UNDER THE TREESCAMP CONNELL · CALIFORNIACheck availability ↗Bear Valley & the Highway 4 winter playground
Ski the mountain, float down a tubing hill, or follow a snowy trail. Then come home to a warm cabin and your own hot tub under the trees.
Four ways to play in the snow
Approx. 35–50 minutes
Trade the everyday for a day of Sierra skiing and snowboarding, then head back to the cabin for a relaxed evening. Book lift tickets, lessons, and equipment directly with the resort.
Winter operations depend on snow and weather. Check the mountain report before leaving.Plan your snow day Photo: Bear Valley Mountain Resort
Approx. 30–45 minutes
A cheerful choice for families who want snow-day fun without a ski lesson. Separate groomed tubing and sledding hills make it easy to choose your pace.
Walk-up hills; rentals required on their private hills. Recommended for ages 3+. Confirm opening status and session availability.Plan your snow day Photo: Bear Valley Adventure Co.
Approx. 30–45 minutes
Explore the snowy High Sierra with Lake Alpine snowmobile tours departing from Bear Valley Village. A different way to experience the winter landscape.
Seasonal. Reserve with the operator and confirm driver, passenger, age, and weather requirements.Plan your snow day Photo: Bear Valley Snowmobile
Approx. 30–45 minutes
Find a quieter kind of winter day on Bear Valley Adventure Co.’s groomed Nordic and snowshoe trails, with rentals and lessons available.
Trail passes and suitable equipment required. The operator relies on natural snowfall.Plan your snow day Photo: Bear Valley Adventure Co.Gold Country, dressed for the holidays
Christmas trees, lighted parades,
and a small-town welcome.
Approx. 30 minutes
Make an evening of twinkling lights, small shops, tasting rooms, and the community Christmas tree. The annual Holiday Open House brings a lighted parade, carolers, and festive Main Street gatherings.
Check the organizer’s calendar for current details. Hovey Winery lists the 2026 Open House for Friday, December 4, 5–8 p.m.
Holiday details & calendar Photography: Visit Murphys / Murphys Business Association. Past holiday scene; not a current-year event photograph.
Approx. 45 minutes
Pair holiday shopping with a stroll through historic downtown Sonora’s seasonal lights and decorations. Christmas Tree Lane and community celebrations create a classic Gold Country holiday outing.
Seasonal programs vary each year; check the current calendar before planning.
Holiday details & calendar Photography: Visit Tuolumne County. Past holiday scene; not a current-year event photograph.
Approx. 45 minutes
Bright floats, marching bands, dancers, and antique cars fill Washington Street for Sonora’s nighttime Christmas parade. Arrive early and enjoy dinner in town before the procession.
Official tourism listing: November 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. Reconfirm with the organizer before travel.
Holiday details & calendar Official event flyer: Sonora Chamber of Commerce / Visit Tuolumne County.
Murphys Main Street
Browse the shops, admire the community tree, and pair your holiday visit with dinner in Murphys. Check the Open House listing for this year’s festivities.
Murphys Holiday Open House Past holiday scene: Maria Camillo / Calaveras Visitors Bureau.Before the first snowball
Bear Valley is reached from the west on Highway 4. Ebbetts Pass closes seasonally; do not plan a winter shortcut over the pass.
Caltrans road & chain controlsCheck tickets, lessons, rentals, tours, and opening status with each operator. Snowfall, staffing, and weather can change operations.
Bring warm layers and review the cabin’s winter arrival instructions. Allow extra driving time for snow, traffic, and chain controls.
A home base for all of it
Mountain days. Quiet nights. Your own little corner of the Sierra.
Find your dates ↗Current rates, availability, and policies on Airbnb.