50 Most Magical Winter Wonderland Towns in the U.S.

BY K.C. DERMODY

Bear Valley, California

If you’re looking for a less-crowded destination for outstanding skiing and other winter activities, Bear Valley offers the ultimate snowy California escape with an average of 30 feet of snow annually. Located in the Central Sierra Mountains, the white powdery stuff is often piled as high as 10 feet or more, while the many mountain cabins are laced with icicles and surrounded by towering redwood trees. After a day of play at the Bear Valley Ski Area or one of the tubing/sledding hills, there’s nothing better than coming back to enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire.