9 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Southern California Winter

Although Southern California is best known for its sunny days, blue skies, and sandy beaches, there are also plenty of places in SoCal that experience some extreme weather in the winter. Now that winter is right around the corner and it looks like the snow is about to fall, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Always check the road conditions before you travel. One minute the roads look like this...

2. ...and the next minute it can turn to this.

3. Yes, you'll need tire chains in SoCal.

You may not think of tire chains as a necessary purchase in SoCal, but when the roads in the mountains start looking like this, you'll definitely want to have a pair in your trunk.

4. When the snow piles up in the mountain towns, you may have to exchange your flip-flops for some skis.

5. You'll need to master some epic camera skills.

With scenery like this during the winter season, you'll definitely want to take some pictures as a reminder that SoCal is so much more than sunny days at the beach.

6. Although winter gear in SoCal most of the year is a few extra layers or a light sweater...

...you'll need to invest in a heavy coat when you head to the snowy parts of the state or you just might freeze.

7. There's a skill to making the perfect snowball.

We don't get many opportunities to play in the snow in SoCal, but when we do we better have the skills to throw the perfect snow ball.

8. You'll need to scout out the perfect hill for sledding.

Because winter in SoCal just isn't winter until you go flying down a steep hill covered in snow.

9. And just in case you spend your winter on the beach in SoCal, you'll need to find the perfect outfit to wear.

Especially around the holidays.

How do you survive winter in Southern California? If you'd rather stay away from this part of the state during the winter season, here are 10 reasons to remind you why no one visits Southern California in the winter.