Related Regions: California, Sierra Nevada, Southern California

Mt. Baldy Overview

Mt. Baldy

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There aren’t many of the classic ski areas left – a least those your granddaddy may remember. But, Mt. Baldy, north of Upland, Calif. off the 10 Freeway, is all of that and more. It’s close to a vast populations base, but lift lines don’t often pile up.

Today’s Mt. Baldy isn’t much different that Grandpa might remember, except for snowmaking to the top of Skyline and Robins run. OK, so there’s no lake like in Big Bear and that snowmaking depends on a reservoir staying relatively full during the cold winter months. But, when it’s snowing the real stuff, as they say, head for these hills.

To be sure, there’s beginner terrain, but what sets Mt. Baldy apart is the steepest vertical drop in SoCal. Skiing and riding is spread over 800 acres, with 26 runs across 3 mountains. The terrain is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. You can ski, snowboard, go tubing, play in the snow, or enjoy scenic rides (even during the winter).

Mt. Baldy, for trivia buffs, is only a nickname. The 10,064 foot peak is actually Mt. San Antonio and is the highest in the San Gabriel Mountains. Its namesake is St. Anthony of Padua, a 13th century priest. So, if you are looking for it on a topo map as Mt. Baldy, you won’t find it.

The ski area’s beginnings came during World War II when a group of friends combined their “C” Ration gas coupons to go skiing. An enterprise called Mt. Baldy Ski Tows began operations in 1944.

Mt. Baldy inherited some of the Hollywood glamour of the day and became somewhat a popular winter hangout for movie stars and celebrities.

Skiers and snowboarders living in the Inland Valley find Mt. Baldy Ski Area an ideal perfect place to escape during the week for a few hours or a whole day of economical, uncrowded skiing.

Directions: Take the Mountain Avenue exit in Upland off the 210 Freeway and go north following signs to Mt Baldy. You can also take the Baseline exit in Claremont and go north on Padua and turn right on Mt Baldy Road. Mt Baldy Road dead-ends in the ski area parking lot.

Mt. Baldy is likely the best kept secret in SoCal skiing and riding, even after all these years. But, hit it right, and it can be your best day ever.

Elevation

Summit

8600 Ft.
Vertical Drop

2100 Ft.
Base

6500 Ft.

Terrain

Beginner Runs

20%

Intermediate Runs

40%

Advanced Runs

20%

Expert Runs

20%

Longest Run

2.5

Skiable Terrain

400

Snow Making

N/A

Lifts

Total Number Of Lifts: 4
Gondolas & Trams: 0
High Speed Sixes: 0
High Speed Quads: 0
Quad Chairs: 0
Triple Chairs: 0
Double Chairs: 4
Surface Lifts: 0

Common Misspellings

Mountain Bauldy, Mountain Boldy, Mt.Baldey, Mt.Baldy, Mtbaldy

Contact Details

P.O. Box 459

Mt. Baldy, 91759

Phone: (909) 982-0800

shopbaldy@mtbaldy.com

Important Dates

Projected Days Open: 200

Days Open Last Year: 175

Years Open: 60

Average Snowfall: 178

Mt. Baldy Reviews

by skiforfree Dec 19, 2011
- Overall Rating 4.0
- Family Friendly 4.0
- All Mtn. Terrain 4.0
- Terrain Park 3.0
- Nightlife 2.0
Great Deals, Fun Park

Pros: Terrain, Snow
Cons: Limited Snow if bad season
by wiley Apr 10, 2011
- Overall Rating 5.0
- Family Friendly 5.0
- All Mtn. Terrain 5.0
- Terrain Park 1.0
- Nightlife 1.0
if there's snow it's the only place to go

Pros: GREAT terrain
Cons: Small and old lifts
by bjanney Jan 4, 2011
- Overall Rating 5.0
- Family Friendly 5.0
- All Mtn. Terrain 5.0
- Terrain Park 1.0
- Nightlife 4.0
Best in the South West

Pros: Friendly Staff, Great Runs, Great View, Easy Drive
Cons: none... only 1 or 2 Green Runs