Many tourists visit Southern California for beach activities, but this region of the state also offers skiing opportunities at Big Bear Lake. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Big Bear Lake has several winter sports resorts, where the ski season usually lasts from October through April, depending on the snowfall amount. Big Bear Lake also has hotels and shopping centers in its town center, which is within 20 minutes of the ski resorts.
The Snow Summit Mountain Resort is only a 10-minute drive from restaurants and souvenir shops located in Big Bear Lake's town center. This ski resort offers 31 trails for skiers and snowboarders, as well as 14 lifts for transportation up the mountain. Snow Summit also has a terrain park that facilitates half-pipe activities. As of 2010, the hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the weekdays, and the resort opens at 8:00 a.m. on the weekends. The ski season is usually from October through April. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are offered by the resort's staff to adults and children, and equipment is available for rent.
Snow Summit Mountain Resort
880 Summit Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909-866-5766
snowsummit.com
Situated on the southeastern edge of Big Bear Lake, Bear Mountain is a 15-minute drive from the town center and shopping opportunities at the Interlaken mall. Skier and snowboarders can take advantage of the 34 slopes spread throughout the resort's 750 acres. The resort also provides 12 lifts for transportation to these slopes. Trails for snowshoeing activities also are available. Skiing and snowboarding equipment rentals are offered. The ski season normally runs from early November through April. As of 2010, hours of operation during the ski season are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekdays, and the resort opens at 8:00 a.m. on the weekends.
Bear Mountain
43101 Goldmine Drive
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909-866-5841
bearmountain.com
Snow Valley Mountain Resort in Running Springs is located in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, and it is only a 20-minute drive from Big Bear Lake. This resort provides 12 lifts for transportation to the 35 skiing and snowboarding runs throughout the park. Snow tubing, snowmobile riding and night skiing are permitted. Schighridj Terrain Park, Snow Valley's on-site park, offers half-pipe activities for skiiers and snowboarders. As of 2010, the hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The ski season usually runs from December to April, depending on the snowfall. Two campground accommodations, Shady Cove and Siberia Creek, are within 20 minutes of the resort.
Snow Valley Mountain Resort
35100 State Highway 18
Running Springs, CA 92382
909-867-2751
snow-valley.com
