Big Bear Mountain

Those living in southern California like to play in the snow as much as in the sun. East of Los Angeles sits the San Bernardino National Forest, where skiers enjoy venues like the Big Bear Mountain ski area.

Flyers have several options in SoCal, including Los Angeles International Airport or San Bernardino International Airport. Getting to the resort by vehicle is simple, using California Highways 18 and 38 to get to Big Bear Lake. Several Interstate highways get visitors into the region, including I-5, I-15, I-10, and I-40.

California Dreaming Includes Skiing

No need for a balaclava or gloves on Big Bear Mountain, thanks to the famous SoCal sunshine. The ski resort receives only around 100 inches of snow each year from Mother Nature. That would make ripping and shredding here hard if not for the venue's snowmaking capabilities.

The equipment on site typically converts between 2,000 and 3,000 gallons of water per minute into atomized particles that become snow. Big Bear Lake is the water source, and only about four inches of surface water are needed each season. Most of that water eventually returns to the lake, making the machine-made powder even better!

The Big Bear Mountain ski area consists of just under 750 acres of skiable terrain. It has 198 acres of developed surface for plankers to enjoy. All of the remaining acres are undeveloped, providing skiers with access to the natural mountain surfaces.

With a base elevation of 7,140 feet and a peak elevation of 8,805 feet, Big Bear Mountain offers lots of potential within its 1,665-foot vertical drop. Guests can enjoy the descents on Bear Peak, Silver Mountain, and Goldmine Mountain.

Terrain Park Central

The Big Bear Mountain ski area shares billing with Snow Summit, but the skiing is different between the two. Whereas Snow Summit focuses on traditional skiing, Big Bear is all about the terrain park.

There are just as many terrain parks as there are trails at the ski resort. Fourteen terrain parks and three pipes provide all the room one needs to land some sick tricks. These include over 200 features that guests can explore, and adding the three half-pipes guarantees plankers will get a full workout before the sun goes down on Big Bear Mountain.

Skiers and snowboarders will also find the trails at the resort geared towards everyone's abilities. Big Bear Mountain boasts of having the longest beginner runs, and 15-percent of the land is for first-timers and those with little experience.

Just over half of the mountain resort rates for intermediate skill levels, 15-percent low intermediate and 40-percent intermediate rankings. The remaining 30-percent of terrain on Big Bear Mountain rates for advanced skiing and snowboarding.

To get around the park, visitors use a dozen lifts and four moving carpets. They have a capacity above 16,500 guests each hour, with no wait times from November through March or April.

Amenities here include skiing and snowboarding schools, seven dining venues, five bars, and a full-service retail shop.