Bear Valley Skiing & Christmas

Some winter memories begin on a snowy mountainside. Others begin with a Christmas parade, a stroll beneath giant sequoias, or that first delicious bite of something warm beside the fire.

With winter approaching, there’s plenty to look forward to during a stay at Cabin Under the Trees. California’s Calaveras County and neighbouring Gold Country bring together mountain adventures, historic towns and the kind of small, seasonal pleasures that make a weekend away feel special.

For winter 2026–27, here’s what we’re most excited about—and how to make it part of your next cabin escape.

Find Your Winter Rhythm at Bear Valley

There’s something wonderfully uncomplicated about a ski day: fresh mountain air, a few favourite runs and a well-earned break with something hot in your hands.

Skiing at Bear Valley belongs near the top of any winter itinerary along the Highway 4 corridor. Whether you’re finding your feet on skis, returning to snowboarding or looking forward to another season on the mountain, it’s a reason to set the alarm—and feel pleased about it.

Travelling with beginners? Bear Valley offers ski and snowboard instruction for a range of abilities, including children’s lessons. Check the resort’s current lesson options, opening updates and snow report before choosing your day.Explore Bear Valley lessons.

Our ideal plan: spend the day on the mountain, then head back to the cabin with rosy cheeks, pleasantly tired legs and absolutely no ambitious evening agenda.

Watch Sonora Sparkle at the Christmas Parade

Some places seem made for Christmas, and historic downtown Sonora is one of them.

The 43rd Annual Historic Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade is scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. It’s an evening tradition that turns a visit to Gold Country into a festive occasion, with illuminated parade entries bringing holiday spirit to the heart of town.See Visit Tuolumne County’s parade details.

Make an afternoon of it before the parade begins. Browse downtown, find somewhere for an early bite and leave time to settle into your viewing spot. Bring warm layers and let the evening unfold at a small-town pace.

It’s a lovely way to trade the rush of holiday preparations for the pleasure of simply being there.

Step Into an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Columbia

For a different kind of holiday magic, visit Columbia State Historic Park, where Gold Rush streets provide a memorable setting for seasonal celebrations.

Visit Tuolumne County’s current December calendar lists:

• Lamplight Tours: December 4–5, 2026.
• Columbia All-Equestrian Christmas Parade: December 13, at 11 a.m.
• Las Posadas Nativity Procession: December 13, at 5:30 p.m.
• Miners Christmas: December 19–20, from noon to 3 p.m.

These events offer several ways to experience Columbia during the holidays, from an evening tour to a daytime celebration. Check individual event details and ticket requirements before planning your visit.Explore Columbia’s holiday events through Visit Tuolumne County.

Choose one event and give yourself time to wander. The appeal here is in the atmosphere: historic streets, seasonal decorations and a chance to imagine Christmas in another century.

Celebrate the Season at the Murphys Christmas Open House

A winter getaway deserves an evening in Murphys, especially when the town gathers for its annual Christmas Open House.

The Murphys Community Open House is listed for Friday, December 4, 2026, from 5–8 p.m., with free admission and streets closed for the celebration. It’s an invitation to explore the town’s shops, restaurants and tasting rooms while enjoying its welcoming holiday atmosphere.See the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance event listing.

Traditionally, the evening includes a holiday parade, music, treats and seasonal entertainment. Check the final 2026 programme as the date approaches.Read about the Open House tradition.

Come for a little gift shopping, stay for the festive mood, and perhaps discover a new favourite stop along Main Street.

Make Room for Snowmobiling—and a Chance to Ice Skate

If your perfect winter day includes a little more adventure, snowmobiling near Bear Valley offers another way to experience the snowy landscape. GoCalaveras lists Bear Valley Snowmobile for rentals serving the Lake Alpine and Spicer SNO-PARK areas off Highway 4. Contact the operator for current routes, conditions, reservations and rider requirements.Explore Bear Valley Snowmobile.

Then there’s a particularly charming possibility: ice skating in the Bear Valley meadow.

Bear Valley Adventure Company has offered skating on a natural pond when conditions allow. It’s an occasional winter treat rather than a guaranteed seasonal attraction; its latest published skating updates relate to the previous winter, so availability for 2026–27 is still something to watch.Check Bear Valley Adventure Company’s skating updates.

Keep it on your wish list. If the weather cooperates, it could become the unexpected highlight of your trip.

Snowshoe Beneath the Giant Sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees

For a quieter winter adventure, head to Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Snowshoeing beneath giant sequoias offers a different pace from a ski day. You can pause, look up and take in the extraordinary scale of the forest, with winter adding another layer of beauty to an already remarkable place.

GoCalaveras highlights the North Grove Trail as a winter snowshoeing destination, with snowshoe rentals available in nearby Arnold.Read GoCalaveras’ guide to Big Trees in winter.

The Calaveras Big Trees Association also describes Saturday guided outings when weather and snow allow, with limited snowshoes available to borrow. Confirm the current programme before visiting; when snow is insufficient, the outing may be a guided walk instead.Check winter activities at Big Trees.

Pack a thermos, dress warmly and leave room in the day for stopping often. This is an outing that rewards taking your time.

Bring the Best of the Region Back to the Fire

Of course, one of the best things to do near the cabin is eventually to come back to it.

Pick up something hearty from The Kilted Viking in Angels Camp, whose savoury pies feel perfectly suited to a cold evening. The family-run business offers freshly baked and frozen takeaway pies—ideal for planning a comforting cabin supper.Explore The Kilted Viking.

For the grown-ups, add a bottle from Hinterhaus Distilling in Arnold. Its range includes whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka and liqueurs, with local ingredients and California wine-country influences woven into its approach. Choose a favourite to enjoy later beside the fire.Discover Hinterhaus Distilling.

Then settle in. Warm food, a favourite drink, the glow of the fire and nowhere else you need to be. After a day of snow or Christmas celebrations, that might be the part everyone remembers most.

The best winter escape leaves room for both adventure and rest. Pick a celebration you don’t want to miss, make time for the mountains, and save an evening for the fire. Winter near the cabin has plenty to offer—and every reason to slow down and enjoy it.