10 Snowy Winter Escapes in California
SACRAMENTO, CA [February 4, 2021]—With the California’s travel restrictions beginning to thaw and epic snow blanketing the Sierras, there’s still time to book a trip to the state’s winter wonderlands. Whether you’re looking to swish down the slopes, snowshoe through the wilderness, or glide through the snow on a pair of cross country skis, California’s higher elevation destinations offer a range of winter recreation. Afterwards, bask in the warm hospitality of a small boutique hotel or bed and breakfast with roaring fires, steaming cups of cocoa, and cozy amenities. The California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns (CABBI) has compiled a list of favorite inns for a quiet escape to the snow.
Five rooms and four cabins in the pines seamlessly blend rustic mountain style, modern touches, and a hip, upscale vibe. A 32-foot river rock fireplace anchors the main lodge’s soaring great room. Exposed wood beams lead the way to a wall of windows that look out onto forested grounds. A shuttle that stops right outside the front door takes guests to the slopes of Heavenly Mountain Resort, just a mile away. More winter adventures are within a short drive away. After a day on the snow, guests can cozy up by the fire with a glass of wine or soak in the gazebo-covered outdoor hot tub.
Tucked among towering pines on Lake Tahoe’s quiet western shore, these western-themed cabins combine vintage exteriors with whimsical, renovated interiors. Features include inviting fireplaces, exposed wood beams, honey-hued pine walls, luxurious beds, and thoughtfully designed baths with a mix of stone and rustic wood accents. A private lakeside beach with views of snow-covered mountains are just a stone’s throw away. Nearby, several downhill and cross-country ski resorts await, including Squaw Valley. After the day’s adventure, guests enjoy mulled wine and hors d’oeuvres beside a crackling fire in the main lodge.
This contemporary mountain-themed inn is nestled on two forested acres across from Donner Lake. Within an easy drive of several major downhill and cross-country ski areas, the inn offers a plethora of winter adventures. In fact, Sugar Bowl Resort and the cross-country ski trails at Royal Gorge are just five minutes away. Back at the inn, an inviting great room with a wood-burning fireplace, books, and games keep guests entertained on chilly nights. Beneath the stars and towering pines, a creek side hot tub provides a relaxing soak. Each morning, a hearty homemade breakfast fuels the day’s adventures.
This 175-acre estate at the gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park is the area’s best way to experience luxury near the park. Set against snowcapped peaks, the upscale rustic lodge features a large rock fireplace and a bank of windows overlooking a bucolic meadow. Along the edge of the meadow are seven cottages with gas fireplaces, heated bathroom floors, and luxurious beds. Some also offer private outdoor hot tubs. An expansive outdoor deck wraps around the lodge, with views in every direction. Nearby, visitors will find snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ranger-led snowshoe adventures.
McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn
This charming three-story inn is nestled in a quiet forest hollow in the High Sierras. An easy drive to Dodge Ridge Ski Area, Leland Snow Park, and Yosemite National Park, the inn is surrounded by winter adventures. Visitors can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, and ice skating, to name a few. Guest rooms feature exquisite views of the enveloping forest and fire stoves that provide cozy warmth on chilly evenings. The inn serves a complimentary breakfast each morning. Upon request, guests can also indulge in a chef-prepared, four-course prix-fixe dinner at the inn.
Built in 1915, this Arts and Crafts-style bed and breakfast pays homage to McCloud’s bygone days as a lumber mill town. The town lies at the base of Mount Shasta’s southern slope, and while every season has its charms, the winters are idyllic. Nearby, guests will find a variety of snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Shasta Board & Ski Park, cross-country skiing on miles of groomed trails, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. After a day’s adventure, curl up in front of the fire in the hotel’s warm, inviting lobby and watch the snow fall outside.
Just down the street, housed inside the original 1895 McCloud River Mercantile, this hotel features 12 unique guest rooms to fit every budget. Each is inspired by a distinctive aspect of the region’s rich history. No matter which room guests choose, they’ll enjoy heated bathroom floors, down comforters, and lofty ceilings. Many rooms also offer fireplaces and whirlpool or claw foot tubs. To help guests experience the surrounding winter wonderlands, the hotel offers packages that include skiing or dog sledding.
In South Lake Tahoe, 7 Seas Inn is hard to beat for its location, affordability, stylish updates, and hospitality. The vintage motor lodge was built for the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley, but has been thoroughly updated with a modern sensibility. The inn is just a short walk from the village and gondola at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Guests can fuel up for the day’s adventure with the inn’s complimentary breakfast. Après ski, enjoy a hosted evening reception with beer and wine. Cap off the night around the fire pit, in the hot tub, or in front of a roaring fire in one of the fireplace rooms.
Located on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, Tahoe Vistana Inn is just minutes from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling. Northstar Ski Resort, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Diamond Peak are all within a 20 minute drive. Perched on four-acre terraced hillside overlooking the lake, the inn offers modern accommodations with rustic accents, outdoor fire pits, and a wooded trail through the property. The inn’s quiet north shore location makes it an ideal spot for individuals, couples, and families looking to enjoy the snow away from the crowds.
Located on Lake Tahoe’s quiet western shore, this collection of vintage cabins is set among sugar pines and built in the classic “Old Tahoe” style. Guests can choose from cozy cottages with claw-foot soaking tubs, gas fireplaces, kitchens, or even all three. Guests staying in the B&B cottages enjoy a hearty, family-style breakfast each morning, entertained by lake views and a cozy wood-burning fire stove. The cottages are within walking distance of cross-country trails at Sugar Pine Point State Park and under five minutes from the lake view slopes at Homewood Mountain Resort.
For more information on these and other California inns, visit www.cabbi.com.
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California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns
414 29th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816-3211
916-554-2673
www.cabbi.com
Media Contact: Ranee Ruble-Dotts
ranee@papermooncreative.com or 503-395-0023
