The Snow Season is Here

         Where to play (hard) in the snow in Southern California

Mammoth

www.mammothmountain.com 

Mammoth is great because it sits at an elevation of 11,000 feet and doesn't close just because winter ends. It's open six months out of the year and is the highest, and largest, ski resort in California. It's all around better than Bear Mountain and Mountain High. The only drawback is that it's pretty far from everything, about a five-hour trip from Orange County. There's something for everyone at Mammoth, and with triple black diamonds, the most experienced boarder or skier can have a challenge here.  

Mountain High

www.mthigh.com

For 13 years, Mountain High has always opened earlier than Bear Mountain. This year they only opened one day before, but they're still the first place boarders head each winter. It's smaller than Bear Mountain, but it has better rails and boxes. If you're looking for better and longer jumps, head to Bear Mountain instead. The distance to Mountain High is a lot closer than Bear Mountain, with only an hour and fifty minute drive. They also have a West Resort for more boarding, and an East Resort the beginners. If you want to take a break, go tubing here, as well. Although Mountain High isn't as extreme as Mammoth, they have double black diamonds and a half-pipe awaiting you. 

Snow Summit 

www.snowsummit.com

Snow Summit is more of a family park in Big Bear, not necessarily where you'll be finding the pros. Although it's a lot more relaxed here, they still have boxes, rails and jumps. The runs are a lot shorter and easier to work, since it's geared more towards families. It's about the same size as Bear Mountain and the best place for beginner and immediate slopes, but it still has a half-pipe, and even has night sessions. Summit has less boxes and rails than Bear Mountain, but is still better for riding. 

Snow Valley 

www.snow-valley.com

Snow Valley is on the way to Big Bear and another easier course. It's probably the most family-friendly course in SoCal, but is a good place to not get overrun by the pros. It has a lot of rails, but is limited in boxes. It's average for intermediates that want to practice, but has great trails that are for those who don't want to freestyle. Snow Valley is also not as crowded as other mountains in SoCal, and is closer to the resorts. 

Bear Mountain

www.bearmountain.com

Bear Mountain is the second place to hit the snow in Big Bear. Bear has a lot more boxes and rails than Snow Summit for tricks, but is for the intermediate skiers and boarders, with a double black mountain and easier courses than the other SoCal locations. There's more for those that want to snowboard, like a half-pipe and better jumps. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com