Two independent ski mountains sit within about an hour and a half of Blossom Sanctuary in Etna: Mt. Shasta Ski Park to the south and Mt. Ashland to the north. That makes the Scott Valley one of the easiest places in Northern California and Southern Oregon to build a winter of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and slow evenings by the wood stove. This is our guide to the 2026 to 2027 season.
The two mountains at a glance
- Mt. Shasta Ski Park, McCloud, CA. Independently owned, 635 acres, 2,036 feet of vertical, 38 trails, twilight skiing and weekend snow tubing. About 1 hour 30 minutes from Etna in good conditions.
- Mt. Ashland Ski Area, Ashland, OR. A nonprofit ski area with 240 acres, 1,150 feet of vertical, 44 trails, open bowl skiing and Twilight night sessions. About 1 hour 30 to 45 minutes from Etna.
- Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and sledding at the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center, Bunny Flat, Castle Lake, Bull Gap and Snowman's Hill.
- Winter driving and safety: chain controls, road status and avalanche forecasts.
Why ski from Blossom
Blossom is an independent, private retreat house in Etna, with no lift lines at the front door and no resort crowds at dinner. The whole house is yours: up to four adults or a family of up to six, and the couch makes a comfortable extra bed. You can ski Shasta one day, Ashland the next, and come home each night to a quiet valley, a full kitchen and a dark, starry sky.
A ski and spa weekend
- Friday: arrive in daylight, cook dinner together at the house and check tomorrow's roads.
- Saturday: first chair at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, lunch in the lodge, and a sauna round at Mountain Healing Spa back in Etna before dinner.
- Sunday: a slow morning, then a facial or Reiki with Teanna at Citrine Lounge Spa, or a soak at Jackson WellSprings in Ashland on the way to Mt. Ashland. See our Ashland wellness guide.
Members plan this in minutes. The free Members Portal has a wellness itinerary planner that paces your days around sunrise and sunset, so ski days and spa days fit together without rushing. Join the Sovereign Circle free through December 31, 2026 for the member rate and a gift with your first stay.
Good to know this season
- Opening days depend on snow. Mt. Shasta Ski Park lists a mid to late November target on its pass page, and Mt. Ashland had not posted an opening date in early November. Check each mountain's site before you plan.
- 2025 to 2026 was a short, low-snow season at both mountains. Mt. Shasta Ski Park's 60-day season guarantee gives pass holders credit toward the next season if it falls short.
- Drive in daylight, carry chains, and check Caltrans QuickMap and ODOT TripCheck before every trip.
More winter ideas: snow days near Mount Shasta, Ashland in winter and a winter weekend at Blossom, hour by hour. Check dates and price your stay.
Packing for slow mornings? The Vibes Valuta Winter Drop is six pieces in soft neutrals, embroidered in old gold thread: a ringer tee, rib tank, crew and pant, plus a yoga mat and bottle.
