Snow Summit and Bear Mountain SoCal’s Ski Season Is About to Drop, Are You Ready for Opening Day?

(Photo courtesy of Big Bear Mountain Resort)

 

The wait for winter is finally over for Southern California skiers and snowboarders.

 

Bear Mountain is officially set to kick off the season, with lifts spinning starting Thursday, December 4.

 

Its sister resort, Snow Summit, will follow close behind, welcoming guests on Friday, December 5.

 

This much-anticipated opening signals the true start of the winter recreation season in the San Bernardino Mountains, a welcome sign for local businesses and winter enthusiasts alike.

 

A recent spell of warm, dry weather had cast some doubt on a pre-holiday opening, mirroring a trend seen across much of the West Coast.

 

However, resort officials credit their powerful snowmaking operations for making this week’s opening possible.

 

Thanks to a dip in nighttime temperatures and low humidity, crews have been working around the clock to blanket the runs with man-made snow.

 

While Snow Valley has opened for sledding and snow play, its full ski and snowboard operations are still pending, awaiting more favorable snowmaking conditions.

 

Officials acknowledge that relying on mother nature is a luxury in this region.

 

“Being in Southern California, we can’t always rely on natural snowfall,” one official noted, praising their snowmaking teams as among the best in the country.

 

Any natural snow is considered a bonus, or “icing on the cake,” for a resort that has invested heavily in snow production technology.

 

With the holidays fast approaching, there is a palpable sense of pent-up demand from people eager to get their first laps of the season.

 

Visitors planning a trip should be aware of regional travel changes.

 

Highway 38 remains closed indefinitely following severe storm damage and mudslides from a few months ago, which will impact travel times.

 

Travelers are advised to use alternative routes, like Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley or Highway 330, and to plan for potential congestion, especially on weekends.

 

To celebrate the season's launch, the resort is offering a “kids ski free” promotion from December 6 through December 12.

 

Locations:

• Snow Valley, 35100 CA-18, Running Springs
• Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake
• Bear Mountain, 43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Learn more: bigbearmountainresort.com/deals-and-discounts/kids-ski-free-week

 

It’s a bold invitation for families to head to the mountains and kick off their winter traditions.

 

As the lifts prepare to turn, the message from the mountain is clear: be patient, be prepared, and get ready for a fun season.

 

https://www.bigbearmountainresort.com/