Celebrate the start of winter with a family trip to Tuolumne County, California. When it comes to winter in California, you may not think of snow, but Tuolumne County actually turns into a winter wonderland. There are plenty of different ways to enjoy this destination.
With ski season right around the corner, Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is ready to welcome travelers to its 862 skiable acres, 1,600 vertical feet, 70 trails and 12 lifts.
On Dec. 7 and 8, more than 150 Santas take over the slopes for the annual Santa Toy Drive. Anyone dressed in Santa gear will receive discounted lift tickets and enjoy a festive day filled with fun. Past events raised about $10,000 for Toys for Tots.
River the otter celebrates his 1-year birthday as the official mascot that welcomes families to the tubing and snow play areas at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort. A river otter was chosen because of multiple otter sightings by the mountain crew throughout the years. River loves the snow and can be seen sliding down tubing slopes sharing his love for winter adventures. Catch River hanging around the sport shop this winter and even buy a River plushie to take his fun energy home.
Leland High Sierra Snowplay is the largest snow tubing and snow play park on the West Coast. Choose from a variety of tubes and head up the lifts to the top of the biggest snow tubing hills. After a day full of fun, venture to the lodge area, featuring a full kitchen, snack bar, large bathrooms, a warm fire and sun deck overlooking the snow play areas.
The Long Barn Lodge, a family-run motel located near Dodge Ridge Mountain, offers a place for families to lace up their skates and try their hand at the classic winter activity. The Long Barn Lodge Ice Skating rink is the only one in Tuolumne County and offers lessons and private events.
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park
Set out on a Nordic snowshoe tour in Yosemite. The Tuolumne Grove trail is popular among both snowshoers and hikers, featuring a 2.5-mile loop with a strenuous one- to two-hour trek.
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