The winter sports season is officially back. From ski resorts just an hour away from LA to massive mountain destinations featuring vast snowy landscapes, major ski spots across Southern California and the broader state are preparing to open their doors. This winter season brings a variety of new programs, including beginner lessons, free admission offers for children, and special multi-season passes.
Southern California Ski Resorts & Opening Dates
Mountain High Ski Resort is aiming for a November 21 opening. Because visitors can reach it without navigating treacherous mountain roads, it serves as an ideal day-trip destination. The resort features artificial snow-making systems across most of its 290-acre property, with approximately two-thirds of its trails tailored for beginner and intermediate skiers. A 199 package provides three days of lessons, equipment rentals, and beginner lift access, while standard lift tickets range from 130 to 150.
Located in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mount Baldy Resort is scheduled to open on November 26, sitting less than an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. Spanning 800 acres across three mountains with 26 trails, it boasts the highest concentration of steep slopes in Southern California. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also enjoy snow tubing. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Mount Baldy is offering special 1-to-4-season passes priced between 349 and 2499, granting passholders unlimited access without date restrictions and free parking. General lift tickets cost between 59 and 129.
Big Bear and Major California Mountain Destinations
Situated about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Big Bear Mountain Resort plans to welcome visitors starting Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Split into Bear Mountain and Snow Summit sectors, it caters to everyone from novices to experts. Bear Mountain features over 200 terrain features, a halfpipe, and Southern California’s largest beginner area. Meanwhile, Snow Summit offers more than 20 trails, making it ideal for families and beginner-to-intermediate skiers. Adult day lift tickets range from 89 to 169, with night tickets priced between 59 and 109.
Mammoth Mountain, located roughly a five-hour drive from Los Angeles, is slated to open on November 13. Its peak elevation reaches an impressive 11,053 feet, making it the highest summit among operating ski resorts in California. Typically running from early November through May, skiing can sometimes extend into June or July depending on snowfall. Mammoth Mountain invested 13.5 million this year to upgrade its remote avalanche control systems, snow-making capabilities, and lodging and dining facilities. Lift tickets range from 89 to 220, and children aged 12 and under can ski for free from December 5 to 11.
Palisades Tahoe, located about a seven-hour drive from Los Angeles, is also scheduled to kick off its season on November 26. Created by combining the historic 1960 Winter Olympics venue Squaw Valley with Alpine Meadows, the resort is connected by a gondola and spans a massive 6,000 acres, offering diverse terrain for all skill levels. Palisades Tahoe has introduced a 799 program this year designed for beginners, bundling three group lessons, lift tickets, and equipment rentals. Peak-season day lift tickets reach up to 289, while weekday four-pack tickets start at 95 per day.
Opening schedules for each ski resort are subject to change based on weather conditions such as temperature and snowfall. It is highly recommended to check official websites for real-time opening statuses, trail operations, and road conditions before heading out.
