Sugar Bowl

Another great mid-tier ski area is Sugar Bowl (629 Sugar Bowl Rd., Norden, 530/426-9000, www.sugarbowl.com [1], Nov.–May daily 9 a.m.–4 p.m., adults $60–70, youth 12–18 $50–60, children 6–12 $15). With lots of skiable snow spread across a wide area and plenty of vertical drop, Sugar Bowl can satisfy skiers and boarders of all ability levels.

The mix of blue and black runs toward the top of the peaks offers intense variety, with a scattering of double-blacks out toward the edges and down the ridges. At the base near each lodge, green runs make it easy for younger and newer athletes to have a good time in the mountains.

This resort offers two base lodges, one at Judah and the other at The Village [2]. The Gondola takes visitors from a lower parking lot up to The Village.