BIG BEAR – A later than normal snowstorm in Southern California has given Big Bear Mountain Resorts a much-needed boost, potentially allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes through April. This unexpected snowfall brought 3 feet of fresh powder to the mountains, creating the best conditions of the season and raising hopes for an extended spring skiing window.
Big Bear Mountain Resort spokesperson Justin Kanton shared that the month of March delivered approximately 50 inches of snowfall, bringing the total for the season to 80 inches. These numbers far surpass the 2017-18 season, which remains the worst on record with just 39 inches of snow. While the fresh snow opens up exciting possibilities, Kanton noted that warm weather could expedite the snow’s melting and possibly alter projections.
“There’s always a degree of uncertainty,” Kanton said in a press release. “It can dump three feet on you, and it can all melt away in a week. But for now, our plan is to remain open through April across at least one of our three resorts—Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley.”
The operations teams are continually assessing conditions and plan to keep the slopes open as long as weather and visitor turnout allow. To encourage spring visitors, Big Bear Mountain Resorts will feature several events aimed at capturing the festive spirit of the season. One standout is the upcoming “Bear Break” event, which includes a retro fashion contest and a pond skim competition open to all participants.
Meanwhile, Big Bear Snow Play remains a family-friendly attraction, offering snow tubing during the day and glow-tubing sessions at night. Daily operations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. are expected to last through Easter weekend, while glow-tubing hours will run March 28 through April 5, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Snow Valley and Snow Summit, two of the key resorts within the Big Bear Mountain Resort group, offer night skiing for those looking to extend their on-slope experience. Day ticket holders have access until 6 p.m., but a separate lift ticket is required for night sessions, which run until 8:30 p.m.
“We’re encouraging everyone to come out and enjoy the snow while it lasts,” Kanton added. “The more visitors we have out here, the longer we’ll be able to keep the slopes open.”
Big Bear’s management emphasized their flexible approach to scheduling, closely monitoring snow conditions, forecasts, and staffing on a weekly basis. While they are optimistic about maintaining at least one resort’s operations through April, additional snowfall could even stretch the season into May.
The season’s current conditions mark a stark contrast to earlier concerns about a shorter season due to sparse snowfall in January and February. The March snowstorm has generated excitement among skiers, snowboarders, and snow enthusiasts who had been hoping for an opportunity to hit the slopes later in the season.
For more information on resort operations or to plan a visit, guests are encouraged to check the Mountain Report online at www.bigbearmountainresort.com, which offers daily updates on snow conditions and hours. Travelers planning to head to Big Bear should also stay updated on schedules, as operating hours and resort availability are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Southern California’s natural beauty, combined with recent snowfall and a rising interest in spring skiing, has made Big Bear Mountain Resorts a go-to destination for those looking to enjoy the final months of the ski season.
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