Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around Santa Cruz

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

Ice Skating by the Bay

Address: Custom House Plaza, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940

Phone: (831) 600-7465

Details: This seasonal outdoor rink operates during the winter holidays and offers ocean-view skating in a festive setting. It’s typically open from late November through January and is about a 45-minute drive from Santa Cruz. Availability and hours vary by season, so be sure to keep that in mind.

Sharks Ice at San Jose

Address: 1500 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Phone: (408) 279-5160

Details: Sharks Ice is a full-size indoor rink with public skating sessions, rentals, and lessons. It’s the most consistent year-round ice skating option in the region and sits about a 45 to 55-minute drive from Santa Cruz, depending on traffic over Highway 17.

🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Bear Valley Mountain Resort

Address: 1 Bear Valley Rd, Bear Valley, CA 95223

Phone: (209) 753-2301

Details: Bear Valley is one of the closest full ski resorts to Santa Cruz, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing when conditions allow. It’s a classic Sierra destination with a relaxed vibe and is typically a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Santa Cruz.

Badger Pass Ski Area (Yosemite National Park)

Address: 7082 Glacier Point Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone: (209) 372-8430

Details: Badger Pass offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in a stunning national park setting. It’s usually well-covered during winter storms and makes for a memorable snow day at about a 5-hour drive from Santa Cruz.

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

Winter in Santa Cruz is more about coastal vibes than snowfall, but when storms hit the mountains, real snow isn’t too far away. Local parks stay active year-round, while higher elevations offer true winter landscapes after strong systems move through.

Santa Cruz spots to consider:

• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park doesn’t offer sledding, but after winter storms it becomes a favorite for crisp walks and potential snow flurries. (Source: California State Parks)

Further outdoors:

• Bear Valley — For dependable snow and sledding, head into the Sierra Nevada, particularly around Bear Valley, Arnold, and Highway 4 corridors. These areas regularly receive significant snowfall during winter storms and provide classic sledding hills and snow play areas. Most of these destinations are a 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive from Santa Cruz and deliver the kind of winter experience the coast rarely sees.

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

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