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Our recent storms have not only watered our parched landscapes but have brought lots of snow to many areas that are just a few hours drive from Los Angeles and Orange counties. Take a break in true winter fashion by bundling up the kids and heading to these white wonderlands.

Lake Arrowhead
For a full-service vacation only 90 miles from the counties, Lake Arrowhead offers plenty to do with eateries, accommodations, shopping and adventures. The lake provides a contrast to the white landscapes. Start with a tour on the Lake Arrowhead Queen, an authentic paddlewheel boat. Bring your dog and try some of the Arrowhead Ranger District Trails, which range from easy to difficult. Other possibilities include snowboarding and skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and sledding.

Mountain High
If skiing is at the top of this season’s agenda, then the slopes of Mountain High call you to visit the San Gabriel Mountains, just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. When Mother Nature balks, snow-making machines covers almost 80 percent of the mountain. Any of the three resorts here, provide hours of fun. There are rentals, shops, food, and beverages on the mountain. Try the North Resort for beginners, the West Resort for a range of runs and terrains, and the East if you want a long and steep run that tops out at 8,200 feet. If you’re an avid skier, season passes offer even more of a bargain.

Mt. Baldy
Because Mt. Baldy is visible from most of Greater Los Angeles, you can almost check its snow conditions just by looking. This ski resort offers over 400 acres of ski runs as well as a tubing park where a 90-minute session allows you as many rides as you can squeeze in. For those just starting out, ski lesson packages and equipment rentals are available. For a scenic introduction to the mountain whether you ski or not, try the Sugar Pine Chair Lift, which seats two and travels one mile in 17 minutes.

Idyllwild
Maybe skiing isn’t your thing and you’d rather just get away from the urban bustle. Then Idyllwild will suit within Mt. San Jacinto State Park. There’s no skiing, so crowds are fewer than at the more sport-oriented getaways. Like any small mountain town, you’ll find full facilities for accommodations, restaurants, and art galleries. This is the place to commune with nature either through the State Park or the Idyllwild Nature Center, which has more organized events. Or maybe you just want to make angels in the snow banks or lob a few snowballs.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This desert oasis offers the best of both worlds. In the city itself, you’ll encounter shirt-sleeve weather and sophisticated restaurants and shopping. Then take the rotating aerial tramway up 8,516 feet and you’re surrounded by the snowy wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. You can spend time at the natural history museum, restaurants, theaters, or observation decks. But you’re really here to experience the snow, which is spread out over 50 miles of hiking trails. Before taking the trip, check out the free Tramsters Club for kids 3-12, which offers a 10 percent discount on tram rides and gift shop purchases plus a free ride on the child’s birthday.

As new home builders in Southern California, we invite you to tour our neighborhoods, all a short drive from these outdoor adventures. Contact us to find out how.