow was it gorgeous! Shaver Lake is about 30 minutes closer to Huntington and right by the lake, there is a nice place for snow play. The Sierra Summit Resort is in this area, about 5 minutes away from our condo.

Badger Pass in Yosemite is also a great place for snow play, the Tenaya Lodge is a very nice resort for families, complete with an indoor pool, spa, and many nice amenities. Have fun with your family and Happy New Year! ***kim***

spirobulldog

We had a great time in the snow last year at Sequioa. Huge hill with hundreds of people sledding. Snowshoe hiking was cool. There is 2 or 3 snowplay areas in Sequoia.

Betsyjaney

Does anyone know what the snow play area called Goat Mountain (NPS) is like near Fish Camp? We are considering going there over New Years Weekend (2009) and were wondering what the conditions were like. Could we get in on the road with a Sienna Van with chains? Is it one mile in off Highway 41?

What about other snow play options, besides badgers pass, in Yosemite. Does Tenaya Lodge have hills around it for snow play? Thanks,

curmudgeon

Most of the official California sno-park spot (I think that's the name) should be plowed, so you would not be likely to need chains except after a storm; the extra plowing is what you pay the parking fee for. You might want to search "Caltrans snow parking" to find some details, like where you can buy the permit.

I don't know the NPS spot Betsy asked about; if it is designated for snow play, it's probably plowed, but maybe at a low priority.