Has the Winter weather hit where you live yet? Since we moved back to California we’ve had a fun tradition of going sledding on Christmas Eve. Over the years we’ve gone to different spots for sledding depending on the weather and recent snow fall. However, recent years have seen us returning to Donner Summit SNO-PARK again and again. Every year when I post about our Christmas Eve sledding on Instagram I get questions. Lots of people want to know about where it is and how much it costs. So I figured it was finally time for a blog post all about it!

donner summit sno-park

Donner Summit SNO-PARK is one of 18 SNO-PARKS in California. So be sure and check if there’s a SNO-PARK closer to you. Also, you are allowed different activities at each location. For example, if snowmobiling is on your wish list, you’ll have to take your crew to one of the other nine locations that allows you to do that.

One of the reasons we keep coming back to this spot is because of the cost. It’s only $15 to purchase a SNO-PARK pass and you can buy them at several locations. You can even buy them online for a small additional service fee. This $15 is basically your parking pass–amenities at Donner Summit SNO-PARK are very bare bones. There is a parking lot and couple of pit toilets and that’s it. You can also chose to purchase a season pass for $40 if you’ll go multiple times.

tips for visiting donner summit sno-park

Because the key to having a good time is staying warm and dry we always make sure to bring all our snow gear. This might seem obvious but every year I see people there that are ill-prepared. We also bring dry socks and pants to change into afterwards just in case the snow seeps through our clothing. And of course the kids look forward to the hot cocoa and snacks we bring!

Be sure to check the weather and recent snowfall before you go. They keep the parking lot pretty well plowed but trails and sledding hills are not maintained. It’s kind of the equivalent of going sledding in the middle of the forest…because you are. We’ve been there when conditions were very icy and when conditions were very wet. It’s best to always be prepared and aware of your surroundings!

what you’ll want to bring:

• hand sanitizer (refer to my bathroom comment above)
• water and snacks
• your own sled/snow play items
• safety items such as snow chains, a small first aid kit, and jumper cables

Do you have snow where you live? If not, do you travel to the snow in Winter to play?