group of friends on a lift in the snow

The Ultimate Snow Day Near Folsom

Plan the perfect snow day with quick, family-friendly winter adventures just a short drive from Folsom. From SNO-PARKs to Tahoe tubing and ski resorts, fresh snow is closer than you think.

Winter in Folsom means easy access to fresh snow, scenic mountains, and family-friendly winter fun. The Sierra is close enough for a quick day trip, which makes it simple to enjoy snow play, sledding, tubing, or skiing and still return to Folsom in time for dinner. Here is your guide to the best kid-approved snow adventures near Folsom.

family posing in the snow
person skiing down hill

California’s SNO-PARK locations are some of the easiest ways to enjoy winter activities near Folsom. There are 19 sites across the Sierra Nevada and most are within 60 to 90 minutes of town. Each site offers plowed parking, restrooms, and access to sledding, tubing, snow play, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

  • Day-use permit: $15

  • Season permit: $40

  • SNO-PARK season runs from November 1 to May 30
    Please remember to pack out all trash, including broken sleds, to help keep the sites clean.

Tube Tahoe in Meyers is a popular tubing spot and an easy winter outing from Folsom. Visitors enjoy views of Echo Summit and Mt. Tallac along with some of the longest tubing lanes in the region.

  • Over 500 feet of machine-groomed lanes

  • Optional Igloo rentals with cozy seating and space for roasting marshmallows
    Tube Tahoe is perfect for families and visitors who want simple, exciting winter fun without ski gear. Check the website for opening dates.

Adventure Mountain is located about 90 minutes from Folsom and sits at 7,400 feet. This is the highest snow play resort in the Tahoe Basin and one of the snowiest.

  • Groomed tubing hills

  • Large sledding areas

  • Restrooms and easy parking
    The snow play zone is a favorite for younger kids who want to build snowmen, make snow angels, or have a friendly snowball fight. Check the website for opening day updates.

Children skiing in snow

Sierra-at-Tahoe offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and dedicated snow play areas. The resort is known for approachable terrain, beautiful tree-lined runs, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It is close enough for a quick morning on the mountain before breakfast cools.
Opening date: November 28

Heavenly-Gondola

Heavenly provides a large mountain experience with incredible views of Lake Tahoe. The resort offers terrain for all skill levels, energetic on-mountain atmosphere, and impressive scenery.

Visitors who do not ski can take the 2.4-mile Scenic Gondola Ride to the Observation Deck for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

Kirkwood snow area

Kirkwood sits at a higher elevation and is known for deep snow, challenging terrain, and a rugged mountain feel. The resort is slightly farther from Folsom but is a top choice for skiers and riders who want an uncrowded, alpine-style experience.

Across the highway, the Kirkwood Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center offers classic skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking on some of the most scenic trails in the region.
Opening date: December 5

Plan the Perfect Snow Day from Folsom

Whether you prefer sledding, tubing, or skiing, winter fun is closer than you think. Folsom is the ideal starting point for quick snow trips, exciting family outings, and warm meals after a full day in the mountains.

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