Soda Springs

Soda Springs near the town of Norden west of Lake Tahoe is one of three California communities that go by this name. The other two are in Mendocino County and the California Central Valley. This particular one is noted for its numerous skiing venues since 1939, including the Soda Springs Mountain Ski Resort, High Sierra Soda Springs, and Norden Ski at Sugarbowl. The area receives an average of 500 inches of snow each year, making it one of the snowiest destinations for winter sports in the Sierra Mountains.

A great many cold weather activities can be enjoyed here, including downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, toboggans, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. There are chair lifts and moving carpets to help visitors get up the icy slopes, and according to locals, nobody ever seems to have much trouble getting down. During the warmer seasons, visitors can enjoy camping, backpacking, fishing, kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, river rafting, and more.

Accommodations in Soda Springs take the form of Sierra-style cabins, with fireplaces keep couples and families warm during weekend getaways. Access to Soda Springs is via old Highway 40 off Interstate 80 west of Truckee. Amtrak also makes a stop in the vicinity at Donner Summit Lodge.