Mt. Baldy Reviews

• Overall Rating 4
• Family Friendly 4
• Downhill Terrain 4
• Terrain Park 1
• Nightlife 1

Pros: no frills, great when it snows

Cons: sketchy lifts, rentals, food

Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate
Recommended For: Single/Newlyweds, Families
Date Visited: Feb, 2009

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Full review

I've been to Mt. Baldy three times in the past two years. I live in Los Angeles, so it's nice to know that there are a few places closer than Mammoth, Tahoe, or Utah. That being said, all the "local" spots are in the San Bernadino Mountains, which are beautiful but very rocky and rarely get the kind of snow the rest of the West Coast gets. So as a general rule unless there is 2+ feet of fresh snow you shouldn't expect any of the "local" resorts to be more than a granular and rocky quick fix for your need to ski or board. I had an amazing day there in February when there was an unusually big storm. I had a fun but icy day there today.

Mt. Baldy is an old, broken down ski spot. I find charm in that, but others don't. You have to ride a long, slow, double up to the lodge, so pack lightly. Once you're up there, there are three more lifts - one usually isn't running unless the conditions are perfect. The other two service "Thunder Mountain" which is fun, but only if there is snow! If you're looking for a terrain park, this probably isn't the place for you, but Baldy does have some of the best tree skiing in SoCal (but I repeat - only when there's snow!!!). Oh, and pack a lunch- the lodge food is very questionable.