Snow Valley Ski Vacation Guide

A quintessential family-focused resort that caters specifically to beginners and first-timers, the resort has an idyllic location in the San Bernardino Valley. Easy to access in Southern California with 300+ days of sunshine and extremely mild temperatures, it is not unusual to ski here in nothing more than a t-shirt and sunglasses.

Ski Levels

In fact, the best clothing choice is to dress in layers. Waterproof clothing is highly recommended especially during the later months of the season. Everyone should wear sunscreen and sunglasses or UV protective goggles, even on cloudy days since the mountain’s elevation is so high, sunburns happen very easily. However, should you forget anything, Snow Valley's Sport Shop is well-stocked and offers many accessories at reasonable prices.

The resort is a long-time favorite learning mountain and has some of the most highly trained instructors and in-depth classes in all of Southern California. Classes are available for all ability levels and ages, whether it be a private lesson or a group lesson. Beginners will use 30 percent of the terrain, intermediates will enjoy 35 percent, and the advanced and expert skiers will disappear for days on 35 percent of the trails.

Après Ski

The resort doesn’t offer slope-side lodging, but works with many of the local accommodation in the towns of Crestline, Running Springs, Big Bear, and Lake Arrowhead to present guests with many fabulous ski and stay packages throughout the season. The local Chamber of Commerce can also provide useful advice on where to stay and play in the area. The resort does have a variety of dining options from casual, quick meals to fine dining at rustic lodges, there are also a few place to grab a nice cold après ski drink and unwind after an epic day on the mountain.

This small, cozy, friendly resort offers families, couples and individuals the chance to dodge the insanity found at bigger resorts and enjoy shorter lift lines and more spacious runs which translates into more fun on the mountain. The amenities may be basic, but the resort works hard to ensure that everyone has what they need on and off the mountain. A ski vacation at Snow Valley isn’t about huge air, its about good times and wholesome family fun.

Snow Valley Snowboard Vacation Guide


Rider’s Guide

If you crave big air, Snow Valley is maybe not the best place to go. This is an old school family-friendly resort, replete with mild terrain, relaxed locals, and a hometown vibe. The younger crowd tends to be locals and it’s definitely not known for partying or raucous nightlife. People go here because it has few crowds, nice people and staff, and it’s about 30 minutes closer to L.A. than Big Bear.

Parks and Pipes

There’s nearly a mile of intermediate to advanced features to explore at The EDGE, the local’s favorite terrain park. Unique jibs such as the Anaconda Rail, C-wall, and Trapezoid Box can be found in various locations. There are also several medium to large-sized jumps found within the park, and there are several hip jumps built into the sides of the run as well. Located just above the sundeck at Deer Meadow Grille, The Hideout showcases an assortment of rails and boxes that will be changed around periodically throughout the season, it’s a great place to try the newest and best at the resort. Flat boxes, rainbow rails, roller box and picnic table box are just some of the features at Hideout Jib Park.

Out of Bounds

The Snow Play area on the mountain is a great tubing park that is fun for people of all ages. There is also fun to be had for little daredevils, a Snow Valley exclusive, specially designed mini-snowmobile track and mini-snowmobiles, which can be rented right at the resort.

Hangout & Hookup

There are a few bars located slope side that provide warm ambiance and relaxing atmosphere. Margarita Beach and the Last Run Lounge are both great places to spend some time after a day on the mountain. There are also a smattering of bars scattered throughout the region and in the towns of Crestline and Running Springs.

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