Let’s be honest. We all love Santa Barbara.

The weather here is unbeatable when you talk about annual mean temperature; but after a while, one may get an inkling to see a seasonal change every now and again. One occasionally wants a “White Christmas,” so for this holiday season, we’ve compiled a list that will take you to Santa Barbara’s closest places to experience snow.
Figueroa Mountain (2 miles) – Though they get snow only on our coldest days, high atop our own backyard, the Santa Ynez Mountains do get some snowfall annually. Easily accessible off Highway 154 and Foxen Canyon Road, this is roughly the only place to see snow without considerable driving distance.

Big Bear Mountain (193 miles)– located just off I-10 in San Bernardino County and roughly a five-hour drive from downtown Santa Barbara, this loved snow spot is home to the closest skiing, sledding, and snow play for us Santa Barbarans. Long-loved for its snow summit and wild black diamond ski runs, Big Bear is sure to be a snow favorite for years to come.

Mammoth and June Lakes (364 miles) – Another frequented hotspot by Santa Barbara locals are these lakes. Situated just 20 miles apart from one another, they offer not only some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the area, but are also a popular summer travel destination as well.

Flagstaff, Arizona (544 miles) – Another undiscovered gem for launching any snow-bound trip is this small mountain city. Perched less than an hour’s drive to many ski lifts, Flagstaff promises to be a good, enjoyable stop for those who want to steer clear of crowds.
Santa Fe, New Mexico (919 miles) – Though a hard day’s drive from here, Santa Fe is perhaps one of the biggest “off the radar” cities around. Situated in the high desert, many ski and snowboard opportunities are available close by this historic city, which, consequently, is ripe with Native American and Mexican American culture.

Nevada – Nevada is ripe with popular ski destinations, most notably, Lake Tahoe, but here are a few that may have been relatively unknown until now.

Diamond Peak (510 miles) – Un-crowded slopes, beautiful views, and family atmosphere make this mountain one not to miss.

Mt. Rose (543 miles) - The best kept secret of Nevada ski resorts, Mt. Rose has a wide variety of skiing options available, with smaller lines and lower prices.

Squaw Valley (649 miles) – A little-known subset of Lake Tahoe, this small ski town is a host to beautiful Viennese style architecture, an unparalleled view of the mountain, and pristine slopes. Slopes open Nov. 17th!