Play, eat, relax, repeat. It's a sweet vacation formula indeed. And we've found a way to insert a little extra "play" into the mix: just add snow! In beautiful northern California, we introduce you to our all-time favorite wintertime spots, from Sugar Bowl to Mount Tamalpais. You explore on cross-country skis, by bike and on foot. Add some yoga, drinks by the fire and Michelin-starred cuisine. You might think of it as Backroads' winter boot camp. Except nobody's yelling and crunches aren't required. All that's needed is a healthy spirit for adventure and well-toned sense of fun. Go forth and recreate!
Days 1-2 The world-renowned winter playground of North Lake Tahoe
Journey to the undiscovered ski resort of Sugar Bowl Strap on skis for a jaunt near our alpine chalet No visit to this region would be complete without experiencing some of North America's best nordic ski terrain 
Striders and skaters of all ski levels will be in heaven amid a vast network of impeccably groomed trails The afternoon may find you on downhill skis at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, or relaxing by the fireplace back at the lodge.
Day 3 Even the cuisine has star power - Michelin stars, that is, at Santé Restaurant
What's your pleasure? A brisk cross-country ski before breakfast or sleeping in and a strong cup of coffee? You decide Wine Country, here you come! Shuttle to Sonoma, whose Spanish-style plaza is perfect for a stroll Hike in historic Jack London State Park and drop by a winery for a tasting What goes better with skiing than spa-ing? We've got a soothing treat in store for you at Sonoma Mission Inn's spa.
Days 4-6 Soak up some of the most phenomenal views in northern California
The spectacular landscape of Mount Tamalpais sets the stage for today's hike Shaded by redwoods, ascend the steps of the Dipsea Trail, where the country's oldest trail race takes place Ready for two wheels? Incredible views await on the Paradise Loop, one the Bay Area's most popular cycling routes Indulge those hard-working muscles at our hotel's world-class spa After a final hike in the Marin Headlands, we take the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco - a trip Travel + Leisure named one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world We end with lunch at the historic San Francisco Ferry Building and toast to a fantastic week.
Trip Highlights
- The world-renowned winter playground of North Lake Tahoe
- Soak up some of the most epic views in Northern California from the mountains to the bay
- Savor cuisine with star power - Michelin stars, that is
- Try a new activity or hone your skills with an old favorite
- Join the best gym around - Mother Nature - no membership fee required!
Premiere Inns
Lodge at Sugar Bowl (2 nights): This classic alpine ski lodge is comfortably low key and set just steps from the slopes.
Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (1 night): A sprawling 1927 replica of a California mission with a spa featuring "a menu of treatments as broad as its spa cuisine is lean," according to Travel + Leisure. (pool, spa)
Cavallo Point Lodge (2 nights): Luxurious and beautifully restored military officers' quarters of Fort Baker, nestled under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | |||||||||||
| Day | Activity | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | |||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | ||
| 1 | Other | Cross-country skiing (1-2 hours) | |||||||||
| 2 | Other | Cross-country skiing (3-4 hours), optional downhill skiing (2-4 hours), optional yoga (1 hour) | |||||||||
| 3 | Walking | 3.0 | 200 | ||||||||
| Walking | 5.0 | 400 | |||||||||
| Other | Cross-country skiing (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 4 | Walking | 4.1* | 200 | 6.7 | 1600 | 8.7 | 1700 | ||||
| 5 | Biking | 20* | 800 | 28 | 1300 | 32 | 1000 | ||||
| Biking | 38 | 1800 | |||||||||
| Other | Optional Yoga (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 6 | Hiking | 5 | 600 | ||||||||
| Other | Optional Yoga (1 hour) | ||||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
Guest Trip Reviews
This new trip is the ultimate multisport experience! It's packed with a fantastic mix of activities - from biking and hiking to skiing and snowshoeing - giving you the opportunity to try something new while enjoying beautiful northern California from all angles. In fact, a five-day trip with such a diverse range of activities would be a big challenge to orchestrate on your own. But with Backroads, you'll move effortlessly from one pursuit to the next - even if your idea of "activity" means kicking back at the hotel with a local microbrew in hand!- Regional Manager, California