Winter Sports

Lassen Volcanic Park and Lake Almanor are popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. The region boasts beautiful opportunities for cross-country Skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more. Winter for us runs about 4-6 months per year, meaning the season is long and the opportunities for adventure are abundant. Many excellent trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are easily accessible from the Lodge or Lassen Park and Lake Almanor.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Lassen Volcanic Park offers unparalleled skiing opportunities for both the relaxed skier and the expert looking for a challenge. There are miles of unmarked backcountry skiing available. The only marked trails are the Forest Lake Trail near the SW parking area and the Manzanita Lake Trail near the North entrance. The McGowan Trail is located just outside Lassen Park and is groomed by the Lassen National Forest. The trailhead is 2 miles north of the 89/36 junction. The trail is suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers.

Download the Winter Trail Guide for more information.

Some favorite spots for snowshoeing include:

• Lake Almanor Recreation Area along the west shore of Lake Almanor
  The main park road to Sulphur Works and, for the more adventurous, up to Ridge Lakes or Brokeoff.
• Roads behind St. Bernard Lodge

Snowmobiling

Plumas County and Lassen Volcanic Park boast some of the best snowmobiling in the entire state of California. Snowmobiling is the perfect way to enjoy a winter day in the Lassen National Forest and the Lake Almanor Basin. Experiencing the Sierras with a snowmobile is thrilling and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Snowmobile provides unbeatable access to the forest and allows you to explore places you might not otherwise be able. You’ll see incredible scenery and get up close and personal with the region’s abundant wildlife. It is a great activity with friends or a relaxing and thrilling way to escape the everyday demands of life. It varies yearly, but the snowmobile season is usually from mid-December to mid-March.

Snowmobiling West of the Lodge

• Morgan Summit: Morgan Summit is about 20 minutes west of St. Bernard Lodge on Hwy 36. This snowmobile park offers 77 miles of designated trails, plenty of parking, a warming hut, and vault toilets.
• Chester-Lake Almanor Snowmobile Park: The Chester-Lake Almanor Snowmobile Park is about 20 minutes east of St. Bernard Lodge at the intersection of A-13 and Hwy. 36. This snowmobile park offers miles of designated trails, plenty of parking, and vault toilets. This is also the staging area for the Chester Lake Almanor Snowmobile Annual Poker Run.
• Swain Mountain: Swain Mountain is located about 10 miles east of Westwood and about 40 minutes from St. Bernard Lodge. There are 60 miles of designated trails with 3 different loops. Vault toilets are available.
• Fredonyer: Fredonyer Snowmobile Park is 12 miles east of Westwood. There are 90 miles of trails and three loops. Vault toilets are available.
• Jonesville: The main staging area for the Jonesville Snowmobile Park is on Humboldt Road past Butte Meadows. For guests staying at St. Bernard Lodge, the snowmobile park can be accessed from near Cedar Lodge on Hwy 89. You’ll find a warming complex located halfway between Jonesville and Chester.

Basic Trail Manners and Safety Tips

• Always travel with someone else. Let someone know where you will be and when you plan on returning. Do not count on your cell phone working.
• Learn basic hand gestures to get the attention of others before going out on a snowmobile. Snowmobiles can be loud and it is difficult to hear.
• Please be courteous and slow snowmobiles to a minimum when you are near skiers, snowshoers, or wildlife.
• Please do not take wheeled vehicles on groomed trails.
• Please do not snowmobile to trails designated for XC skiers and snowshoers only.
• Practice Leave No Trace. Make sure to take out anything that you brought into the forest. If possible, remove trash others have left behind.
• Avoid riding over small trees and bushes.
• Check updated weather and avalanche report from the Forest Service or other agency before heading out.
• Do not chase or harass animals in the forest.
• Unforeseen events may occur. Be prepared with survival supplies and knowledge of how to build a snow cave.
• Have fun!

St. Bernard Lodge will be happy to keep you updated on current snow and trail conditions. Please call 530-258-3382.