How to Go Skiing in Shirley Meadows, California

You can plan a ski trip to Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows in Wofford Heights, California, from the comfort of your own home. Use the Internet to find information on transportation and accommodations and get the scoop on the snow coverage at this resort near the Sequoia National Forest. Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows has a vertical drop of 600 feet and a height of 7,102 feet.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Choose Your Lodging

1. Make reservations at a cozy inn or a lakeside vacation rental through the Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows Web site (see Resources below). You can also call the resort at [phone] for help with booking.

2. Book lodging in Shirley Meadows through the Greater Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling [phone] or by visiting its Web site (see Resources below).

3. Book vacation house rentals in the area surrounding Shirley Meadows. Look for rentals in Lake Isabella, Kernville, Woody and Alta Sierra if you prefer not to stay in Bakersfield.

4. Book a room at one of the lodges located within a 30-minute drive of Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows. The resort currently has no on-site accommodations.

5. Find hotels to fit all budgets in Bakersfield. The city is a short drive to Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows. You'll find everything from budget chain hotels to luxury boutique hotels in Bakersfield, California.

Arrange Transportation to Shirley Meadows

1. Fly into LAX in Los Angeles and take the airport bus to downtown Bakersfield to begin your trip to Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows. This bus operates between the airport and the downtown terminal seven times a day.

2. Rent a car in Los Angeles and drive up to Shirley Meadows via Interstate 5. There are directions to the resort on the Web site.

Plan Your Ski Trip to Shirley Meadows

1. Shirley Meadows began operation in the 1980s, but was purchased by a group of Bakersfield-based business people in 2006. At this time, the resort was renamed Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows to reflect the new owners' passion for keeping winter sports alive in the San Joaquin valley of California.

2. Bring your student or military I.D. to take advantage of Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadow's discount policy. You could save up to 20 percent on lift tickets.

3. Book ski or snowboard lessons for the kids. There are group classes for kids under 6 years old and private lessons available for older kids and adults.

4. Travel with a group of 20 or more and save on the price of lift tickets. Review the guidelines found on the resort's Web site, and fill out the group sales form before arriving at Alta Sierra.

5. Check out the Tube Park at Alta Sierra in Shirley Meadows. Here you can ride from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Tickets are inexpensive.

6. Locate a current ski report by clicking on the "Conditions" link on the main page of the resort Web site.