The winters are very special in McCloud, California.

McCloud holds special wonders for all seasons. In the Spring bulbs are bursting everywhere and the dogwoods will take your breath away. The summer finds the gardens in full glory with our gardens blooming and nearly overflowing with color and 100 shades of green. In the fall we found out that these were not just evergreen forests, but brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. McCloud puts on quite a show.

But the winters are very special. At 3400 feet, McCloud, California has a very manageable snow fall. We’ll have several snow falls during the winter, but the town is not dressed in white all season. It’s the bright sunny days that shine on the snow and make it sparkle like a million stars.

And we wouldn’t miss the winter activities. It’s just five miles to Ski Park Blvd. The Mt. Shasta Board & Ski Park provides wonderful activities in any season. The X-Country skiing boasts long, well-groomed trails. Snow mobilers have a special huge area to the east in which to ride forever. Snowshoeing is becoming popular, and our guests always find a place to plod along. Making snowmen is good too.

But the best part of winter is sitting in our lobby, in front of the big fire, feet up, watching it snow and getting lost in your own daydreams.

The Holidays outdo themselves. The town is open and ready for Christmas on the first weekend in December when everyone comes together for caroling, visiting Santa, and checking out the decorations and refreshments. One year each business in town took on an aspect of the Nutcracker. The candy store was decorated as the Sugar Plum Fairy. The hotel used the Nutcracker as its theme. We had 20 Christmas trees…some outside on the upstairs balcony, all lit and beautiful. Lobby trees were loaded with Nutcracker ornaments. Of course, there were Nutcrackers of all shapes, sizes and descriptions everywhere. We’ve won first place for decorations for several years and look forward to this year’s theme.

If it’s the roads you are worried about… Interstate 5 is well-maintained; sometimes chains are required. The nine-mile drive from Interstate 5 on Hwy 89 to McCloud goes over a crest of about 4000 feet. Rarely are chains required. In town plowing is usually done by the end of breakfast. Remember that we are in the mountains and it does snow. So be prepared and carry chains. If roads are passable we expect reservations to be honored. If conditions are bad and any road is impassable, give us a call and there will be no charge.