Snow Valley

Rim of the World classic on the Big Bear ticket.

The oldest of Big Bear Mountain Resort’s three hills, founded in 1937 on Highway 18 at Running Springs and run by the Big Bear team since 2023. It is smaller and cheaper than Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, with its own Snow Valley-only ticket, Night Sessions, a tube park and the Snow Valley Express six-pack. It is the closest of the three to the Inland Empire, which suits beginners, families and short trips.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,041 ft

Summit

7,841 ft

Skiable terrain

240 acres

Trails

32

Lifts

9

Average snowfall

150″ a year

Terrain mix

• Beginner 14%
• Intermediate 45%
• Advanced 41%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Scenic lift rides
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 19 – Jan 3

  Holiday Night Sessions

  Extended hours with daily Night Sessions at Snow Valley and Snow Summit through the holiday break.

• New Year’sDec 31, 6–10 pm

  New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit

  The region’s big New Year’s Eve party, 30 minutes east at Snow Summit: a concert, more than 200 torch-carrying skiers and a (snow)ball drop. Free viewing.

• EventMar 15–21

  Kids Ski Free Week

  Free lift tickets for kids during the spring break week.

• EventMar 28, 9–10 am

  Easter Egg Hunt

  Free egg hunt at all three Big Bear Mountain Resort hills.

Where to stay

• lodgeThe Lodge at Big Bear Lake (Northwoods Resort)

  Rustic-style hotel in Big Bear Lake, handy if you also want to ski Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

  30 min drive
• hotelLake Arrowhead Resort & Spa

  Lakeside resort hotel with a private beach, lake-view suites and a spa.

  25 min drive
• hostelBig Bear Hostel

  Dorm beds and budget private rooms near Big Bear’s lake and village.

  30 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Snow Valley tube park and snow play · At the base

  Tubing lanes and a snow play area at the base for non-skiers and kids.

• Scenic Sky Chair · At the base

  Round-trip chair ride to the top of Snow Valley at 7,841 ft for big views over the San Bernardino National Forest.

• Lake Arrowhead Resort spa · 25 min drive

  Treatments and lakeside lounging on a rest day.

• Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain · 30 min drive

  Mineshaft Coaster and a snow play hill in Big Bear Lake.

Après and nightlife

• Last Run Lounge

  Sports bar in the Snow Valley main lodge with big TVs, cocktails and a slopeside deck.

• Thunder Mountain BBQ & Bar

  Outdoor bar and grill by the beginner run; dogs on leash welcome.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Ontario International (ONT) · about 50 min drive
• Los Angeles · about 2 hr
• San Diego · about 2.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps