Mount Waterman Trail
A classic, challenging ski area near LA with steep terrain and backcountry access, offering an old-school mountain experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for snow
Mount Waterman Trail
Best Time
Best chance for snow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic, challenging ski area near LA with steep terrain and backcountry access, offering an old-school mountain experience.
"Incredible spring conditions and an old-school vibe make it one of the best days skiing in SoCal. "
🚗 Park Smartly
Park in turnouts across from the mountain; Chair 1 is very close to the highway. :car:
📞 Call Ahead
Confirm operating status and road conditions, as their phone line can be unreliable. :telephone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chair 1 Steep Terrain
Base of Chair 1
Experience steep fall-line skiing with challenging glades and off-piste opportunities.
Backcountry Access
Top of Chair 1
Vast side-country terrain is easily accessible, offering a true backcountry experience.
Scenic Angeles Crest Highway Drive
Angeles Crest Highway
Enjoy breathtaking mountain views on the beautiful drive to the ski area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Status Religiously
Embrace the Old-School Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smartly
Park in turnouts across from the mountain; Chair 1 is very close to the highway. :car:
📞 Call Ahead
Confirm operating status and road conditions, as their phone line can be unreliable. :telephone:
🥾 Hike for More
Chair 3 hasn't operated in years, but you can hike to access its terrain. :hiking_boot:
☀️ Summer Chairlift Rides
Enjoy scenic chairlift rides and mountain biking during the warmer months. :mountain_cableway:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smartly
Park in turnouts across from the mountain; Chair 1 is very close to the highway. :car:
📞 Call Ahead
Confirm operating status and road conditions, as their phone line can be unreliable. :telephone:
🥾 Hike for More
Chair 3 hasn't operated in years, but you can hike to access its terrain. :hiking_boot:
☀️ Summer Chairlift Rides
Enjoy scenic chairlift rides and mountain biking during the warmer months. :mountain_cableway:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mt. Waterman for its challenging, old-school terrain and stunning mountain setting, offering a unique ski experience close to Los Angeles. However, the mountain's operation is notoriously inconsistent, with frequent closures and management issues leading to frustration for those hoping to ski or snowboard.
"Edit 2024: The mountain did open on March 16-17th, 2024! Skiing was great. I will update if we see more consistent openings. Original review remains unchanged:
5 stars for the mountain itself, 2 stars for the management.
I was fortunate enough to ski here on January 26th, 2020, the last day the lifts were spinning for the public at the time of this review. It was one of the best days I’ve ever had skiing in SoCal. It wasn’t a powder day but there were incredible spring conditions all day.
The mountain has a really nice old school vibe. You can park in the turnouts across from the mountain. Chair 1 is only about 20 feet from the Angeles Crest Hwy. The bottom part of the mountain served by Chair 1 is really steep and is the main attraction here. Approx. 800 vert of steep fall line but it skis like more than that. There are few cut trails and plenty of off-piste glades to ski here. No two runs are the same.
At the top of Chair 1 is the main lodge which is very quaint. Chair 2 can be accessed by a cat track but this lift only serves beginner runs. It’s basically flat. They do have a Chair 3 but it hasn’t operated in years and if you wanna ski it, you have to hike out. It should be noted that there is a ton of side country terrain accessible from Mt. Waterman.
Now onto the management…quite frankly, the owners of the mountain should be ashamed of themselves. I know it’s very difficult to operate a ski area that has to rely on natural snow in very inconsistent SoCal. However, when Mother Nature delivers, the owners consistently drop the ball. They offer excuse after excuse from their phone line not working, to lift issues, to lying about the road not being opening (check their Facebook page). These are things that should be taken care of during the summer. The owners continue to make excuses until the snow melts.
I give them credit for opening in 2020 when they did, however, there is no excuse when you’re the closest ski area to the 2nd biggest city in the US during times of ample snowfall. Here’s to hoping the management will get their act together and open this incredible mountain in 22/23!"
Paul Matelski
"It’s just an hour ride from downtown LA and the view is amazing, you can be at the beach and a hour later in the snow, what an amazing experience. The lift was closed that day, there were running some tests."
Carlos
"Took a beautiful drive through Los Angeles crest HWY and we stop by Mt. Waterman Ski lifts to take a few pictures. Just gorgeous views of the snow and the sights were amazing."
Julia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Waterman Trail is accessible via the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). The drive from downtown Los Angeles is about an hour. Parking is available in turnouts along the highway near the ski area. Always check road conditions before you go, especially in winter.
The Angeles Crest Highway can experience closures due to snow and ice. It's crucial to check Caltrans for current road conditions before planning your trip.
The drive is incredibly scenic, offering stunning mountain views. Many visitors describe it as a beautiful journey.
Public transportation options are very limited. A car is highly recommended for reaching Mount Waterman.
It's approximately an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles, making it a convenient mountain escape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening status is highly dependent on natural snow. It's essential to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information, as openings can be sporadic.
Operating hours vary significantly based on snow conditions and day of the week. Always confirm current hours before your visit.
It's advisable to check their policy, but given the unpredictable nature of openings, purchasing in advance might not always be feasible or recommended. Confirm directly with the resort.
Typically, standard lift tickets cover both skiing and snowboarding. Specific pricing and options should be verified on their official channels.
Pricing can fluctuate. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current lift ticket prices.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Mt. Waterman features 25 runs ranging from beginner to advanced, with a strong emphasis on steep, challenging terrain and off-piste glades served by Chair 1.
Chair 2 serves beginner runs, but the main attraction is the steeper terrain accessed by Chair 1. It might be more challenging for absolute beginners compared to resorts with extensive dedicated learning areas.
Yes, there is significant side-country terrain accessible from the top of Chair 1, making it a popular spot for those looking for backcountry adventures.
The main lodge at the top of Chair 1 is described as quaint and offers basic amenities.
Yes, during the summer months, Mt. Waterman offers chairlift rides and mountain biking opportunities. :mountain_cableway:
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic drive along the Angeles Crest Highway offers stunning vistas. Once at the mountain, the views from the top of Chair 1 and the surrounding backcountry provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! The steep terrain and glades offer dynamic shots. Capturing the 'old-school vibe' of the mountain can also make for unique photos.
Yes, the mountain scenery is beautiful year-round. Summer chairlift rides offer panoramic views of the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. :camerawithflash:
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the mountain landscapes. Winter days can be bright, so be mindful of glare. :sunrise:
If you're an experienced skier, capturing action shots is possible. For general scenic photos, it's best to pause at designated safe spots. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Tip: If the lifts are closed, focus on the snow play aspect. Pack snow toys and be prepared for a less resort-like experience. The proximity to LA makes it a convenient option for a quick snow day without the crowds of larger resorts.
🏂 Advanced Skiers & Snowboarders
Recommendation: Be prepared for natural snow conditions and potentially ungroomed runs. If the lifts are open, focus your time on Chair 1 for the most rewarding steep skiing. If you're comfortable with backcountry, explore the areas accessible from the summit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Mt. Waterman's Inconsistent Operations
Despite the operational hurdles, when the mountain is open and conditions are right, visitors report incredible experiences. The 'old-school vibe' and challenging terrain are major draws.
The Allure of Mt. Waterman's Steep Terrain
The mountain also serves as a gateway to extensive side-country terrain. This accessibility from the top of Chair 1 allows adventurous individuals to explore beyond the resort boundaries, providing a taste of true backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit