Big Bear Mountain
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Bear Mountain

4.4
·3k reviews·Big Bear Lake, United States

A premier ski resort known for challenging terrain, world-class terrain parks, and stunning mountain views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter Mornings

Best snow conditions

CrowdMedium
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Big Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain

Best Time

Winter Mornings

Best snow conditions

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A premier ski resort known for challenging terrain, world-class terrain parks, and stunning mountain views. Reddit

4.4
(3k reviews)

"The Canyons on a fresh pow day is 2nd to none. Definitely highly recommended. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Pre-paid Parking is Key

Parking is prepaid only. Be prepared to potentially put chains on your vehicle to access parking. 🚗

🎿 Lift Tickets Sell Out

Book lift tickets online in advance, as they often sell out, especially on peak days. 🎟️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 3,240 reviews

Type

Ski Resort

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Canyons

The Canyons

Bear Mountain

Legendary terrain for advanced riders and skiers, especially on fresh powder days.

Reddit
Bear Mountain Loop Trail

Bear Mountain Loop Trail

Bear Mountain State Park, NY

A moderate 3.8-mile hike offering scenic views and a manageable 2-3 hour adventure.

Instagram
Park Features

Park Features

Bear Mountain

Renowned for its well-maintained terrain parks, catering to snowboarders and skiers of all skill levels.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Lift Tickets in Advance

Pre-paid parking is mandatory, and lift tickets often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Avoid disappointment by booking online well ahead of your visit. Reddit

Check Snow Conditions & Weather

Snowfall can be unpredictable. Always check the official Bear Mountain website for the latest snow reports and weather forecasts before you go. TikTok

Best Times

When
Winter Mornings
Why
Best snow conditions
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more runs
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It's about that time! Slopes open this week! Let's go!!! #bigbear #skiing #snowboarding #snowboardingtiktok #skitok
@bigbearsbest
504 likes • 17.5K views

🚗 Pre-paid Parking is Key

Parking is prepaid only. Be prepared to potentially put chains on your vehicle to access parking. Reddit 🚗

🎿 Lift Tickets Sell Out

Book lift tickets online in advance, as they often sell out, especially on peak days. Reddit 🎟️

Big Bear 2025 #california #snow #bigbear #mountain #flypシ
@melanylobaton10
35 likes • 1.9K views
Bear Mountain Resort Saturday, Nov 22nd. Resort staff said Thanksgiving is looking like opening day, but that's tentative.❄️🏂⛷️ @bigbearmountainresort #BigBear #BearMountain #ski #snowboard #bearmountaintresort #bigbearsnow
ericaelyserivas
2.5K likes • 41.8K views

🏂 Gear Adjustment

Snowboard adjustments might require returning to rental staff. Plan accordingly. Reddit :snowboarder:

❄️ Snow Conditions Vary

While resorts work hard with snow machines, natural snowfall can be light. Check reports! TikTokReddit :cloudwithsnow:

BEAR EXHIBIT CLOSED: For the first time in 70+ years, Bear Mountain Zoo has no bears. Sadie and Pal — the sibling black bears who lived at the zoo for nearly two decades — passed away months apart, and now the exhibit is being completely rethought. Full story 🔗 in my IG story and bio.
blaisegomez12
759 likes • 24.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Pre-paid Parking is Key

Parking is prepaid only. Be prepared to potentially put chains on your vehicle to access parking. Reddit 🚗

🎿 Lift Tickets Sell Out

Book lift tickets online in advance, as they often sell out, especially on peak days. Reddit 🎟️

🏂 Gear Adjustment

Snowboard adjustments might require returning to rental staff. Plan accordingly. Reddit :snowboarder:

❄️ Snow Conditions Vary

While resorts work hard with snow machines, natural snowfall can be light. Check reports! TikTokReddit :cloudwithsnow:

🐻 Bear Exhibit Status

Note that the bear exhibit at Bear Mountain Zoo has been closed due to the passing of its last residents. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors love Bear Mountain for its challenging terrain and excellent park features, making it a top choice for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The friendly atmosphere and dedicated staff are frequently highlighted, with one guest sharing a story of a staff member finding a lost wedding ring. However, some find the prepaid parking mandatory and the need to book tickets in advance inconvenient, and natural snowfall can sometimes be lighter than desired.

"I Love learning how to slide down the mountain & in Joy being in nature! Not a gym person... don't like being stuck indoors and sometimes struggle with social anxiety...

Being outdoors and feeling the expansive natural environment of nature herself feels so good!

I started doing this for my mental and physical and emotional health. 🎿🏔️👍💌

Good luck to everyone here on Earth-ship!"

SangHee Cha

"The team here is 2nd to none. Not only is the mountain at snow summit and bear beautiful and fully decked out with park. I have been coming here since 2007 and it's even better than I remember. This past weekend I lost my wedding ring on the mountain and told a staff member Tim D. And a few hours later he miraculously found my ring. The dedication clearly showed and I will be forever grateful. For skiing, the canyons on a fresh pow day is 2nd to none. Definitely highly reccomended."

James Weinstock

"Pre paid parking only so be prepared! We struggled to find a spot, needed to put chains to park. Nice people playing out in the snow, made several friends. Fast and Friendly service to buy your lift tickets and pay for your equipment rentals if you do not bring your own, had to go back in line after purchasing my lift ticket, as I was not told. Snowboard can be adjusted a bit but you need to come back to the rental guys to do so. Margaritas are very good, $15. Brought my own picnic so, unable to rate the food. But everyone around was really friendly and happy. Definitely coming back up to continue enjoying snow sports and a happy atmosphere with well behaved humans and dogs 😍"

Angeles Jones

What People Like

Challenging terrain & parks
Friendly staff & atmosphere
Great for experienced riders

What People Dislike

Prepaid parking required
Tickets sell out
Variable natural snow

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bear Mountain is accessible by car. During winter, be prepared for potential snow and ice, and check if tire chains are required. Parking is prepaid and can sell out. Reddit For those coming from San Diego, it's a popular destination for a ski trip. Reddit

While direct public transport options can be limited, some shuttle services may operate during peak season. It's best to check local transit authorities or resort-specific information closer to your travel dates.

The drive can be scenic but also subject to winter weather conditions. Expect potential traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. Reddit

Yes, parking at Bear Mountain is prepaid and mandatory. It's crucial to book this in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

Tire chains may be required depending on weather and road conditions. It's essential to check Caltrans or local advisories before your trip and carry chains if necessary. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lift tickets should be purchased online in advance, as they frequently sell out, particularly on weekends and holidays. Reddit Arriving without a pre-booked ticket could mean no access to the slopes.

Typically, lift tickets grant access to both skiing and snowboarding. However, it's always best to confirm the specifics when purchasing your ticket.

It is highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance. Window sales are not guaranteed and often sell out quickly. Reddit

Operating hours vary by season and day. Always check the official Bear Mountain website for the most up-to-date schedule, especially for early season or late season operations. TikTok

Yes, parking is prepaid and mandatory. Ensure you factor this cost into your budget and book it along with your lift tickets. Reddit

🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience

Bear Mountain is renowned for its challenging terrain, particularly its terrain parks and steep slopes like 'The Canyons,' making it a favorite for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Reddit

Yes, Bear Mountain offers lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Booking lessons in advance is recommended. Reddit

Absolutely. Bear Mountain provides ski and snowboard rentals on-site. Be aware that snowboard adjustments may require returning to the rental shop. Reddit

There are dining facilities available at the resort, offering various options. Some visitors bring their own picnics. Reddit

While known for advanced terrain, Bear Mountain does offer areas and lessons suitable for beginners. Snow Summit, its sister resort, is often considered more beginner-friendly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers panoramic views, and the terrain parks provide dynamic action shots. The scenic Bear Mountain Loop Trail in NY also offers great photo opportunities. Instagram

While wildlife sightings are possible, remember to maintain a safe distance and never feed or disturb animals. Note that the bear exhibit at the zoo is currently closed. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and ski resorts for safety and privacy reasons. Check the specific park or resort regulations before flying a drone.

It's ideal for action sports photography, landscape shots from the summit, and capturing the winter mountain atmosphere. It's also becoming a venue for mountain destination weddings. Reddit

Always be mindful of other visitors and resort operations. Avoid blocking trails or lifts. Professional photography, like wedding shoots, may require permits. Reddit

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