High Sierra Topix

Hello,
I am debating where to do a ski trip with my daughter in mid Jan, over MLK week.
We will be renting a condo or hotel. (My daughter will not snow camp.)
We want some place other than Mammoth. Tahoe is over 8 hours driving, Yosemite is expensive for really junky accommodations, but I found places that would be okay in Wawona. Staying in Three Rivers, the accommodations are really nice and cheap, but that is an hour drive over icy rods to the trailheads in Sequoia, presuming we do not get a storm that closes the General’s hwy.
I am leaning towards Wawona since I have not been to Yosemite in over 10 years. I hate the crowds. Of course there is the Badger Pass ski area, in addition to that, what other recommendations?
I am leaning towards Dodge Ridge. My questions are:
Is there reliable snow? It is such low elevation.
Will all of the skiing be in deep forest or can we find trails with views? (I have been there so many times and I seem to remember one must climb steeply for several miles to get the views and above those magnificent forests. ) We are intermediate skiers and do not ski alpine or fast downhill runs.
Any other beautiful places you recommend for us?
If we go to Yosemite, what trails should we ski in addition to Badger Pass towards Glacier point? Is that crowded in winter? Since it is all over the internet, it feels like it will be a nightmare of crowds.
Thank you!

Nothing in winter is all that crowded.

What is a "trail" in winter? Are you looking for like, blue diamonds posted on trees or something?

The usual recommendation from Badger Pass is Dewey Point. Illilouette Ridge & Horizon Ridge are also shorter alternatives to Glacier Point.

I'd pass on Dodge Ridge if you're not a downhill skier, lots of forest and lower elevations. I'd sooner recommend the Bear Valley area one highway north. Osborne Hill, Inspiration Point or Mt Reba are nice introductory ski tours.

You might want to consider the Lakeshore/China Peak area. A bit closer to LA, and if you have the legs to get up Kaiser Peak it could be worthwhile. And I don't find fire scars as objectionable in the winter.

Hi c9
Thank you!
When I mean a “trail” i mean a reasonable path one can take to get somewhere.
Where is Lakeshore, china peak?
Thank you!

While this website is a bit mean, I do think you should take some initiative. ;-)

https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=lakeshore+china+peak

Hi Aura, hope all is well!
I second c9's reccomendation for Huntington Lake and vicinity. Low key, located along Hwy168, east of Fresno. Lots of XC ski options along Hwy 168. The full gamut there, from lift serviced China Peak Mountain Resort, to XC skiing along snowed in roads, to XC trails routes all over the place. There are many accommodation options that should suit your needs. As for fire impact: the recent fires affected much of the area adjacent to the lake and ski area, but there are large swaths in the mountains just east of the lake that did not burn. You can assess the burn extent using the fire history map overlay on CalTopo maps.

Ed

Thanks Ed,
Too late, already got accommodations in Wawona. I have not been to Yosemite in over 10 years because of the crowds, it should be good to see it again.
I have never been to Huntington Lake, ever, primarily because they always set the place on fire. I will have to check it out. I did not realize that there is any place there unburned. I might get to sneak in another winter trip. Good to know there is a good place close by.

How about Kirkwood Meadows ?
https://www.kirkwood.com/explore-the-re ... untry.aspx