Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort - San Bernardino, California

Address:San Bernardino, California
Tel: (909) 866-5766

Just 90 miles East of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino National Forest lays a snowboarder and freestyle skier heaven. Spread over 748 acres with over 550 of them all natural undeveloped terrain, Bear Mountain is an oasis waiting to be tapped.

By purchasing a day or half day pass that can be used from 830am to 4pm weekdays and from 8am to 4pm on weekends, you gain access to four peaks topping out at 8,805 ft that span 17 miles upwards from the base. There are three canyons; Deer, Goldmine and Bow – but be sure to check in with mountain patrol before you go, so they know where to look for you if something goes wrong.

Twelve chairlifts, including 2 detachable quad high-speed lifts and 3 carpet lifts for the little ones, will get you up and moving fast and keep the wind rushing in your face as you climb to the top. 34 trails keep all levels busy working with the longest run, "Geronimo," stretching for 1 ½ miles. With an average snowfall of 75", snow, which can be a rarity in Southern California, is always ready for skiing. Groomed nightly, and with an almost inexhaustible supply of water from Bear Lake, the resort reports that 100% of their blankets, which can be up to 5 feet deep, are a mix between manmade and all natural.

Don't pass up the great deal for a dual purpose ticket for Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. For a little extra money you get to ski on both, and even get a free shuttle bus in between the two to make travel a non-issue. Kids 6 and under always ski free with a paying adult and, if it's your birthday, Bear Mountain will give you a free lift pass! If you decide to stay the whole weekend, excluding holidays, ask for their "weekender special." Note that Bear Mountain limits ticket sales to 7,000 people a day to help cut down on lift lines and crowding, so be sure to get your tickets early, especially on peak holidays and weekends, or they may be sold out. Reservations are even taken a few days in advance. Call the ticket office for details.

Boarders will benefit from the snowboardcentric attitude found here at the nation's only all Freestyle Park! Spanning 198 acres with an incredible 150+ jumps, 80+ jibs, Southern California's only Superpipe (600 feet long, 77 feet wide and 18 feet deep!), a standard halfpipe and "The Scene" area to stoke out what the other riders are up to, riders will never be bored. Bear Mountain trains its own Snowboard teams here to compete nationally, so you know they keep their park conditions up to snuff.

Rental equipment is available to all, including High Performance demo sets. Customers can even download the rental form from home and fill it out before coming to the mountain to save time. At this resort it's all about maximizing your time on the slopes. The local ski school instructs all ages from 4 years old and up. Whether you're a beginning skier or boarder, looking to improve upon the skills you already have, want a camp like atmosphere for children, or have always wanted to learn how to freestyle, there are daily programs offered that will suit your needs.

Fourteen restaurants and food cafés are located onsite to feed a growling stomach ranging from Mexican to Asian cuisine. Stop by one of the 3 espresso bars or the lounges for some music, drinks, and general relaxation.

Many major highways lead to Bear Mountain, which in turn means that lodging and nightlife are not too far away. Make the 90 mile drive to Los Angeles, or stay locally at the many hotels, motels, cabins, and lodges that can be found in the surrounding 10 mile radius.

Bear Mountain is proud to offer skiers and snowboarderss almost 1,700 vertical feet of top to bottom beginner through expert terrain spanning four mountain peaks and encompassing several perfectly groomed or powder packed runs.