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.

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.