California's first national park is home to world-famous trees, including the biggest one on Earth. Yet even with such mighty credentials, Sequoia National Park sees few visitors in the winter. With a commute that's comparable to Tahoe, what are you waiting for?

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, which tree in the world is the largest of all?" At 275 feet tall and with a diameter of 36.5 feet, the General Sherman tree is the biggest living thing on Earth. Summer is when tourists buzz around this behemoth beauty, which keeps company with the other largest trees in the world. To have these natural skyscrapers all to yourself strap on snowshoes and follow the yellow triangle markers through the Giant Forest. The only sound you'll hear is the crunching of your snowshoes as you make your way along a trail that meanders for 2.5 miles (one-way)—beneath 200-foot-tall trees—to Crescent Meadow. Inaccessible by car, the meadow is a dreamy winter landscape that John Muir described as the "gem of the Sierra." Make a snow angel or two before heading back the way you came...through the land of giants.

Rent snowshoes from Wuksachi Lodge. Pick up a trail map titled Cross Country Ski Trails of Sequoia National Park at the lodge or visitor center for $3.50. Follow the directions on the map for the Crescent Trail.

Want to cross-country ski but think you'll have the grace of a newborn calf? Not to worry. Big Meadows, just north of Sequoia National Park, has the cross-country equivalent of a bunny hill, with a cozy snack hut to boot. The flat, wide-open trail keeps you kicking and gliding for 2.5 miles among pine and fir trees. It's smooth sailing on skis with just enough ups and downs for a few whee-hees. At 2.5 miles you'll reach the tiny but hearty warming hut, nicely resting on the edge of Big Meadows. Volunteers stock the hut with delightful goodies like chicken noodle ramen soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, oatmeal, and water. Leave a little money in the honor-system donation box and help yourself to the treats. Then take a seat on the porch, kick up your feet, and enjoy the snowy surroundings. Easy does it!

Rent cross-country skis from Wuksachi Lodge. Big Meadows trailhead is 30 minutes north of the lodge on Generals Highway in Sequoia National Forest. Look for a sign on the right just a couple of minutes after passing Montecito Sequoia Lodge. Follow the wide trail 2.5 miles to Big Meadows and the hut. Return the way you came.

Imagine spending the night in a modern yet rustic lodge with vaulted wood-beam ceilings, grand stone fireplaces, panoramic windows overlooking a snow-filled forest, and jagged mountain peaks all around. Now imagine that this lodge is reasonably priced and not overbooked. Sound good? Welcome to Wuksachi Lodge. Just 10 years old, Sequoia's only overnight accommodations (aside from snow camping) blends modern comforts with natural touches, making it a perfect—and perfectly situated—base camp for exploring the park. Rent snowshoes and cross-country skis on site: Trails literally leave right from your door. Wind down the day with a hearty meal in the friendly full-service dining room kept warm with a stone fireplace.

Winter room rates at Wuksachi Lodge change but generally start at $100 to $120 per night.

San Francisco's hometown airline—Virgin America—keeps dishing out delicious fares. On the menu this month: Award-winning service at great fares (starting at $49 one-way) to places like L.A., Boston, New York, and San Diego. Paying a low price doesn't mean compromising on taste. Virgin America's state-of-the-art planes all have appetizing features like touch-screen personal entertainment, seat-to-seat texting (Hello 13B!), comfy leather seats, fleet-wide WiFi, and relaxing mood lighting. And as a two-time winner of best domestic airline by Condé Nast Traveler, Virgin America knows that quality of service matters just as much as beautiful presentation. Yep, Virgin America's modern fare is savory, sweet, and very affordable. Grab a seat.

Non-stop Modern Fares (Book by Feb. 24, 2010):

SFO to L.A.: $49 one-way
SFO to San Diego: $49 one-way
SFO to Orange County: $49 one-way
SFO to Las Vegas: $49 one-way
SFO to Seattle: $69 one-way
SFO to Boston: $109 one-way
SFO to New York (JFK): $119 one-way
SFO to Washington D.C.: $109 one-way
SFO to Fort Lauderdale: $119 one-way

Travel must occur between Feb. 11 and March 10, 2010. 14-day advance purchase required.