Snow Summit Ski Resort: Tickets, Trails & Activities

Snow Summit is a year-round mountain resort in Big Bear Lake, California, known for skiing, snowboarding, scheduled night skiing, and summer mountain biking. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, it offers groomed ski runs, beginner learning areas and seasonal mountain activities. Part of Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Summit is a popular destination for Southern California families and skiers seeking a traditional mountain experience. Check the official resort website for current operations and tickets.

Snow Summit Visitor Information

A Brief History Of Snow Summit

Newcomers to Snow Summit, Big Bear Lake, and Bear Mountain may experience a bit of initial confusion. Over several decades, Snow Summit and another recreation company called Goldmine Mountain co-existed about two miles apart from one another.

In 1988, the Goldmine operation was purchased by a company called S.K.I. which began positioning itself as a major competitor to Snow Summit. Part of that effort was rebranding; Bear Mountain was born, but its plans to compete with Snow Summit didn’t go quite as expected; in 2002 Snow Summit purchased its rival and the two companies merged.

In 2014, a company called Mammoth Mountain purchased both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, and three years later it changed hands again, this time purchased by the Alterra Mountain Company.

Today, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain operate under the same resort group. Certain tickets and passes offer access to more than one mountain, subject to product terms and restrictions. Intermountain transportation may operate on scheduled days; check current shuttle information before planning to travel between resorts.

Snow Summit is often a good choice for families and beginner skiers, while Bear Mountain is especially known for freestyle terrain. Read our Snow Summit vs. Bear Mountain comparison to decide which better fits your plans.

Snow Valley also belongs to the Big Bear Mountain Resort group. Do not assume that every ticket provides access to all three mountains; verify resort-specific ticket and pass terms before purchasing.

Staying At Snow Summit

Some are confused by Snow Summit--it’s part of a resort that does not feature a hotel. Big Bear Mountain Resorts, the company operating Snow Summit, does not operate a hotel in the area but there are plenty of options off-site.

Booking a cabin, a hotel, or other options is tricky if you are booking last-minute. The official site advises visitors to book as early as possible, stating that some book their winter lodging as early as the summer prior.

Where To Stay When Visiting Snow Summit

Here are a few of our favorite lodging options when visiting Snow Summit

• Best Western Big Bear Chateau
• Big Bear LakeFront Lodge
• Three Pines Lodge & Resort Rentals
• Holiday Inn Resort, The Lodge at Big Bear Lake
• Lagonita Lodge
• Pine Knot Guest Ranch
• Look for local AirBnB Rentals

Snow Summit Seasons

Snow Summit has both winter and summer operations. Winter focuses on skiing and snowboarding, while warmer-weather offerings center on the Snow Summit Bike Park and scenic chairlift rides. Other base-area attractions and events vary by season and should be checked against the official calendar.

Winter activities include skiing and snowboarding on beginner through advanced terrain, supported by snowmaking when conditions allow. Snow Summit also typically schedules night skiing and snowboarding on select dates; hours, lifts and trails may differ from daytime operations. Check the current mountain report and night-session calendar.

Snow Summit Winter Ski Season

Snow Summit's winter season generally runs from late fall into spring, depending on snowmaking, snowfall and weather. Day tickets, passes, lessons and rentals may be offered separately or in packages. Access to Bear Mountain or Snow Valley depends on your specific ticket or pass. See official tickets, lessons, rentals and operating dates before booking.

Snow Summit Runs

Snow Summit Trail Map

• Timber Ridge - Easier
• Log Chute - Black Diamond
• Off Chute - Black Diamond
• Side Chute - Black Diamond & Double Black Diamond
• Olympic - Black Diamond & Double Black Diamond, Steep as any groomed run
• Tommmy's - Black Diamond
• The Wall - Double Black Diamond, groomed section on one side of the chair, bumps on the other.
• 7 Down - More Difficult
• Perfect Pitches - More Difficult
• Jo's - More Difficult
• Sugarpine - More Difficult
• Pipe Dream - More Difficult
• Side Show - More Difficult
• Miracle Mile - More Difficult
• Hog Back - More Difficult
• Summit Run - Easier
• Ego Trip - Black Diamond
• East Way - More Difficult
• ZZYZX Park - More Difficult
• Westridge Park - More Difficult
• Cruiser - Easier
• Skyline Creek - Easier
• Mainstream - More Difficult
• Sundown - Easier
• Last Chance - Easier

Snow Summit Night Skiing

Snow Summit typically offers night skiing and snowboarding on select winter dates. Night sessions can have different lift and trail availability, ticket rules and operating hours than daytime sessions. Confirm the official night-session calendar and current mountain report before traveling.

Snow Summit Activities: Winter

Skiing and snowboarding are Snow Summit's primary winter activities. For a separate snow-tubing experience, check whether Grizzly Ridge Tube Park is operating, where it is located, and what admission is required. Tubing is not automatically included with ski lift tickets.

Tubing availability varies by season, weather and operator schedule. Do not rely on historical opening or closing dates; check the current official activity calendar and ticket options.

Tubing, when offered, may have age or height requirements, equipment rules and separate reservations. Review the operator's current safety instructions rather than relying on past rules.

Snow Summit Activities: Summer

Snow Summit's summer activities primarily feature mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides and seasonal events. Other base-area attractions vary; golf courses, driving ranges, Euro Bungee and summer tubing should not be assumed to operate at Snow Summit without current confirmation.

The Sky Chair tour gives you a literal bird’s-eye view of Big Bear Valley on a one-mile ride on the chair lift overlooking the San Bernardino National Forest.

The Summit Bike Park features lessons, equipment rental, trail maps, and features 1,200 feet of vertical drop. There are jumps, berms, “gravity-fed” bike runs, and options for beginners. There are a dozen downhill trails to choose from.

Getting To Snow Summit

Snow Summit is in Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains, approximately two miles from Bear Mountain. Driving time from Orange County varies considerably with your starting point, traffic, weather and chain controls; allow extra time during winter storms and busy weekends.

Snow Summit

880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Winter road conditions can require tire chains or cables, and parking and shuttle arrangements may change on busy days. Check Caltrans QuickMap and the resort's current parking instructions before traveling. Overnight parking and camping are restricted on resort property. For summer biking, check current trail-specific e-bike policies before visiting.

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Also see our Snow Summit vs. Bear Mountain comparison, California ski resort opening dates and best snow-play destinations near Orange County.

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