You Can Still Find Winter Activities Near Palm Desert: Gondola Rides, Tennis, Spas And More

PALM DESERT, CA — Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around Palm Desert, you’ll find places where families can lace up skates, enjoy indoor winter fun, or plan easy day trips to nearby skiing, tubing or sledding spots.

Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out for a weekend adventure, these ideas can help you make the most of the season. Just be sure to double-check hours, weather conditions and reservation details before heading out.

Take a Gondola Ride, From Desert To Mountains

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs
Phone: (888) 515-8726

It's always cooler when you ride up to the top of the mountain by gondola. Hop on board the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a quick trip to see the mountain snow. Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet—has two restaurants, observation decks, State Park Visitors Center and natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Plus, after a winter storm blows through, check the mountain cam to see if there's snow!

Enjoy Tennis, Pickleball, Spas At J.W. Marriott Resort in Palm Desert

J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort And Spa

Address: 74-855 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert
Phone: (760) 341-2211

Snowbirds, here is where you go to enjoy all that Palm Desert has to offer. The J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is in season, bringing all the fun and beauty the desert has to offer. From excellent restaurants and stellar spa services to indoor and outdoor staycation fun, visit mid-week or over a nice, long weekend. It's lovely any time of year.

(Peek inside Patch's review: Off-Season Summering In SoCal Deserts: What To Know When You Go).

⛸️ Ice Skating & Indoor Winter Fun

Peltzer Ice Rink

Address: 40275 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: (951) 888‑2008

Details: The Peltzer Ice Rink at Peltzer Winery features about 8,400 sq ft of ice surface, complimentary gliders, hot cocoa, and food trucks for a fun winter outing. Seasonal sessions make this a great option for locals and visitors alike. And did we mention wine? Last weekend of the season for skating, as the ice rink shuts down on Jan. 19! The Temecula Valley Winery is recommended all year long.

Riverside Icetown

Address: 10540 Magnolia Ave A, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 785‑7625

Details: LA Kings Icetown is a large indoor ice skating rink offering public skating, lessons, and hockey programs. It's a solid winter activity near Palm Desert for those looking to skate indoors when seasonal rinks aren’t available. It’s about a 55–60 minute drive from town.

🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Address: 42801 Big Bear Lake Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866‑5766

Details: Big Bear Mountain Resort offers plenty of winter fun including skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snow play across three thrilling areas: Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain. It’s a hearty winter destination and about a 2 hour9 minute drive from Palm Desert when snow conditions allow.

Idyllwild Park

Address: Idyllwild Park Rd, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Phone: (951) 659‑2607
Details: While not a formal ski resort, Idyllwild Park and the surrounding higher elevations receive seasonal snow that allows for snow play and informal sledding after storms. It’s approximately a 2 hour drive depending on conditions.

Catch the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a quick ride up the mountain to see the snow, and drink in the skyline views!

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

Big Bear Lake Snow Play Areas — Beyond skiing and tubing, Big Bear Lake’s snow play areas are ideal for building snowmen, sledding, and tubing when snow conditions are good, and they’re about a 2-hour drive from Palm Desert.