Mount Shasta Ski Park
City:
McCloud
Region:
West Coast
Updated:
October 31, 2024
52
PeakRankings Score
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
[Year] Rankings
Overall Rank
#
90
Rank In
United States
#
76
Rank In
California
#
12
Category Scores
Snow
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort gets top accumulation and snow that forms in a way that feels light and powdery all the time.
9
The resort sees very good accumulation and gets powder that takes awhile to track or feels notably light.
8
The resort sees very good snow accumulation each season that tends to stay powdery for several days in a row.
7
The resort sees very good, powdery snow accumulation each season, but powder doesn't always last long at certain places in the resort.
6
The resort sees good accumulation that forms a solid base each season and sometimes sees powder but sometimes suffers from variable cover.
5
The resort sees decent accumulation each season but sometimes suffers from variable cover and rarely sees powder.
4
The resort sees okay accumulation each season. Non-snowmaking trails regularly suffer from thin or variable cover.
3
The resort sees mediocre accumulation each season. Thin cover is a given on all non-snowmaking trails.
2
The resort receives poor accumulation each season and must heavily rely on snowmaking to stay open.
1
The resort would have little to no snow if it weren't for snowmaking. If you're not on a trail, you probably don't see any accumulation.
0
The resort doesn’t get any snow.
6
Lifts
Criteria Breakdown
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10
High-speed lifts exist across every mountain area. Helper lifts are high-speed as well.
9
Most lifts are high-speed, with only a few areas serviced by helper fixed-grip lifts.
8
All but a few areas are accessible by high-speed lifts. Helper lifts may be fixed grip.
7
Most areas are accessible by high-speed lifts. Helper lifts are fixed grip.
6
Many areas are accessible by high-speed lifts, but some are only serviced by fixed-grip lifts.
5
About half of areas are accessible by high-speed lifts.
4
A few areas are accessible by high-speed lifts, but most areas only see fixed-grip lift service.
3
All lifts are fixed grip but some are at least modern.
2
Lifts are extremely old or low-capacity. Some places are only serviced by surface lifts.
1
Surface lifts only.
0
No lifts.
3
Resiliency
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain can quickly recover from the worst conditions and deliver the exact same experience as on a good day.
9
The mountain can quickly recover from almost any poor conditions thanks to excellent poor snow and weather mitigation.
8
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in nearly every mountain area and across all terrain categories. A few parts of the resort may occasionally see significant impacts.
7
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in most mountain areas, but some parts of the mountain are highly affected by inclement weather or poor conditions.
6
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in many mountain areas, but other parts are highly susceptible to inclement weather or poor conditions.
5
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but struggles to mitigate poor conditions in many mountain areas.
4
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but is regularly forced to close a few major parts of the mountain. Under severe circumstances, the mountain may be forced to completely suspend operations.
3
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but is regularly forced to close multiple major mountain areas. Occasionally, the mountain may be forced to suspend operations completely.
2
In the event of any inclement weather, the mountain loses most of its skiable terrain, with restoration regularly taking several days or weeks. A few small runs may stay open.
1
In the event of any inclement weather, the mountain loses its entire skiable footprint and may take weeks to recover.
0
Any inclement weather issues are season-ending.
5
Crowd Flow
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain's infrastructure is perfectly set up for crowd flow and capacity and does the best possible job to mitigate crowding.
9
The mountain's lift infrastructure is mostly direct and well-placed with excellent capacity.
8
The mountain's lift infrastructure is mostly direct and well-placed with good capacity. One or two areas could use a capacity upgrade.
7
The mountain's lift infrastructure is usually direct and well-placed with good capacity. A few areas could use a capacity upgrade or better placed lifts. Trails themselves rarely become chokepoints.
6
The mountain's lift and trail network is usually direct with good capacity. Some areas suffer from indirect lift placements or poorly thought out junctions.
5
The mountain’s lift and trail network comprises a comparable mix of direct, well-placed routes and indirect or capacity-constrained ones.
4
The mountain's lift and trail network is set up in a way that causes major crowding or indirect routing for many popular routes. Some areas are served by direct, well-placed lifts.
3
The mountain's lift and trail network causes serious crowding or indirect routing for most areas, but a few places are served by direct, well-placed lifts.
2
The mountain's lift and trail network is not equipped to handle crowds on a normal day and sees backups of more than half an hour.
1
The mountain's crowd flow logistics are seriously flawed. Poor lift placement and uphill capacity can cause backups of more than an hour.
0
The mountain's crowd flow logistics are so bad that you shouldn't expect to get on the mountain on a typical day.
8
Size
Criteria Breakdown
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10
7000+ skiable acres
9
3500-7000 skiable acres
8
2500-3500 skiable acres
7
1800-2500 skiable acres
6
1200-1800 skiable acres
5
800-1200 skiable acres
4
500-800 skiable acres
3
250-500 skiable acres
2
100-250 skiable acres
1
1-100 skiable acres
0
0 skiable acres
4
Facilities
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain boasts easily accessible, high-capacity lodges at every major and minor junction area.
9
The mountain boasts easily accessible, high-capacity lodges throughout most mountain areas.
8
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across the resort. A few minor mid- or high-elevation areas lack easy access to high-capacity facilities.
7
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across the resort. Some major mountain areas lack easy access to high-capacity facilities.
6
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across multiple areas, but some places lack easy access to the closest facilities.
5
The mountain consists of high-capacity lodges at each base area but suffers from limited, low-capacity, or impractically placed on-mountain facilities.
4
The mountain consists of high-capacity lodges at each base area. Any on-mountain facilities are limited, low-capacity, and impractically placed.
3
The mountain consists of at least one high-capacity base lodge but no on-mountain facilities.
2
The mountain consists of a moderately-sized base lodge but no on-mountain facilities.
1
The mountain consists of a singular base lodge that's either impractically small or hard to reach.
0
The mountain doesn't consist of any on-site lodge facilities.
4
Terrain Diversity
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain has an abundance of terrain in all categories for all ability levels.
9
The mountain offers multiple options in all terrain categories you'd typically find at a ski resort.
8
The mountain offers at least some options in all terrain categories you'd typically find at a ski resort.
7
The mountain offers terrain in most categories for a range of ability levels, but may fall short in one or two areas.
6
The mountain offers terrain in many categories but either falls short or lacks terrain in a few others.
5
The mountain offers terrain of varying lengths, gradients, and widths but lacks terrain in multiple categories.
4
The mountain offers similar terrain of moderately different lengths, gradients, and widths.
3
The mountain offers similar terrain of slightly different lengths, gradients, or widths.
2
The mountain consists of runs that are similar to one another but vary slightly by difficulty.
1
The mountain only consists of runs that provide nearly identical terrain experiences.
0
The mountain has no terrain.
5
Navigation
Criteria Breakdown
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10
It's easy, direct, and clear to get anywhere on the mountain from any place.
9
It's easy, direct, and clear to get anywhere on the mountain from most places. A small fraction of trails don't have direct access to all other mountain areas.
8
It's easy to get to and from most mountain areas. A few minor areas aren't directly accessible from all other parts of the resort or may be hard to find.
7
It's reasonably simple to get between most major mountain areas. A few areas require catwalks or traverses to get to or from or are hard to find. Some areas require multiple direct lift rides to travel between.
6
It's reasonably simple to get between many major mountain areas, but some areas require more effort due to poor signage, indirect lifts, or catwalks.
5
Some mountain areas are easy to navigate while others require more effort due to poor signage, indirect lifts, or catwalks.
4
Some mountain areas are easy to get between, but navigating many major areas can be confusing. Some major trails may suffer from poor signage or require catwalks.
3
It can take multiple lifts or be notably confusing to get between major resort areas. Many resort areas suffer from indirect trail routes, poor signage, or multiple catwalks.
2
It takes a substantial amount of effort and multiple indirect lifts to get between resort areas with little enjoyable terrain in between. Expect to occasionally get lost.
1
Expect to regularly get lost at this resort due to poor signage and lift placement. Getting between mountain areas requires notable effort and extremely unenjoyable terrain.
0
It's impossible to get around this resort. You will likely get lost or spend your whole day trying to get from one place to another.
6
Challenge
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort boasts truly extreme terrain across several prominent areas. Any double blacks should not be attempted, even by experts, without using extreme caution.
9
Select resort areas boast some of the most challenging runs in the world. The most challenging terrain should not be attempted, even by experts, without using extreme caution.
8
The mountain boasts extremely demanding terrain with sustained pitches, cliffs, drop-ins, and/or tight turns.
7
The mountain offers a range of very steep, ungroomed terrain with features like cliffs, drop-ins, or tight turns.
6
The mountain offers a range of steep, difficult terrain, with expert features like cliffs in some places.
5
The mountain offers some fairly steep groomed and ungroomed runs.
4
The mountain offers some steep runs but very little ungroomed terrain.
3
The mountain primarily offers groomed terrain with moderate pitches.
2
The mountain offers mostly gently-sloped terrain.
1
None of the mountain's terrain is more difficult than a typical bunny hill.
0
The mountain is completely flat.
4
Mountain Aesthetic
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort offers one-of-a-kind views, terrain, isolation, and vibes. You probably won't find a resort that feels like this again in your lifetime.
9
The resort offers unique terrain, views, and isolation that you'll rarely find anywhere else.
8
The resort clearly distinguishes itself with class-leading views, terrain, and isolation.
7
The resort feels unique, with high-quality views, terrain, and isolation across the footprint.
6
The resort doesn't boast the same unique terrain as some competing resorts but offers excellent views and isolation in many areas.
5
The resort offers some cool terrain and great views and isolation in some areas. Some areas may feel commercialized or built-up.
4
The resort offers decently cool terrain, nice views, or pockets of isolation in places. Major areas may feel commercialized or built-up.
3
The resort either feels commercialized or built-up around more than half the resort or offers only moderately interesting terrain, views and isolation.
2
The resort either feels commercialized or built-up in most areas or offers only mildly interesting terrain, views or isolation.
1
The resort barely feels like a mountain, with intense commercialization and very little in the way of views, terrain, or isolation.
0
The resort is completely flat or indoors.
7
Good To Know
Aprés-ski:
Limited
On-site Lodging:
No
Nearest City:
Redding (1 hr), Sacramento (4 hrs), Eugene (4.5 hrs)
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass, Powder Alliance
Epic [Backend]
Ikon [Backend]
Mountain Collective [Backend]
Other [Backend]
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner [Backend]
Intermediate [Backend]
Advanced [Backend]
Expert [Backend]
Extreme [Backend]
Pros
- Views of the Southern Cascades, especially up toward Shasta itself
- Surprisingly reliable cover thanks to large snowmaking system and deep snowpack
- Diverse selection of intermediate terrain, including glades and short bowls
- Easy access to great backcountry
#BBD0E0 »
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Lack of true advanced and expert terrain
- Slow lifts
- So-so grooming
- Separate peaks make for short lappable vertical drop
- Major hassle to get to and from new expansion area
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Mountain Stats
635
acres
Skiable Footprint
660
acres
Total Footprint
100
%
Lift-Serviced Terrain
7536
ft
Top Elevation
2036
ft
Vertical Drop
6
Lifts
38
Trails
20
%
Beginner
45
%
Intermediate
35
%
Advanced/Expert
Comprehensive Review
Located on the south side of the massive Mount Shasta, Mount Shasta Ski Park is the only decently-sized California ski area north of the Tahoe region. Not to be confused with the previous Mount Shasta Ski Bowl, which closed in the 1970s due to a profoundly destructive avalanche, Mount Shasta Ski Park is a locally-focused area with some great views and great intermediate terrain—as well as a significant recent expansion.
Thanks to its namesake mountain, Shasta Ski Park may look pretty promising on paper. But does this volcano-based resort have enough going for it to justify a trip from farther away?
Snow Quality and Consistency
Mount Shasta Ski Park gets typical California snow, meaning accumulation tends to be heavier than snow found in Utah or Colorado. However, the wetter consistency results in strong snow retention through warmer temperatures. While the resort gets a lot less snow than Tahoe area resorts, the accumulation totals are typically enough to fully cover the slopes throughout the core season, which is especially noteworthy given the ski area’s entirely southern facing exposure.
Shasta’s weather and exposure circumstances make for spring-like conditions for much of the year—and powder that gets heavy very quickly. If you’re looking for soft, untracked snow, you may be a little disappointed in the conditions you’ll find at Shasta. The resort does have a pretty extensive snowmaking system for the west, with 44% of the area being covered, allowing for a reasonably consistent opening schedule and base coverage.
Grooming
One place where Shasta has historically taken a back seat is in its grooming operations. The resort’s south-facing, spring-like slopes have always been a bit of a challenge to smooth out, and with some turnover on the grooming team since a change in ownership a few years ago, it’s common for only a few trails in each terrain pod to receive grooming on a regular basis. It’s rare that Shasta’s groomed runs will be truly unskiable, but those expecting the silky smooth corduroy that’s commonplace at almost every destination ski resort will be disappointed.
With this all being said, operations have started to improve as of this past season, with the resort investing in new grooming strategies to keep slopes in better conditions than in years’ past.
Mountain Aesthetic
Thanks to its location on the slopes of Mount Shasta—a stratovolcano that tops out above 14,000 feet—the views at this ski area are impressive, both on the way up and down. On the slopes themselves, guests can see into the Klamath and Trinity Mountains, which have some striking peaks, especially in the Castle Crags area. Some slopes even offer views down to the Lassen area 70 miles away. When it comes to riding the lifts and a handful of trails, visitors will be looking up at the iconic Mount Shasta itself. Some might argue the view from the base may be the best, as the massive peak of Shasta looms above you.
What’s also above Shasta Ski Park is the old ski area on Mount Shasta, which was called Mount Shasta Ski Bowl. Ski Bowl was closed in the late 70s due to financial troubles and an avalanche that destroyed their main lift.
Terrain Layout
The terrain at Mount Shasta Ski Park is split into four zones, each served by a dedicated lift. The bottom of the ski area also hosts a small beginner learning zone served by a magic carpet. Marmot Ridge, located to the lookers’ left of the base, accesses the resort’s longer beginner terrain and a smaller terrain park. Douglas Butte, to the lookers’ right of the base, accesses a large portion of the resort’s advanced trails and glades and a few intermediate runs as well. The Coyote Butte pod, which starts at mid-mountain, accesses additional advanced runs and glades as well as the resort’s large terrain park. Finally, the newest and highest-elevation Grey Butte pod accesses low-intermediate to advanced runs and many gladed areas. The Grey Butte area also includes Richard’s Way, which is the only double-black-diamond trail on the mountain.
TRAIL MAP
Beginner Terrain
The beginner terrain at Shasta is exclusively concentrated in the resort’s lower-mountain areas. Only the Marmot Triple and a couple of magic carpets directly serve green-rated trails; while there is one green run accessible from the Douglas and Coyote Triple lifts, it’s only accessible by taking a blue run first.
This all being said, the wide and mellow nature of the resort’s green runs makes for a solid experience for less-proficient skiers and riders, at least when the grooming allows. The first-timer carpet area is well shielded from more advanced traffic and even includes access to a small terrain park.
Intermediate Terrain
Once skiers and riders move to the intermediate level, Shasta Ski Park starts to feel a lot larger thanks to moderately-sloped runs in every major area. The Grey Butte area hosts some of the ski area’s best lower-intermediate runs, including some intermediate glades, while runs off the north sides of Douglas and Coyote Buttes offer standout groomed cruising terrain.
Terrain Park
While the “Park” in the resort’s name was likely chosen to distinguish it from the old Ski Bowl, those looking for some terrain park laps will find an okay selection at Mount Shasta. Parks with smaller features can be found on Marmot Ridge as well as in the aforementioned beginner area. For medium and large features, guests should head to the Revolution park on the lower half of Coyote Butte (although it’s worth noting this park can be lapped by both the Coyote and Douglas lifts). This larger park is home to the rails, boxes, and jumps that one would probably expect from a terrain park, but it lacks the truly standout features boasted by many resorts further south in the state.
Advanced Terrain
Advanced-level skiers and riders should be able to cover the whole of Mount Shasta Ski Park without any issues. Steeper groomed trails are found on Douglas and Coyote Buttes, allowing for some serious speed runs. Coyote is home to a selection of widely-spaced advanced glade runs, as well as an open, bowl-like summit that lasts for a few hundred feet. Longer bump runs can also be found on these two peaks, with the Rocky Ridge trail especially standing out for its moguls. On especially good snow days, the lightly-gladed and south-facing Backside zone on Douglas Butte offers wide-open glades with excellent views.
Shasta’s black runs tend to fall on the easier side for their difficulty ratings. Those used to blues at destination resorts, such as those in Tahoe, shouldn’t have a problem completing most of them.
Expert Terrain
If you’re looking for a serious challenge, Shasta Ski Park is not for you. There is one double-black trail within the whole ski area—Richard’s Way—and while it has some rocky obstacles, the steep section is very short. In addition, this run is frustrating to lap due to a long, flat exit. Some of the trees on Douglas Butte also offer some expert-level obstacles, especially between Rocky Ridge and West Face; however, these obstacles are tough to track down and easy to avoid.
Backcountry
While its in-bounds terrain may not be too technical, one of the best parts of Mount Shasta Ski Park is its easy access to incredible backcountry terrain. From the top of Grey Butte, guests can hike or skin up to higher terrain on Mount Shasta itself, which extends more than 6,000 feet above the highest-elevation point of the resort. Skinning up the face of Mount Shasta and then skiing or riding back into the ski area can be really fun for those looking to do longer laps.
RECOMMENDED SKIS FOR MOUNT SHASTA SKI PARK
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Access to and from Grey Butte Expansion Terrain
On paper, Mount Shasta Ski Park offers a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet—which, while not class-leading, is decent for California. However, this metric is a bit misleading, as one cannot do a true top-to-bottom run without hiking or entering backcountry terrain.
The peak of the ski area is served by the new Grey Butte Quad lift, and while it looks like the “Get Back” run on the map allows for easy escape from the pod, this trail is very flat, uphill in some areas, and longer than you think (at nearly a half mile). Getting to the pod requires the same traverse—meaning some uphill catwalking in the other direction—or entering backcountry terrain off the backside of Coyote Butte. That backcountry terrain is very tempting, as you can see the Grey Butte lift the whole time, but if you enter it know that it is out of bounds and is steep enough for avalanches to occur. This weird situation is largely due to checkerboarded land ownership, and while Shasta Ski Park says it’s working toward a solution, one has yet to be implemented.
Navigation
Other than getting to Grey Butte, getting around Shasta Ski Park is pretty easy. Both base lifts are easy to access when first entering the resort, and there are very few traverses. A handful of trails do involve some flat sections, most notably the beginner Panther Creek run from the bottom of the Coyote Butte chair to the base area and the catchline out of the glades on the south side of Douglas Butte; however, the resort is straightforward overall.
Facilities
Shasta offers a few options for those looking to stop in for a break. The main base offers typical ski area food, with a few extra food items such as poutine, and prices are about average for what you get. There is also a nice bar with easy access to the patio overlooking the mountain, though you’ll be mostly in the shade of the building since the slopes are facing south. On the mountain itself, there is a place to stop on the top of Douglas Butte, though it’s very small, lacks indoor seating, and isn’t always open. There is also a rest area at the base of Gray Butte with a vending machine and an outhouse.
Lifts and Crowd Flow
While all the chairlifts at Shasta are slow, fixed grip chairs, they generally offer sufficient capacity for the mountain’s needs. Marmot, Coyote, and Douglas are all comfortable triple chairs, though modest lines can build up at Douglas due to this zone’s popularity. Grey Butte, the resort’s newest lift, is a very comfy quad chair. It’s just about guaranteed that Grey Butte will never have a line due to its high capacity and hard to get to nature.
Night Skiing
Mount Shasta offers “twilight skiing” on Fridays and Saturdays, extending lift operations until 7pm and 6pm, respectively. Operations only occur on a few runs off the Marmot and Douglas areas, which are marked accordingly on the trail map. This offers a few extra hours on busy days for locals to get some turns after work, or for visitors to maximize their day on the slopes.
Getting There and Parking
Mount Shasta is in far northern California, about four hours north of Sacramento and four hours south of Eugene, Oregon. The nearest international airports are in San Francisco and Portland, but by that point, you’re looking at five- or six-hour drives. However, once you make the drive, parking at Mount Shasta is very close to the base and free.
RECOMMENDED SNOWBOARDS FORMOUNT SHASTA SKI PARK
NOTE: We may receive a small affiliate commission if you click on the below links. All products listed below areunisex.
Lodging
As a locally-oriented ski area, Mount Shasta Ski Park doesn’t offer any on-site lodging. Luckily, the closest town of Mount Shasta is only about 20 minutes away, and visitors will find many lodging options and an eclectic vibe there. Options range from basic inns to three-star hotels
Après-ski
If you’re looking for a place to party after shredding the slopes, Mount Shasta Ski Park is not the best bet. The base bar, while very nice and large, doesn’t stay open much past the chairs closing.
Jun 11, 2024 Written By Alex Conrad
Verdict
If you’re looking for gnarly terrain, high speed lifts, or impeccably groomed trails, you won’t find that at Mount Shasta Ski Park. What you will find are mellow slopes with soft snow, limited lift lines, a bizarre recent expansion, and convenient access to some really good backcountry. The resort probably isn’t worth going out of your way to visit, but if you happen to be in the area, it may be worth a stop by.
Pricing
Prices at Mount Shasta are much cheaper than other California resorts, with tickets topping out at $99 for holidays and $89 on weekends, although some might argue this is still only an okay value for the quality of slopes you get. Shasta is also on the Indy Pass and Powder Alliance, which offer a limited number of days at each member ski area.
Best Winter Wonderland Getaway
The resort is a true winter wonderland, with stunning scenery and fantastic skiing conditions. The après-ski activities were a blast, and the staff went out of their way to ensure everything ran smoothly. I especially enjoyed the variety of trails and the relaxing atmosphere after a day on the slopes.
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