Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around San Francisco

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around San Francisco, 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.

⛸️ Ice Skating & Indoor Winter Fun

Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center

Address: 750 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Phone: (415) 820-3532

Details: Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center is San Fran’s year-round indoor ice rink, offering public skating sessions, lessons, and hockey programs in a climate-controlled facility. It’s a reliable option for classic winter fun right in the city and just a short drive (or transit ride!) within San Francisco.

Union Square Ice Rink

Address: 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Phone: (415) 781-7880

Details: Open during winter, the seasonal Union Square Ice Rink transforms the heart of downtown into a festive outdoor skating destination. With city lights and holiday decor, it’s a popular seasonal experience and easily accessible within San Francisco.

🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Sugar Bowl Resort

Address: 629 Sugar Bowl Rd, Norden, CA 95724

Phone: (530) 426-9000

Details: Sugar Bowl Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow play across diverse terrain that's suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it’s one of the closer major ski resorts to the city at about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from San Francisco, depending on conditions.

Boreal Mountain California

Address: 19601 Donner Pass Rd, Soda Springs, CA 95728

Phone: (530) 426-3666

Details: Boreal Mountain is known for its approachable slopes, night skiing, and family-friendly tubing area. It’s a popular choice for quick winter getaways and is approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from San Fran during the snow season.

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

When winter storms bring snow to higher elevations near San Francisco and conditions are safe, open hills and mountain recreation areas become go-to spots for sledding and snow play. Always check park updates, weather advisories, and road conditions before heading out.

San Francisco-area spots to consider:

Designated Sno-Park areas near Donner Summit often allow sledding and casual snow play once snow accumulates, and they are about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from San Francisco. Keep in mind that permits may be required depending on the location. (Source: Donner Summit)

Further outdoors:

Lake Tahoe Basin — Beyond major ski resorts, many public areas around Lake Tahoe offer opportunities for snow play, winter hiking, and scenic cold-weather fun when conditions allow. Tahoe destinations are a bit further, and are typically a 4 to 4.5-hour drive from San Francisco.

Bundle up, stay safe and have fun wherever winter takes you!

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