Snow Summit, California

Snow Summit sits above Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, serving as one of the primary ski destinations for the greater Los Angeles region. With 1,200 feet of vertical and 34 trails, the resort offers a compact but complete ski experience within two to three hours of one of the world's largest metropolitan areas.

Terrain covers all ability levels, with a well-organized beginner area, solid intermediate runs, and a handful of steeper pitches for more advanced skiers. The ski school has introduced more Southern Californians to the sport than perhaps any other institution in the state. Night skiing and terrain parks add variety beyond the standard mountain experience.

Big Bear Lake below the resort offers lodging, dining, and a lakeside character that makes the area a genuine weekend destination rather than just a day trip. For millions of Southern Californians, Snow Summit is where skiing begins — and for many, where it stays.