A Local's Guide to Ski & Snowboard Resorts in Southern California
Photo by Federico Bottos
Southern California (SoCal) may be known for its beaches and warm weather, but it also offers some of the country’s best skiing and snowboarding destinations. From the San Gabriel Mountains to Big Bear Lake, Southern California has a variety of ski and snowboard resorts, each with unique terrain, attractions, and apres-ski spots.
Most think of Lake Tahoe when they think of California skiing. Still, winter sports enthusiasts will find that Southern California ski resorts offer a unique experience different from the traditional California ski destinations such as Kirkwood or Palisades Tahoe. With sunny days, mild temperatures, and great snow, Southern California provides a great skiing and snowboarding experience for all levels of riders.
But it's not just about skiing and snowboarding. Southern California's ski and snowboard resorts are also known for their vibrant apres-ski scenes, with plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and live music venues to check out after a long day on the slopes. So whether you're looking to relax with hot cocoa or grab a beer with friends, Southern California's apres-ski scene has something for everyone.
In this article, we'll provide a Industry Insider's's guide to the best ski and snowboard resorts in Southern California, including insider tips and recommendations for apres-ski spots, coffee shops, and attractions. In addition, we'll cover each resort's basic stats and overviews and provide our Industry expert review based on our experience.
Whether you're a beginner looking for a ski school or an expert looking for a challenge, we'll help you choose the right ski areas for your skill level and provide tips for making the most of your time on the slopes. So grab your skis or snowboard, and let's hit the slopes in Southern California!
Top 5 Southern California Ski and Snowboard Resorts: 1. Big Bear Mountain Resort: Best for all-around skiing 2. Snow Summit: Best for beginners and families 3. Mountain High: Best for day trips 4. Bear Mountain: Best for terrain parks 5. Mt. Baldy: Best for expert skiers and snowboarders
1. Big Bear Mountain Resort: Best for All-Around Skiing
- Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
- Distance from L.A.: 2 hours
- Public transportation: None
Key Info
- Size and number of lifts: 748 skiable acres, 8 lifts
- Base elevation: 7,000 feet; Summit elevation: 8,805 feet
- Average annual snowfall: 100 inches
- Longest run: 1.5 miles
- Terrain park: 100 features
Spot Overview
Big Bear Mountain Resort is the largest ski and snowboard resort in Southern California, offering a variety of terrains for all skill levels. The resort is divided into two areas: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Bear Mountain has more challenging runs and terrain parks, while Snow Summit is more beginner-friendly. The resort also offers night skiing and snowboarding, making it a great option for those who can't make it during the day.
Expert Review
As an expert skier, I appreciate the variety of terrain available at Big Bear Mountain Resort. The resort offers a great mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert runs and several terrain parks catering to all skill levels. In addition, the resort is well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
One downside to Big Bear Mountain Resort is that it can get crowded during peak season, making lift lines long and slow. Additionally, the resort does not have as much snowfall as some other resorts in the area, which can affect the quality of the snow. However, Big Bear Mountain Resort is a great destination for families looking to enjoy a fun and affordable winter vacation. Families can also enjoy summer activities and lodging around Big Bear Lake.
Industry insider Tips
- Take a break from skiing or snowboarding and go snowshoeing in the Big Bear Lake area.
- Head to the Nottinghams Tavern in downtown Big Bear Lake for great food, drinks, and live music.
- Visit the Big Bear Zoo to see native animals like bears, coyotes, and mountain lions up close.
- Check out the Big Bear Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Take a hike on the Pine Knot Trail for stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Visit the Copper Q for great coffee and homemade pastries.
2. Snow Summit Resort: Best for Beginners and Families
- Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
- Distance from L.A.: 2 hours
- Public transportation: None
Key Info
- Number of runs/lifts: 27 runs, 11 lifts
- Elevation: 7,000-8,200 feet
- Snowfall: 100-125 inches
Spot Overview
Snow Summit is part of the Big Bear Mountain Resort and is known for its beginner-friendly runs and family-friendly atmosphere. The resort has a dedicated learning area for first-time skiers and snowboarders and offers lessons for all skill levels. Snow Summit also has a tubing park, a restaurant with a view of the slopes, and plenty of apres-ski spots nearby.
Expert Review
Snow Summit is a great option for families and beginners looking to learn how to ski or snowboard. The runs are not too steep, and the resort offers plenty of lessons and rentals for all skill levels. I also appreciate the convenience of the resort's location and the variety of apres-ski spots nearby. However, if you're an expert skier or snowboarder looking for a challenge, this resort may not be the best fit for you.
Industry insider Tips
- Visit the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain for a fun sledding experience with the family.
- Check out Grizzly Ridge Tube Park for an alternative to skiing or snowboarding.
- Grab a hot chocolate and a pastry at the Copper Q coffee shop before hitting the slopes.
- Take a scenic helicopter tour of the surrounding mountains for a unique view of the peak.
- Head to the Big Bear Discovery Center for a fun and educational experience.
- Visit the Hacienda Grill for delicious Mexican food and margaritas.
3. Mountain High Resort: Best for Day Trips
- Location: Wrightwood, CA
- Distance from L.A.: 1.5 hours
- Public transportation: None
Key Info
- Size and number of lifts: 290 skiable acres, 14 lifts
- Base elevation: 6,600 feet; Summit elevation: 8,200 feet
- Average annual snowfall: 120-160 inches
- Longest run: 1.6 miles
- Terrain park: 80 features
Spot Overview
Mountain High Resort is located near the city of Wrightwood and is a popular spot for day trips from the Los Angeles area. The resort has three areas: East Resort, West Resort, and North Resort, each with unique terrain. East Resort is known for its steep runs and mogul fields, while West Resort offers a variety of terrains for all skill levels. North Resort is a beginner-friendly area with gentle slopes and a ski school.
Expert Review
As a Industry insider, I love going to Mountain High Ski Resort for day trips. The resort is conveniently located near Los Angeles and offers a variety of terrains to choose from. I especially enjoy the steep runs at East Resort, which provide a challenging experience for expert skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a variety of runs that offer a good mix of steeps, groomers, and moguls. The terrain parks are also well-designed, with a variety of features that are suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
One downside to Mountain High Resort is that it does not receive as much snowfall as some other resorts in the area. However, the resort has a great snowmaking system that helps ensure there is always enough snow on the slopes. Additionally, the resort can get crowded during peak season, making lift lines long and slow. Overall, Mountain High Resort is a great destination for those who want to enjoy night skiing and snowboarding.
Industry insider Tips
- Go tubing at Big Pines Ziplines for a fun and unique experience.
- Head to the Grizzly Cafe for delicious burgers and sandwiches after a long day on the slopes.
- Check out the Wrightwood Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Take a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail for stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Visit the Grizzly Cafe for delicious breakfast burritos and pancakes.
4. Bear Mountain Resort: Best for Terrain Parks
- Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
- Distance from L.A.: 2 hours
- Public transportation: None
Key Info
- Size and number of lifts: 748 skiable acres, 12 lifts
- Base elevation: 7,140 feet; Summit elevation: 8,805 feet
- Average annual snowfall: 100 inches
- Longest run: 2 miles
- Terrain park: 200 features
Spot Overview
Bear Mountain is part of the Big Bear Mountain Resort and is known for its world-class terrain parks. The resort has four terrain parks, each with unique features and obstacles. Bear Mountain also has a halfpipe and a superpipe, making it a popular spot for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The resort also offers night skiing and snowboarding, making it a great option for those who want to hit the terrain parks after dark.
Expert Review
Bear Mountain is the place to be if you're a fan of terrain parks. The resort has some of the best terrain parks in Southern California, with various features and obstacles for all skill levels. I especially enjoy the halfpipe and superpipe, which provide a unique and challenging experience for advanced riders.
One downside to Bear Mountain Resort is that it can get crowded during peak season, making lift lines long and slow. Additionally, the resort may not have enough challenging terrain to keep advanced skiers and snowboarders entertained for more than a day or two. But, overall, Bear Mountain Resort is a great destination for those who love to hit the terrain parks.
Industry insider Tips
- Grab a beer and a burger at the Black Diamond Tavern for a great apres-ski spot.
- Get a ticket to the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain for a fun and unique sledding experience.
- Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo for a fun and educational experience.
- Check out Amangela's Sandwich & Bagel House for delicious sandwiches and bagels.
5. Mt. Baldy Resort: Best for Expert Skiers and Snowboarders
- Location: Mount Baldy, CA
- Distance from L.A.: 1.5 hours
- Public transportation: None
Key Info
- Size and number of lifts: 800 skiable acres, 4 lifts
- Base elevation: 6,450 feet; Summit elevation: 8,600 feet
- Average annual snowfall: 150 inches
- Longest run: 2.5 miles
Spot Overview
Mt. Baldy is a small, challenging resort in the San Gabriel Mountains. The resort has a variety of steep runs and backcountry areas, making it a popular spot for expert skiers and snowboarders. Mt. Baldy also has a ski school and rentals for beginners and intermediate riders, but most of the terrain is geared towards advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Expert Review
Mt. Baldy is one of my favorite resorts in Southern California because of its challenging terrain and backcountry areas. The runs are steep and require a lot of skill and experience, making it a great spot for advanced riders looking for a challenge. The resort also has a great apres-ski scene at the Top of the Notch restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. However, I would not recommend this resort for beginners or intermediate riders, as the terrain is too challenging.
In addition, Mt. Baldy can have unpredictable weather conditions, so it's important to check the weather forecast and be prepared for any weather changes. But, overall, if you're an expert skier or snowboarder looking for a challenging and unique ski vacation, Mt. Baldy is definitely worth a visit.
Industry insider Tips
- Take a scenic helicopter tour of the surrounding mountains for a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Visit the Baldy Bowl Trail for a challenging and beautiful hike in the summer.
- Head to the Buckhorn Grill for delicious burgers and sandwiches after a long day on the slopes.
- Take a hike on the Devil's Backbone Trail for stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- After a long day on the slopes, visit the Mt. Baldy Lodge for great food and drinks.
- Check out the Claremont Village for great shopping and dining options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Southern California is a great destination for skiing and snowboarding, offering a variety of resorts and activities to suit everyone's needs. Southern California may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering the best ski resorts, but the region has much to offer for those who love winter sports. With a variety of resorts to choose from, each with its unique features and terrains, SoCal provides a great skiing and snowboarding experience for all levels of riders.
If you're planning a trip to Southern California for a ski or snowboarding adventure, seek help from the Experts at Curated. Our Skiing and Snowboarding Experts can help you plan your trip, choose the right resort for your skill level, and provide insider tips and recommendations for the best apres-ski spots and attractions. So please chat with our Experts today to start planning your Southern California ski and snowboarding adventure.