Ski season is here! That may come as a shock to those of you that would prefer to pretend that snow doesn’t exist, but for those of us San Diego residents that actually like winter, it’s time to dust off the skis and snowboards and get to planning some trips!
One of the best things about living in Southern California is that you are only a short drive to the slopes, and there are a lot of great ski resorts near San Diego!
So whether you want to go for a day or for a week, here’s the top seven resorts to visit this winter:
1. Bear Mountain
Photo Credit: pong2imagestudio
Big Bear Mountain is THE most popular resort in Southern California. Whether you’re a pro or beginner, ‘The Bear’ can accommodate any type of athlete. Some of the specialty areas include half pipes, the Red Bull Plaza, a freestyle park and a skill building park.
Need lessons? Bear offers professionally certified instructors to help get you started!
There is every type of cabin, condo, and hotel to choose from – check out the Big Bear Visitors Bureau site for a comprehensive list of options and deals.
For the social butterflies that are looking for a fun low budget lodging option, the best place to stay during your “snowcation” is Big Bear Adventure Lodge.
This friendly eco-lodge provides free breakfast, home cooked dinners and numerous activities for when you’re not hitting the slopes. The lodge also has two spacious lounge areas, along with private king, queen and dorm style rooms.
Fear not, Millennials, free Wi-Fi and iPads are included in your stay!
Opening Day: Open Now!
Transportation: While it’s not a long drive as measured by miles, traffic can get bad, so plan ahead.
Lift Tickets: Starting at $71 for adults and good at both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Adult season pass–starting at $329 and *child season pass– starting at $129. Tip: Buy your season pass before December 22 before prices increase!
Travel Time: 3 hr drive from San Diego
2. Snow Summit
Photo Credit: Hyun Woo Kang
Right next door to Big Bear Mountain is family friendly Snow Summit!
Summit, although not quite as big as Bear, is great for the whole family. You’ll find 31 snow-covered trails and a tube park for those who do not ski and/or snowboard!
BigBearVacations.com offers a reasonably priced cabin experience, perfect for the whole family. You can select and book the cabin that best fits your vacation needs up to 24 hours prior to arrival! So for all of you last minute planners out there, this is the rental for you.
Opening Day: Open Now!
Lift Tickets: Starting at $71 for adults and good at both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Adult season pass–starting at $329 and *child season pass– starting at $129. Tip: Buy your season pass before December 22 before prices increase!
Lodging: Cabins start at $85 per night. All military and AAA members receive a 10% discount on their stay.
Travel Time: 3hr drive from San Diego
3. Snow Valley Mountain
Photo Credit: Alex Volk
Snow Valley is the oldest running ski resort in So Cal, and it’s the shortest distance from our fine city!
It has slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders, and you’ll find half-pipes and jumps.
More importantly, it has three bars and two restaurants! Not that we would ever recommend imbibing before riding…
Opening Day: December 14th *Subject to change upon weather conditions
Peak Weekends: January 7th through March 12th
Lift Ticket Prices: $69 adult one day pass ($79 peak weekend, $85 holiday), $29 child one day pass ($35 peak weekend and $39 holiday), $299 adult season pass if purchased before December 16th) and $189 child season pass if purchased before December 16th).
Lodging: For best lodging deals and rates, Snow Valley Ski Resort has teamed up with local lodging options. Accommodations range from cabins to hotels, for every budget!
Travel Time: 2hr 40min drive from San Diego
4. Mammoth
Photo Credit: John Lemieux
Mammoth Mountain is well-known as one of the best ski resorts in California.
With over 400 inches of snow per year, the trip is well worth the effort. Mammoth Ski Resort offers a large variety of activities including ski and snowboarding slopes, a tube park, snowmobile adventures and mountain tours.
Although this mountain is pricey, it is a must go-to destination.
Opening Day: Open Now!
Lift Ticket Price: Starts at $89 adult one-day pass, $48 child one-day pass, $749 adult Ikon season-pass and $449 child-season pass. All season passes allow access to multiple ski resorts.
Lodging: Mammoth Mountain Lodging Collection offers four hotel properties to fit your desires. Many have slope-side views, family activities and a variety of amenities. For the most affordable rates, go to MammothMountain.com
Room Rates: Start at $99
Travel Time: 6hr 45min drive from San Diego
Air Travel: Alaska Airlines flies directly to Mammoth and offers free shuttles to your lodging.
5. June Mountain
Photo Credit: nicolemaceachern
After you visit Mammoth, swing over to June Mountain for a quiet, family friendly atmosphere.
June Mountain offers seven lifts for any type of skier or snowboarder. With a variety of food options and cheap prices, you won’t be disappointed you made the trip.
Opening Day: December 15th
Lift Ticket Price: Starting at $87 single day pass, $499 adult season pass (prices go up December 14th) and $399 teen season pass. Children under 12 ski/ride free.
Travel Time: 6hr 45min drive from San Diego, 30min drive from Mammoth
6. Mt. Baldy
Photo Credit: SixSixPhoto
For a quick one-day trip to hit the slopes, Mt. Baldy is a great choice! The crowds are mild and the scenery is beautiful.
Mt. Baldy offers a variety of slopes including those for tubing.
All you college students who need a break from finals, this is the place for you!
Opening Day: Open weekends through December 21st and then daily
Lift Ticket Price: Staring at $35 adult single-day pass, $9 child single-day pass, $349 adult season-pass, $139 child-season pass. Prices increase on December 24th.
Travel Time: 2hr 30min drive from San Diego
7. Mountain High
Photo Credit: RuneVad
Mountain High Ski Resort is also a great quick and affordable day trip.
With 14 lifts, this is one of the most-visited resorts in SoCal, and for good reason.
The resort includes three separate areas: East, West, and North. You will have plenty of room to enjoy the slopes along with a variety of shops, food and beverages.
Another major selling point for Mountain High is that you avoid a bunch of the traffic on the way to Bear Mountain!
Opening Day: Open Now!
Lift Ticket Price: $84 adult pass, $49 child pass, $399 adult season-pass, $229 child season-pass. Prices go up on December 22nd
Travel Time: 2hr 30min drive from San Diego
