Best Winter Activities Near Modesto CA
Modesto is a California city of 218,500 residents, and the 18th largest city in the state. While we’re talking about winter activities here, keep in mind that the temperature rarely gets to freezing in Modesto. That’s not to say it doesn’t get cold. Temperatures in the winter are usually in the fifties to low sixties during the day from December through February and get into the 40s at night.
The city is also close to areas where it snows, so ski resorts are a fun winter activity. We’ll explore those and some others we hope you’ll enjoy.
Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company
In the Central Sierra, about two hours northeast of Modesto is Bear Valley Adventure Co. It is a bit of a drive but a couple of hours in your car isn’t out of the ordinary in Southern California.
This resort is run by Paul and Dianne Petersen, a couple who have worked in the skiing industry for over 30 years. Paul was also a professional ski instructor for the American National Team for 12 years.
The resort includes 3,000 acres with 35 cross-country ski trails. You and your family can have a blast here with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The kids will especially enjoy sledding and tubing.
You’ll also find Reba’s Toll House Cafe nearby, a great place to grab breakfast or lunch, and the Bear Valley Adventure Co. store, with cross-country skis, snowshoes, clothing, and souvenirs. Check the website for events, like wine tastings and ski races.
Dodge Ridge
Also two hours away, in Pine Crest, is Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. While Bear Valley offers cross country skiing, at Dodge Ridge, you can do a lot of downhill skiing. In fact, there are 62 runs for all skill levels. Twenty percent of the slopes are for beginners, 40% are for intermediate skiers, and 40% are for advanced skiers.
The base elevation for the resort is 6,600 feet, while the summit is at 8,200 feet. There are 12 lifts, and the resort is open from December to April yearly, depending on weather conditions.
Stockton Arena
If you enjoy watching hockey, then check out the schedule for the Stockton Arena. You’ll find games every weekend, mostly with the Stockton Heat or Stockton Kings as the home teams.
However, you’ll also find shows. In February 2022, Disney On Ice has seven shows over one weekend. We also found listings for The Harlem Globetrotters, Jeff Dunham, and Gabriel Iglesias.
The Stockton Arena has 12,000 seats, so as long as you buy your tickets a bit in advance, you will have a superb view of whatever show you attend.
Art and More Day Camp
While this art school is in operation year-round, winter is a great time to get your kids involved. This is a fun time to make ornaments and other art for the holidays, and you can do so right here in Modesto.
Art and More Day Camp teaches children ages five and up, and has lessons for parents and children together. They have private and group art lessons, as well as private sewing lessons. They also have online lessons.
Besides art classes, this school teaches horseback riding lessons and hosts birthday parties.
The Captain’s Winter Solstice Runaround
Are you fitness-oriented? Then you might enjoy Captain's Winter Solstice Runaround, a winter fun-run that takes place every year around the Winter solstice right here in Modesto.
You choose how long you want to race and see how far you can run. The track is a one-mile paved circle in Mary Grogan Community Park, and participants choose to race for 4, 6, or 12 hours. In 2021, the run is on December 18.
Do you need somewhere to store your summer clothes this winter near Modesto, or business inventory you’re selling for the holidays? Then visit us at Derrel’s Mini Storage, either online or in person.
We have facilities throughout the area and three in Modesto alone.
