California
Dates
Guests
California
Dates

The 7 Best Ski Resorts Near Los Angeles, 2023/24

The 7 Best Ski Resorts Near Los Angeles, 2023/24
Jack Taylor
Written by Jack Taylor / Photos by Jack Taylor
Last updated May 20, 2022

Skiing in L.A.? You might be surprised at how many ski resorts can be reached within just a couple hours’ drive from the City of Angels! With the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountain ranges nearby you can score plenty of fresh powder throughout winter, or even go the extra mile for deeper snow and bigger terrain in the Sierra Nevadas!

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 163 km (2 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Bear Mountain views

Why Ski Bear Mountain

If your usual day on the mountain involves boosting airs and sliding rails then Bear Mountain is the resort for you. A total of 14 terrain parks are spread out beneath the three peaks towering over the base area, and at 2,684 m Bear Peak is the tallest. With only 15% of the terrain here falling into the beginner category you should look elsewhere if you’re a complete newbie. It’s also worth noting that Bear Mountain is a part of the Big Bear Mountain Resort, so when you buy a lift pass here you can also ski at neighbouring Snow Summit. There are no shortages of lodging with everything from cosy cabins to hotels and endless dining options closer to Big Bear Lake.

Known for

Top-notch terrain parks make it a hit with freestyle skiers and snowboarders

Highlights

  • Home to Southern California’s only Superpipe!
  • Take on the 2 km Geronimo trail for a double black diamond leg burner
  • The lift pass covers you to ski at nearby Snow Summit too
  • Not the best mountain for traditional downhill skiers or families

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 23 2023

Closest airports

Ontario Intl. Airport - 97 km (1.5 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport - 188 km (2 hour drive)

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 163 km (2 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Bear Mountain views

Why Ski Bear Mountain

If your usual day on the mountain involves boosting airs and sliding rails then Bear Mountain is the resort for you. A total of 14 terrain parks are spread out beneath the three peaks towering over the base area, and at 2,684 m Bear Peak is the tallest. With only 15% of the terrain here falling into the beginner category you should look elsewhere if you’re a complete newbie. It’s also worth noting that Bear Mountain is a part of the Big Bear Mountain Resort, so when you buy a lift pass here you can also ski at neighbouring Snow Summit. There are no shortages of lodging with everything from cosy cabins to hotels and endless dining options closer to Big Bear Lake.

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 161 km (2 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Snow Summit lodging

Why Ski Snow Summit

Intermediates are sure to get the most out of Snow Summit with blues covering almost half the mountain, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to excite advanced skiers. You’ll find a few double black diamond chutes off the side of the wide groomed pistes, so drop in if you dare! It’s much smaller than its sister resort Bear Mountain but luckily you can ski both on the same ticket. For coffee or a smoked pork belly sandwich at 2,499 m duck inside Hog on the Rocks, where you can also enjoy panoramic views over the San Bernardino Mountains.

Known for

A family-friendly resort with plenty of cruisey blue runs, plus regular night skiing too

Highlights

  • Laidback terrain perfect for honing your skills
  • Extensive snowmaking operation keeps trails open
  • Excellent mountaintop eateries
  • Only 10% of trails are suitable for beginners

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 30 2023

Closest airports

Ontario Intl. Airport - 97 km (1.5 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport - 192 km (2.5 hour drive)

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 161 km (2 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Snow Summit lodging

Why Ski Snow Summit

Intermediates are sure to get the most out of Snow Summit with blues covering almost half the mountain, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to excite advanced skiers. You’ll find a few double black diamond chutes off the side of the wide groomed pistes, so drop in if you dare! It’s much smaller than its sister resort Bear Mountain but luckily you can ski both on the same ticket. For coffee or a smoked pork belly sandwich at 2,499 m duck inside Hog on the Rocks, where you can also enjoy panoramic views over the San Bernardino Mountains.

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 134 km (1.5 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Photo credit: Mountain High

Why Ski Mountain High

Nestled within the Angeles National Forest you’ll find Mountain High, one of America’s oldest ski resorts. The first rope tow opened to the public here in 1937, and now it boasts 14 lifts that transport skiers up to a top elevation of 2,499 m. The skiable terrain is divided between the North, East, and West Resort, each connected by shuttle bus. North Resort is home to the ski school, East Resort is where to find wide-open blues, while West Resort hosts steep blacks and freestyle features. Skiing after dark is also possible here thanks to floodlit slopes, plus the North Pole Tubing Park is great fun for everyone!

Known for

Offering three distinct ski areas for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers

Highlights

  • Variety of terrain caters well for groups of mixed ability skiers
  • Plenty of accommodation options in nearby Wrightwood
  • Kids will love the tubing and sledding at Yeti’s Snow Parks
  • Lacks really steep trails for expert skiers

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
  • Closing Date: May 01 2023

Closest airports

Ontario Intl. Airport - 68 km (45 minute drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport - 154 km (1.5 hour drive)

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 134 km (1.5 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Photo credit: Mountain High

Why Ski Mountain High

Nestled within the Angeles National Forest you’ll find Mountain High, one of America’s oldest ski resorts. The first rope tow opened to the public here in 1937, and now it boasts 14 lifts that transport skiers up to a top elevation of 2,499 m. The skiable terrain is divided between the North, East, and West Resort, each connected by shuttle bus. North Resort is home to the ski school, East Resort is where to find wide-open blues, while West Resort hosts steep blacks and freestyle features. Skiing after dark is also possible here thanks to floodlit slopes, plus the North Pole Tubing Park is great fun for everyone!

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 507 km (5.5 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Mammoth Mountain

Why Ski Mammoth Mountain

Although a long drive from L.A., Mammoth is truly an awesome all-round resort with everything you need for an epic mountain vacation. Whether your idea of fun is powder-filled bowls, pristine glades, gentle groomers, or even a 22-foot halfpipe, Mammoth Mountain has you covered! The Summit is one of the highest lift-served peaks in California at 3,369 m, and down in the village there are accommodation options to suit every budget. Outside of skiing there is no shortage of activities from a tubing park, snowmobiling and snowcat tours. But with all this comes one disadvantage; the slopes can get very busy during the holidays and on a fresh powder weekend.

Known for

Huge size, long seasons, and all the amenities you’d expect from a high-end resort.

Highlights

  • One of the longest seasons in the US
  • Large area and terrain for all ability levels
  • Tons of snow
  • Far from major cities

23/24 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 10 2023
  • Closing Date: Jun 28 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Mammoth Yosemite Airport - 23 km (25 minute drive)
Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport - 275 km (3.5 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport - 512 km (5.5 hour drive)

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 507 km (5.5 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Mammoth Mountain

Why Ski Mammoth Mountain

Although a long drive from L.A., Mammoth is truly an awesome all-round resort with everything you need for an epic mountain vacation. Whether your idea of fun is powder-filled bowls, pristine glades, gentle groomers, or even a 22-foot halfpipe, Mammoth Mountain has you covered! The Summit is one of the highest lift-served peaks in California at 3,369 m, and down in the village there are accommodation options to suit every budget. Outside of skiing there is no shortage of activities from a tubing park, snowmobiling and snowcat tours. But with all this comes one disadvantage; the slopes can get very busy during the holidays and on a fresh powder weekend.

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 82 km (1 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Fresh pow at Mt Baldy

Why Ski Mt Baldy

Just an hour from Los Angeles, Mt Baldy makes for an easy day trip. The resort isn’t large but what it lacks in size it makes up for in steep chutes and tight tree runs. More than half of the marked trails here fall into the advanced category and powder-filled backcountry is easily accessed from the top of Chair 4. A handful of blue and green trails do wind down from the two 2,621 m peaks, but the lower half of the resort is all challenging black runs. If you find the snow is starting to get slushy in the afternoon stick to the terrain off of Chair 3 as these north-facing slopes stay good for longer.

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 16 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 09 2023

Closest airports

Ontario Intl. Airport - 35 km (45 minute drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport - 106 km (1.5 hour drive)

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 82 km (1 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Fresh pow at Mt Baldy

Why Ski Mt Baldy

Just an hour from Los Angeles, Mt Baldy makes for an easy day trip. The resort isn’t large but what it lacks in size it makes up for in steep chutes and tight tree runs. More than half of the marked trails here fall into the advanced category and powder-filled backcountry is easily accessed from the top of Chair 4. A handful of blue and green trails do wind down from the two 2,621 m peaks, but the lower half of the resort is all challenging black runs. If you find the snow is starting to get slushy in the afternoon stick to the terrain off of Chair 3 as these north-facing slopes stay good for longer.

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 140 km (1.5 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Hit the slopes at Snow Valley!

Why Ski Snow Valley

Our top choice for a family-friendly ski resort close to L.A. is Snow Valley, particularly if you have little ones who are still learning to ski. The Children’s Learning Centre specialises in teaching youngsters aged 4 to 12 years old, plus there’s a ski school providing lessons for adults too. And when it comes to trying out freestyle tricks, the Park Avenue terrain park is the perfect place to start. Even if you’re an accomplished skier Snow Valley is still well worth a visit, but bear in mind you may quickly cover the 97 ha of skiable terrain on offer. There’s no lodging here but you’ll be able to stay in nearby Running Springs or Arrowhead.

Known for

Family-friendly with a dedicated beginner slopes and lifts

Highlights

  • Quiet slopes are great for learning
  • Family-friendly resort
  • Night skiing on weekends
  • Limited dining options on the slopes

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 23 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Ontario Intl. Airport - 76 km (1 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport - 161 km (2 hour drive)

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 140 km (1.5 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Hit the slopes at Snow Valley!

Why Ski Snow Valley

Our top choice for a family-friendly ski resort close to L.A. is Snow Valley, particularly if you have little ones who are still learning to ski. The Children’s Learning Centre specialises in teaching youngsters aged 4 to 12 years old, plus there’s a ski school providing lessons for adults too. And when it comes to trying out freestyle tricks, the Park Avenue terrain park is the perfect place to start. Even if you’re an accomplished skier Snow Valley is still well worth a visit, but bear in mind you may quickly cover the 97 ha of skiable terrain on offer. There’s no lodging here but you’ll be able to stay in nearby Running Springs or Arrowhead.

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 80 km (1 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Photo credits to Mt Waterman

Why Ski Mt Waterman

With just three chairlifts Mt Waterman can’t claim to be the biggest or best ski resort close to Los Angeles, but it might just be the most underrated. You can escape the crowds at larger resorts and really get the most out of a powder day by choosing this little gem. Ride the lifts up to 2,448 m, drop into the Upper Bowl, and then carve down tree-lined trails all the way to the base area. And if you need to take a break, make sure it’s at The Warming Hut for a hot chocolate or whiskey next to the roaring open fire.

21/22 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Invalid Date(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Invalid Date(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Ontario Intl. Airport - 103 km (1.5 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport - 103 km (1.5 hour drive)

Distance from Downtown Los Angeles - 80 km (1 hour drive)

Whistler Blackcomb ski terrain
Photo credits to Mt Waterman

Why Ski Mt Waterman

With just three chairlifts Mt Waterman can’t claim to be the biggest or best ski resort close to Los Angeles, but it might just be the most underrated. You can escape the crowds at larger resorts and really get the most out of a powder day by choosing this little gem. Ride the lifts up to 2,448 m, drop into the Upper Bowl, and then carve down tree-lined trails all the way to the base area. And if you need to take a break, make sure it’s at The Warming Hut for a hot chocolate or whiskey next to the roaring open fire.