The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Southern California, 2023/24
Winter is an exciting time to visit Southern California for its alpine region. The resorts here offer a unique ski experience and are local to those who live in the Southern California cities. Our local experts have picked the top 5 ski resorts for you.
Why Ski Bear Mountain
If you want to ride park, Bear Mountain is the place. There's not a lot of steep terrain but the entire mountain is a terrain park and snowboarder-heavy. It’s also home to the only halfpipes and highest lift-served peak in Southern California. The only downside is that Bear Mountain’s terrain is not the best choice for traditional downhill skiers or families. Nevertheless, you can ski nearby Snow Summit on the same pass. It is also nearby Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City which offer an array of lodging, restaurants, and nightlife. The town of Big Bear Lake has a friendly alpine feel, with plenty of places to kick back for some low-key après ski relaxation.
Known for
Top-notch terrain parks make it a hit with freestyle skiers and snowboardersHighlights
- Home to Southern California’s only Superpipe!
- Take on the 1.5 miles Geronimo trail for a double black diamond leg burner
- The lift pass covers you to ski at nearby Snow Summit too
- Not the best mountain for traditional downhill skiers or families
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 23 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Bear Mountain
If you want to ride park, Bear Mountain is the place. There's not a lot of steep terrain but the entire mountain is a terrain park and snowboarder-heavy. It’s also home to the only halfpipes and highest lift-served peak in Southern California. The only downside is that Bear Mountain’s terrain is not the best choice for traditional downhill skiers or families. Nevertheless, you can ski nearby Snow Summit on the same pass. It is also nearby Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City which offer an array of lodging, restaurants, and nightlife. The town of Big Bear Lake has a friendly alpine feel, with plenty of places to kick back for some low-key après ski relaxation.
2. Snow Summit
Why Ski Snow Summit
Located in the heart of San Bernardino National Forest, Snow Summit is a short, scenic drive from the cities in Southern California. The resort is extremely family-friendly and known as a groomer cruiser heaven. There’s a dedicated beginner’s area and the terrain is best suited for intermediates. Unlike its sister resort Bear Mountain, Snow Summit is more popular amongst skiers and less focused on terrain parks. Its extensive snowmaking allows for some of the most consistent snow in Southern California and its night skiing isn't too bad either.
Known for
A family-friendly resort with plenty of cruisey blue runs, plus regular night skiing tooHighlights
- Laidback terrain perfect for honing your skills
- Extensive snowmaking operation keeps trails open
- Excellent mountaintop eateries
- Only 10% of trails are suitable for beginners
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 30 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Snow Summit
Located in the heart of San Bernardino National Forest, Snow Summit is a short, scenic drive from the cities in Southern California. The resort is extremely family-friendly and known as a groomer cruiser heaven. There’s a dedicated beginner’s area and the terrain is best suited for intermediates. Unlike its sister resort Bear Mountain, Snow Summit is more popular amongst skiers and less focused on terrain parks. Its extensive snowmaking allows for some of the most consistent snow in Southern California and its night skiing isn't too bad either.
Why Ski Mountain High
Less than 2 hours drive from Los Angeles, Mountain High is one of the most visited resorts in South California. It is the ideal resort for groups of mixed abilities with three unique ski areas. North Resort for beginners, East Resort for intermediates, and West Resort for more advanced terrain. There’s also snow play activities for kids and stunning views of the Mojave Desert. The small mountain is often compared to Bear Mountain, however is less focused on terrain parks and is much more suitable for beginners and families. The only thing that might disappoint skiers here are the variable conditions due to lower snowmaking capacity.
Known for
Offering three distinct ski areas for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiersHighlights
- Variety of terrain caters well for groups of mixed ability skiers
- Plenty of accommodation options in nearby Wrightwood
- Kids will love the tubing and sledding at Yeti’s Snow Parks
- Lacks really steep trails for expert skiers
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 23 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Apr 07 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski Mountain High
Less than 2 hours drive from Los Angeles, Mountain High is one of the most visited resorts in South California. It is the ideal resort for groups of mixed abilities with three unique ski areas. North Resort for beginners, East Resort for intermediates, and West Resort for more advanced terrain. There’s also snow play activities for kids and stunning views of the Mojave Desert. The small mountain is often compared to Bear Mountain, however is less focused on terrain parks and is much more suitable for beginners and families. The only thing that might disappoint skiers here are the variable conditions due to lower snowmaking capacity.
Why Ski Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain is one of California’s biggest ski areas and has one of the longest seasons in North America. The modern resort is great for families of all ability levels as well as non-skiers who can enjoy a range of activities including tubing, snowmobiling, scenic gondola rides and snowcat tours. Other than the fact that holidays and powder weekends can bring a rush of crowds, Mammoth offers everything you could possibly want including a wide array of lodging and dining choices both at the base of the mountain as well as at Mammoth Lakes.
Known for
Huge size, long seasons, and all the amenities you’d expect from a high-end resort.Highlights
- One of the longest seasons in the US
- Large area and terrain for all ability levels
- Tons of snow
- Far from major cities
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 07 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Jun 24 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain is one of California’s biggest ski areas and has one of the longest seasons in North America. The modern resort is great for families of all ability levels as well as non-skiers who can enjoy a range of activities including tubing, snowmobiling, scenic gondola rides and snowcat tours. Other than the fact that holidays and powder weekends can bring a rush of crowds, Mammoth offers everything you could possibly want including a wide array of lodging and dining choices both at the base of the mountain as well as at Mammoth Lakes.
5. Snow Valley
Why Ski Snow Valley
Snow Valley in the San Bernardino National Forest, is a small family-friendly resort with a good mix of terrain. Since there is no lodging nearby, the resort doesn't see many crowds and makes for a great day trip if you’re coming from Los Angeles. It’s perfect for those who want to level up on quieter slopes. Conditions also tend to vary as it has a lower elevation than nearby Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Nevertheless, this laid-back resort is great for those looking for a quick ski fix and even offers night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays.
Known for
Family-friendly with a dedicated beginner slopes and liftsHighlights
- Quiet slopes are great for learning
- Family-friendly resort
- Night skiing on weekends
- Limited dining options on the slopes
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 23 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 16 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Snow Valley
Snow Valley in the San Bernardino National Forest, is a small family-friendly resort with a good mix of terrain. Since there is no lodging nearby, the resort doesn't see many crowds and makes for a great day trip if you’re coming from Los Angeles. It’s perfect for those who want to level up on quieter slopes. Conditions also tend to vary as it has a lower elevation than nearby Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Nevertheless, this laid-back resort is great for those looking for a quick ski fix and even offers night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays.
