SoCal Ski Slope Open For The Season With Kids Ski Free Week: What To Know

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — The slopes are open for skiing and snowboarding at Big Bear, Mountain High, Mount Baldy and Snow Summit. With a base on the slopes, and special promotions like "Kids Ski Free Week," the weather is ripe for snowmaking, and there is plenty to do as skiers and snowboarders weather-watch in hopes of more natural snow.

Across every Southern California ski slope, some manmade snow must fall, according to a resort spokesperson.

In Big Bear, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have both received 9 inches of natural snowfall this season. Snow Valley has received 6 inches, a media spokesperson told Patch. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain join Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy as now open for business, as of Friday. Skiers were expected to take to the slopes and enjoy winter fun activities on multiple slopes.

Still, Snow Valley, tagged as a beginning and family level option, was working through "more challenging snowmaking conditions," hoping to open in the coming days, according to the Big Bear team.

Ideal snowmaking conditions are when overnight temperatures drop to the low 20s, with low humidity and light winds, typically from mid-November to February.

"With a little less natural snow, that has delayed the opening," he explained.
The Coyote Creek Tube Park and Snow Play area will be open on Friday, December 5, through Sunday, December 7.

"If conditions continue to improve, they may be able to open for skiing as early as Saturday or Sunday, though operations would likely begin with only one run available," he said

When all the elements align, dry air and wind, sustained consistent weather, and a combined "snow bulb" temperature and humidity reach 0 Farenheit, a perfect snowmaking day emerges.

"Then we can facilitate the creation of high-quality artificial snow that enhances skiing and snowboarding experiences on the slopes," they said.

Ski Everywhere?

Yes please. Season "Ikon" passes remain available for another 6 days for what is projected to be an epic season in 2025/26.

Kids Ski Free Week Happening At Bear Mountain Resort:

It's a perfect time for Big Bear Mountain Resort to open as "Kids Ski Free Week" begins. From Dec. 6 through 12th, kids will get up to 7 free lift tickets at Big Bear Mountain, Snow Valley, Palisades Tahoe, and Mammoth Mountain to the north.

At Bear Mountain, both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders can experience the following:

• SoCal's Only Halfpipes
• Highest Lift Served Peak in SoCal
• Ski & Snowboard Lessons
• Equipment Rentals
• Freestyle Training Team
• Airbag Training Camps
• Terrain Parks
• Mid-Mountain Dining Option•
• View of San Gorgonio Mountains

At Snow Summit, intermediates and families can find:

• Ski & Snowboard Lessons
• Equipment Rentals
• Snow Tube Park
• Night Sessions
• Snow Summit Race Team
• Snow Rangers Non-Competitive Lesson Program
• Terrain Parks
• Mountaintop View Dining Options
• View of Big Bear Lake

At Snow Valley, beginners and families find:

• Ski & Snowboard Lessons
• Equipment Rentals
• Snow Tube Park
• Snow Play Area
• Night Sessions
• Valley SoCal Youth Program
• Terrain Parks
• Mid-Mountain Dining Option
• Favorite Runs: Slide Peak

Scenic chair rides are open, and the snow play park will be open on the weekends.

Click for the latest Mountain Report.

Mountain High At Wrightwood:

Mountain High is also making snow. "Overnight, on Dec. 2, temperatures dropped into our sweet spot, giving our snowmaking team the perfect window to fire up the guns and lay down another round of fresh, high-quality snow, getting the mountain the facelift it deserves," they said. "Our crew is working around the clock to take advantage of every opportunity, and it shows. As conditions permit, we're aiming to open more terrain and expand your access to the mountain."

Mountain High is offering deals on ski passes, from early-season offers to holiday savings. Get all the info at mthigh.com. Hurry though… the $59 competitor pass special is only valid through Sunday, 12/7. See you on the hill.

They're also hunting for California's Best Snowboarders.

"On December 13th! More than $10,000 in cash and prizes are waiting for riders who are ready to throw down," a social media post says. "For just $10, you can drop in and battle it out. Just bring your season pass or lift ticket, and don’t forget your helmet. Three divisions, three podiums, and bragging rights that last all season." The contest is open to all ages, and helmets are required.

Dec. 14, they're offering a free lift ticket to every Santa on "Santa Sunday."

"To participate in Santa Sunday, donate a minimum of $50 to “Fill The Ambulance” Toy Drive. American Medical Response, partnered with El Dorado Broadcasters and Mountain High Resort, will be accepting donations on December 14th. $50 minimum donation required or a toy of equal or greater value. Toys must be new, unwrapped, and valued at $50.00 or more.

"As for weather projections, conditions remain dry and sunny for the next few weeks leading up to Christmas. Though early-season weather has been mixed across the state, forecasters say it's still a toss-up whether this winter will bring snow."

Will the weather bring more snow to the Southern California Mountains?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center's most recent forecast gives about equal chances for a winter defined by above- and below-normal precipitation across much of the state.
In Southern California, however, NOAA's forecast is leaning toward below-normal levels of precipitation.

The forecasters also predicted above-normal temperatures in the state from November through January.

Here's a rundown of the current estimated opening days at California's ski resorts. Note the days are subject to change based on snowfall and other weather conditions:

• Heavenly – Open as of Dec. 5
• Mammoth – opened Nov. 20
• Mountain High – Nov. 22
• Palisades Tahoe – Nov. 26
• Northstar – Check website for details.
• Sierra-at-Tahoe – Check website for details.
• Donner Ski Ranch – Check website for details.
• Homewood – Dec. 12
• June Mountain – Dec. 20
• Kirkwood – Dec. 5
• Tahoe Donner – Dec. 19
• Sugar Bowl — Nov. 27
• Mt. Baldy — Nov. 22
• Bear Valley — Nov. 28
• China Peak — Nov. 28
• Dodge Ridge — Nov. 28
• Boreal — Check website for details.
• Big Bear — Dec. 5
• Mt. Shasta Ski Park — Check website for details.
• Mt. Waterman — Check website for details.
• Soda Springs — Check website for details.
• Alta Sierra — Check website for details.
• Badger Pass — Check website for details.