The California Double: How to Snowboard & Surf in One Day
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For many, completing the California Double is about fulfilling that California ideal. With over 800 miles of coastline and several mountain ranges, the real challenge is deciding which part of California to conquer.
Here is how to do the California Double in each region in California, including the best places to snowboard and surf in the same day in southern, central, and northern California.
What is a California Double?
The California Double is when you ski or snowboard and surf within the same calendar day.
The California Double is also known as the Sea to Ski, Ski to Surf Challenge, California Trifecta (including longboarding), California Combo, or California Triple.
While there are a few other places in the world where you can ski and snowboard in the same day, it is named because of how many places within the state of California where you can reasonably complete this challenge with a comfortable climate.
California has two mountain ranges with ski resorts that are within a three-hour drive from the Pacific Coast– the Sierra Nevadas and the San Bernadino Mountain Range. The mountains are far enough away from the coast to still have snow while the water is warm enough to surf.
How do you ski and surf in the same day in California?
Before you embark on this race against the sun, there are a few factors to consider when planning your itinerary.
The first is finding the right time of year with enough daylight AND enough snow.
The best time to attempt the California Double is in mid-spring when the ski resorts are still open and after you gain an hour from Daylight Savings.
The other thing to consider is the budget, including gear rental, gas, and lift tickets.
Keep in mind that completing the California Trifecta is more about achieving a bucket list rather than getting your money’s worth out of each rental.
Out of the two sports, snowboarding is more expensive, although season passes and having your own gear could diminish that cost.
Snowboarding also requires the most prior skill. I am actually a beginner at snowboarding, surfing, and longboarding, but I didn’t let that stop me from having fun! However, I recommend at least some prior experience in snowboarding before attempting the California Double.
Attempting the California Double was my first time ever surfing, and I was able to stand up! It still would have been a fun time if I could only body surf which is why I think surfing is the most beginner-friendly sport of the Trifecta/ Double.
I also advise getting a hotel to relax at the end of the day so you can make the drive back home after getting a good night’s sleep. I stayed at the Avila Village Inn and soaked the day away in a private hot tub.
How to do the California Double in Southern California
Southern California is the easiest place to do the California Double. There are six ski resorts within 100 miles of the coast in SoCal. Southern California also has the warmest water year-round to surf.
Snow Summit at Big Bear offers night skiing on select nights, so this could also extend the time spent on each activity.
Venice and Huntington are the closest surf spots to Big Bear. But other popular spots include Manhattan Beach, Redondo, and San Clemente.
9:00am Surf Venice Beach | 11:00am Skate Venice Beach | 12:00pm Drive to Big Bear (4 hours) 4:00pm Snow Summit Night Session
How to do the California Double in Central California
There are two ski resorts where you can complete the California Double in Central California- China Peak and Alta Sierra. Pismo is the closest surf spot to them both. Because I live in Fresno, I chose to begin my day at China Peak.
Ensuring access to rentals is also why I chose to start with snowboarding instead of ending the day with it, even though that meant purchasing a full-day lift ticket.
I made one run down the mountain, but in hindsight, I had plenty of time to fit in a few more runs if I wanted to. You’ll want to be on the road no later than 11:00 am to make the four-hour drive to the coast.
From China Peak, I headed straight to Shell Beach Surf Shop in Pismo. Most rental places in the area were only open in the mornings when the surf is better, so I was thankful for a shop that closed at 7:00 pm!
Pro Tip: For a truly “California” experience, choose In-N-Out for lunch! There is one in Kettleman City about halfway to the coast.
From the rental shop, I drove my 8-foot foam board to SeaCrest Beach Access. You can park at the SeaCrest Hotel and take the staircase down to the beach. You’ll want to leave the beach by 6:00 pm to rinse and return the rentals and have enough light to skate along the strand.
8:30am Ski China Peak | 11:00am Drive to Pismo (4 hours) | 4:00pm Surf Pismo
How to do the California Double in Northern California
The easiest place to do the California Double in northern California is from Tahoe to the Bay Area. Keep in mind that Northern California is going to have the coldest weather and water in the spring.
Tahoe has the highest concentration of ski resorts in California. But the closest to the Bay Area is going to be Soda Springs, Donner, and Sugar Bowl.
Good surf spots near the Bay Area include Linda Mar, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz.
8:00am Surf Linda Mar | 10:00am Drive to Tahoe (4 hours) | 3:00pm Snowboard Sugar Bowl
What to Pack for the California Double
Packing and planning your outfits is another important factor. You are packing for two different climates, so plan accordingly.
My snowboarding gear required the most pieces and took up the most luggage space. Think snow pants, gloves, a thermal top, goggles, long socks, snow boots, and a beanie. I packed a coverup for the beach, a bikini (to wear under a wetsuit), a dry bag, extra beach towels, and sandals.
- Snowboard
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Socks
- Snow pants
- Thermal top
- Gloves
- Snow boots
- Beanie
- Surfboard
- Bathing Suit
- Wet suit
- Towel
- Sandals
- Longboard (optional)
- Closed toe shoes
- Change of clothes
- Dry bag
You will also need either a rack and ties for your car or a car big enough to store a surfboard for a few miles to get from the rental shop to the surf spot. For longboarding, you’ll want something warm after getting out of the ocean, and do not forget closed-toe shoes!
FAQ
Skiing and surfing within the same day is known as the California Double, although there are a few other places in the world where you can complete this feat.
You can ski and surf in the same day in the state of California, Oregon, and Hawaii. It is also possible to ski and surf in the same day in Chile, New Zealand, France, Australia, and Canada.
Yes, you can snowboard and surf in the same day in California. This is known as the California Double.
The majority of California’s ski resorts are within a four-hour drive from the Pacific Ocean. The southern California ski resorts Waterman, Bear Mountain, and Mountain High are the closest to the ocean.
Completing the California Double will cost $200 at minimum for gas and lift tickets. Season passes and rental gear will determine if the cost is lower or higher respectively.
For the full video experience, check out my Instagram. And if you ever have a question, you can always DM me @cassiescompass or drop it in the comments below.
What do you think, would you ever snowboard and surf in the same day?
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- All 28 California Ski Resorts Ranked by Region
- The Complete Central California Bucket List
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