Plumas County is more than just another winter resort. With the historical and unique hotels, B&Bs and lodges, the enchanted evenings of sparkling stars, brisk morning walks and runs, the quirky towns of this county always have something to offer their guests that makes Destination Plumas County out of the ordinary. From events to activities to relaxation, there is something for everyone to enjoy and make a lasting memory.

Chester has just opened an ice-skating rink at Chester Community Park. The rink offers 45-minute skating sessions for $5.00 per person, including skate rental: Fridays, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4:00p.m. Heat lamps and a firepit keep you toasty warm between turns on the ice while roasting marshmallows for ooey-gooey s’mores—a must for every outing. In the evenings, they offer another way to stay warm—with cocktails and other beverages. January through March. www.lakealmanorarea.com

Join a ranger-led off-trail snowshoe hike and explore the wild and wintry Red Fir Forest at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes cover one to two miles of moderately strenuous terrain and last approximately two hours. The exact route can vary with snow and weather conditions. Meet at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, at Lassen Park, located at the Southwest Entrance via Hwy 36 to get a free ticket (first come). Hikes begin at1:30 p.m. Snowshoes (and how to put them on) are provided. To schedule a group hike, visit https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/ranger_led_programs.htm. January through March. 530.595.4480 for more information and conditions.

The Historic Longboard Racing Revival Series takes a vintage spin on skiing at Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl! The sport of downhill ski racing began in 1861 in Onion Valley, between Quincy and La Porte. The goal is to beat the 1st-speed skier record set in 1867 of 88mph set by Cornish Bobon 12-foot-long wooden skis. This must-see (and participate-in) event is dependent on snow and weather conditions and happens at noon on every third Sunday in January through March. 530.832.4309. www.plumasskiclub.org.

Quincy, the annual Groundhog Day hosted by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, begins at 1:00p.m. with several mini-contests, complete with prizes, throughout the afternoon. This includes“TheBach,” a bachelor/bachelorette auction; a chili cook-off; beer and wine poured; homemade goodies to taste; and vendors galore to delight any shopper. World-famous groundhog, Chuck Wood, delivers his winter prediction at 4:00 p.m. February 4, 2023,1:00p.m. www.quincychamber.com

The Chilly Chili Cook-Off, hosted by The Almanor Foundation, is a must with 15+ chilis to sample. See an ice carver turn 200lbs of ice into a fabulous sculpture; enjoy adult beverages; s’mores kits for $1 to roast over firepits; live music from the local singing dentist; a toque contest, and more. Monies to benefit the town ice skating rink. February 18, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. $10/adults; $5 for kids. For more information, visit https://almanorfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/49522-chilly-chili-cook-off

Snow, snow and more snow activities are aplenty. Not to be missed, we offer cross-country skiing through most of the county to include across beautiful Chester Meadow in the shadow of Lassen Peak, or along the west shore trail at Lake Almanor with open vistas of the lake and Dyer Mountain. We have family-friendly budget downhill skiing at Coppervale; sledding and with the“just right” snow conditions, we have dog sled races and action-packed snowmobiling. Just like frolicking in the snow?Many places you can just step out the front door of where you are lodging and make snowmen, snow angels, or have a fast-and-furious snowball fight.

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Remember snow days as a kid? You’re breathless over blankets of fresh powder as your heart pounds with joy at the news–school’s canceled!

You spend the day building snow forts, launching snowballs, and sledding down the steepest hill to fill your memory bank to the brim.

Ready to embrace the pure joy of playing in a world of sparkling snow as a carefree kid?

Bend, Oregon, makes the perfect winter escape from adulthood as you burrow into a snow cave filled with boundless winter nostalgia. Find winter fun right in town and in the nearby majestic snow-capped Cascade Mountains. We’ve got everything from sledding hills to ice skating to acres of downhill terrain at Mt. Bachelor.

Cap it all off with warm, whipped cream-topped drinks around a crackling fire.

Grab your mittens, toboggan, and thermos full of hot cocoa, and let’s frolic and play the Bend way!

Sledding is undeniably one of the most giggle-worthy winter activities. When the snow gathers, every hill becomes your playground. When it snows in town, head to Drake Park, Hollinshead Park, or Al Moody Park and try your chance at beating Clark Griswold’s new amateur recreational saucer sled land speed record. As snow falls in the upper elevations, Wanoga Sno-Park is a must for tubing and sledding. A short drive from town, Wanoga is not only the gateway to great snowshoeing and dog-friendly ski trails but also an expansive sledding area with a huge warming hut at the base.

If winter nostalgia wraps you in an urge to hit the slopes, leave ample time for devouring a piping hot bowl of chili and swapping brag-worthy ski stories with friends at the lodge.

Mt. Bachelor is the Pacific Northwest’s destination winter wonderland and purveyor of epic days on the mountain. A hefty average snowfall, one of the longest winter operating seasons in the U.S., and oodles of bluebird days stack up to some serious, whimsical winter fun.

Skiers and snowboarders will relish more than 4,000 acres of terrain. For the never-have-I-ever newbie, book lessons through the “Ski or Ride in 5” program. IKON pass holders get seven days of full access at Mt.Bachelor, enough to experience the whole mountain.

Skiing Mt. Bachelor and Wanderlust Moonlight Snowshoe Tour – Visit Bend

Is strapping sticks to your feet and hurtling down a mountain not your speed? Enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, or an expedition on the wild–and furry–side with a dog-sled ride. When you’re done, refuel and quench your thirst at one of several bars and restaurants across the mountain.

While most of the snow resides in the mountains, the young-at-heart devotion to winter runs deep in Bend. Plenty of crisp days, occasional bouts of snow, and scores of recreation make the season magical. Glide and twirl on ice skates at The Pavilion. Take your latte to go and enjoy a dazzling winter walk along the Deschutes River at Drake Park. Head downtown or to the Old Mill District and shop for handmade gifts and souvenirs. If snow’s falling, grab some snowshoes for a hike through Shevlin Park and build a holly, jolly figure made of snow. Beer lovers will want to explore the territories of the Bend Ale Trail, where craft beer is served up with fire pits and cozy tasting rooms.

Bend’s the perfect place to re discover your inner kid. Join us this winter to recreate childhood memories or build new ones with your own family. Let Bend transport you to a sparkling world full of joy, magic, and mountains of fun.

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Our three national parks are unlike any others. At Bandelier National Monument, one of the National Park Service’s oldest sites (1916), you will find Ancestral Pueblo dwellings scattered across a landscape of broad mesas and steep-walled canyons that provide habitat for a diversity of plant and animal life. The main loop trail (1.2 mile loop) in Frijoles Canyon provides easy access (partially handicapped accessible) to the remains of these ancient homes. Like past inhabitants, you can climb ladders into several of the small carved rooms (caveats). A more challenging climb can be found at Alcove House where Ancestral Pueblo people built homes in a natural recess in the cliff face. Four ladders and a number of stone stairs are required to make the 140-foot ascent. Although best known for archeological sites, Bandelier also includes 23,000 acres of designated wilderness. Over 70 miles of trails vary in difficulty from easy footpaths good for the whole family to more challenging ones best for experienced hikers. Permits for overnight stays in Bandelier’s backcountry are available at the Bandelier Visitor Center. There are 57 camp sites at Juniper campground (can accommodate RVs, but not hookups).

Among the newest additions to the National Park System, the 89,000-acre Valles Caldera National Preserve encompasses a dormant volcano that possesses exceptional value in illustrating and interpreting massive explosive volcanic eruptions, caldera formation, and the functioning of active geothermal systems. Its distinct topographic mosaic of expansive valley meadows, or valles (va-yes) in Spanish, lush forested volcanic domes, meandering valley streams, and old growth Ponderosa pine groves are in striking contrast to the arid New Mexico landscape at lower elevations.

Recreational activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, scenic drives, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Valles Caldera National Preserve enchants visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich human history. At this time Valles Caldera does not have any established campgrounds or backcountry camping permits available. Visitor services are limited. Please come prepared with food, water and other essentials.

Manhattan Project National Historical Park tells the story about the people, events, science, and engineering that led to the creation of the atomic bomb, which helped end World War II. For over a decade, the Department of Energy and National Park Service, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, state and local governments, and other stakeholders, pursued the possibility of including the Department’s most significant Manhattan Project properties within a Manhattan Project National Historical Park. After numerous studies and several draft bills, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015, which included provisions authorizing the Park to be located at three sites: Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Hanford, Washington; and Los Alamos, New Mexico.

It’s easy to get to Los Alamos. By air, visitors can fly to Santa Fe or Albuquerque and make the short drive to Los Alamos. We are approximately 40 minutes from Santa Fe and 1 ½ hours from Albuquerque. It is a great place to base your visit to north central New Mexico.  For more information, and to book your trip, go to VisitLosAlamos.org

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