Bear Mountain Reviews: 4.06/5 from 50+ Verified Skiers | Snomad
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351,166 resort ratings from real skiers
Updated January 2025

Bear Mountain Reviews & Ratings

How Skiers Rate Bear Mountain

Overall Rating
4.06
Value for Money
3.63
Quiet Slopes
3.57
Après-Ski
3.92
Accommodation Options
4.11
Family Friendliness
4.48
Groomed Runs
4.03
Powder Zones
3.39
Tree Runs
3.22
Mogul Fields
3.04
Off-Piste
3.19
Snow Parks
4.15
Lift Efficiency
3.94
Eating Out
3.76
Ski School Quality
4.38
Beginners
4.04
Intermediates
3.69
Advanced
4.33
Experts
3.80
Snowboarders
4.15

Read All 50+ Bear Mountain Reviews

What Skiers Say About Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain is primarily visited by beginner to advanced riders from Southern California, with many learning to snowboard or ski here. The terrain park receives consistent praise from freestyle riders across skill levels, with multiple reviewers noting well-maintained features and variety. Users repeatedly mention convenience and proximity to Los Angeles as major draws, though this leads to significant weekend crowds and long lift queues. Snow conditions are frequently described as artificial or variable, with ice and slush common outside of fresh snowfall. Food pricing is consistently criticised as expensive, though reviewers note the resort offers good beginner terrain and friendly staff.

AI-generated summary based on verified skier reviews

  • terrain park quality
  • proximity to LA
  • beginner-friendly terrain
  • friendly staff
  • lift variety
  • learning facilities
  • weekend crowds
  • food prices
  • snow quality
  • lift queues
  • limited advanced terrain
Filters
Good on good snow days bad on every other day ice in Cali. Downtown is nice and area is easy to get to from la. It also gets very packed because of this
Family Friendliness
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great park with fast lifts. the only slow lines are for bunny slopes. good amount of snow and you can usually just wear a light fit on blue birds which is pretty often. foods a little taxed but every mountain is. they have really good music and bands playing pretty often with plenty of seating and great views. theres always something to do at bear and its one of my favorites.
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Eating Out
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Food was insanely expensive and was horrible when I got it. Definetely bring your own food with you. Other than that I had tons of fun
Family Friendliness
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Accommodation Options
Bear Mtn 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. Staff will ALWAYS take care of you and possibly one of the safest slopes on the west coast
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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Bear mountain is a great resort for beginners riders who do not want to travel very far. And the park at bear is top notch there park crew is great with a wide selection of different features.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
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Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
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Great place, coming back! Family friendly, great places to eat, everyone is very friendly. Highland recommend.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
I personally really enjoy bear mountain, out of the three mountains, (snow svalley snow summit and bear) I find bear to be the best because it 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 arent too terrible for SoCal.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
Bear Mountain is a top choice for freestyle riders and those looking for a more relaxed, park-oriented experience. While the terrain may not be as diverse as larger resorts, its world-class terrain parks, great snowmaking, and laid-back atmosphere make it a fantastic destination for snowboarders, especially those looking to push their freestyle skills. Families, beginners, and intermediate riders will also find plenty of terrain to enjoy, though advanced skiers might find the terrain somewhat limited. It's an accessible and fun resort, particularly for those in Southern California looking for a quick trip to the mountains.
Family Friendliness
Value for Money
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If you are someone who likes to ride park Bear is the place for you.
They have multiple park runs for all levels from beginner to pro!
The snow conditions may not be the best all the time but that is to be expected due to the fact that the resort is located in Southern California.
I personally think that they overcharge for day passes, but that seems to he may be case in most places in the U.S.
Avoid the weekends if possible otherwise youll be standing in line more than youll be on your board.
If you are lucky you can get some nice pow days in and get some fun tree runs if there is a good dump!but as I said this is a mountain for beginners and park rats.
The also own snow valley and snow summit which are more family friendly and both do night sessions as well on certain dates!!
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
Very good resort with different options with skill levels for all. Get a day pass from bear mountain and you can ski two mountains in big bear city, also has night skiing.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
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Value for Money
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Mogul Fields
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Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
Another awesome Southern California winter destination. With lots of rugged terrain and well built parks, it's accommodating to any type of rider. A bit more of a mountain drive, be prepared for all situations.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
This resort is not only a lovely place to learn but it is close to LA. This is the first resort I have ever been to and where I learned. It may not have the best off piste or mogul runs but their park is one of a kind. I believe this resort is a better resort to learn at and enjoy riding but it does not have the same amount of lodgings typical large resort would have. Their food options are great with a wide verity and a bar. The one major thing that makes this resort so great is that it is about 5 minutes away from snow summit where your bear mountain ticket will work there too and you can do half days at each resort. That why this resort becomes so much more convenient with also it only being about a half hours to three hours away from LA.
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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Bear is a local classic. Fun runs, some nice tree boarding on a good season, and a nice board park. It's getting over crowded and expensive, but it's still a nice place. Just watch out for nobodies sitting in the middle of runs or just being completely in the way.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
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Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
I hit a tree here resulting in a compound fracture. The ski patrol took about 30 minutes to get to me which was pretty rough considering my bone was sticking out of my leg. When they got to me there were amazing and super thoughtful getting me right to the ambulance and off to the hospital for surgery. Overall the staff was slow but they were very nice and caring. One reached out to me after asking if I was ok and how the surgery went which shows their compassion.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
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Eating Out
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Value for Money
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Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
Great resort. Whether you are a beginner or advanced skier there is lots of options for easy, hard terrain and anything in between. The park is very fun and decently long. The lift lines are never really that long of a wait and there was just a 6 person lift that just got added this season. Its just a short drive for people who live in socal and when there isnt a lot of natural snow it is made up with the snow making capabilities the resort has. The food is pretty good and not too terribly priced. The lift tickets arent too pricey either. It is a great place to go on weekends with friends or even by yourself. Overall a great resort to go.
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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Lift Efficiency
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Bear mountain is a great ski resort for beginners and people who are slightly advance, there trick park is great compared to the near resorts and i really recommend it.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
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Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
As an advanced skier and the repetitionist of Bear Mountain, I would say it's a solid spot if you like freestyle terrain. The park features at Bear Mountain are top-notch: many jumps, rails, and creative setups that make things interesting every season. The vibe is laid-back, and SoCal sun adds a unique twist to skiing here.

With that said, for those seeking hard-advanced outings away from the park, Bear may not entirely satisfy. The terrain is somewhat limited, compared with larger resorts, and crowds-especially on weekends-can be somewhat of a buzzkill. Still, it's a fun place to work on tricks and enjoy a day on the slopes without taking things too seriously.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
Bear Mountain is good for snowboarding and skiing. More snowboarding Parks available for snowboarding. Great beginner runs and intermediate runs for skiers. They have a run called Geronimo which is really great for intermediate to Advanced skiers and snowboarders. If you know the mountain it's easy to get away from the crowds. Of course better to go during the week during the busy season. Plenty of large parking and Bus drop off in front of Resort very convenient when it's crowded. Overall very nice Resort. Plenty of places to stay up in Big Bear Mountain for family and Friends. Also Snow Summit is very close so you can ski both places in one day, they are not connected though. The food is decent and lots of places to relax when done skiing or taking a break. Overall friendly staff. When the conditions are good they're great. The runs are usually groomed very well unless they have fresh snow. Enjoy the mountain. Some of my best skiing has been locally at Big Bear.
Family Friendliness
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Eating Out
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Groomed Runs
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Mogul Fields
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Lift Efficiency
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Family Friendliness
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Bear mountain is a great option for those staying or living in So Cal. Does it have the longest runs? No. Does it have the best snowfall? No. BUT when conditions are right then its a great option to spend a weekend there rather than taking the long ride up to Mammoth.
99% of the people you come into contact with when riding lifts are super friendly and approachable, lift and resort workers are always up for a chat and happy/ smiley!
So although its not going to compare to the likes of Mammoth and bigger resorts for quality of runs and length, you are guaranteed a fun time and a full day skiing (in good conditions). 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.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options