Snow Summit vs. Bear Mountain: Which Is Better?
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are two ski and snowboard destinations in Big Bear Lake, California, operated together as part of Big Bear Mountain Resort. Snow Summit is known for groomed ski runs, traditional mountain terrain and scheduled night sessions; Bear Mountain is especially popular for freestyle terrain parks and snowboarding. Both welcome skiers and snowboarders of varying abilities, and the best choice depends on your priorities and current conditions.
For winter 2026–27, compare the terrain, lessons, lift access, night skiing and transportation options below. Trail availability, ticket terms and scheduled activities can change throughout the season; confirm details on the official Big Bear Mountain Resort website before booking.
Snow Summit vs. Bear Mountain: Quick Comparison
| Best for | Suggested resort | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time skiers | Snow Summit | Traditional ski terrain and learning areas |
| Beginner snowboarders | Bear Mountain | Snowboard-oriented atmosphere and learning terrain |
| Terrain parks | Bear Mountain | Freestyle-focused reputation |
| Intermediate skiing | Snow Summit | Groomed cruising runs |
| Night skiing | Snow Summit | Typically offers select scheduled night sessions |
| Families | Either | Choose based on lesson availability and preferred terrain |
2026–27 planning note: These are general recommendations, not guarantees of snow, terrain availability or programming. Both resorts are part of Big Bear Mountain Resort. Ticket validity at both mountains, Ikon Pass access, blackout dates, lesson bundles, rentals and night-session eligibility depend on the product and date. Check official tickets and passes before booking.
Which Big Bear Resort Should You Choose?
Snow Summit or Bear Mountain? Both resorts have unique features that will appeal to skiers and snowboarders of different abilities and interests. Below we'll break down both and you can decide which is right for you.
| Detail | Snow Summit | Bear Mountain |
| Base Elevation | 7,000 ft/2,133 m | 7,140 ft/2,176 m |
| Peak Elevation | 8,200 ft/2,499 m | 8,805 ft/2,683 m |
| Vertical Drop | 1,200 ft/365 m | 1,665 ft/507 m |
| Developed terrain | Check official mountain stats | Check official mountain stats |
| Natural terrain acreage | See official trail map | See official trail map |
| Trails / runs | Check current trail map | Check current trail map |
| Longest Run | 1.25 mi/2 km | 1.5 mi/2.4 km |
| Halfpipes | Seasonal; verify | Seasonal; verify |
| Lifts | Check current mountain stats | Check current mountain stats |
| Terrain park features | Varies by season | Varies by season |
| Difficulty Breakdown | Snow Summit | Bear Mountain |
| First-time beginner terrain | See official trail map | See official trail map |
| Low intermediate terrain | See official trail map | See official trail map |
| Intermediate terrain | See official trail map | See official trail map |
| Advanced terrain | See official trail map | See official trail map |
Mountain statistics: Elevations and vertical-drop figures describe the mountains, but trail counts, lift operations and park features may change. For current trail maps, lift status and terrain openings, consult Big Bear Mountain Resort. The former difficulty percentages were removed because their current source could not be confirmed.
Bear Mountain Pros and Cons
- Whole host of half-pipes and terrain parks perfect for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
- Appeals to a more adventurous crowd that prefers obstacles and features such as jumps, boxes, stairsets, rails, tubes and more.
- The difficulty of these features varies and is setup from beginner to expert and terrain park areas are typically dominated by snowboarders.
- Chairs 4, 6 and 8 have black diamond runs. SoCal's steepest run is Geronimo Run and is rated a double black diamond. Rip run is a black diamond that is steep with many trees to navigate.
- Largest beginner area in Southern California including a terrain-based learning area and Skill builder Parks.
- The bunny slope is much longer than Snow Summit but not as wide.
Snow Summit Pros and Cons
- Dedicated to more traditional runs and skiers but you'll find skiers and snowboarders alike.
- Typically a more more experience with better conditions.
- There are several black diamond runs and some with double black diamond sections (The Wall & Olympic). The Wall is a freestyle jumping wall and The Side Chute is steep, narrow and involves navigating trees.
- Features family-friendly activities such as the Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, zipline, 30-foot climbing wall and more.
- There is night skiing with gigantic lights that illuminate the trails.
- The bunny slope is wider than snow summit but not as long. Summit Run, then Skyline Creek and Miracle mile all offer beginner level trails
Snow Summit vs Bear Mountain for Beginners
Both resorts have a full suite of amenities including ski and snowboard lessons, an Adventure Academy with designated kids learning areas, and bunny slopes for beginners so there is no wrong choice.
Beginner snowboarders may prefer Bear Mountain as the resort is more geared towards snowboarders and freestyle skiing. Beginner skiers may prefer Snow Summit as the resort has more beginner-friendly terrain trails plus fewer snowboarders, who can be difficult for skiers to navigate around.
Free Shuttle Services
Big Bear Mountain Resort offers alternative transportation to get you around Big Bear Lake and to the resorts quickly.
- Remote Parking Lots to the Resort: During the winter season, there are parking shuttle to and from Bear Mountain or Snow Summit.
- Resort to Resort: An intermountain shuttle may connect Snow Summit and Bear Mountain during scheduled operating periods; check current hours, frequency and availability before relying on it
- Hotel/Town to Resort: Mountain Transit offers free Big Bear Trolley service year-round to the resorts and key destinations around town.
Bear Mountain Features In Summer And Winter
Winter at Bear Mountain primarily centers on skiing, snowboarding and terrain parks. Tubing and other base-area activities should not be assumed to operate at Bear Mountain; check the resort's current activity listings. There are also base camp activities including wall climbing, an outdoor bar, and you can get a scenic view of the area using the ski lifts.
Bear Mountain is a younger crowd; if you are looking for a more traditional, laid back ski experience, Snow Summit may be for you. Summer recreation in the Big Bear area may include golf and driving ranges; confirm the current location, schedule and operator of any specific attraction before visiting. Most “basecamp” type summer activities and classes are offered at Snow Summit (See below).
Snow Summit Features In Summer And Winter
Snow Summit offers skiing and snowboarding in winter and typically has scheduled night sessions on select dates. Grizzly Ridge Tube Park and other seasonal activities have separate availability, tickets and operating rules; verify the current schedule before visiting.
Snow Summit's best-known summer attraction is its bike park, with scenic chairlift rides and other seasonal base-area activities when offered. Golf and driving-range facilities should not be assumed to be at Snow Summit. Bike trails are also popular; the Snow Summit Bike Park isn’t just a place to ride--you can take biking lessons, rent equipment, and grab trail maps of the area. The bike trails themselves are impressive and there are plenty of downhill options.
Additional summer base-area attractions may change by season. Consult the resort's official summer activities page for current offerings, restrictions and ticket requirements.
If you want an elevated view of the area without having to jump on a trampoline, the Snow Summit Skychair tour offers incredible views of Big Bear Valley and the San Bernardino National Forest. “Base camp” activities at Snow Summit include a variety of lessons offered year-round. You can learn to ski, snowboard, and more.
Big Bear Mountain Resorts Location
Snow Summit Ski Resort: 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Bear Mountain Ski Resort: 43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are roughly two miles apart.
Hours of operation depend greatly on the season, the attraction you have tickets for, and other variables. Some operations are subject to change or cancellation if there are wildfires or public emergencies. It is a smart idea to call ahead before traveling to the local area.
When planning a winter visit, tire chains may be required on your vehicle. This will depend greatly on road conditions, snowfall, and other variables.
Be advised that there is no overnight parking or camping on Big Bear Mountain Resorts property, and there are restrictions on e-bikes in the area. When using Snow Summit or Bear Mountain bike trails, you may operate a Class One e-bike, but not Class Two or Class Three. Some trails here are completely off-limits to e-bikes of any kind.
Booking Issues At Bear Mountain And Snow Summit
Lessons, lift tickets and equipment rentals may be sold separately or in packages. Review exactly what is included in your reservation and confirm cancellation terms before paying. See official resort booking information.
Rental prices, advance-booking discounts and eligibility for special offers vary. Check the official resort booking pages for current equipment packages, promotions and terms.
Reservation Change And Cancellation Policy
Use the current contact and refund instructions on the official Big Bear Mountain Resort website. The appropriate procedure may differ for tickets, lessons, rentals and third-party bookings.
Refunds, changes, credits and cancellation deadlines depend on the specific product purchased and the terms in effect when booking. Review the resort's current refund and cancellation policies rather than assuming a universal three-day rule.
Lodging At Bear Mountain And Snow Summit
You won’t find Big Bear Mountain Resorts offering you lodging; this is the one amenity the resort does not provide. However there are many third-party options in the area. Everything from traditional hotel rooms to log cabin rentals may be available depending on the time of year, demand, weather conditions and other variables. View the Big Bear Lake Website for a list of local places to stay.
Related Winter Guides
Plan your trip with our California ski resort opening dates and best places to play in the snow near Orange County guides.
A Brief History Of Big Bear Mountain Resorts
At one time, Snow Summit and another recreation company called Goldmine Mountain co-existed about two miles apart from one another, both competing for skiers and vacationers.
In 1988, Goldmine Mountain was acquired by S.K.I. and from there the two operations would try to outdo one another on the slopes. Some rebranding was needed; goodbye Goldmine Mountain and enter Bear Mountain. But over time, the rivalry wouldn’t last. In 2002 Snow Summit purchased its rival and the two sites operated under Snow Summit for about 12 years.
The company would be sold twice, with Alterra Mountain Company finally taking over operations for the two sites.
In 2019, Big Bear Mountain Resorts initiated a multi-million dollar renovation project which upgraded many areas including the ticket plaza, rental shop, the outdoor bar, and paved pathways in crucial areas.
Other improvements over the years were not cosmetic, but greatly enhanced the use of both resort areas; Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer reciprocal ticketing. Under this program you may use tickets interchangeably between the two sites where permitted. There is also a shuttle service taking visitors back and forth between the two sites.
