Day Trips: Where to Teach Young Kids to Ski or Snowboard

One of the attractions of the East Bay, in addition to its climate, is its location within easy driving distance of both the snowy mountains and the seashore. This makes it easy to take a day trip to the snow during winter or spring.

Just heading up for a day of making snowpeople or sledding can be loads of fun. But if you want to step things up and introduce your children to the fun (and fitness) of skiing or snowboarding, the lesser-known Soda Springs resort offers an easy and affordable way to do that.

The resort has a special area for kids seven and younger, where they can try out either sport on baby slopes with their parents walking beside them, as well as partake in some other fun snow activities. Nearby, you’ll find tubing for all ages. Older kids and those ready for the next level can graduate to the main resort, where a handful of runs offer a sweet family experience at a great price.

Photo: Soda Springs Mountain Resort

Here’s what you need to know:

For kids or families new to the snow, the resort’s Mountain Adventure pass offers tubing for all ages and learn-to-ski/board areas for kids seven and under.

Planet Kids is a special section of the resort with gentle slopes that even the tiniest skiers and boarders can tackle, and easy “magic-carpet” lifts. It also has tubing and a cute tube merry-go-round that will pull your little ones around in a circle when they’re too tired for anything else.

Parents can walk around the little slope, holding a leash that comes with the smallest snowboards, or cheering on their snow athletes.

The entrance fee includes boots, helmet and skis or snowboard. There’s a small lodge on-site with a bathroom and snack shack that’s open in non-COVID times. Guests also have access to the larger restaurant at the main lodge.

Photo: Laila Weir

For family members over seven years old who want to ski or snowboard, as well as small children ready for more of a challenge, the main resort includes a couple of lifts that lead to several runs at each difficulty level, from beginner to advanced. Day passes and season tickets are among the most affordable around.

Presumably because the resort is so small and family-oriented, there’s a notable lack of reckless skiers and boarders whizzing around, making it feel safe and friendly for beginners and small kids.

The resort also offers group and individual lessons for children and adults.

Tips for planning ahead:

• Check the road conditions and think about traffic patterns. Your day trip could turn into an all-driving affair if you head up on a busy holiday or when weather conditions slow traffic to a crawl. Taking a Friday off work can pay big dividends in time saved, and leaving early on a sunny Saturday can also make for a fun skiing day trip.
• See skisodasprings.com for opening hours and current news. Buy lift tickets on the site.
• Check the weather and plan ahead. With the right clothing, you can be comfortable in any weather. But we’re fortunate that our nearby peaks offer plenty of opportunities for enjoying the snow in the sunshine. Picking clear skies and warmer weather is definitely the safest bet for young kids new to the experience.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, water bottles and a few snacks, even if you plan to buy lunch at the resort. The resort also sells all the essentials.
• Bring your patience. With young kids getting used to the snow and learning a new sport, it’s not a question of if they’ll have a meltdown, but when. Skiing and snowboarding is fabulously fun, and also exhausting – even walking around the slope carrying gear is tiring. So give yourself and your kiddo plenty of rest breaks, and be ready to indulge in a little hot chocolate or some energy-boosting snacks in the afternoon.