Best Ski Resorts Near Los Angeles 2026
Los Angeles has surprising access to skiing—from quick 2-hour escapes to epic 5-hour adventures. Here's everything you need to know.
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Quick Comparison
| Resort | Distance | Drive Time | Lift Ticket | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain High | 85 mi | 1.5-2 hrs | $80-109 | Quick escape |
| Snow Summit | 100 mi | 2 hrs | $85-115 | Families |
| Bear Mountain | 100 mi | 2 hrs | $85-115 | Terrain parks |
| Mt. Baldy | 50 mi | 1.5 hrs | $75 | Budget, experts |
| Mammoth Mountain | 320 mi | 5-6 hrs | $180-240 | Serious skiing |
Big Bear Resorts - The Sweet Spot
Big Bear Lake is home to two resorts on one interchangeable ticket:
Snow Summit
- 240 acres, 31 runs
- Best for families and intermediates
- Night skiing available
- More groomed, mellow terrain
Bear Mountain
- 195 acres, 32 runs
- Best terrain parks in SoCal
- Hosts professional competitions
- More challenging terrain
Combined Value
- 1 ticket = both mountains
- Free shuttles between resorts
- 3 terrain parks, 2 superpipes
- Included on Indy Pass
Pricing
- Day tickets: $85-115
- Season pass: Indy Pass or local pass ($499+)
- Rentals: $45-65
Getting There
- Take 210 to 330 to 18
- 2 hours without traffic, 3+ on weekends
- Leave by 5am on weekends or face brutal traffic
- Chains required when snowing
Mountain High - Fastest to Reach
Location: Wrightwood, CA (85 miles)The closest ski resort to LA, Mountain High offers three peaks and night skiing.
- 290 acres across 3 areas
- 59 runs (16 at night!)
- 1,600 ft vertical
- Night skiing 5pm-10pm Wed-Sat
Why Choose Mountain High
- Fastest drive from LA (1.5-2 hours)
- Excellent night skiing option
- Great for after-work sessions (Wed-Sat)
- Included on Ikon Pass
Drawback
- Smaller than Big Bear
- East Resort often closed due to wind
- Can get icy
Mammoth Mountain - The Real Deal
Location: 320 miles north (5-6 hours)If you want serious skiing, Mammoth is worth the drive. It's California's largest resort and rivals Colorado.
- 3,500 acres (vs 240 at Big Bear)
- 150 runs, 25 lifts
- 400 inches average snowfall
- Season runs November to July
- Included on Ikon Pass
Why Drive to Mammoth
- True destination skiing experience
- 400" annual snowfall (Big Bear gets ~100")
- One of longest seasons in North America
- World-class terrain parks
Mammoth vs. Big Bear
| Factor | Mammoth | Big Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 3,500 acres | 435 acres |
| Snowfall | 400" | 100" |
| Drive | 5-6 hrs | 2 hrs |
| Ticket | $180-240 | $85-115 |
| Season | Nov-July | Dec-March |
When to Choose Mammoth
- Weekend trips (not worth day trip)
- Spring skiing (April-June when Big Bear closes)
- Powder days after storms
- Ikon Pass holders (included!)
Mt. Baldy - The Secret Spot
Location: 50 miles (1.5 hours)The closest ski option to LA, Mt. Baldy is a small, expert-leaning resort.
- 26 runs on 236 vertical
- Steep, challenging terrain
- Lift-accessed backcountry
- Budget-friendly ($75)
Who It's For
- Expert skiers
- Backcountry enthusiasts
- People allergic to crowds
- Budget skiers
Who Should Avoid
- Beginners (very limited terrain)
- Families with kids
- Those wanting groomed runs
LA Ski Trip Budget
Quick Day Trip - Mountain High
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas (round trip) | $25 |
| Lift ticket | $80-109 |
| Rental | $45 |
| Food | $20 |
| Total | $170-200 |
Big Bear Weekend (2 people)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas | $40 |
| Lift tickets (2 days × 2) | $340-460 |
| Cabin rental | $200-400 |
| Rentals | $100-130 |
| Food | $100 |
| Total | $780-1,130 |
Mammoth Weekend (2 people)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas | $100 |
| Lift tickets (2 days × 2) | $540-720 |
| Hotel/condo | $300-500 |
| Rentals | $100-160 |
| Food | $150 |
| Total | $1,190-1,630 |
Beating the Traffic
LA traffic to the mountains is brutal on weekends. Tips:
- Leave by 5am - Seriously. 7am = gridlock.
- Stay overnight - Friday departure beats Saturday pain
- Leave early - Depart mountain by 2pm or wait until 6pm
- Check CHP chain controls - Can add hours
Best Days to Ski
- Weekdays - Empty slopes, no traffic
- Friday (stay over) - Beat weekend rush
- Sunday AM - Leave by noon
FAQs
What's the closest ski resort to LA? Mt. Baldy (50 mi, 1.5 hrs) or Mountain High (85 mi, 1.5-2 hrs). Big Bear is 2 hours. Is Big Bear good for beginners? Yes! Snow Summit in particular has excellent beginner terrain and ski school. Is Mammoth worth the drive from LA? For a weekend trip, absolutely. For a day trip, no—spend that drive time on the slopes at Big Bear instead. Do I need chains? When it's actively snowing, yes. Keep chains in your car December-March. Many gas stations sell them en route.---