Hitting the Slopes With Kids | Big Bear Mountain Resort

Riding with Kids

Know Before You Go

Each winter, Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR) extends a warm invitation to children of all ages and skill levels to join us at our three locations – Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain – for an exhilarating skiing and snowboarding adventure in a secure and enjoyable setting.

If your little shredders have never been on the slopes, or it’s been a while since their last visit to BBMR, you may have some questions.
Get started with these 11 time-saving tips to make sure your next trip to SoCal’s snow capital is filled with alpine good times from first chair to last laps:

Book in Advance

Book your trip in advance online or by calling 844.GO2.BEAR (844.462.2327) to lock in the lowest rates on lift tickets, guarantee your child’s lesson time, and secure equipment rental sizes.

Season Passes & Lift Tickets

All guests must have a valid season pass or lift ticket to participate in on-hill activities and receive chairlift access. Please note, a valid season pass or lift ticket is required even if the activity does not require using the chairlifts. Purchase online.

Equipment Rentals

We know how hectic it can be to manage your gear, your kids' gear, and the kids themselves. Let us take care of getting you the rentals so you can relax and enjoy your time with the kiddos by delivering your ski or snowboard rentals straight to you at your lodging or on the snow. Schedule a rental delivery with Ski Butlers. BBMR also offers on-site ski and snowboard equipment rentals. Rental shops offering the latest equipment, including skis, snowboards, boots (child sizes 1-13), and helmets are conveniently located in both base areas for easy pick up and drop off. Reserve rentals for onsite pick up.

Group and Private Lessons

BBMR offers private and group lessons. Let our team of award-winning, certified instructors help your kids develop the skills -- and spirit -- they need to succeed on the slopes. Private lessons are open to ages 4 and up and group lessons are open to 5 and up. Book a lesson.

Tip: Book in advance and sign your child’s Release of Liability Waivers digitally online to speed up the check-in process when you arrive.

NOTE: Lesson only reservations may not include lift tickets or equipment rentals. Please remember to add all additional services (lift tickets, rentals, etc.) to your cart before checking out. All children ages 12 & under must wear a helmet during lessons.

Deals & Promotions

Free Lift Tickets

Free lift tickets to guests ages 4 and under. Visit the ticket windows to redeem. Free kids tickets are not transferable and may not be sold or redeemed for cash. For more info, check out the Toddlers & Seniors page.

Save 20% on Equipment Rentals

Book at least 7 days in advance and save 20% on your equipment rentals all season long. Get the deal.

Military Discounts

Active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents save 25% on lift tickets. Learn how to redeem.

Free Birthday Lift Ticket

Celebrate your birthday on the slopes with a free lift ticket. Get promo details.

Free Friday Night Session Lift Ticket

On select dates, receive a free Friday night session lift ticket if you pick up your pre-booked Saturday rental package the night before. Plan ahead and get rewarded.

Trade in Your Lift Ticket for a Season Pass

Upgrade to a season of unlimited laps by trading in your lift ticket value toward the purchase of a season pass.

Valley Lesson Pack

Secure this season's premium money-saving offer with a Valley Lesson Pack, which combines three (3) group lessons, full-day lift tickets, and ski or snowboard rentals, all for just $449 at Snow Valley. This program is for children ages 13 and up. Get details.

Valley SoCal Youth Program

Budget-friendly, ongoing practice access for skiing & snowboarding at Snow Valley. Bundle 6 child lessons, lift tickets, and rentals for $270-$390 on select dates. Earn a free season pass. Get program details.

Summit School Program

Invite your school students to join us at Snow Summit this winter for night session lessons. Discover our budget-friendly complete package options for an enriching experience.

Free Lift Ticket with Child Lesson

Complimentary lift tickets when your child ages 5-12 takes a group lesson at Snow Valley. Enroll online.

Kids Winter Clothing Guide

Weather conditions and temperatures can vary greatly in the mountains. BBMR highly recommends all guests wear multiple layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, and water-resistant outer layers. Helmets, water-resistant accessories (ex. Gloves), mid-calf socks, and protective eyewear (goggles or sunglasses) are also recommended.

Tip: Gear up as much as possible before you arrive to get on the slopes faster. If you forget something, or just want to grab some branded gear, stop by the sport shops – located in the base area – or check out our online retail store.

NOTE: UV exposure is 2% higher for every 1,000 feet above sea level, so remember to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during your visit – even on cloudy days – and reapply throughout the day.

Our Mountains

BBMR operates three properties – Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain - each offering unique mountain experiences in Southern California. Snow Valley is located in Running Springs, CA and is approximately 20 minutes away from Big Bear Lake. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are located in Big Bear Lake, CA, and are located 2 miles apart. At this time, the three resorts do not have any interconnected lifts or terrain.

Snow Valley

Quickest to get to from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego County
Large Beginner Area
Best rates for lift tickets, lessons, and rentals compared to Snow Summit and Bear Mountain
Night Sessions on select dates
State-of-the-art Adventure Academy with designated kids learning area

Snow Summit

More beginner-friendly terrain
Night Sessions on select dates
State-of-the-art Adventure Academy with designated kids learning area

Bear Mountain

Award-winning terrain parks
Largest learning area in Southern California
State-of-the-art Adventure Academy with designated kids learning area

Tip: All BBMR lift tickets are valid for same-day use at all three mountains.

Two kiddos in snow gear and helmets with their instructor during a winter lesson smiling for the camera

Beginner Lifts & Trails

Our mountains have terrain for all ages and abilities, including a combined 15 beginner trails, plus designated areas for kids lessons. Beginner trails are denoted with a green circle on all trail maps and on-hill directional signage. Check out the Trails Maps to familiarize yourself with each mountain before you arrive.

Tip: Download the BBMR mobile app to view and download our trail maps to your mobile device.

NOTE: All children shorter than 51" (including helmet) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on lifts. All moving carpets in beginner areas are reserved for guests with lesson reservations and are not available to the general public.

Kid-Friendly Après

BBMR has over 35 on-site dining venues between Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain, with options for every type of eater, so your kiddos can fuel up before, during, or after a fun-filled day on the slopes. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate around the fire pit, take a photo with Biggie the Bear, or check out the Candy Corner at Snow Summit, located in the base area across from the ticket windows, for an afternoon treat.

Free Events

Each winter, Big Bear Mountain Resort features a full slate of family-friendly events, like Santa Comes to Summit, the annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, Scout Weekend, and more that are perfect for outdoor adventurers of all ages.

View Event Calendar

Freestyle & Race Teams

If your child wants to take their skills to new heights, check out Big Bear Mountain Resort’s race and freestyle programs. Available for ages 6-20. Some restrictions apply. Explore the training teams.

NOTE: Participants should be able to ski or ride intermediate to advanced/expert terrain prior to registering. Spaces for both programs are limited, so be sure to sign up at the beginning of the season.

Gift Cards

If your kids are ready to hit the slopes on their own, avoid the hassles that come with cash and get them a gift card instead. BBMR gift cards can be used to purchase most on-site products and services, from hot dogs to hand warmers, and are easier for kids to use than trying to make exact change in the middle of the lunch rush so they can get back on the slopes faster.

Tip: Purchase gift cards online at least two weeks in advance to ensure delivery before your trip or in-person at the ticket windows or sport shops. Buy online.

Chairlift Safety and Lost & Found

At Big Bear Mountain Resort, safety is our top priority. Make sure your kids are ready for their trip to the mountains by reviewing the following chairlift safety tips with them so they’re prepared before their first pow turns.

Children shorter than 51" (including helmet) may be assisted by lift operators unless instructed differently by their parent or guardian.
Small children should always be accompanied by an adult on the chairlifts and sit on the outside of the chair next to the armrest for added security.
When riding a fixed grip chairlift, (chairlifts that do not automatically slow down while loading and unloading), children should be positioned on the side next to the lift operator.
Children with ski poles should remove the straps from their wrists and hold them in their outside hand while loading.
Quickly move from the Wait Here signs to the Load Board when instructed by lift operators. If your child requires assistance, please inform the lift operators prior to reaching the Load Board.
As the chair approaches for loading, always turn to the outside of the chair, reach back with free hand, and grab the vertical pole when it arrives. Do not lunge toward the chair.
Children should hold on to the vertical bar until it is time to unload the chairlift.
Children should sit all the way back in the lift with their back touching the back of the chair.
Children should sit still and avoid sudden movements until they reach the unloading area.

Lost & Found

Please visit or call our Security offices if you have an emergency or to inquire about any items that may have gone missing during your visit.

Snow Valley
Text: Text LOST to 909.378.8783
Call: 909.867.9255

Snow Valley Security is located on the west end of the base area next to the Guest Services on the 2nd floor.

Snow Summit
Text LOST to 909.318.2869
Call: 909.366.4944

Snow Summit Security is located on the west end of the base area in the Admin Building, 1st floor.

Bear Mountain
Text LOST to 909.323.5084
Call: 909.939.7180

Bear Mountain Security is located on the east end of the base area, below the ADA ramp.

Parent Waiting Areas

Base Areas

Parents or guardians not participating in on-hill activities may observe their children during their day on slopes, provided they observe all posted signage and/or staff directions, do not interfere with resort operations, and are not intrusive to other guests. Our mountains have multiple locations that are perfect for observing and après.

Snow Valley

Main lodge deck
Adventure Academy designated viewing areas

Snow Summit

Tommi's deck on the main lodge top floor
Deck areas between chairs 1 & 2
Slopeside Speakeasy deck next to chairs 2 & 11
Adventure Academy designated viewing areas

Bear Mountain

Sundeck seating across from Laybacks & BBQ in the Park
Elevated deck behind Outlaw Bar & Grill on the east end of the sundeck
Patio area below chairs 6 & 7
Adventure Academy designated viewing deck

NOTE: All viewing/seating areas are available on a first come, first served basis.

Snow Valley Base Area Map

Snow Summit Base Area Map

Bear Mountain Base Area Map

Parking

Big Bear Mountain Resort operates multiple parking lots, including upper lot/on-site and remote locations. Reserved parking is in effect on select dates. Cost is per car, per day. Guests looking for free parking options may park in the remote lots.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Zones

Short-term parking for picking up and/or dropping off guests is available in the upper parking lots at all three mountains. To access the zones, follow all directional signage and/or staff directions and turn on your hazard lights while using the zones.

Mountain Transit

Guests staying in town can also get to/from the resort by taking Mountain Transit for free. Just flash your season pass, lift ticket, or reservation confirmation.

Adult with their child smiling at the camera during a snow storm

All guests must have a valid lift ticket or season pass to receive access to Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain on-hill activities, including but not limited to skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snow play (restrictions apply). At this time, lift tickets or season passes are not required for base area access, subject to change. BBMR does not offer any general recreation areas and winter non-lift uphill access is not permitted at any time. Guests attempting to access BBMR lifts and trails or participating in on-hill activities without a valid lift ticket or season pass may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of lift privileges and removal from the resort.

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