Big Bear Mountain Resort

Overview

Big Bear Mountain Resort encompasses two interconnected ski areas — Bear Mountain and Snow Summit — making it the largest ski destination in Southern California by total skiable acreage. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains above the town of Big Bear Lake, the resort offers 438 acres of terrain, 55 runs, and 14 lifts. The combined resort provides a full-spectrum experience, from gentle beginner slopes at Snow Summit to the park-focused terrain at Bear Mountain.

Big Bear Lake itself is a year-round recreation community with a wide selection of lodging, restaurants, and shops. This makes the resort a natural choice for weekend trips and multi-day visits, as there is plenty to do both on and off the mountain. The area averages about 100 inches of natural snow per season, with snowmaking covering the majority of trails to ensure reliable conditions.

Terrain

Snow Summit is the more traditional ski area of the two, featuring well-groomed cruisers, a solid beginner zone, and a variety of intermediate runs that wind through pine forest. It is generally the better choice for families and skiers who prefer groomed terrain.

Bear Mountain has earned its reputation as a freestyle destination. The mountain features some of the best terrain parks in the state, with multiple setups ranging from beginner progression features to large competition-level jumps and creative rail lines. The park crew is highly regarded, and the mountain regularly hosts events and competitions. Beyond the parks, Bear Mountain also offers steeper natural terrain on its upper runs.

With 30% of terrain dedicated to beginners, the resort is welcoming to first-timers. Ski and ride school programs are available at both base areas with group and private lesson options.

Facilities

Each base area has its own lodge with food service, rentals, and retail. Snow Summit’s base lodge is the larger of the two, while Bear Mountain’s lodge caters to the park-riding crowd with a more laid-back atmosphere. A shuttle connects the two base areas throughout the day.

The resort operates a tubing park and offers a range of lesson programs. Equipment rentals feature current-model gear, and online pre-booking is available for both rentals and lift tickets.

Getting There

Big Bear Mountain Resort is roughly a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles via CA-330 or CA-18 from the I-210 corridor. From the Inland Empire, it is about 90 minutes. The mountain roads are scenic but winding, and chains may be required during winter storms. The town of Big Bear Lake offers extensive lodging options, making overnight stays convenient and popular.