Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around Palm Desert

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around Palm Desert, you’ll find places where families can lace up skates, enjoy indoor winter fun, or plan easy day trips to nearby skiing, tubing or sledding spots. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out for a weekend adventure, these ideas can help you make the most of the season. Just be sure to double-check hours, weather conditions and reservation details before heading out.

⛸️ Ice Skating & Indoor Winter Fun

Berger Foundation Iceplex

Address: 75702 Varner Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Phone: (760) 835-5000

Details: The Berger Foundation Iceplex offers year-round ice skating, figure skating, and ice hockey sessions in a climate-controlled rink. It's an unexpectedly "cool" way to enjoy a little ice time in the desert.

Ice Town Riverside

Address: 10540 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505

Phone: (951) 637-3070

Details: Ice Town Riverside features public skating sessions, lessons, and hockey programs in a full indoor rink. It’s a dependable option for ice skating when closer seasonal rinks are unavailable and is about a 55 to 60-minute drive from Palm Desert.

🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Winter Adventure Center

Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Phone: (888) 515-8726

Details: Ride the tram up to Mount San Jacinto and experience real snow fun in the mountains. Expect to sled down gentle natural hills or snowshoe your way across the mountain at the Winter Adventure Center. It’s about a 25 to 30-minute drive from Palm Desert when conditions allow.

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Address: 42801 Big Bear Lake Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Phone: (909) 866-5766

Details: Big Bear Mountain Resort is one of Southern California’s premier snow destinations, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing across two mountains. This classic winter getaway is about a 2 hour 45 minute to 3-hour drive from Palm Desert when snow conditions permit.

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

When cooler mountain weather brings snow to higher elevations near Palm Desert, open spaces become fun spots for winter fun and sledding. Always check weather conditions, trail access, and safety updates before heading out.

Palm Desert-area spots to consider:

Natural snow play areas at the top of Mount San Jacinto State Park offer opportunities for snowball fights, sledding, and winter hiking once snow is present. And it isn't too much of a lift given that it's a 25 to 30-minute drive from Palm Desert. (Source: California State Parks)

Further outdoors:

Big Bear Lake Snow Play Areas — Beyond skiing and tubing, many areas around Big Bear Lake are popular for sledding and scenic winter fun once snow accumulates. The area is about a 2 hour 45 minute to 3-hour drive from Palm Desert when conditions allow.

Bundle up, stay safe and have fun wherever winter takes you!

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