Snow Valley sits at 2,073 metres elevation in the San Bernardino National Forest on State Route 18, 8 kilometres east of Running Springs in San Bernardino County. The resort occupies mid-mountain terrain on the northern slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains, which rise between the Inland Empire and the Mojave Desert. Running Springs functions as the gateway community at the junction of SR-18 and SR-330, elevation 1,850 metres. The mountains form an east-west trending range reaching 3,500 metres at San Gorgonio Mountain, 50 kilometres east.

San Bernardino lies 58 kilometres southwest and 1,700 metres lower in elevation, serving as the primary urban centre. Los Angeles sits 140 kilometres west, Orange County 145 kilometres southwest, and San Diego 240 kilometres south. Lake Arrowhead, a resort community of 12,000, lies 18 kilometres northwest at 1,650 metres elevation. Big Bear Lake, the region's largest mountain town with year-round population of 5,000, sits 27 kilometres east at 2,070 metres. The National Children's Forest, a 1,400-hectare interpretive area created after the 1970 Bear Fire, borders the resort on Highway 18.

From Los Angeles and Orange County, take Interstate 10 east to Highway 330 north in Highland, which climbs 1,500 metres through switchbacks to Running Springs in 45 minutes. Highway 18 continues east 8 kilometres to Snow Valley. Total driving time from central Los Angeles averages 90 minutes in clear conditions, though weekend traffic on Highway 330 frequently doubles travel time during winter. An alternative route via Interstate 15 north to Highway 138 east and Highway 18 through Crestline adds 20 minutes but avoids Highway 330 congestion. From San Diego, take Interstate 15 north 200 kilometres to the Highway 138 junction.

Ontario International Airport sits 61 kilometres southwest with approximately one-hour driving time, offering major airline service and rental cars. Los Angeles International Airport lies 160 kilometres west with two-hour minimum driving time. Palm Springs International Airport, 110 kilometres southeast, provides seasonal winter access. Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority operates bus service from San Bernardino via Ontario Airport to Running Springs and Big Bear, with limited frequency unsuitable for day visits. Metrolink trains serve San Bernardino station, connecting to Mountain Transit buses, though total journey time from Los Angeles exceeds four hours. Private vehicles remain the practical access method, with chains or four-wheel-drive required during active storms.