Sierra Nevada California Winter - Tuolumne The Winter Way

Cold-weather escapists get ready for fun

This can be the ideal time to enjoy pristine peaks without the crowds. Forget the whirring snowmobiles and strap on some snowshoes for an afternoon tailored to fit your family. Although chilly, conditions are perfect for coaxing the wildlife to come out and play - tread quietly and enjoy the peaceful stillness. Be warned though: Most California resorts receive a whopping 400 inches or more of natural whiteness each season, and the snow here is the whitest in the country.

Underground Exploring

If the weather outside is frightful, one of the best places to let yourself get carried away with gold rush fever is in the mines where it all began. Take a tour deep into the heart of the Mother Lode and see how gold mining has changed from river panning to slick hydraulic operations. Besides being a lot of fun going below thousands of tons of rock, it's a great opportunity to see the stalactite and stalagmite crystals, real gold deposits and pyrite (fool's gold) sparkling in the quartz of the Comet Vein.

Underground Adventures runs daily trips in four mines, year round. A shuttle takes visitors below ground, so walking is minimal. If you and your sweetheart haven't officially tied the knot yet, you can even say “I do” at Sutter Gold Mine. And if you have some adventure-seekers in your group, check out the vertical thrill at Moaning Cavern's 165-foot rope rappel.

Dodge Ridge Ski Resort

More than 60 trails spread over 815 acres challenge experts and beginners alike. For experienced skiers, you'll find snow conditions and trail difficulty comparable to most New England resorts. For those with less confidence, the ski school at Dodge Ridge offers comprehensive programs for children as young as four and adults who've never skied before, as well as expert training for Olympic hopefuls. The bunny slope is separate from the rest of the runs, so it's easy to keep track of younger children. If your teens want to venture off together, all trails loop back to the lodge, where you can sip hot chocolate and watch with your feet up, if skiing's not your thing.

Whichever season you choose to visit the Sierra Nevada area, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas, living reminders of the Gold Rush era, good eats, rustic villages and old-fashioned fun for everyone in the family. Trade in mundane cookie-cutter vacations for something that brings you back together and gives you time to get to know each other all over again. After all, isn't that what family vacations are supposed to be about?