Many folks assume that national parks close for the winter, hibernating with the bears. But California’s Sequoia National Park—known for its giant trees, close cousins of the famed Calfornia Redwoods—offers the combination of low-season bargain rates along with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding near its main lodge. (Located in central California's Sierra Mountains, the park's only downside is that it’s a haul from any major city: six hours from Los Angeles and seven from the Bay Area.) Staying at its Wuksachi Lodge isn't roughing it, either; the 102-room Mission-style lodge is just
10 years old, and has an onsite restuarant and lounge. Rooms feature TVs, data ports and mini fridges. On weekends, the lodge also offers
free yoga classes.
Sequoia is offering a couple of family-friendly package to inspire you to pack your mittens. Its Winter Family Family Fun Package includes:
- lodging at the Wuksachi Lodge (room rates start at $99/night on winter weekends, compared to $285 in the summer)
- free snowshoe rentals for each adult staying in the room, per day of visit (usually a $18/person x 2 adults = $36/day value)
- one sled for the kids to keep (a round disc sled, probably worth about $15)
When we checked some weekend dates in January, we found package rates starting at $142 a night, which is only a few dollars cheaper than booking the elements independently.
A better value: The Sequoia Snowshoe Package, which includes free daily snowshoeing for four. After all, kids as young as 2 can quickly get the hang of snowshoeing, and this package starts at $151 a night for the same January dates we checked. After you factor in the value of the free snowshoeing ($18/person x 4 people = $72 value), this package is about 13% cheaper than booking your room and snowshoe rentals separately. And remember, those winter room rates are a bargain in and of themselves.
The winter packages at Sequoia are valid for travel through April 1, 2010. If booking online, just click on the appropriate package after you enter your travel dates. If booking by phone, call 866/807-3598 and request the package of your choice.
