First-Timer's Guide to Big Bear Mountain Resort

Snow Valley: The Family-Friendly Gem

35100 CA-18, Running Springs, CA 92382
As Southern California’s longest continually operating alpine experience, Snow Valley shares 100-years of heritage with the BBMR tradition of innovation and operational expertise.

Why Go: Snow Valley is ideal for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere combined with diverse terrain. The mountain offers a blend of groomed trails and natural features, making it a great choice for riders of all levels eager to challenge their skills while still enjoying a family-friendly vibe. With a variety of terrain suited for all levels—14% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 41% advanced—and a vertical drop of 1,041 feet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. rich-text, responsive-table

Highlights:

• Quick Drive: Snow Valley is the closest to Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego compared to Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.
• Terrain Variety: With a good mix of groomed runs and off-piste options, Snow Valley offers a more adventurous experience.
• Less Crowded: If you prefer a quieter day on the slopes, Snow Valley often has fewer crowds.
• Scenic Views: The mountain provides stunning views of the surrounding area, especially if you venture off the main trails.
• Favorite Run: Slide Peak

For interactive trail maps and mountain stats, visit the Trails Maps page. rich-text, responsive-table

Snow Summit: The All-Mountain Adventure

880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Snow Summit is the one mountain experience that serves alpine explorers with unlimited recreation opportunity in an authentic alpine setting. With over 70 years of upholding our legacy of progression, we embody the spirit of enduring optimism and strive to create lasting memories for all who love the outdoors.

Why Go: Snow Summit is a skier's paradise, renowned for its wide-open runs and thrilling terrain. This mountain is perfect for those who love to pick up speed and carve down the slopes. One of the standout features is the Night Sessions, allowing you to enjoy the slopes under the stars. Famous for its snowmaking infrastructure and family-friendly feel, Snow Summit has a great mix of terrain (35% beginner/low intermediate, 40% intermediate, 25% advanced/expert), with 17 miles of rideable trails and 1,200 feet of vertical drop. rich-text, responsive-table

Highlights:

• Longest Ski Season: Opens first and closes last, thanks to its high elevation, consistent snowfall, and advanced snowmaking technology. The resort's dedication to maintaining and grooming its trails ensures excellent conditions that extend well into the spring.
• Challenging Runs: Tommi’s and Log Chute. Additionally, expert skiers can tackle The Wall, a steep and demanding run, and The Side Chute, known for its narrow path and tricky tree obstacles.
• Best View from the Slopes: View of Big Bear Lake.

For interactive trail maps and mountain stats, visit the Trails Maps page. rich-text, responsive-table

Bear Mountain: The Park & Pipe Paradise

43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Founded on a tradition of progression, Bear Mountain has earned a place in history for pioneering the first terrain park in North America and sets the standard for those who follow. No other experience can claim our location, landmark heritage or street credit to earn the title as innovator of SoCal mountain culture. By infusing this authentic culture into our ever-evolving mountain terrain, groundbreaking events, and an unrivaled Après atmosphere, Bear Mountain consistently brings something new for everyone to get rad and remain forever-young.

Why Go: Bear Mountain is known for its top-to-botton all-mountain terrain parks. Bear Mountain offers a fairly even mix of terrain (30% beginner/low intermediate, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced/expert), with 18 miles of rideable trails and 1,665 feet of vertical drop, including Southern California's highest lift-served peak (Geronimo, 8,805 feet). rich-text, responsive-table

Highlights:

• Variety of Terrain: Bear Mountain has it all—groomed run and fun features scattered throughout the mountain.
• Challenging Runs: It’s home to some of the most challenging trails in Big Bear, perfect for advanced riders looking to push their limits.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Bear Mountain is known for its lively atmosphere, with plenty of après-ski options and events throughout the season.
• Stunning Views: View of San Gorgonio Mountains.

For interactive trail maps and mountain stats, visit the Trails Maps page. rich-text, responsive-table

Early Season (November - December)

During the early months of the season, the weather transitions from cold and crisp to winter wonderland. Natural snowfall can vary, but our incredible Snowmaking Team helps get the alpine good times going by working around the clock as conditions permit to build base depths and get as many trails open as possible. Visitation is usually at its highest from mid-December through New Year's and products, including lift tickets, lessons, and equipment rentals may sell out, so be sure to plan ahead and book in advance.

Pros

• Spend the holidays, including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's Eve/Day on the slopes
• The most Night Sessions of the season
• Best rates on early season lift tickets
• Less crowded before mid-December
  
• Extended operating hours

Cons

• Typically less than 100% terrain open

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Mid-Season (January - February)

A mother's work is never done, and Mother Nature usually saves her biggest undertaking for the start of the new year, which is when BBMR typically receives the most natural snowfall each year. The new snow, along with snowmaking as needed, usually produces the best snow conditions of the season and ensures 100% open terrain at both mountains.

Pros

• Deepest snowpack of the season
• Two national holidays (Martin Luther King Jr. Day & Presidents Day) to celebrate on the slopes
• Typically 100% open terrain
• Less midweek visitation than during the holidays

Cons

• Higher visitation on weekends

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Spring Season (March - April)

As the season starts to wind down and the temps tick upward, the snow softens and becomes more forgiving for beginners. Springtime is also when guests can score great deals on lift tickets and season passes while enjoying sunny skies, shorter lift lines, and wide-open runs.

Pros

• Complete the California Trifecta
• Great deals for spring lift tickets
• Less visitation as season comes to an end
• Warmer weather, softer snow conditions

Cons

• Less terrain open due to snow melt

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BBMR offers a variety of diverse terrain and weather throughout the season. Whether you prefer fresh powder, mid-season groomers, or softer springtime conditions, the right pair of goggles can make a huge difference when you’re skiing or riding in flat light (i.e., when it’s cloudy, foggy, or snowing) or sunny bluebird days. Visibility can also vary depending on your elevation, so conditions by being different on Geronimo, aka SoCal’s highest lift-served peak (8,805 feet) than the base area (7,000 feet).

There are two types of goggle frames: single-lens and interchangeable. Single-lens goggles only have one lens option, while interchangeable goggles allow you to change lenses as needed using the same frame based on the conditions or type of skiing/riding you plan to do. If you only ski or ride at BBMR on bright, sunny days, you most likely will be fine only using goggles with a dark lens, but if you like to ski or ride in varying conditions, interchangeable lenses are the best option.

Goggle manufacturers, like our partners at Smith, have developed lens colors and contrast-enhancing technologies that cater to different snow conditions. Check out the chart below to see which lens color is best based on the lighting/snow conditions.

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The type of ski or snowboard you choose is crucially influenced by the snow conditions; for example, you'll need different equipment for cruising on groomed runs compared to tackling powder or hitting park features. In Southern California, where softer snow is more common, selecting the right gear can significantly enhance your experience on the slopes.

• All-mountain: Designed for groomed trails and light powder. All-mountain skis are the most common/popular type due to their functionality and versatility.
• Freestyle/Park: Designed for freestyle terrain and terrain parks.
• Powder: Designed for ungroomed trails and moderate-to-heavy powder.
  

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Wearing different winter clothing in other mountain areas such as the East Coast or even Utah and Colorado versus California is essential due to the varying weather conditions and terrain. In other regions, where temperatures can be colder and the snow often wetter, you'll want insulated, waterproof pants to keep you warm and dry. On the other hand, Southern California, often features milder temperatures and drier snow, so lightweight, breathable pants that allow for flexibility and ventilation are more appropriate. Choosing the right ski pants for each location ensures optimal comfort and performance on the slopes.

• Water-resistant jacket
• Snow pants
• Water-resistant gloves
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm
• Mid-calf socks

To stay comfortable on the slopes, we highly recommend wearing multiple layers: start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, add an insulating middle layer for warmth, and finish with a water-resistant outer layer to protect against wind and snow.

Remember that the sun shines frequently in Big Bear Lake, and UV exposure increases by 2% for every 1,000 feet in elevation. It's important to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during your visit, even on cloudy days, and to reapply it throughout the day. rich-text, responsive-table