2 hours 30 minutes from L.A.
Now owned by the same company as Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, this resort tucked into San Bernadino National Forest (and operating under a special permit from the United States Forest Service), is the oldest continually operating ski resort in Southern California. Back in the 1920s, the site was developed as a lumber mill and roadside resort; by the 1930s, slopes were developed for tobogganing and skiing. Snow Valley featured one of the first overhead cable ski lifts, and today the mountain boasts 240 acres of skiiable terrain, 12 lifts and three terrain parks. If you can only make it up for a half day or evening session, consider a night session ticket ($59), which gives you access to the front side of the mountain, including the Edge terrain park.
Lift tickets $79–$105
For Snow Valley, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, you can purchase a Big Bear Mountain Resort ticket ($99–$169) that gives you same-day access to all three mountains.