Winter Sports

Snow play areas and winter recreational opportunities on the Mt. Pinos Ranger District

The Cuddy Valley Rd/Mt. Pinos Rd to the top of Mt. Pinos - Nordic Base Parking Lot is open. Check the Kern County Roads website for updates.

Check current snow conditions and road closures for the Greater Frazier Mountain area
Mount Pinos Nordic Base Information (cross country skiing trails and snowshoeing trails/snow conditions)
Check the weather at the Chuchupate Ranger Station, elevation 5,280'. The Nordic Ski Base/Chula Vista Trailhead elevation is higher at 8,340'.
Check road conditions by calling CalTrans at 1-800.427.7623 or on the web at Caltrans Road Conditions for the I-5 Freeway, Hwy 166, and Hwy 33.
Kern County Road closures and conditions for the Cuddy Valley Road up to the Mt Pinos Recreation Area.
Ventura County Road Closures for Hwy 33 and Lockwood Valley Rd.
As always, no matter what the forecast, be ready for quick changes in weather in the mountains. Be prepared. Always carry chains, water, food, and supplies in case you get stuck. Always carry chains, even if your vehicle has 4WD, traveling in the mountains between November and April. Expect delays and be prepared. Carry plenty of water for all passengers, food, warm clothing and blankets, a shovel, and a tarp.
Let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return. Be sure to inform them when you get back. Do not expect your cell phone to work in all areas!
Sledding hills can be very icy and caution should be used. Helmets are suggested.
Carry your trash home. It is often difficult for a large garbage truck to get into snowy areas. Take a trash bag with you and take it all home to be disposed of with your other household trash.
Expect large numbers of people and slow traffic. Be patient with Forest Service, CHP, and Kern Roads personnel who are working to keep traffic flowing.

Adventure Pass Information

A Forest Adventure Pass or an Interagency Pass is required to park anywhere along Cuddy Valley Road, and in the Snowbunny Hill area on the eastside of Cuddy Valley approx. one mile west of Lake of the Woods and in the parking lots at the Chula Vista Parking Lot (Chula Vista Trailhead) and at the "Y" (junction of Cuddy Valley Road and Mil Potrero Highway.) You can purchase the Adventure Pass at Big 5 Sporting Goods stores in Southern California before coming up the mountain. Some convenience stores in the area also sell the passes. The cost is $5.00 for a daily pass.

The Forest Service tickets vehicles that are not displaying the passes so be prepared by purchasing an Adventure Pass.

Available at the Nordic Ski Base at the Chula Vista parking lot at the end of Cuddy Valley Rd/top of Mt. Pinos (weekends only)
Businesses that sell the Adventure Pass and How to pay a Notice of Required Fee

Snow Chains Information

Chains may be required at any time and should be in your vehicle, if not on your tires. 4WD and AWD vehicles are required to carry chains in the vehicle at all times. The CHP (California Highway Patrol) may set up chain control stations when conditions require. Each vehicle will be stopped and traffic will be slowed or blocked.

Parking Lot Information

When the parking lots become full or if the roads become impassable, the roads may be closed without notice.

Snow Play Locations and Winter Road Safety Guidelines Flyer (PDF)
Snow Play Map (JPG)

How to properly dispose of hot coals PDF

Pack it in, then pack it out

To maintain the natural surroundings and beauty of the Forest, please do not leave trash. If you take your trash home (and a little bit more if you are able), the Forest will remain a wonderful place to visit and enjoy. Use the provided trash dumpsters at the "Y" and the parking lot at the top of the mountain. Even better, take everything home and dispose of it with your household trash. Clean up after yourselves, so our firefighters and the local community don't have to.