As the ski season winds down in the San Bernardino Mountains, outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to a variety of summer activities in the area.
Bear Mountain, which has been the last to keep its ski slopes open, will close after Easter weekend. Despite experiencing below-average snowfall, the resort managed to sustain a 149-day season. This marks the end of the winter season for Big Bear Mountain Resort, which also includes Snow Summit and Snow Valley. Both of the latter resorts have already closed their slopes for the season.
April 19 will be the final day for snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding at Bear Mountain. Justin Kanton, the resort’s advertising and public relations director, acknowledged that the season wasn’t typical, noting the lack of natural snow. “It’s really a testament to our operations staff that we were still able to provide a great experience for guests,” Kanton said.
Now, the focus shifts to summer tourism in the area. With warmer temperatures accelerating snowmelt, crews are busy preparing biking trails for the upcoming season.
Snow Valley’s lift-served mountain bike park, located near Running Springs, is set to reopen on April 19—its earliest start in nearly ten years. Kanton emphasized the convenience for guests, saying, “This is the first time anyone could ski or snowboard in the morning and bike in the afternoon, all in one day.”
At both Snow Valley and Snow Summit, bike park passes will allow riders to load their bikes onto chairlifts and ride down the mountain. Snow Summit will also launch new summer activities in early June, including hiking, sky chair rides, and dining. Additionally, a range of family-friendly attractions will be available, such as a 30-foot climbing wall, a Euro bungee trampoline, a zip line, summer tubing lanes, and a gemstone-mining station for children.
Snow Summit’s summer season will begin on June 6, with online reservations opening on May 13. Day passes and individual ride tickets will be available for purchase.
Meanwhile, across the street, Bear Mountain’s nine-hole golf course will open for the season, with tee times available to book online starting May 16. Throughout the summer, the resort will host mountain bike races, adventure challenges, and free outdoor movie screenings.
One of the biggest draws for visitors will be the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, held at Snow Summit. The event, called “Above the Boom,” will feature live music, dinner, and a sky-chair ride with panoramic views of the fireworks. Tickets will go on sale in late June.
“It’s a pretty unique experience because you’re watching the fireworks from high up,” Kanton explained.
As summer approaches, the Big Bear area is gearing up for a wave of visitors looking to enjoy the region’s mild temperatures, averaging 77 degrees during the day.