The Skiers' Guide to Mountain High

Mountain High is a convenient ski resort in Southern California, just over an hour's drive from Los Angeles. One Snomad community member liked that it's "the staple of convenience as far as getting to the resort from nearby cities" including LA, San Fernando Valley, and San Bernardino.

The resort comprises three distinct areas, though our users mention that typically only West Mountain is consistently open, with East Mountain operating when snow conditions permit. With a respectable altitude range from 2011m to 2499m, Mountain High offers 59 runs spread across beginner (12), intermediate (25), and advanced (20) terrain.

Our community gives Mountain High an overall rating of 3.88/5, with particularly strong scores for groomed runs (4.41/5, terrain parks (4.27/5, and lift efficiency (4.41/5.

Mountain High delivers a solid mix of terrain across its three mountain areas. West Resort houses the terrain park features and a few steeper runs via an experts-only chair lift. East Resort offers tree runs and natural terrain features, including what's billed as Southern California's longest ski run (though our users note it takes just 3-5 minutes for expert skiers to complete).

The West Resort also contains the bunny slopes and learning areas directly in front of the main lodge, making it ideal for beginners. With 9 chairlifts serving the mountains, access is generally good, though one advanced skier noted that "the high-speed lifts slow and stop a lot" due to beginners on a small green run at the top.

For park enthusiasts, Mountain High shines with its terrain parks (4.27/5. As Gabriel, an advanced snowboarder, put it: "the park set up is great." Another user added that the terrain park is "set up fairly well with different options for rails, boxes, kicker jumps, wall ride, etcetera," making it "a good place for beginner park riders to learn their technique."

Dining options at Mountain High receive a solid rating of 3.17/5 from our community. While detailed restaurant information is limited, one user mentioned that "burgers are always fresh" and that "this place is a must go for all levels."

However, value-conscious visitors should note that one intermediate snowboarder found the food "overpriced," though they acknowledged this was "expected." Most dining facilities appear to be concentrated around the main lodge area, with an outdoor bar and grill mentioned by users.

The resort seems to focus more on casual, quick-service dining options rather than extensive culinary variety, which is typical for a day-trip focused resort so close to major urban areas.

The après scene at Mountain High scores 3.46/5 among our users. While not known for wild partying, the resort maintains a good vibe that several reviewers commented on.

Kevin, an intermediate skier, mentioned that "music is always bumping and puts you in a good mood," suggesting a lively atmosphere on the mountain. The outdoor bar and grill near the main lodge appears to be a popular spot for post-ski refreshments.

What Mountain High might lack in traditional European-style après-ski, it makes up for in accessibility and atmosphere. As one advanced snowboarder put it: "The employees and locals are super friendly," contributing to an overall welcoming environment whether you're there for day or night skiing.

Mountain High performs exceptionally well for families, earning a strong 4.28/5 rating from our community. The resort layout makes it particularly appealing for family groups, with well-designed learning areas and beginner slopes directly in front of the main lodge at West Resort.

Josh, an advanced snowboarder, confirms you can "ride with friends or ride with the family," calling it his "go-to every winter season." Another user highlighted that the resort has "an outstanding adaptive ski program," making it accessible to skiers of all abilities.

The variety of terrain across the three mountain areas means families with mixed skiing abilities can find suitable runs, while the terrain park provides entertainment for more adventurous younger skiers and riders. The resort's proximity to LA and other Southern California cities also makes it ideal for family day trips without lengthy travel times.

The accommodation options (3.43/5 at Mountain High reflect its status as primarily a day-trip destination. Most visitors seem to drive in from nearby cities rather than staying overnight.

The nearby town of Wrightwood, just five minutes from West Resort, offers some accommodation options and rental services. One user noted that rentals "are given at a better rate in the town of Wrightwood," suggesting it might be worth looking beyond the immediate resort area for better value.

For those wanting to stay closer to the slopes, limited on-site accommodation seems available, though specific details aren't mentioned frequently in reviews. Given the resort's proximity to major urban areas, many visitors simply return home after a day on the slopes.

Mountain High's environmental initiatives appear limited based on available review information. As a smaller resort primarily serving day-trippers from urban Southern California, it faces different sustainability challenges than larger destination resorts.

The resort's accessibility by car (just over an hour from Los Angeles) reduces the carbon footprint associated with longer travel but creates traffic congestion issues. No specific renewable energy usage, snowmaking efficiency improvements, or waste reduction programs were highlighted in user reviews.

Given its location in drought-prone Southern California, water usage for snowmaking would be a particular environmental concern worth addressing through more efficient systems or water recycling programs.