Ski California: Has 4 of the 10 Top Ski Resorts in North America

The Ski Reports website gauges the best ski resorts by virtue of the number of Facebook friends a mountain resort amasses. Famous ski resorts go by the wayside, if the slopes, the prices and the nightlife cannot deliver as promised. California holds four places among the coveted top 10.

Mammoth Mountain first among best ski resorts

Approximately 3,500 acres of skiable terrain support 28 lifts, 150 trails, and 3,100 feet of vertical enjoyment. Snow tubing, a scenic gondola ride and Snowcat tours round out the fun you can have with the white powder. One of the top ski resorts in North America, Mammoth Mountain caters to locals as well as tourists with wine bars, relaxed pubs and night clubs. The hub of all activity is known as "The Village," which is also were trendy shopping opportunities wait. Lift tickets for children between seven and 12 years of age have been scaled back to $30 at any time, while adults pay $92.

Heavenly Mountain is a close second fort a great ski vacation

Managed by Vail Resorts, Heavenly Mountain offers 4,800 acres of skiable trails. It features 29 lifts and 94 trails. The vertical translates to approximately 3,527 feet. Children's tickets cost $49 to $50; adult lift ticket prices vary between $85 and $88. Casino gambling is among the amenities that have elevated this venue among the best ski resorts for locals and tourists; proximity to Nevada's Stateline has its privileges.

Northstar offers best family-friendly ski resort amenities at low prices

Not usually mentioned in the same breath as other famous ski resorts, Northstar is nevertheless gaining in popularity and earned the number eight spot. It offers 3,170 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,280 feet. There are 20 lifts that support 97 trails, of which 60 percent are geared for the intermediate skier. Some 344 acres are dedicated to backcountry fans, while a 9,000 square foot ice skating rink provides winter sports enjoyment to non-skiers. Children's lift tickets cost right around $52 to $53, while adult ticket prices range between $88 and $91. Activities are markedly family-friendly, with mountain tours, adventure parks for children and village crafts topping the list.

Mountain High climbs to the 10th spot of the top ski resorts in North America

Open for business since 1941, the small Mountain High is making its way into the big leagues. A vertical rise of 1,600 feet, 290 acres of skiable terrain, but 35 percent of trails allocated for advanced skiers make this a great option to the busier resorts. Fourteen lifts support the trails that spread among the three resorts making up this ski area. Its proximity to Los Angeles and Orange counties endears Mountain High with locals; low ticket prices - adults pay between $54 and $64, children pay only $25 to $30 - make the resort unbeatable for budget-conscious travelers.

Resort Information

Mammoth Mountain

1 Minaret Road in Mammoth Lakes, CA
Open Nov. to June

(800) 626-6684

Heavenly Mountain

4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Open Nov. to April

(800) 432-8365

Northstar California

5001 Northstar Drive in Truckee, CA

Nov. to April

(800) 466-6784

Mountain High

24510 State Highway 2 in Wrightwood, CA
Nov. to April

(888) 754-7878