3hrs from L.A.
Bear Mountain in Big Bear was purchased by neighboring mountain Snow Summit back in 2002; some say this was a calculated move to entice snowboarders to Bear Mountain, leaving Snow Summit to the skiiers (though one lift ticket grants entry to both mountains—and now Snow Valley, too). In fact, Bear Mountain has been nicknamed “the Park” for its irregular terrain, and established one of the first freestyle parks way back in the early ’90s. The mountain offers an additional 24 traditional runs, mostly comprised of intermediate blues and blacks (only 15 percent of the mountain is designated for beginners). Bear Mountain boasts three main peaks, including Bear Peak, Southern California’s highest peak served by a lift, at just over 8,800 feet.
Lift tickets $125–$159