Snow Valley Mountain Resort

Overview

Snow Valley Mountain Resort offers a refreshingly laid-back alternative to the busier resorts in the San Bernardino Mountains. Located in Running Springs along the highway corridor between the valley floor and Big Bear, Snow Valley has built a loyal following among families and budget-conscious skiers who appreciate its smaller scale, affordable pricing, and friendly atmosphere.

With 240 skiable acres, 28 runs, and 6 lifts, Snow Valley is not trying to compete on size. Instead, it focuses on delivering a quality experience for beginners and intermediates in a setting that feels more welcoming and less overwhelming than the larger Southern California resorts. The mountain averages about 90 inches of natural snow per season, and snowmaking keeps the primary runs in good shape throughout the winter.

Terrain

Snow Valley’s terrain is well-suited for developing skiers and riders. The 30% beginner terrain includes a dedicated learning area with gentle slopes and a magic carpet, making it an excellent place to take a first lesson. Intermediate runs make up the core of the mountain, with groomed blue trails offering consistent pitch and enough variety to keep things interesting across a full day.

Advanced terrain accounts for 30% of the mountain and includes some legitimately steep runs on the upper mountain. While there is no designated expert or double-black terrain, strong skiers will find enough challenge on the steeper pitches, especially when conditions are firm or variable. Tree skiing opportunities exist on the margins of several runs.

Facilities

The base lodge is modest but functional, with a cafeteria, rental shop, and ski school. The atmosphere is unpretentious — this is a community mountain at heart. The tubing hill is a popular add-on for families and operates with its own dedicated area and surface lift.

Equipment rentals are available at competitive prices, and the ski school offers both group and private lessons. The smaller class sizes at Snow Valley are a genuine advantage — instructors can give more individual attention than at the busier resorts.

Getting There

Snow Valley sits along Highway 18 in Running Springs, about 90 minutes from Los Angeles and roughly 30 minutes before reaching Big Bear Lake. The location makes it a convenient stop for those coming from the Inland Empire or the LA basin. Parking is free and generally available even on busier days, though arriving early is still a good idea on holiday weekends. Chains may be required on Highway 18 during storms.