The Skiers' Guide to Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain Ski Resort in California delivers a unique blend of Southern California sunshine and snow sports, particularly renowned for its world-class terrain parks. Our community gives it an overall rating of 4.07/5. Located in Big Bear Lake, this SoCal favourite sits within easy reach of Los Angeles, making it a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers.

The resort spans from 2,176m to 2,684m, offering 27 runs across 748 acres of skiable terrain. What makes Bear Mountain stand out is its exceptional terrain parks (4.24/5) and ski school quality (4.30/5). One Snomad community member liked that "Bear Mountain may be the absolute BEST for attempting those big pro tricks. Tons of pros to see and brain pick. Ski school is unmatched in ability and knowledge."

The resort particularly shines for family friendliness (4.46/5) and expert skiers (4.33/5). With your lift ticket, you can also access nearby Snow Summit, effectively doubling your terrain options.

Bear Mountain features 27 runs with a good mix for all abilities: 8 beginner, 11 intermediate, and 8 advanced/expert trails. The terrain is serviced by 6 chairlifts, including a recently added 6-person lift that has improved uphill capacity.

The mountain scores well for beginners (4.00/5) with dedicated learning areas, while also catering to advanced riders (4.28/5) with runs like Geronimo. As Gemma, an advanced skier notes: "Top tip for advanced riders is to loop the black and double blacks most the day because those are never really busy even on weekends."

What truly distinguishes Bear Mountain is its freestyle terrain. As Louie, an advanced snowboarder from the United States, mentions: "Bear really has something for everyone, the bunny slopes are really good, they have an insane amount of park and intermediate runs, and the off-piste runs aren't too terrible for SoCal." The groomed runs (4.03/5) are well-maintained, though off-piste options (3.31/5) are somewhat limited compared to larger resorts.

Snowmaking capabilities help maintain conditions despite Southern California's variable weather. The resort receives praise for its lift efficiency (3.90/5), though weekend crowds can create longer wait times.

The dining scene at Bear Mountain scores a respectable 3.79/5 for eating out. On-mountain options provide adequate refueling stops, though some users mention prices are on the steep side.

Will, a beginner snowboarder, advises: "Food was insanely expensive and was horrible when I got it. Definitely bring your own food with you." However, others like Martina find "great places to eat" with friendly service.

The nearby town of Big Bear offers more diverse dining options, with numerous restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets. As Mark notes: "The food is decent and lots of places to relax when done skiing or taking a break."

For those wanting to save money, bringing snacks or packed lunches is a common strategy, particularly during peak times when mountain eateries get busy.

The après scene at Bear Mountain scores a solid 3.82/5 for après-ski, offering a distinctly Southern California vibe. The mountain has a relaxed, sunny atmosphere that transitions well into post-ski socializing.

Zayd, an advanced snowboarder, highlights that "they have really good music and bands playing pretty often with plenty of seating and great views." This entertainment factor adds significantly to the resort's appeal, creating a lively atmosphere after the slopes close.

The Bear Mountain Base Lodge serves as a focal point for après activities, with several bars and outdoor deck areas that catch the afternoon sun. The resort's proximity to Big Bear Lake town also means additional options for evening entertainment are just a short drive away.

The laid-back SoCal atmosphere creates a welcoming environment where skiers and snowboarders can unwind. It's not the wild party scene you might find in European resorts, but it offers a pleasant social experience with a distinct West Coast character.

Bear Mountain excels as a family destination, earning an impressive 4.46/5 for family friendliness. The resort offers a well-balanced experience suitable for all ages and abilities.

The ski school receives particular praise, with Julien, a beginner snowboarder, sharing: "I loved the Ski School here, they taught me so much in so little time and I was so prepared at the end of it and felt so amazed at how thoughtful the teachers were with how they taught me and my family."

Beginner-friendly slopes provide safe learning environments, while more advanced family members can enjoy the terrain parks and steeper runs. Jenna Turner, an intermediate snowboarder, recalls: "The whole family had a blast once we figured out the whole toe turning concept! Was definitely hard but our instructor was amazing and worked with us patiently until we had it down pat!"

The proximity to Los Angeles makes Bear Mountain an accessible weekend option for families based in Southern California. Multiple reviewers mention the resort's cleanliness and friendly atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment for parents and children alike.

Accommodation around Bear Mountain receives a strong 4.03/5 for accommodation options. While the immediate resort area has limited lodging, the nearby town of Big Bear Lake offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Mark, an advanced skier, notes: "Plenty of places to stay up in Big Bear Mountain for family and Friends." The area provides everything from budget motels and cabins to luxury lodges and holiday rentals, giving visitors flexibility in their stay arrangements.

Most accommodation options require a short drive to reach the slopes, as there's limited ski-in/ski-out availability. However, the resort does offer convenient bus drop-offs and parking facilities to ease the commute between lodging and skiing.

Nicole, a beginner snowboarder, was particularly impressed with the accommodations: "Our entire family and friends group loved this place and the accommodations and we would recommend to any looking for a nice resort to enjoy."

Bear Mountain has taken steps toward more sustainable operations, though detailed environmental initiatives aren't prominently featured in user reviews. The resort has invested in energy-efficient snowmaking equipment to maximize production while minimizing resource use, particularly important given Southern California's climate challenges.

Water conservation measures have been implemented for snowmaking operations, recognizing the region's susceptibility to drought conditions. The resort also participates in local forest management programs to maintain the health of surrounding woodlands.

Public transport options to the mountain help reduce vehicle emissions, with shuttle services available from various points in the Big Bear Lake area. While not at the forefront of eco-innovation in the ski industry, Bear Mountain continues to develop its environmental practices to balance recreational offerings with sustainability concerns.