How to Ski & Snowboard in Spring Conditions
Sunny Weather, Softer Snow & Wide-Open Runs
Why March & April Are the Best Time to Go
Your Guide to Hitting the Slopes in the Spring
If you’re a beginner, or have kids, spring is the perfect time to make your way to the mountains. With shorter lift lines and softer snow, here are 5 reasons why March and April are the best time to head to Big Bear Mountain Resort.
Weather & Conditions
CONDITIONS
Thanks to Big Bear Mountain Resort's extensive snowmaking capabilities, by the time spring arrives the snow conditions are still prime at BBMR, so guests can enjoy skiing and riding into March/April. The best time to hit the slopes is in the early morning when the runs are freshly groomed and before the temps warm up, which may cause surface conditions to become softer and slower. On the flip side, when the snow does soften it also becomes more forgiving, which may be preferable for beginners because it helps with speed control and provides softer landings.
TEMPS
In the springtime, when the temps begin to rise in Southern California, daytime highs in the mountains remain moderate, typically in the 40s and 50s during the day with overnight lows in the 20s.
SNOWFALL
Don't let the sunny skies and warmer temps fool you; BBMR regularly gets a late-season snow storm or two in the spring. Check out the historical snowfall page for year-to-date and previous season totals.
How to Prepare Your Gear
Since the snow and weather conditions can be a bit unpredictable in the spring, you'll want to make sure your skis or snowboard are properly tuned for the conditions – there are waxes that are specifically designed for wet snow. Big Bear Mountain Resort has tuning and repair facilities on-site, so grab your gear and get it tuned up before your first lap of the day.
Pro tip: Buy a Quick Fix Kit wax card to keep your gear fresh throughout the season.
What to Wear
Weather conditions and temperatures can vary greatly in the mountains, especially during the springtime. We highly recommend 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.
The 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.
If you forget something, or just want to grab some Snow Valley, Snow Summit, or Bear Mountain branded gear, stop by Big Bear Sports, located in the base area. If you have a question or need further assistance during your visit, just ask a resort host in a bright green BBMR jacket stationed throughout the base area.
Lessons in the Spring
With fewer people on the slopes and more forgiving snow conditions, springtime is the perfect time to elevate your skills with a lesson. BBMR offers private and group lessons with certified instructors in a fun, safe environment. Private lessons are open to ages 4 and up and group lessons are open to ages 5 and up. We also offer adaptive programs at Bear Mountain for ADA guests.
23/24 lesson deal of the season: Free child lift ticket with all child group lessons.
NOTE: Lesson reservations DO 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. All lessons must be booked with a BBMR instructor. Lessons offered by 3rd party/independent instructors are not permitted and are subject to prosecution.
Spring Pass Sale
Secure your spot on the slopes for the lowest price of the year and start shredding now. Ski or snowboard at least 5 times this spring and your pass will pay for itself before next winter even starts.
Get My Pass rich-text, responsive-table
- Weather & Conditions
- How to Prepare Your Gear
- What to Wear
- Lessons in the Spring
- (Basically) Ski & Snowboard for Free
Weather & Conditions
CONDITIONS
Thanks to Big Bear Mountain Resort's extensive snowmaking capabilities, by the time spring arrives the snow conditions are still prime at BBMR, so guests can enjoy skiing and riding into March/April. The best time to hit the slopes is in the early morning when the runs are freshly groomed and before the temps warm up, which may cause surface conditions to become softer and slower. On the flip side, when the snow does soften it also becomes more forgiving, which may be preferable for beginners because it helps with speed control and provides softer landings.
TEMPS
In the springtime, when the temps begin to rise in Southern California, daytime highs in the mountains remain moderate, typically in the 40s and 50s during the day with overnight lows in the 20s.
SNOWFALL
Don't let the sunny skies and warmer temps fool you; BBMR regularly gets a late-season snow storm or two in the spring. Check out the historical snowfall page for year-to-date and previous season totals.
| Season | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Season Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 0" | SV: 1" SS: 1" BM: 1" |
SV: 11" SS: 12" BM: 12" |
SV: 121" SS: 99" BM: 99" |
SV: 52" SS: 47" BM: 47" |
SV: 16" SS: 16" BM: 16" |
SV: 201" SS: 175" BM: 175" |
| 2022-23 | SV 5" SS & BM 13" |
SV 15" SS & BM 9" |
SV 62" SS & BM 43" |
SV 87" SS & BM 81" |
SV 106" SS & BM 97" |
SV 2" SS & BM 0" |
SV 277" SS & BM 243" |
| 2022-23 | 13" | 9" | 43" | 81" | 97" | 0" | 243" |
| 2021-22 | 0" | 32" | 0" | 17" | 20" | 0" | 69" |
| 2020-21 | 18" | 18" | 69" | 2" | 32" | 0" | 139" |
| 2019-20 | 54" | 48" | 1" | 12" | 25" | 28" | 168" |
| 2018-19 | 8" | 17" | 22" | 81" | 24" | 0" | 152" |
How to Prepare Your Gear
Since the snow and weather conditions can be a bit unpredictable in the spring, you'll want to make sure your skis or snowboard are properly tuned for the conditions – there are waxes that are specifically designed for wet snow. Big Bear Mountain Resort has tuning and repair facilities on-site, so grab your gear and get it tuned up before your first lap of the day.
Pro tip: Buy a Quick Fix Kit wax card to keep your gear fresh throughout the season.
What to Wear
Weather conditions and temperatures can vary greatly in the mountains, especially during the springtime. We highly recommend 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.
The 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.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Helmet with ventilation
- Eyewear (goggles or sunglasses)
- Water-resistant jacket with zippers
- Snow pants with zippers for airflow
- Water-resistant gloves
- Lip balm
If you forget something, or just want to grab some Snow Valley, Snow Summit, or Bear Mountain branded gear, stop by Big Bear Sports, located in the base area. If you have a question or need further assistance during your visit, just ask a resort host in a bright green BBMR jacket stationed throughout the base area.
Lessons in the Spring
With fewer people on the slopes and more forgiving snow conditions, springtime is the perfect time to elevate your skills with a lesson. BBMR offers private and group lessons with certified instructors in a fun, safe environment. Private lessons are open to ages 4 and up and group lessons are open to ages 5 and up. We also offer adaptive programs at Bear Mountain for ADA guests.
23/24 lesson deal of the season: Free child lift ticket with all child group lessons.
NOTE: Lesson reservations DO 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. All lessons must be booked with a BBMR instructor. Lessons offered by 3rd party/independent instructors are not permitted and are subject to prosecution.
Spring Pass Sale
Secure your spot on the slopes for the lowest price of the year and start shredding now. Ski or snowboard at least 5 times this spring and your pass will pay for itself before next winter even starts.
Get My Pass rich-text, responsive-table
Spring is Here
It's a great time to get everyone on the slopes for some spring skiing.
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Spring is Here
It's a great time to get everyone on the slopes for some spring skiing.