What Is The Best Ski Resort In Los Angeles?

Whilst Los Angeles is commonly known for movie stars in Hollywood, the glitz and glam of Beverly Hills and the incredible beaches which line the coast it’s also home to many ski resorts that are less than 100 miles from the city centre. Los Angeles skiing is not something that typically comes to mind when people think of Los Angeles and we decided to pull together a list of the best ski resort in Los Angeles, well within the greater Los Angeles area. Thanks to their high elevation and an annual snowfall of over 120” these ski resorts in Los Angeles become a winter escape that is bathed in the southern Californian sunshine. With over 250 days of sunshine a year Los Angeles skiing is certainly a treat for riders who are happy with perfectly manicured groomers and endless views. Our opinion on the Los Angeles skiing is that its perfect for families, beginners or anyone looking to get their winter fix who lives in the greater Southern California area. Advanced riders or those looking for deep powder will need to head to the likes of Utah, Wyoming and Colorado as the Los Angeles skiing is entry level when compared to these states. For us to put together a “best” list was extremely difficult based on the fact that we are looking at it from our perspective which might not be the same perspective, so we have decided to break it down into several key aspects. This list is based on an overall approach when looking at access, cost of a lift ticket, number of lifts, number of trails, average snow and access to on mountain services as well as off mountain services.When comparing the list to get the top ski resort in Los Angeles we have also based a lot of our research on the numbers to try and remove the bias, we understand that everyone will have a preference for their list and we welcome you to message us on social media to share your thoughts, send us some photos of you getting out there loving the best ski resort in Los Angeles and we will post these out to our followers.

Los Angeles Mountains in Winter. Credit: BBC Big Bear Mountain ResortBest for: Terrain Park RidersNumber of Lifts: 12Number of Runs: 29Resort Size: 198 acresDistance from Los Angeles: 98 miles (2 hours drive) Big Bear Mountain is the third largest ski resort in Big Bear, however this resort sits at the top of the list when it comes to terrain parks and freestyle skiing and snowboarding in southern California. Home to the only Olympic sized halfpipe in Southern California, Big Bear Mountain Resort is a freestyle mecca that has incredible views over Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains. Whilst their focus is on terrain parks Big Bear offers some great Los Angeles skiing for any kind of rider. Sitting high above Los Angeles in the San Bernardino National Forest mountains, Big Bear Mountain Resort comprises three main peaks: Bear Peak, Silver Mountain and Gold Mine Mountain with Bear Peak being the summit of the resort at 8,805ft (2,684m). Rising from a base area of 7,140 (2,716m) riders at Big Bear Mountain Resort can access 1,665ft (507m) of true expert vertical off Bear Peak in the eastern side of the resort and 1,300ft (397m) of true intermediate vertical in the western side of the resort from Goldmine Mountain. Big Bear in California claims the title of southern California’s highest peak served by a ski lift and from Chair 8 expert riders can access the highest and longest continual expert ski run in SoCal named Geronimo. Big Bear is also home to the largest learning area in the area, backed by professionally certified instructors that make learning easy, fun and natural. Big Bear is where many locals of SoCal learn to ski and ride.With 85% of the resort dedicated to freestyle terrain Big Bear in California is frequently at the top of many global list for best terrain park offering and they pride themselves on being an innovator in park design and development, it's not uncommon to see world class athletes throwing down some of the best tricks you will ever see on a Sunday afternoon. Pros: ✅Best terrain park offering with halfpipe and endless featuresExtensive snowmaking across many parts of the resortGreat views of the lake and surrounding mountainIkon Pass accepted at the ski resortHighest lift in Southern California Cons: ❌Weekends can be extremely busyLower snowfall than other ski resorts in CaliforniaAccommodation in and around Big Bear can be expensiveNo real village area at the base Big Bear Mountain Quick Facts Summit Elevation: 8805ft / 2684mBase Elevation: 7140ft / 2176mVertical Drop: 1665ft / 507mBeginner: 20%Intermediate: 33%Advanced: 33%Expert: 14%Number of Runs: 29Number of Lifts: 12Avg Annual Snowfall: 130" / 10.83ft / 330cmResort terrain: 198 acres / 80 haPass Type: Ikon

Big Bear Snowboarder. Credit: Big Bear Facebook Explore Big Bear Big Bear Snow Cams Mountain High ResortBest for: Family & Beginner RidersNumber of Lifts: 14Number of Runs: 59Resort Size: 290 acresDistance from Los Angeles: 68 miles (1:45 hour drive)Mountain High skiing resort is home to three resort zones and is a great option when looking for great Los Angeles skiing and snowboarding. Though only a mile apart, they offer stunning differences in terrain and atmosphere. The resorts are spread out over each side of a valley which means the views from anywhere at Mountain High ski resort in California is a world away from bustling Los Angeles. West Resort: The West Resort is packed full with beginner to advanced terrain plus a world-class terrain park. It is the most popular of the three areas and the site of many on-hill contests, promotions, and live performances. It is also Southern California's only local resort open nightly from 5pm-10pm during the peak season.East Resort: The East Resort boasts the longest trails in Southern California skiing serviced by a single high-speed quad. It is also known for its groomed runs, gladed tree skiing areas, and breathtaking views at the Grand View Lodge. Rising as high as 8,200 feet, the East Resort offers traditional skiers and snowboarders a real alpine experience without having to journey too far from home. North Resort: Mountain High's North Resort offers 70 acres of terrific, lower-level terrain perfect for beginners and families. The centre of beginner experiences at the resort where many riders get their first time on snow before elevating up to the other regions of the resort.A real winning factor for Mountain High skiing resorts is the accessibility they offer. Located just one and a half hours drive from downtown Los Angeles, visitors can get up onto the ski slopes without the need for treacherous mountain driving. They say you won't find an easier drive to the mountains anywhere. Pros: ✅Beginner & Family terrain in dedicated zonesExtensive snowmaking across many parts of the resortGreat views out over the desert belowEasiest access of all resorts in Southern California Cons: ❌Weekends can be busy No other resorts close byLower snowfall than other ski resorts in CaliforniaLimited accommodation in and around the baseNo real village area at the base Mountain High Quick Facts Summit Elevation: 8200ft / 2499mBase Elevation: 6600ft / 2012mVertical Drop: 1600ft / 488mBeginner: 25%Intermediate: 40%Advanced: 30%Expert: 5%Number of Runs: 59Number of Lifts: 14Avg Annual Snowfall: 117" / 9.75ft / 297cmResort terrain: 290 acres / 117 haPass Type: Powder Alliance

Mountain High Night Riding. Credit: Mountain High Facebook Explore Mountain High Mountain High Snow Cams Mt Baldy Ski ResortBest for: Advanced riders looking for a challengeNumber of Lifts: 4Number of Runs: 26Resort Size: 800 acresDistance from Los Angeles: 51 miles (1:25 hour drive) Mt Baldy ski resort is home to the largest terrain and second highest peak elevation in Southern California. Located in the San Antonio mountains Mt Baldy ski resort has 4 lifts that span out to offer riders 26 ski trails covering 800 acres of inbound terrain. Mt Baldy ski resort is the most advanced mountain resort in and around the greater Los Angeles area thanks to over 40% of the resort being graded advanced to expert. Mt Baldy is also home to a large number (in socal standards) of double black ski runs as well as several unmarked zones packed full of challenging chutes and cliff faces. These zones would typically ski best later in the season once the snow has had time to settle into the cliff faces. Opening each winter the season typically runs from around November the mountain resort is a great option for Los Angeles skiing that’s more on the technical side. Pros: ✅Great options for those looking for advanced riding Amazing views over the greater Los Angeles areaGreat value lift ticket options Cons: ❌Lower snowfall compared to other resortsNo other resorts close byOne of the harder resorts to access with mountain roads and switchbacks Limited accommodation in and around the baseNo real village area at the base Mt Baldy Quick Facts Summit Elevation: 8600ft / 2621mBase Elevation: 6500ft / 1981mVertical Drop: 2100ft / 640mBeginner: 20%Intermediate: 40%Advanced: 20%Expert: 20%Number of Runs: 26Number of Lifts: 4Avg Annual Snowfall: 110" / 9.17ft / 279cmResort terrain: 800 acres / 324 ha

Mt Baldy Ski Slopes. Credit: Mt Baldy Facebook Explore Mt Baldy Mt Baldy Snow Cams Snow Summit Ski ResortBest for: Beginner & Family riding & Terrain Park LoversNumber of Lifts: 16Number of Runs: 27Resort Size: 240 acresDistance from Los Angeles: 98 miles (2 hour drive)Snow Summit ski area is one of two major ski resorts in Big Bear Lake which is the home to winter action and Los Angeles skiing and riding. Big Bear in California is a high alpine region which surrounds an incredible lake and is home to some of the best views in southern California. Snow Summit ski resort is the perfect place to learn how to ride and offers up some of the best Los Angeles skiing for locals and visitors. Many of the visitors to Snow Summit come from the greater Los Angeles area and thanks to the extensive snow making across the whole resort the Los Angeles skiing is great from the start of the season all the way through to mid spring. Snow Summit is part of the Ikon pass which makes this a great resort to visit as part of a larger trip or makes it the perfect stop to get a snow fix whilst visiting southern California. Riders at Snow Summit have access to 16 lifts that take them to 27 marked trails which covers 240 acres of terrain. Pros: ✅Best option for new riders and families thanks to more mellow terrainExtensive snowmaking across many parts of the resortSister resort Big Bear down the road and on same lift passGreat views of the lake and surrounding mountainIkon Pass accepted at the ski resort Cons: ❌Weekends can be extremely busyLower snowfall than other ski resorts in CaliforniaAccommodation in and around Big Bear can be expensiveNo real village area at the base Snow Summit Resort Quick Facts Summit Elevation: 8200ft / 2499mBase Elevation: 7000ft / 2133mVertical Drop: 1200ft / 366mBeginner: 19%Intermediate: 48%Advanced: 26%Expert: 7%Number of Runs: 27Number of Lifts: 16Avg Annual Snowfall: 139" / 11.58ft / 353cmResort terrain: 240 acres / 97 haPass Type: Ikon

Snow Summit Ski Resort. Credit: Snow Summit Facebook Explore Snow Summit Snow Summit Snow Cams Snow Valley Ski ResortBest for: Families and Snow Beginners Number of Lifts: 12Number of Runs: 30Resort Size: 240 acresDistance from Los Angeles: 85 miles (1:30 hour drive)Snow Valley Mountain Resort is the oldest continually operating ski resort in Southern California and is also one of four ski resorts in the San Bernardino Mountains. Opening to the public in 1924 Snow Valley is the birthplace of Los Angeles skiing and has seen continuous growth and expansion throughout the years. Located just before the famous Big Bear Lake, Snow Valley is a must visit resort for those looking for traditional charm and a brilliant family first destination. Riders visiting and skiing Snow Valley have 14 lifts to choose from that rise from the base of the resort to offer access to 32 marked trails which cover a total rideable area of 240 acres. Spread out over two mountains the base area is best for beginners, the middle of the resort a great option for intermediate riders and the summit region on Slide Peak the best for advanced and expert riders. Snow Valley Mountain Resort has something for everyone as well as the only snow-play area with a chairlift in Southern California. Pros: ✅Best option for families looking for great progressionExtensive snowmaking across many parts of the resortGreat views of the lake and surrounding mountainQuieter when compared to other resorts in the area Cons: ❌Weekends can be busier than weekdaysLower snowfall than other ski resorts in CaliforniaAccommodation in and around Big Bear can be expensiveNo real village area at the base Snow Summit Resort Quick Facts Summit Elevation: 7841ft / 2390mBase Elevation: 6800ft / 2073mVertical Drop: 1041ft / 317mBeginner: 32%Intermediate: 13%Advanced: 41%Expert: 14%Number of Runs: 30Number of Lifts: 12Avg Annual Snowfall: 140" / 11.67ft / 356cmResort terrain: 240 acres / 97 haPass Type: Indy