Mountain High
290 acres across 3 mountains, 59 runs, night skiing 7 nights weekly. Just 90 minutes from LA in California's San Gabriel Mountains.
Current Conditions→
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
28 Nov 2026
Closes
15 Mar 2027
Days open
107
Annual snow
117in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Mountain High operates across 290 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains, spanning elevations from 2012 to 2499 metres with 487 metres of vertical drop. The resort comprises 59 runs across three distinct areas – East, West, and North – with terrain split 25 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, 30 percent advanced, and 5 percent expert. Goldrush, the 2.6-kilometre run at East Resort, holds the distinction of being Southern California's longest trail. Snowmaking covers more than 80 percent of terrain, supplementing an annual average of 3 metres of natural snowfall, whilst the resort claims consistent early-season opening as the first Southern California area to operate each winter.
West Resort dominates with terrain parks featuring obstacles like the Slayer Box and Paradox, plus The Reef glade zone when snow depth allows. East Resort delivers a contrasting alpine character with long groomed runs, Olympic Bowl mogul field, and sweeping views across the Mojave Desert. North Resort, formerly Ski Sunrise, offers 70 acres of beginner-intermediate terrain and Southern California's largest tubing park with up to 12 lanes, operating Fridays through Sundays during peak season. The Discovery Chairlift at East Resort summit provides access to 20 acres of beginner terrain at 2499 metres elevation.
Night skiing operates seven nights weekly during peak season until 10pm, primarily at West Resort with more than 85 percent of terrain illuminated. Free shuttles run every five to ten minutes between East and West bases, with single tickets valid across all three mountains. The Bullwheel Bar and Grill anchors West Resort's lively base scene with live music and events, whilst Grand View Bistro at East summit serves sit-down dining at 2499 metres. Wrightwood, 5 kilometres east, provides overnight accommodation from budget cabins to multi-bedroom rentals, though the resort itself offers no lodging.
Mountain High participates in the Powder Alliance, granting passholders three free days at 14 partner resorts worldwide. The Cali Pass delivers unlimited access here plus Bear Valley, Dodge Ridge, and China Peak. Season passes start at $399 USD, with daily tickets ranging $69-89 USD depending on date, whilst night sessions run $45-55 USD. The resort suits Los Angeles day-trippers seeking accessible terrain variety, terrain park riders drawn to West Resort's features, and families attracted to North Resort's dedicated learning zones and California's value-driven pricing structure.
1,598ft
Vertical
59
Runs
290 acres
Skiable
117in
Annual snow
Powder Alliance
Pass
The Terrain
59 runs across 290 acres skiable
Mountain High covers about 290 acres (117 hectares) of the San Gabriel Mountains above Wrightwood, spread over East, West and North areas with 59 runs between them. The base sits near 6,600 ft (2,012 m) and the top reaches 8,200 ft (2,499 m), a vertical of 1,600 ft (487 m). Intermediates take 40% of the terrain, advanced runs 30%, beginners 25% and experts 5%. It is a compact mountain by Sierra standards, though the mix of quads, doubles, triples and surface lifts keeps laps quick and queues manageable on most days.
East Resort holds Goldrush, a 1.6-mile run billed as the longest in Southern California, plus the double black Olympic Bowl, the mountain's best mogul field. West Resort leans toward terrain parks and lit night sessions, while North Resort is mostly gentle slopes for first-timers. Expert skiers will run out of challenge within a day, because steep pitches are limited. Mountain High suits Los Angeles day-trippers, families starting out and park riders after a quick session, with enough cruising variety to keep intermediates entertained across all three areas.
Terrain split
59
runs
59 runs across 4 grades
Beginner15 runs · 25%
Intermediate24 runs · 40%
Advanced18 runs · 30%
Expert3 runs · 5%
Time it right
When to visit Mountain High
Mountain High operates from late November through mid-March, with the 2025-26 season running 28 November 2025 to 15 March 2026. West Resort typically opens first in Southern California due to higher base elevation at 2133 metres and extensive snowmaking infrastructure, often operating before Thanksgiving. The season spans approximately 108 days, shorter than northern counterparts but reliable given comprehensive snowmaking coverage. Night skiing runs Wednesday through Sunday during peak periods, extending operational hours seven nights weekly when conditions allow.
The resort receives an average 3 metres of natural snowfall annually, with February historically delivering peak accumulation around week four of the month averaging 12 centimetres per snowfall event. Snowmaking covers more than 80 percent of terrain, enabling operations despite Southern California's Mediterranean climate and lower natural snow totals compared to Sierra Nevada resorts. The 2025-26 season recorded 112 centimetres of total snowfall by March. Elevation advantage at East and West summits approaching 2500 metres helps retain snow quality, whilst North Resort's reliance on natural snow limits operational days.
January through February offers optimal powder conditions following storm cycles tracking across Southern California, whilst March delivers spring corn snow and warmer temperatures. Weekday visits avoid weekend crowds that swell from Los Angeles and Orange County, with Thursday attracting locals for fresh snow before weekend tracking. December holiday periods from 20 December through 4 January rank as busiest, alongside Martin Luther King weekend and Presidents' Day weekend mid-February. Early-season November conditions depend entirely on snowmaking, with natural terrain limited until late December.
Oktoberfest runs weekends 4-19 October at West Resort, attracting thousands annually as Wrightwood's largest festival. Terrain park competitions including rail jams and freestyle events punctuate the calendar, whilst family programming features Easter egg hunts hiding $5,000 in prizes and discounts. The H2O Winter Surf/Snow Classic and various USASA sanctioned events draw competitive riders. Summer operations include disc golf on three nine-hole courses at North Resort, plus camping, events, and seasonal festivals, though mountain biking has paused as of 2026.
Season 2026 - 2027
28 Nov 2026
Opens
15 Mar 2027
Closes
107
Days open
117 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Mountain High
Daily snow reports at Mountain High go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
14 in
Snowiest day
17 Feb 2026
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
22 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Mountain High, and where to stay
Mountain High sits in the San Gabriel Mountains within Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California, despite proximity to the San Bernardino County line near Wrightwood. The three resort areas stretch along State Route 2 west of Wrightwood township, with base elevations ranging 2012-2194 metres and summit reaching 2499 metres at East Resort. The San Gabriel range forms a dramatic transition between the Los Angeles Basin to the south and the Mojave Desert stretching north and east, with resort terrain offering desert vistas rare for ski areas.
Wrightwood, population 4,525, sits 5 kilometres east at 1809 metres elevation, providing the nearest services, dining, and overnight lodging for visitors. The mountain town operates year-round as a recreation gateway, with the resort located along State Route 2 approximately 5 kilometres past Wrightwood when approaching from Highway 138. Los Angeles lies 145 kilometres southwest, whilst San Diego sits 3.5 hours south via Interstate 15. Orange County communities including Anaheim reach the resort in 75 minutes. The Antelope Valley cities of Palmdale and Lancaster lie close enough that West Resort's night lighting remains visible from the desert floor.
State Route 2, known as Angeles Crest Highway through this section, provides primary access from Los Angeles via Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge, climbing 66 kilometres through the San Gabriel Mountains with no mountain driving chains required under normal conditions. From the Inland Empire and desert approaches, Interstate 15 North to Highway 138 West connects to State Route 2, delivering visitors in 90 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The Highway 138 junction sits 20 minutes from Interstate 15. No petrol stations operate along the 90-kilometre stretch between La Cañada and Wrightwood.
Ontario International Airport lies 63 kilometres south, requiring approximately 45 minutes driving time, making it the closest commercial service. Los Angeles International Airport sits 90 minutes southwest, whilst John Wayne Airport in Orange County and Hollywood Burbank Airport both fall within 90-minute range. Rally shuttle service operates regular runs from Los Angeles area, whilst most visitors drive personal vehicles. No rail service reaches Wrightwood, and public transport options from airports require multiple transfers exceeding five hours, making rental cars or shuttles essential for airport arrivals.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Mountain High, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Mountain High's ski season?
Mountain High's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 28 through March 15. That window is roughly 107 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in California, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Mountain High have?
Mountain High lists about 290 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 59 named runs (117 hectares alongside 290 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Mountain High?
Trail grading at Mountain High breaks down roughly as 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced, 5% expert. The advanced and expert share is substantial, so confident skiers and riders will find plenty of steeper fall-line options once they leave the nursery slopes.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Mountain High have?
Mountain High operates 17 lifts across 5 lift types. The fleet includes 5 double chairs, 5 surface lifts, 4 quad chairs, 2 triple chairs, and 1 t-bar.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Mountain High?
Base elevation at Mountain High is about 6,601 ft (2,012 m), with the summit around 8,199 ft (2,499 m), giving roughly 1,598 ft (487 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Mountain High get each season?
Mountain High averages about 117 inches (297 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Mountain High accept the Powder Alliance?
Mountain High is affiliated with the Powder Alliance. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Powder Alliance, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Mountain High lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$45 to US$89, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Mountain High before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 5 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Mountain High so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Mountain High have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Mountain High. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Mountain High located?
Mountain High sits in California, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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8 Nov 2026
Whistler Blackcomb Rockslide Zone Stays Closed Through 2026-27 Season
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7 Nov 2026
Loveland Ski Area Opens for 2026-27 and Marks 60 Years of Snowmaking
Loveland is open. The Colorado ski area started Chet’s Dream turning on Saturday 7 November to kick off 2026-27, with $60 adult lift tickets to mark 60 years of snowmaking. Expect three runs, nearly 1,000 vertical feet (about 300 metres) of top-to-bottom skiing, live music on the Basin Patio and no beginner terrain yet. Here’s what’s open, what it costs and when Loveland Valley follows.
7 Nov 2026
KFC Is Coming to the Slopes at Cortina and Madonna di Campiglio
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5 Nov 2026
Mt Rose Aims to Open First in Tahoe on November 6
Mt Rose is going for the first-in-Tahoe title, with the Lakeview Express due to spin at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 6. One main lift, three runs and plenty of snowmaking, sitting on the highest base elevation in the region at 8,260 ft. Here is what is open, what is not (sorry, tubing fans), and how the early North American openings are stacking up.
4 Nov 2026
Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days
Europe has had a quiet start to November, but our 10-day forecast has Serre Chevalier on 82 cm and Les 2 Alpes on 71 cm. Two pushes are lined up: a western Alps top-up from Friday, then a bigger, wider system on Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13 that reaches Italy and Switzerland. Full leaderboard inside.
4 Nov 2026
Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast
Mammoth just moved opening day forward to Thursday, November 5, eight days ahead of schedule. A snowy weekend and cold snowmaking nights did the work, and our forecast shows up to 33 inches more landing on November 13 and 14. Here is what opens, what the weather looks like and where Mammoth sits among the early Ikon Pass openers.
3 Nov 2026
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026