Have you been to Arnold in the winter? Looking for family-friendly winter activities in Arnold and the surrounding area? Every year, our family finds some time to escape to the cabins in Dorrington, just a short drive from Arnold. It’s a nice break from our busy lives, and being in the mountains during winter, surrounded by snow, is special. Arnold and Dorrington have become our peaceful winter retreat.
Over the years, we’ve found a few activities that make our winter trips extra memorable: sledding with the kids, skiing at Bear Valley, a little snowshoeing in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and maybe soaking in the hot tub as the stars come out. Staying at the Evergreen Dorrington Chalet or Pinecone Cottage gives us all the amenities we need for outdoor adventure and cozy relaxation near Arnold.
Interestingly, my husband, Bobby, didn’t grow up doing any of this—hiking, camping, and winter sports weren’t really on his radar, as is often the case for many urban African American families. He didn’t get into these activities until much later in life. But now, he’s (almost!) just as excited as the rest of us to head to the Arnold area for some snow-filled fun. Here are a few things our family has come to love about winter activities in Arnold and Dorrington.
The Magic of Winter in Arnold and Dorrington
One of the advantages of staying in Dorrington is that it typically gets more snow than Arnold. While Arnold is a great spot to visit, Dorrington’s higher elevation means we often wake up to a layer of snow right at our doorstep. That makes it easy for the kids to step outside and dive straight into winter activities without having to drive anywhere!
For us, Dorrington is the ideal escape from the city. It’s quiet, remote, and surrounded by nature, which is just what we need to unwind and spend time together. Plus, Arnold is just a short drive away, offering even more winter fun with restaurants, shops, and local charm. It’s also much easier to get to than Lake Tahoe. (See our blog post: Why Arnold is One of the Best Lake Tahoe Alternatives for a Mountain Getaway.)
Sledding Adventures for Families near Arnold
Sledding never gets old for us. Our kids love it, and we’ve found that the Sno-Parks around Arnold and Bear Valley are great for a day of winter fun. Every year, we pack up the sleds (which we make available to guests) and head out to the nearest Sno-Park, often Spicer Sno-Park, for a day of laughter and races down the hill.
In the middle of the season (depending on weather patterns), Dorrington usually has plenty of snow right outside the cabin, but we go to the nearby Sno-Parks for bigger hills and a change of pace. It’s a simple, fun way to get outside; no matter how many times we go, it always feels fresh.
Having sleds available at the cabin makes it easy for us to have a spontaneous day of fun without having to pack extra gear. We just grab the sleds and go!
Fun fact: Did you know that Sno-Park “without the w” means that they plow the parking lot for you? And Sno-Parks also have bathrooms. Whether you’re in Arnold or Dorrington, sledding is always a highlight of our winter activities.
Bear Valley Ski Resort: Skiing and Snowboarding Near Arnold
We always make time for skiing during our winter trips at Bear Valley Ski Resort, just a 40-minute drive from Arnold and Dorrington. Our two daughters actually learned to ski at Bear Valley, and it has become a special place for our family. They took lessons there when they were younger and are now learning to snowboard and explore some of the faster runs.
Bear Valley is great because it offers something for everyone, no matter your skill level. As a more experienced skier who grew up in Colorado, I (Chelsea) go up mid-week if I get time off work to enjoy the more challenging runs, especially when the Grizz lift is open! Whether you’re staying in Arnold or nearby Dorrington, Bear Valley is one of the top winter attractions.
Snowshoeing in Arnold: Calaveras Big Trees State Park
One of our favorite things to do in winter is grab our snowshoes from the cabin and head to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The park is just a few minutes’ drive from both Arnold and Dorrington, and it’s absolutely beautiful in the winter. The 1.5-mile North Grove Trail is our go-to spot for snowshoeing when there is enough snow. Walking through the forest with those massive sequoias towering above, their branches heavy with snow, is pretty magical.
Snowshoeing is a fun way to explore the park, and it’s something we can all enjoy together. The kids are always in awe of the giant trees, and we appreciate the peacefulness of the trail. Since we keep two pairs of snowshoes at each cabin, there’s no need to rent much gear—we just grab what we need and head out.
Need more gear? You can easily rent skis, boards, and snowshoes in Arnold at Sierra Nevada Adventure Company (SNAC). Snowshoeing is one of our favorite winter activities in Arnold because it’s such a peaceful way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Après-Ski: Warming Up at Evergreen Dorrington Chalet and Pinecone Cottage
After spending time outside, it’s always nice to return to the cabin to relax. One of our favorite things to do is light the wood stove at the Chalet or the pellet stove at Pinecone Cottage, slip into cozy clothes, and make hot drinks for everyone. The warmth of the fire fills the cabin, and it really makes us feel at home.
We’ll hop into the hot tub if we’re at Pinecone Cottage. Soaking in the hot tub under the stars, with the snow all around, is a great way to end the day.
If we’re at Evergreen Dorrington Chalet, the kids usually hang out in the game room or the loft while we grown-ups enjoy some quiet time by the fire. The combination of outdoor activities and cozy evenings in the cabin has become part of our winter routine. It’s a rhythm we enjoy—spending time outside and then returning to unwind indoors after a fun day of winter activities in Arnold and Dorrington.
Additional Winter Activities: On Our To-Do List
There are still some winter activities in Arnold we haven’t tried yet, but we’ve heard great things about them. Cross-country skiing at Bear Valley Adventure Company is on our list! We do want to check out their miles of groomed trails.
We also haven’t snowshoed the Arnold Rim Trail. We’d love to explore parts of it on a future trip when snow is on the ground.
Come on Up!
Whether it’s fun times sledding with the kids, the peace of snowshoeing through the towering sequoias, or the simple joy of warming up by the fire, each moment feels like the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Arnold and Dorrington offer a magical winter experience—places where we can make memories, unwind, and reconnect with each other. If you’re ready to create your own unforgettable winter getaway, we invite you to book a stay at Evergreen Dorrington Chalet or Pinecone Cottage. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about planning your perfect mountain retreat!
