While Big Bear has plenty of awesome activities and attractions that can be enjoyed all year long, one of the town’s biggest draws is its incredible skiing during the winter. Immersed in peaceful forests and mountainous terrain, Big Bear’s natural layout ensures that skiers have the most varied run difficulties possible. Learn more about the best trails and mountains for skiing in Big Bear below!
Why Big Bear Skiing is the Best Skiing Destination in SoCal
The most prominent Big Bear ski runs are located on Bear Mountain and Snow Summit—a pair of ski resorts where one admission ticket will grant you access to both mountains. Not only can you find equipment rentals, lessons, and seasonal passes at these locations, but you can also enjoy a variety of features. Between the two mountains, there are a total of twenty-six chairlifts, two hundred park features like rails and jumps, and around two thousand vertical feet to conquer.
Bear Mountain in particular has the highest peak in Southern California with lift service. Located at about nine thousand feet in elevation, Bear Peak is home to some of the most challenging Big Bear ski runs. Out of the total twenty-four ski runs, over half are designed for skiers with intermediate or advanced abilities. Between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, intermediate skiers should try runs like Hidden Valley, Outlaw’s Alley, and Ripcord. Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the Geronimo, Exhibition, or Showtime ski runs.
Both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have trails not only for expert skiers, but for beginners as well. Skiers who have never skied before, are just starting out, or are simply a little rusty and want to brush up before tackling the bigger runs will enjoy the easy skiing and moderate challenge of ski runs like Easy Street, The Gulch, Learning Curve, and Amusement Park.
With such excellent terrain for Big Bear skiing and snowboarding, it’s no wonder why Big Bear has attracted such a variety of athletes and enthusiasts in the sports—including Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White, who snowboarded the incredible terrain of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit’s Westridge freestyle run during his years of training prior to competing in the Olympics.
Plan an Unforgettable Trip with Big Bear Vacations
See for yourself what all of the fuss is about and come ski in Big Bear! Contact our office for more information on skiing in Big Bear and other fantastic outdoor recreation and attractions available year-round when you reserve your lodgings in one of our rustic alpine vacation rentals today!