Mt. Waterman, Closest Mountain Resort to LA, Under New Ownership

Mt. Waterman, a small ski area about an hour outside Los Angeles, has a new owner and some changes on the horizon. After being up for sale earlier this year, Angeles Mountain Partners LLC (AMP) acquired the mountain, planning to breathe new life into a resort that’s flown under the radar for decades. (Their website looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1998, but it has a certain rustic appeal.)
The headliner of AMP’s plan is the Waterman100, an exclusive country club-style membership program limited to 100 entries. The membership offers private powder days, a shared equity pool, and even helipad access.
AMP co-founder Joshua Shelton said that the public will still have access, though during heavy snowfalls, the best conditions will be reserved for Waterman100 members. “We can’t control the weather, but we can manage how many people gain access to the absolute best conditions,” Shelton said.
Beyond the membership program, AMP has plans to make the mountain more appealing year-round, with renovations including expanded amenities like a new chairlift, improved mountain bike trails, and updates to the warming hut and clubhouse.
For those unfamiliar with Mt. Waterman, it’s one of Southern California’s lesser-known ski spots, with 27 trails, three lifts, and 390 acres of skiable terrain. The resort has weathered plenty of challenges over the years, including wildfires, a lengthy closure from 2001 to 2008, and unpredictable snow.
The 2023 storm damage to State Route 2—the main road leading to the resort—was just the latest hurdle. It will be interesting to see how the resort does under the new management and exclusivity focused membership plan.
More information on Southern California ski areas.