Winter Playtime – Get Ready for Frozen Fun!

With winter’s cold days and lots of snow in the forecast, the North State is a playground for all ages. Playing outside is great for mental health, helps everyone stay active, and it provides a chance to bond with loved ones. From sledding to ice skating and skiing to snowboarding, this is an ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Photo by Kim Thomas

Snowman’s Hill

Snowman’s Hill is a sledding showstopper located on Hwy. 89 across the street from the turnoff for the Mt. Shasta Ski Park. This was the spot of major ski jumping competitions in the 1930s and its perfectly groomed, steep slope draws families here to enjoy everything from toboggans to traditional sleds, especially on the weekends. The best part, along with the memories, might be the cost, which is completely free, and there is often plenty of parking available.

Mt. Shasta Nordic Center offers miles of trails for skate & classic cross country skiing for all ages and abilities, as well as separate snowshoeing areas.

Mt. Shasta Nordic Center

The only cross-country ski area between Tahoe, CA and Bend, OR is the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center. Center Director Mandy Burkholder says the center is “A place for families to ski or snowshoe through the beautiful forest of Mt. Shasta. We offer low pricing, rentals, lessons, and free pull-behind sleds for families with babies and toddlers to use. Plus, the base area offers snacks, hot drinks, and picnic tables for break time.” The Nordic Center has two youth programs for beginners and advanced cross-country skiers, and families can take lessons together. Kids under 17 get free day passes.

Siskiyou County Ice Breakers Hockey Team offers youth and adult hockey and drop in hockey for beginners thru advanced on weekends. They also offer field trips for school groups and private groups.

Siskiyou Ice Rink

The Siskiyou Ice Rink is a National Hockey League size, open-air rink at Shastice Park in Mt. Shasta. For the last 10 years, the rink has become a place for open skating, a hockey program (the Ice Breakers), drop-in pick-up hockey, learn-to-skate classes, and frequent hockey competitions. Complete with a small concession stand, music, a place to rent ice skates, an outdoor fire pit on the weekends, and Mt. Shasta in the background, this rink is a hub for the community.

Karen Rangel-Story, an ice technician at the rink, says the latest changes to the rink include extending the season by a week, and “Adding glycol to the cooling system, so the ice stays hard rather than melting in the sun at the north end as it did all last year.” The rink offers season passes, and discounts with frequent admission. The Ice Breakers is a popular non-profit hockey program for all ages that teaches learn-to-skate beginners to advanced.

Seven-year-old River is part of a skills-building team at the rink. “I like learning new things, and it is fun to skate with my friends and ice skate,” she says. “It was fun to learn how to stop because I learned how to stop in hockey. I like the pink in the sunsets by the mountain that you can see by the concession stand, too!” The Siskiyou Ice Rink’s season this year runs through February 12.

It’s winter wonderland at Mt Shasta Ski Park

Mt. Shasta Ski Park

Mt. Shasta Ski Park is a well-known winter recreation spot that made national headlines with the addition of a new lift this year. Marketing Director Grace Hornbeak says, “We are excited to welcome all families for our best season yet. We have an exciting new lift that opens up over 200 acres of new terrain, including the park’s first double black diamond run. We also have 70% new rental equipment this year.” Along with skiing and snowboarding there is also tubing available on the holidays and weekends.

Hornbeak says, “The Ski Park is very welcoming to families in many ways. We have worked hard to keep ticket prices low to allow more folks to afford to enjoy the sport and our mountain.” Lessons area available for children as young as three, and private lessons for all ages are offered. “Lift rides allow for good quality time to slow down and chat with family members, then the actual skiing is great as well because it is important for kids to see their parents playing and having fun,” she says.

Kelly Mora is a skier, mother of two, and soon to be a grandmother. Mora has been skiing for 40 years. “I love the new lift and the beautiful backcountry style skiing it opened up, but you need to remember to offboard quickly!” She says the park is “the classic family mountain. Having two sides of the mountain, with one focused on the beginner, really helps with safety. There is always a happy energy and positive vibe for experts and beginners alike.  Lack of pretension and friendly lift crew makes for a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere”.
Mora says all winter playtime activities are excellent because of Mt. Shasta. “The majestic mountain’s spiritual pull is undeniable and its otherworldly beauty reenergizes all who plant their feet and eyes upon it.  Any and all activities are enhanced greatly at Mount Shasta.”

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Snowshoeing is a low-impact way to explore any winter wonderland, and Lassen Volcanic National Park offers lots of unique opportunities for the whole family. Some popular snowshoeing locations include the Southwest Area just past the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. The snowshoeing trails near this visitors center offer excellent winter views and trails of varying difficulty. The Manzanita Lake Area offers the easiest snowshoeing routes along with cross-country skiing opportunities. The park even offers ranger-led snowshoe walks for visitors ages 8 and older. These walks are a great way to see the park and learn more about its many ecological features. Call the park to take a tour with a ranger. The park does not offer snowshoe rentals.  for complete information on winter activities, download the 2022/2023 Winter/Spring Guide.

Mt. Shasta Fun Guide

For those wanting a guided tour of Mt. Shasta’s backcounty, Mt. Shasta Fun Guide offers 2 1/2, 4 and 7-hour snowshoe tours of this breathtaking wilderness area. Check prices and availability at mountshastaguide.com.

Families heading out for a day of winter play should check highway conditions to see if chains or 4-wheel drive vehicles are required, and also check grooming reports before heading to the Nordic Center or Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Families should also dress appropriately with warm and waterproof clothing. Layers are highly recommended.