Ski Resorts Near San Diego

While no ski resorts are located in the mountains of San Diego County, there are a handful of ski areas within a few hours drive. Just north of Los Angeles and the Inland Empire several terrific ski areas are tucked into the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. Further afield, you can drive to Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Nevadas and Brian Head ski resorts in Utah.

Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain, part of the large Big Bear Mountain Resort, which also includes Snow Summit and Snow Valley (see below) stands as a testament to Southern California’s rich ski culture. Evolving over the years, this resort has cemented its status as a top destination for skiers and snowboarders.

Known for its youthful vibe and an unmistakable emphasis on freestyle skiing and snowboarding, Bear Mountain sets itself apart with its innovative terrain parks, attracting freestyle enthusiasts from all over. The resort sprawls across 748 skiable acres and boasts an impressive base elevation of 7,140 feet, with its summit peaking at 8,805 feet.

Location and Accessibility

• Exact Address: 43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
• GPS Coordinates: 34.227700, -116.860300
• Nearest Airports: The closest major airports are Ontario International Airport (approximately 1.5 hours by car) and Los Angeles International Airport (around 2 hours drive).
• Transportation Options: While there is no direct shuttle service to Bear Mountain, rental cars and bus services are available from the airports. For a more personalized experience, consider hiring a private shuttle.
• Driving and Parking: Bear Mountain is accessible via Highway 18. Parking is available at the resort, including options for premium and standard parking.

Skiing and Snowboarding Information

• Ski Terrain: Bear Mountain caters to a diverse skill set, featuring a range of trails from beginner to advanced. However, it’s particularly renowned for its terrain parks, which are among the best in Southern California.
• Lifts: The resort is equipped with several lifts, including high-speed options, efficiently transporting skiers and snowboarders to various parts of the mountain.
• Night Skiing: While Bear Mountain does not traditionally offer night skiing, its sister resort, Snow Summit, located just a short drive away, does.

Snow Conditions and Weather

• Average Annual Snowfall: The area receives an average of around 100 inches of snowfall annually.
• Snowmaking Capabilities: Bear Mountain employs extensive snowmaking to supplement natural snowfall, ensuring good skiing conditions throughout the season.
• Weather Updates: For current weather and snow conditions, visitors can check Bear Mountain’s official website or reliable weather forecasting services.

Lodging and Accommodations

• Resort Lodging: While Bear Mountain itself does not offer on-site lodging, a variety of accommodation options are available in the nearby Big Bear Lake area, ranging from AirBnB cabins to luxury resorts. There is also lodging near Lake Arrowhead.
• Ski-in/Ski-out Facilities: While Bear Mountain does not have direct ski-in/ski-out facilities, many nearby lodgings in Big Bear Lake offer convenient access to the resort.

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Snow Summit

Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, Snow Summit Ski Resort stands as a beacon for families and ski enthusiasts seeking a blend of scenic beauty and winter fun. Compared to its sibling, Bear Mountain, Snow Summit exudes a more traditional ski resort atmosphere, catering to a broader range of skiing and snowboarding abilities with its well-groomed trails. Its scenic drive from Southern California cities adds to its allure, making it a favored destination for a quick escape to the snow.

Location and Accessibility

• Exact Address: 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
• GPS Coordinates: 34.236000, -116.889000
• Nearest Airports: The nearest major airports are Ontario International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. From these locations, the resort is accessible by car or private shuttle services.
• Driving and Parking: Located just a short drive from various Southern California cities, the resort offers ample parking, including premium options close to the lifts.

Skiing and Snowboarding Information

• Ski Terrain: Snow Summit boasts a variety of trails, including dedicated beginner areas and more challenging runs for intermediate skiers. The resort is less focused on terrain parks compared to Bear Mountain, making it more popular among traditional skiers.
• Lifts: The resort features multiple lifts, including high-speed options, ensuring quick and efficient access to its diverse trails.
• Night Skiing: One of the highlights of Snow Summit is its night skiing offerings, allowing visitors to experience the slopes under the starry sky.

Snow Conditions and Weather

• Average Annual Snowfall: The region typically averages around 100 inches of snow a year, complemented by an advanced snowmaking system that covers 100 percent of the trails.
• Weather Updates: Current weather and snow conditions can be checked on the resort’s official website or trusted weather platforms.

Lodging and Accommodations

• Nearby Lodging: While Snow Summit does not have on-site lodging, the nearby town of Big Bear Lake offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from rustic cabins to luxurious resorts. There is also lodging near Lake Arrowhead.

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Snow Valley Ski Resort

The third ski area in the Big Bear Mountain Resort family, Snow Valley Ski Resort offers a mix of skiing and snowboarding experiences for enthusiasts of all levels. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Snow Valley stands out as a charming winter sports destination in Southern California.

Location and Accessibility

• Exact Address: 35100 State Highway 18, Running Springs, CA 92382, USA.
• GPS Coordinates: 34.224500, -117.036000
• Nearest Airports: The closest major airports are Ontario International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. These airports offer rental car services for the drive to the resort.
• Driving and Parking: The resort is easily accessible via Highway 18, with ample parking facilities available for visitors.

Skiing and Snowboarding Information

Snow Conditions and Weather

• Average Annual Snowfall: Snow Valley receives a significant amount of snowfall each year, supplemented by its extensive snowmaking capabilities, ensuring reliable skiing conditions.
• Weather Updates: Visitors can access current weather and snow condition updates through Snow Valley’s official website or various weather forecasting services.

Lodging and Accommodations

• Nearby Lodging: While Snow Valley does not offer lodging on the resort grounds, the nearby towns of Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear Lake provide a range of accommodation options.

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Mount Baldy Resort

Perched in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mount Baldy Resort offers a distinct skiing and snowboarding experience with its natural, rugged terrain. Favored by those seeking a more challenging and less commercialized ski environment, Mount Baldy stands out as a hidden gem near Los Angeles.

Known for its unique layout and rustic charm, Baldy provides an authentic mountain experience. Its terrain, largely unaltered and natural, appeals to skiers and snowboarders looking for a more adventurous outing. The resort’s higher elevations offer stunning views and challenging runs, making it a favorite among experienced winter sports enthusiasts.

Location and Accessibility

• Exact Address: 8401 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759
• GPS Coordinates: 34.236000, -117.658300
• Nearest Airports: The nearest major airports are Ontario International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. Both offer rental car services for a scenic drive to the resort.
• Driving and Parking: Accessible via Mt Baldy Road, the resort offers parking facilities. The road conditions can vary, so it’s advisable to check the weather and road status beforehand.

Skiing and Snowboarding Information

• Ski Terrain: The ski area is known for its advanced and expert-level trails, but there are options for beginners as well. The terrain is varied, offering everything from traditional runs to open bowls and chutes.
• Lifts: The lift system, including chairlifts, provides access to different parts of the mountain, each offering a unique skiing experience.
• Unique Aspects: Mount Baldy’s layout is unusual compared to more commercial resorts, giving a more raw and natural skiing experience.

Snow Conditions and Weather

• Average Annual Snowfall: Mount Baldy receives around 100 inches of snowfall annually.
• Snowmaking Capabilities: The resort relies largely on natural snowfall, which adds to its charm and appeal, but also requires keeping an eye on the snow report for optimal conditions.
• Weather Updates: Weather and snow conditions can be checked on Mount Baldy Ski Area’s official website or through standard weather forecasting services.

Lodging and Accommodations

• Nearby Lodging: There are no on-site lodging facilities at Mount Baldy Ski Area, but nearby towns offer various accommodations, including cabins and hotels.

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Mountain High Resort

Mountain High, one of the most popular ski resorts in Southern California, offers accessibility and varied terrain, making it an excellent destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Mountain High comprises three distinct areas – the West Resort, East Resort, and North Resort, each offering a unique experience. The West Resort, known for its lively atmosphere and terrain parks, is popular with younger crowds and snowboarders. The East Resort features longer runs and picturesque views, catering to intermediate and advanced skiers. The North Resort, primarily known for its tubing park, is great for families and beginners.

Location and Accessibility

• Exact Address: 24510 State Highway 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397
• GPS Coordinates: 34.376000, -117.693800
• Nearest Airports: The closest major airports are Ontario International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. These airports offer car rental services for the approximately 90-minute drive to the resort.
• Driving and Parking: The resort is easily accessible via Highway 2, with ample parking available for guests.

Skiing and Snowboarding Information

• Ski Terrain: Across its three areas, Mountain High offers a wide range of trails suitable for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The West Resort is particularly known for its freestyle terrain.
• Lifts: The resort features a comprehensive lift system, including high-speed quads, to facilitate easy access to all its slopes and parks.
• Night Skiing: Mountain High offers night skiing at the West Resort, providing a unique experience under the stars.

Snow Conditions and Weather

• Average Annual Snowfall: The resort receives around 70 inches of snowfall annually, supplemented by an extensive snowmaking system covering nearly all trails.
• Weather Updates: Current weather and snow conditions can be checked on Mountain High’s official website or standard weather forecasting services.

Lodging and Accommodations

• Nearby Lodging: While Mountain High doesn’t offer on-site lodging, the nearby town of Wrightwood has a range of accommodations, from quaint inns to cabins.

Further Afield: Ski Resorts in the Sierras, Arizona, Nevada and Utah

While they are further away, if you have the time several resorts in the Sierra Nevada and Utah are just a day’s drive away from San Diego. These include:

Alta Sierra Ski Resort

Situated at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Alta-Sierra Ski Resort is a lesser-known spot with mainly intermediate trails. Alta is about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from San Diego.

Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain, nestled in the Eastern Sierra region of California, is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the United States. Renowned for its long skiing season—often extending from November to as late as July—Mammoth boasts a diverse range of terrains suited for all skill levels.

June Mountain

Known as “California’s Family Mountain,” June Mountain offers a variety of terrain for all levels and is less crowded compared to its larger neighbor, Mammoth Mountain. June is around a 7-hour drive from San Diego.

Brian Head Ski Resort – Utah

Brian Head Ski Resort, located in southern Utah, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse range of slopes suitable for all skill levels. It’s a 7-8 hour drive from San Diego. Sitting at an elevation of over 9,600 feet, it’s one of the highest ski resorts in Utah, offering impressive snow quality and stunning views of the surrounding natural landscapes.

Arizona Snowbowl

Snowbowl is a popular ski resort located in the picturesque San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Arizona. Known for its stunning natural beauty and challenging ski slopes, Snowbowl offers a variety of runs that cater to both beginners and experienced skiers alike. The resort is particularly notable for its high elevation, which provides a longer skiing season compared to other resorts in the region. Snowbowl is around an 8-hour drive from San Diego.

Lee Canyon

Lee Canyon is a small, little-known ski resort in the Spring Mountains of Nevada, an hour away from Las Vegas. The resort is for its family-friendly ski and snowboard slopes. It’s about a 6.5 hours drive from San Diego.