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Best Spring Break 2015 Destinations Near Sacramento For College Students

What's on your list this year for spring break? Skiing, hiking, cycling? Perhaps something having to do with the ocean or the Bay Area. Depending on how much time you plan to spend in a car, all of those options are possible from Sacramento. Break out the map and plan ahead. Spring break is to be enjoyed. Spring break for students and families in the greater Sacramento area comes with an amazing bucket full of choices.
Hope Valley Outdoors
Picketts Junction, Intersection of State Route 88 and Highway 89
Hope Valley, CA 96120
(530) 721-2015
www.hopevalleycrosscountry.com

Hope Valley Outdoors, aka Hope Valley Cross Country, is a great place to either learn this sport or to enhance your skills. You can bring your own gear or travel light and rent on location. Hope Valley Outdoors knows all about where to cross country ski in the Hope Valley corridor and the Carson Pass area. During spring break, you'll be able to spend more time on the snow as the days are longer. Joyce Coker and her crew will take very good care of you. You may want to rent a fat bike and pedal across the snow. Cross country ski or ride the bike over multiple days. Either way, it's a hoot. Bring cash or checks, as they are off the grid here. Cell phone coverage hasn't blanketed this wonderful little spot yet.

Northstar California
100 Northstar Drive
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 562-1010
www.northstarcalifornia.com

If downhill skiing is your choice of snow sport, head up I-80 to Northstar. It's relatively close, which gives you more time to ski. The resort continually works to insure that the on-mountain skiing or riding experience is top notch. There's a fantastic rental shop if you don't own your own gear. All you need is right here. When your day on the trails is over, head to the Northstar Village for food, fun and lodging. Venture out to the historic town of Truckee for even more fun. Spend a good part of your break here, build memories and head back to school exhausted but wearing a smile.

Mammoth Mountain
10001 Minaret Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(800) 626-6684
www.mammothmountain.com

Drive a little longer and experience the east side of the mighty Sierra. Mammoth is a legendary ski area. Ski here, eat here and stay here. Mammoth is a big place and has more than enough territory for all the spring break skiers and riders. When you need a break, enjoy the base lodge, or head into town. Ask about nearby hot springs. There are plenty of activities for college students and for families to get away on spring break, with fun for all.

Related: Spring Break Stay-Cations In Sacramento

Heavenly Ski Resort
4080 Lake Tahoe Boulevard
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(800) 432-8365
www.skiheavenly.com

Maybe your idea of spring break fun is South Lake Tahoe. Heavenly, another legendary ski area, is right in the middle of SLT. Ski or ride in California or Nevada, as this awesome resorts spans the border. Some of the best views of Lake Tahoe are here, at the top. Lodging is in town and your choices are many. When your day on the trails is over, South Lake Tahoe will beckon you. Perhaps best of all is that you have other choices here in spring, besides skiing or boarding. South Lake Tahoe has an amazing, extensive bike trail system, and is home to fantastic eateries for every taste. Hike along the shore of Tahoe, or simply enjoy the base area on the California side. Families and students alike love this place for all the great choices that exist here.

Diablo State Park
96 Mitchell Canyon Road
Clayton, CA 94517
(925) 837-2525
www.www.parks.ca.gov

For something a little different, head to the Bay Area and Mt. Diablo State Park. This wonderful patch of wild will suit you just fine if your preferred version of fun is hiking and mountain biking. Take advantage of the day time, and hike to the summit for a wide open view of the Bay Area. Over a few days, hike or ride the 150+ miles of trails that weave through the park. Take it easy or head up one of the more difficult routes. When your daylight trek is over, you have an amazing menu of evening choices in San Francisco and the surrounding area. Take a day and explore San Francisco, or head to the back bay. Play in the ocean, in the hills or in the city while leaving ample time for the climbs and rides on Mt. Diablo.

Related: Guru Getaway: One Tank Trip to Mt. Diablo

Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 41 years. In 2010 he retired from teaching after 36 years . He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
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