Ooh you are going to have to drive and spend a night! If you are just playing, however, and not skiing, your options are a little closer than the big ski areas. It's raining here in Merced today, Saturday Dec 26, so it's snowing in the Sierras right now! If you are willing to drive a bit - try Yosemite but stay in Oakhurst, CA and go to Yosemite's snow play area at the South Entrance off highway 41. Or if you are driving Hwy 120 through Manteca, stay on Highway 120 to North of Sonora and go to the snow at Dodge Ridge Ski Area but stay overnight in Sonora (nice little town, Sonora!) If you want some quiet away from the skiers, try Hwy 4 to Angel's Camp and check out the snow at Big Trees State Park about 20 miles north of Angel's Camp off Highway 4, and stay in Angel's Camp (another great little Gold Rush Town) be sure to give yourself and your fellow traveler's time to check out the little towns there - they have some great little fun shops and the Christmas lights are still on the historic buildings in their downtowns. Have fun and be safe driving in the snow! (be sure to pack your snow chains - buy them cheaper at your local Wal-Mart they are expensive at the snow the level.)