Bear Valley
Closed
Elevation
- 8500ftSummit
- 1900ftVertical Drop
- 6600ftBase
Lifts
- 0
- 0
- 1
- 1
- 0
- 2
- 4
- 2
- 10Total
Terrain
Beginner Runs
11%
Intermediate Runs
41%
Advanced Runs
45%
Expert Runs
4%
Runs
75
Terrain Parks
2
Longest Run
1.2 mi
Skiable Terrain
1680 ac
Snow Making
100 ac
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Overview
Located on Highway 4 between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite in the Central Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Bear Valley Mountain Resort, CA, is a family-friendly resort that accommodates skiers and riders of all levels and abilities.
The resort is known for being a relaxing High Sierra escape complete with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Great weather makes for long days on the slopes, but when it's time to call it quits, there are excellent lodging options near the resort. Lodging options include Bear Valley Lodge and a multitude of cabins and vacation rentals near the ski resort.
Where Is Bear Valley Mountain Resort Located?
Located in San Bernardino National Forest, it’s about a three hours’ drive from Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County. Many airlines service Los Angeles International Airport and San Diego International Airport. From there, you can drive to the ski resort. Once there, park in the parking lot. There is a free shuttle that goes between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.
Important Dates
- Projected OpeningProjected Closing11/29/202004/19/2020
- Days Open Last Year
165 - Projected Days Open
142 - Years Open
53 - Average Snowfall
359"
More Info
Terrain
Grab a lift ticket, and check out the ski area's intermediate and advanced terrain mixed with multiple options for beginners and intermediates. Skiers and riders will find more than 75 trails and 1,900 feet of vertical drop, all serviced by a total of 9 lifts. Bear Valley, CA, offers tuning and repair, equipment rentals and ski lessons.
Averaging 359 inches of snowfall annually, Bear Valley offers 25% beginner, 40% intermediate and 35% advanced terrain spread across 1,680 accessible acres. Base elevation is 6,600 feet with a top elevation of 8,500 feet. There are 100 acres of snowmaking to bolster annual snowfall.
For freestylers, there are two progressive terrain parks with beginner to advanced features while advanced skiers and riders can join a snowcat tour to adventure into untracked powder in the sidecountry.
Bear Valley also features over 3,000 acres of Nordic Trails, one of the largest in the U.S., for track and skate skiing, and snowshoeing. There are also plenty of options for backcountry fun – telemark, snowshoeing, touring and more.
Bear Valley was originally called Grizzly Bear Valley, named during a scouting expedition in 1855. In 1952, the Orvis family purchased 480 acres of property and built a large log cabin and created a cattle ranch. Bruce Orvis then created Mt. Reba Ski Bowl and established Bear Valley as a winter playground.
It is one of two resorts in California that operates a NASTAR course with racing happening nearly every weekend during the season. Grab the Forever Pass, and get unlimited access to both cross country and downhill trails.
Take advantage of one of the Mountain Adventure Seminars that provides instruction in avalanche safety, mountaineering, telemark and more.
Breakfast Places
- A great place for brunch, the Creekside Bistro sells house-made Bloody Mary’s and breakfast favorites. 265 Bear Valley Rd, Bear Valley, CA 95223
For Dinner or Lunch
- Sky High Pizza & Pub creates pizzas using their house-made dough. Try one of their signature pizzas. 265 Bear Valley Rd, Bear Valley, CA 95223
Apres/Nightlife
- Watch the game, or grab your favorite beverage at the Grizzly Lounge. Grab a spot by the fireplace if you can. 265 Bear Valley Rd, Bear Valley, CA 95223
Gallery: Bear Valley
Bear Valley Reviews
Contact Info
Bear Valley
P.O. Box 5038
95223 Bear Valley
California
United States
Phone: (209) 753-2301
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