San Diego Dec 30th to January 3rd.
 

Heading to San Diego for a lacrosse tournament on January 3rd so we thought we would go early and make it a family vacation. Needs suggestions as I am use to going when the weather is warmer. Wondering if we can ski? looking for any ideas. Thanks

No ski resorts near San Diego but there is the Snow Valley Ski Resort 2.5 hours north.

While Snow Valley will be open, snow coverage could be very thin. Even with marginal snow, holiday week crowds will be large. For me, it wouldn't be worth the drive, which could be longer than 2.5 hours each way, and renting equipment adds more time. Sometimes a LOT of time. If you go, book everything in advance online, leave SD as early as possible and pack your patience.

Mt. Baldy is slightly closer to SD but will have the same snow and crowd issues. (It's a shorter drive for Angelenos, too.) It's a more advanced ski area than Snow Valley.

If you want to visit a mountain town, maybe do some hiking, there are several options within an easy drive. Julian, Mt. Laguna, Cuyamaca State Park. There are lots of coastal hiking trails, too. If the weather's good, whale watching.

For skiing your best bet would be to fly to either SMF or RNO and ski at Tahoe. Doable - yes. Practical -- nope.

Stilck to the San Diego area and enjoy the likely lovely weather.

Since you have been to SD before, you have probably seen most of the sights: Balboa Park has the world-famous zoo. Old Town has historic adobe buildings housing some great Mexican restaurants and Presidio Park. The Embarcadero is along the harbor and fun to wander around. Take a walk at Torrey Pines State Park. Very scenic. La Jolla Cove is in a nature park where you might see seals and sea lions. Other places to visit include Little Italy, Chinatown, the Gaslight Quarter, Belmont Park and the Maritime Museum.