Snow Summit
240 acres, 27 runs, 366m vertical in San Bernardino Mountains. Night skiing, Ikon Pass access, 2 hours from Los Angeles.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
5 Dec 2026
Closes
28 Mar 2027
Days open
113
Annual snow
139in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Snow Summit operates across 240 acres with 27 marked runs and 366 metres of vertical drop, stretching from a base elevation of 2,133 metres to a summit at 2,499 metres in the San Bernardino Mountains. The resort averages 254 centimetres of annual snowfall, supplemented by an extensive snowmaking system featuring more than 560 hydrants and 330 snow guns covering all developed terrain. Established in 1952, Snow Summit holds the distinction of hosting the inaugural Winter X Games in 1997 and installing the West Coast's first permanent in-ground halfpipe in 1983. The resort includes access on the Ikon Pass with unlimited days and operates as one of three mountains within Big Bear Mountain Resort alongside sister properties Bear Mountain and Snow Valley.
The terrain breaks down to 19 per cent beginner, 48 per cent intermediate, 26 per cent advanced and 7 per cent expert across the 27 trails. Intermediate cruisers dominate the west side via Chairs 2 and 9, including the popular Miracle Mile and Summit Run top-to-bottom routes. Advanced skiers target The Bowl on the east side, where Chair 5 and Chair 6 access black diamond runs including Olympic, The Wall and Side Chute. Westridge serves as a 2.4-kilometre terrain park with progressive features spanning beginner to expert levels, whilst Chair 3 provides access to additional park runs including Ego Trip.
Snow Summit caters primarily to Los Angeles day-trippers and weekend visitors seeking accessible alpine terrain within a two-hour drive. The base area at 2,133 metres includes the Adventure Academy ski school, Ironwood Coffee, Oakfire Grill and a tubing park. Night sessions operate on select dates from 3pm to 8:30pm, illuminating 50 hectares of terrain including Upper Miracle Mile. Free shuttle service connects Snow Summit to Bear Mountain two miles away, allowing ticket holders to ski both mountains on a single pass.
The resort suits families, progression skiers and intermediates looking for reliable conditions and proximity to Southern California's urban centres. Big Bear Mountain Resort season passes start at $719 for unlimited access to all three mountains, whilst Ikon Pass holders receive unlimited days with no blackout dates. The 2025-26 season runs from 5 December to 25 March, with weekend crowds peaking during January and February holidays. Ontario International Airport sits 97 kilometres away with a 90-minute drive via Highway 330 and Highway 18.
1,201ft
Vertical
27
Runs
240 acres
Skiable
139in
Annual snow
Ikon
Pass
The Terrain
27 runs across 240 acres skiable
Snow Summit covers 240 acres (97 hectares) in the San Bernardino Mountains above Big Bear Lake, with 27 runs and a vertical of 1,200 ft (366 m). The summit sits at 8,200 ft (2,499 m) and the base at about 7,000 ft (2,133 m). Intermediate runs make up 48% of the terrain, with 26% advanced, 19% beginner and 7% expert. It is a small footprint, but the trails are laid out well, with long cruising lines to the base and a spread of chairs that disperses skiers across the mountain.
Miracle Mile and Summit Run are the signature cruisers, and a handful of chairs feed them from the top. The Bowl on the east side holds the steepest pitches, including Olympic, The Wall and Side Chute. Westridge is a long terrain park with features that suit beginners through to experts. With a wide spread of groomed intermediate trails, Snow Summit works well for families, progressing skiers and park riders. Advanced skiers will find enough to enjoy for a day, though the terrain is limited in scale, so those chasing real steeps should look north to the Sierra.
Terrain split
27
runs
27 runs across 4 grades
Beginner5 runs · 19%
Intermediate13 runs · 48%
Advanced7 runs · 26%
Expert2 runs · 7%
Time it right
When to visit Snow Summit
The 2025-26 season opens 5 December 2025 and closes 25 March 2026, delivering approximately 16 weeks of operation. Snow Summit typically operates from early December through late March depending on conditions, with Bear Mountain extending the season into early April when snowpack allows. The resort maintains one of Southern California's longest seasons thanks to comprehensive snowmaking that can manufacture snow across all developed terrain. Daily operations run 8:30am to 4pm Monday through Friday, with weekend hours starting at 8am and night sessions extending access until 8:30pm on select dates.
Snow Summit receives an average of 254 centimetres of annual snowfall, concentrated primarily between December and March. February historically delivers the heaviest snowfall with 76 centimetres average, followed by January with 66 centimetres. The base elevation of 2,133 metres and summit at 2,499 metres provide consistent cold temperatures for snowmaking throughout the winter. The resort's multimillion-dollar system features more than 560 hydrants, 330 snow guns and 40 fans converting 22,710 litres of water to snow per minute, ensuring reliable coverage even during low-natural-snow years.
January and February offer peak powder conditions and the fullest terrain opening, though weekend crowds can be substantial with lift lines forming at main chairs. March delivers spring conditions with softer snow and longer daylight, plus reduced midweek crowds. December provides early-season access primarily on machine-made snow. Night sessions operate select Friday through Sunday dates from mid-December through mid-March, illuminating 50 hectares including terrain parks and intermediate cruisers. Advance online purchases save $20 to $30 compared with window rates.
The annual New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade on 31 December features over 200 skiers descending the mountain with lit torches, marking the resort's 61st edition of the tradition in 2025. Snow Summit hosts School Night Session programmes and birthday promotions offering free lift access on guests' actual birthdays. The resort closes for the season in late March, transitioning to summer mountain biking operations by late April or early May. Spring skiing remains viable through the final operating days, with groomed runs maintaining coverage whilst south-facing terrain softens in afternoon sun.
Season 2026 - 2027
5 Dec 2026
Opens
28 Mar 2027
Closes
113
Days open
139 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Snow Summit
Daily snow reports at Snow Summit go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
0 in
Snowiest day
1 Dec 2025
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
0 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Snow Summit, and where to stay
Snow Summit sits in the San Bernardino Mountains at 34.22°N latitude, directly adjacent to Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, Southern California. The base village at 2,133 metres elevation lies within the San Bernardino National Forest, surrounded by pine and cedar forest with views across the 11-kilometre-long reservoir. The resort occupies the southern slopes above the town of Big Bear Lake, positioned 156 kilometres northeast of downtown Los Angeles. Bear Mountain operates two miles west, whilst Snow Valley sits 16 kilometres away in Running Springs.
Big Bear Lake town centre sits three kilometres north of the resort, offering lodging, dining and retail services for approximately 5,200 permanent residents. The mountain community serves as Southern California's primary alpine destination, drawing day-trippers and weekend visitors from Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Running Springs sits 13 kilometres west via Highway 18, whilst the city of San Bernardino lies 56 kilometres southwest in the valley below. The surrounding San Bernardino National Forest provides hiking trails and cross-country skiing accessed from the summit.
Highway 18 serves as the primary access route, climbing from San Bernardino via Highway 330 through steep switchbacks gaining 1,200 metres elevation. The drive from Los Angeles covers 156 kilometres and takes approximately two hours via Interstate 10 east to Highway 330 north, then Highway 18 east to Big Bear Lake. An alternate route follows Highway 38 through Redlands, adding 20 minutes but offering less congestion and fewer switchbacks. Weekend traffic can extend drive times by 30 to 60 minutes during peak winter periods. Tyre chains may be required during active snowfall.
Ontario International Airport sits 97 kilometres southwest with a 90-minute drive via Interstate 10 and Highway 330. Los Angeles International Airport lies 183 kilometres away with a two-hour drive under normal traffic conditions. Palm Springs International Airport sits 140 kilometres southeast, whilst John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana offers access 150 kilometres southwest. Mountain Transit operates bus service from San Bernardino to Big Bear Lake for $10, connecting to Metrolink commuter rail. No direct public transport serves the resort base, requiring taxi or rideshare for the final three kilometres from town. Free shuttle service operates between Snow Summit and Bear Mountain for passholders.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Snow Summit, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Snow Summit's ski season?
Snow Summit's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 5 through March 28. That window is roughly 113 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 Snow Summit have?
Snow Summit lists about 240 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 27 named runs (97 hectares alongside 240 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 Snow Summit?
Trail grading at Snow Summit breaks down roughly as 19% beginner, 48% intermediate, 26% advanced, 7% expert. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Green/Blue) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
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 Snow Summit have?
Snow Summit operates 16 lifts across 4 lift types. The fleet includes 5 double chairs, 5 surface lifts, 4 triple chairs, and 2 quad chairs.
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 Snow Summit?
Base elevation at Snow Summit is about 6,998 ft (2,133 m), with the summit around 8,199 ft (2,499 m), giving roughly 1,201 ft (366 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 Snow Summit get each season?
Snow Summit averages about 139 inches (353 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 Snow Summit accept the Ikon?
Snow Summit is affiliated with the Ikon. 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 Ikon, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Snow Summit lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$45 to US$155, 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 Snow Summit before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 4 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Snow Summit 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 Snow Summit 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 Snow Summit. 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 Snow Summit located?
Snow Summit 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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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.
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4 Nov 2026
Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days
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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