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    California, USA · Powder Alliance

    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.

    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    28 Nov 2026
    Closes
    15 Mar 2027
    Days open
    107
    Annual snow
    10ft
    The Overview
    MF
    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
    10ft
    Annual snow
    Powder Alliance
    Pass
    The Terrain

    59 runs across 290 acres skiable

    Mountain High spreads 59 runs across 290 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 40%, with 15 beginner runs to find your feet and 21 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    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
    10 ft
    Annual snow
    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.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

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    26 Aug 2026

    Mountain High Lift Tickets

    Mountain High lift tickets & passes

    Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Nov 28, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Mountain High typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.

    Day passes start from US$45, with peak rates up to US$89.

    Powder Alliance7 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 13–64

    Adult Daily Ticket

    US$69up to US$89 peak

    Full-day access to Mountain High's East and West resorts in Southern California. Just 90 minutes from downtown Los Angeles with night skiing available Wednesday-Sunday and extensive snowmaking coverage.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–99

    Senior Daily Ticket

    US$59up to US$69 peak

    Discounted daily lift access for seniors at Mountain High. Enjoy Southern California's closest winter destination with two separate mountains and night skiing options.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–12

    Child Daily Ticket

    US$49up to US$59 peak

    Child-friendly lift tickets for Mountain High's beginner and intermediate terrain. Kids enjoy access to both East and West resorts with excellent learning slopes.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Kids 5 & Under Free

    Free

    Complimentary lift access for children 5 and under at Mountain High. Free skiing with proof of age, perfect for Southern California families.

    Buy pass
    Adult 13–64

    Night Skiing Ticket

    US$45up to US$55 peak

    Evening access to Mountain High's illuminated slopes Wednesday through Sunday during peak season. Southern California's premier night skiing experience with terrain parks.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 13–64

    Mountain High Season Pass

    US$399up to US$499 peak

    Unlimited access to Mountain High East and West resorts for the entire 2025/26 season including night skiing. Perfect for Southern California locals and frequent visitors.

    Buy pass
    Adult 13–64

    Cali Pass

    US$599up to US$699 peak

    Unlimited skiing at 4 classic California resorts: Bear Valley, Dodge Ridge, China Peak and Mountain High. Plus 3 days each at 16 Powder Alliance resorts worldwide.

    Buy pass

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Mountain High day pass cost?+
    Mountain High day passes range from US$45 to US$89 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Mountain High lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Mountain High lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Mountain High, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Mountain High lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Mountain High - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Mountain High lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Mountain High offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Mountain High directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Mountain High.

    More Mountain High intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.