Snowmobiling - The Lassen Forest is host to 459 Miles of designated snowmobile trails, the most groomed trails in California. A Forest Map specifically for winter recreation is available at the chamber office. Snowmobile riders can choose to ride from six snowmobile parking areas:

Near Chester are three staging areas--Chester-Lake Almanor Snowmobile Park, Morgan Summit, Jonesville, Fredoyner Snowmobile Area, Swain Mountain which lead lead to many miles of both groomed and ungroomed trails. A lesser maintained trailhead begins at the boat launch just north of Canyon Dam and continues across to the west side of Highway 89. Another popular area off Highway 89 is Humboldt Road, which offers access to a trail leading to restaurants and lodges along Highway 36 west of Chester.

For more detailed maps of the trails, staging areas and warming huts, contact the Plumas National Forest (530) 283-2050 or the Lassen National Forest (530) 258-2141.

Snowmobile Rentals

Grooming Reports - http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lassen/ 

Skiing and Snowboarding -

Stover Mountain Stover Mountain Recreational Facility is a non profit organization 501 (C) 3 . Strickly manned by volunteers. A community supported ski/board facility.

Stover Mountain is located  on Lassen National Forest 3.5 miles at the junction of Hwy. 89 and Hwy. 36 and is operated under a special use permit

Open on weekends and some holidays from 9 am to 3pm.

Stover Mountain has a small terrain park consisting of 1 small jump and one large jump, 2 rails, 1 slide tube and 1 box. Also two quarter pipes as well. We offer up to eight different runs, from beginning to extreme skiers/boarders. All groomed runs, but lots of powder too.

If you into extreme skiing/boarding, a small hike to the top and jump off a 10 ft rock into the powder.

Their is a historical warming hut and a small concession stand open.

Stover Mountain is a family fun ski/board hill, that you can drive write up to the snow park and then ski. For those who don't ski it is a great place to come and watch.

Great scenic views at the top, for snowshoers and skier/boarders.

Coppervale Ski Hill - Lassen Community College owns and operates a ski area located just west of Susanville.  Coppervale Ski Hill  is about 19 miles east of Chester. The area has trails of various skill levels, a face and a bowl and a newly created terrain park. Some popular activities include: downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as snowboarding.

Snow Conditions & Information 530-257-9965 (Leave Message)

Cross Country Skiing and SnowShoeing - Lassen Park is just 35 miles from Chester on Highway 36/89. Lassen Volcanic National Park boasts over 150 miles of marked and unmarked trails for non-motorized winter sports. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes and ski tours are held on Saturdays during the winter. Contact Lassen Park (530) 595-4444 for details.

In the Chester-Lake Almanor Area, the Lassen National Forest also leads various weekday snowshoe tours beginning in January. Call (530) 258-2141. An interpretive recreation trail on the west shore of Lake Almanor provides miles of great scenery and easy access. McGowan Lake, Childs Meadow, Warner Valley Road, and the Caribou Wilderness all afford quiet excursions near Chester. Cross country ski equipment may be rented at the following locations: 
1) Bodfish Bicycles & Quiet Mountain Sports
(530) 258-2338 Snowshoes/Cross Country Skis are  available for rent-$18/day 2)The Sports Nut (530) 258-3327

Photo M. Smith

Photo M. Smith

Sledding and Snowplay - Opportunities to have fun in the snow are everywhere!! On the road to Stover Mountain, right off Highway 36 is the Chester Sled Hill, where families gather everyday to innertube, air mattress and in general catch big air coming down the hill. Smaller slides exist for the little ones.

Christmas Tree Cutting - The Forest Service issues permits each year for the cost of $10.00, per tree. (530) 258-2141  The guidelines, maps and other helpful information is available as well. Start a new tradition, come to Chester/Lake Almanor and get your holiday greenery.