Ski Into Summer in California

Before this summer, one of the coolest things to do in California was ski and surf in a single day.

Well, this year’s snowpack is upping the ante, and now visitors can ski INTO (and probably throughout) the summer. 

High Sierra resort areas such as Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes are reaping the benefits of a long, snowy winter with a summer of skiing—and biking, hiking and boating, too.

"With a base of 147 inches, we'll be skiing in Reno Tahoe through the Fourth of July, offering visitors the chance to hit the slopes in the morning and enjoy the lake by boat or beach in the afternoon," said Jennifer Cunningham, Reno Tahoe executive vice president.

"We are a destination of ultimate contrasts, from ski to sun and outdoor adventure to urban excitement.”

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In fact, there’s so much snow in the Lake Tahoe area right now, some resorts may just stay open until NEXT season. 

If you want to make some summer turns on the slopes. There’s definitely no rush, but there are some special events planned in honor of the snowy slopes and the independence of our nation to get in on soon. 

Squaw Valley

From July 1 to July 4, Freedom Fest will be taking over Squaw Valley in honor of the Fourth of July. The event will offer three days of live music to honor Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead at mid-mountain, plus free shows at the KT Base Bar, fireworks on the Fourth and a free show from Big Head Todd and the Monsters. There will also be music and fun at the High Camp pool and hot tub.

Skiing will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with lots of lodging and ticketing offers from Squaw Valley.

READ MORE: Take Your Staycation Here 

Incline Village

Family-friendly fun abounds at Incline Village for the Independence Day Festival also taking place July 1-4. 

The Incline Village and Crystal Bay Parade are on July 1 at 10:15 a.m. The Ride, White and Tahoe Blue celebration is in its 10th year. In addition to the parade, visitors will find a pancake breakfast, a community fair, fireworks and more.

Reno Tahoe

Want to combine your mountain adventure with a little city sophistication? Head over to the Reno Tahoe Midtown District for vibrant street art, breweries, brunch spots, gastropubs, the winding Truckee River and Nevada Museum of Art.

The Whitney Peak boutique hotel, which is offering rooms for $115 per night, is the perfect place to call home. It has the world’s largest rock-climbing wall, is close to whitewater rafting and is the perfect place to preview Burning Man art.

READ MORE: Best Amusement Parks for Families in 2017 

Mammoth Lakes

Farther south in the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes also received an over-abundance of snow (not a bad thing for an area that was previously suffering from a years-long drought). It is also remaining open until August. 

Visitors should get their hands on a special pass that allows them to ski, golf and bike in a single day. There is nothing more California than that.