Travel to Sierra Summit with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Sierra Summit is a laid-back, rustic resort, with not much to speak of in the way of a base village. Limited onsite lodging, dining options and a low-key bar are provided, but this ski resort is not for those seeking a raging social scene. Fun-filled days are followed, for the most part, by fairly gentle nights.

The resort encompasses 485 hectares of ski terrain, with 11 per cent comprised of beginner trails, 28 per cent of low intermediate routes, 33 per cent of standard intermediate routes and 28 per cent of advanced trails. The pistes are connected by nine lifts, including six chairlifts, two handle tows and one T-bar. Snowboarders have access to all trails, plus three modern freestyle parks.

Lodging at the resort is supplied by the Sierra Summit Inn, just a short walk from the ski lifts. The inn’s relaxed atmosphere provides the ideal setting in which to unwind after a hard day on the slopes, and the Buckhorn Bar and Summit Dining Room, located inside, offer opportunities for après-ski dining and socialising.

Alternative accommodation options are located within five to 30 minutes of the ski resort, and include rental townhouses and hotels. During the day, Sierra Summit guests have the pick of several additional restaurants located on the mountain and at the base area, and two convenient picnic areas. There is no onsite childcare centre at Sierra Summit, but the ski resort does have an all-day Kid’s Camp programme for children ages 4 to 12, including ski guidance and supervision.

The ski season is from November through May; however, the resort is open year round, with plenty of summer activities. If you purchase season passes before November 15, they are at significantly reduced prices. Teens and seniors receive reduced prices, and everyone skis for free on their birthday.

Reduced tickets are also offered for middle and high school students on Sunday, and for college students on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Sierra Summit ski resort can be accessed by road transportation via highway 168.

Skiing in Sierra Summit

Surrounded by the pristine wooded landscape of the Sierra National Forest, Sierra Summit resort is a snowy paradise for both skiers and snowboarders. Located just 100kms from Fresno, Sierra Summit encompasses 485 hectares of ski terrain, plus three funky freestyle parks.

Over 40 skiing trails at Sierra Summit are divided into four categories, with beginners snatching 11 per cent of the terrain, lower intermediates allocated 28 per cent, intermediates 33 per cent and advanced skiers 28 per cent. The longest run at Sierra Summit is Academy, at 3.6kms, and the skiing routes are connected by a system of nine lifts.

Snowboarders will be in their element at Sierra Summit, with free run of all ski routes, and three great freestyle parks to choose from. The original Tollhouse Park has been joined by two newly constructed parks, Canyon Park and Ridge Park, cumulatively offering up curves, banks, rollers, jumps, jibs, rails and boxes to challenge even the most seasoned snow-surfers. A half-pipe is located next to Tollhouse Park, and the Family Fun Zone, with gentle rollers and small jumps, is perfect for easing youngsters and beginners into the freestyle experience.

Sierra Summit’s ski season is from November through May; however, the resort is open year round. Season passes may be purchased at a reduced rate before November 15, and everyone skis for free on their birthday. Reduced tickets are also offered for middle and high school students on Sunday, and for college students on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Sierra Summit is located northeast of Fresno, and can be accessed via highway 168.

Après-ski in Sierra Summit

Off-slope hours at Sierra Summit are laid-back, consisting mainly of relaxed meals in the Summit Dining Room, drinks at the inn’s Buckhorn Bar, or daytime picnics in the snow at two convenient locations. Alternatively, there are a number of nearby Sno-Parks in the Sierra National Forest that provide a fun outing and change of scenery.

Onsite lodging options are restricted to rooms in the Sierra Summit Inn, but a range of other choices are situated between five minutes and half an hour from the ski area.

A mountain sports shop retails a selection of snow gear and useful accessories, as well as snow park permits and gift cards. The resort does not provide childcare facilities, but there is a children’s day camp that gives guided instruction and offers your kids the chance to meet other youngsters in a fun, supervised environment.

The Sierra National Forest is a magical winter wonderland, and it’s worth taking a day or two off from the slopes to explore this spectacular region. Located close to Sierra Summit ski resort are several Sno-Parks operated by the Forest Service. If you are keen to check these out, make sure you get a Sno-Park permit, available from the onsite sports shop. Farther afield, the famous Yosemite National Park should not be missed.

Transportation in Sierra Summit

Sierra Summit ski resort is situated on Huntington Lake, approximately 100kms from the town of Fresno. The most convenient method of transportation to the resort is by car, via highway 168.

If you are driving to Sierra Summit from the south, take highway 99 north towards Fresno. Merge on to highway 41 north (in Fresno), towards Yosemite, and then on to highway 180 east towards Kings Canyon. Take highway 168 east towards Clovis/Huntington Lake, and continue until you reach Sierra Summit.

Alternatively, from the north, take highway 99 south towards Fresno, then highway 145 east in Madera at the Millerton Lake exit. Follow highway 145 to the town of Friant, then head east (left) on Friant road past Millerton Lake. Head east (left) on Auberry road to highway 168 and follow this route to Sierra Summit.

The Amtrak station is located at 2650 Tulare street in downtown Fresno and is the busiest station on the San Joaquin route. Seven days a week, six trains pass through Fresno headed north to Stockton. From Fresno, you can transfer by road to Sierra Summit. Greyhound Lines buses also travel to Fresno.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest airport, and is the regional airport for the central San Joaquin Valley. More than 25 cities are served by the airport, with more than a hundred daily flights. From the airport, you can transfer by hire car to the resort, which is 100kms away.

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