How to Save on Ski Resorts Near Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and year-round warm weather. For many residents and visitors, the idea of skiing may seem like a distant fantasy — a world away from the Pacific surf. Yet, within a few hours’ drive, some of the most accessible and affordable ski resorts in Southern California await. From the snow-capped peaks of Big Bear Lake to the alpine trails of Mountain High and the historic slopes of Snow Summit, winter sports enthusiasts in the Long Beach area have more options than they realize. The challenge isn’t finding ski resorts — it’s finding ways to enjoy them without overspending.

This comprehensive guide reveals how to save significantly on ski trips near Long Beach. Whether you’re a first-time skier, a seasoned snowboarder, or a family looking for an affordable winter getaway, this tutorial delivers actionable, real-world strategies to reduce costs on lift tickets, rentals, lodging, transportation, and more. By following these steps, you can transform what might seem like an expensive excursion into a budget-friendly adventure — without sacrificing quality, safety, or fun.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand Your Options Within a 3-Hour Radius

Before you start saving money, you need to know where you can go. Ski resorts near Long Beach are clustered in the San Bernardino Mountains, primarily along Highway 18 and Highway 38. The three main destinations are:

• Big Bear Lake — Home to Big Bear Mountain Resort, which includes Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. This is the largest and most popular ski area in Southern California.
• Mountain High — Located near Wrightwood, this resort has three distinct areas (East, West, and North) and is known for its proximity to the LA metro area.
• Sun Valley Resort — A smaller, lesser-known option near Wrightwood, often overlooked but great for beginners and families.

Each resort offers different pricing structures, terrain difficulty, and crowd levels. Big Bear tends to be busier on weekends and holidays, while Mountain High can be quieter and more affordable during midweek. Understanding these differences helps you target the best time and place to visit for maximum savings.

Step 2: Book Lift Tickets in Advance

Lift tickets are often the largest single expense of any ski trip. However, most resorts offer substantial discounts — sometimes up to 50% — when you purchase online in advance. For example:

• Big Bear Mountain Resort offers early bird pricing on their website, with tickets as low as $59 for adults on weekdays if booked 7+ days ahead.
• Mountain High provides “Ski & Ride Passes” with tiered pricing based on the day of the week — midweek tickets are often $30–$40 cheaper than weekend rates.

Always check the official resort website. Third-party sites like Liftopia or Ski.com may offer deals, but they often have blackout dates or restrictions. The official site guarantees the best rates and the most flexibility for rescheduling.

Pro tip: Sign up for resort email newsletters. Many offer exclusive early access to discounted tickets before they’re available to the general public.

Step 3: Purchase Multi-Day or Season Passes

If you plan to ski more than once during the season, a season pass or multi-day ticket is almost always the most cost-effective choice. Big Bear Mountain Resort offers a “Local Pass” for Southern California residents at a fraction of the cost of a full-season pass. Mountain High has a “Value Pass” that includes unlimited skiing on select days for under $300.

For families, look into “Kids Ski Free” promotions. Big Bear frequently runs programs where children 12 and under ski free with a full-price adult lift ticket purchase. These promotions typically run from December through February and require advance registration.

Another option is the “Ikon Pass” or “Epic Pass,” which include access to multiple Southern California resorts. While these are more expensive upfront ($800+), they pay for themselves if you plan to ski 5+ days. For Long Beach residents, an Ikon Pass may also include access to resorts in Arizona or Colorado, making it a smart investment for those who want to travel farther in the future.

Step 4: Rent Gear Locally — Not at the Resort

Rental equipment at ski resorts can cost $50–$80 per day. That adds up quickly — $200+ for a weekend trip. Instead, rent from local shops in Long Beach or nearby cities like Anaheim, Santa Ana, or even Los Angeles.

Recommended local rental providers:

• Skis.com — Offers delivery to your hotel or home in Long Beach. Prices start at $25/day for full gear packages.
• REI Co-op — Rent skis, boots, and poles online and pick up at their Irvine or Pasadena locations. Members get discounts.
• Local Ski Shops — Try “Ski & Board” in Torrance or “Mountain Sports” in Fullerton. They often have weekend specials and bundle deals.

Many shops also offer multi-day discounts. Rent for 3 days? Pay for 2. Rent for a week? Get the 4th day free. Always ask.

Pro tip: Bring your own thermal layers and socks. You can rent boots and skis, but your own base layers will be more comfortable, hygienic, and cost-effective.

Step 5: Travel Off-Peak and Midweek

Ski resorts are busiest on weekends, holidays, and during school breaks. That’s when prices spike and parking fills up. To save money and avoid crowds, plan your trip for Tuesday through Thursday.

Midweek lift tickets can be 30–40% cheaper than weekend rates. Lodging near Big Bear Lake can drop from $250/night on Friday to $120/night on Wednesday. Even the weather is often better midweek — clearer skies, less wind, and fewer people on the slopes.

Also consider traveling during “shoulder seasons” — late November or early March. Snow conditions are still good, but demand is low. Resorts may offer “Spring Skiing” deals with discounted tickets and free hot cocoa.

Step 6: Use Ride-Sharing and Carpooling

Driving to the mountains from Long Beach takes 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and weather. Gas, parking, and potential tolls add up. To cut transportation costs:

• Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to track real-time traffic and road conditions. Avoid Friday afternoon departures — traffic jams near San Bernardino can double your drive time.
• Join Facebook groups like “SoCal Ski Carpool” or “Big Bear Ride Share.” Many locals organize shared rides and split gas costs. You might pay $15–$25 per person instead of $60+ in gas and parking.
• Check if your employer offers a “Ski Commuter Program.” Some companies in Southern California partner with resorts to subsidize group transportation.

Some resorts, including Mountain High, offer free shuttles from designated parking areas. Arrive early and park at the base lodge — you’ll avoid expensive valet or premium parking fees.

Step 7: Stay Smart on Lodging

Lodging near ski resorts is often overpriced, especially during peak season. Avoid booking directly through resort-affiliated hotels unless you’re getting a package deal.

Instead:

• Use Airbnb or Vrbo to rent condos or cabins in Big Bear City, Highland, or Wrightwood. Many offer full kitchens — saving you hundreds on meals.
• Look for properties with “ski-in/ski-out” access or free shuttle service to the slopes.
• Book stays that include breakfast or free parking. These amenities can add $30–$50 per day in value.
• Consider staying in nearby towns like Victorville or Hesperia, where rates are 40% lower. Drive 30–40 minutes to the resort — still much cheaper than staying at the base.

Always check for “last-minute deals.” Resorts often drop prices 48–72 hours before check-in if rooms are unsold. Set up alerts on Hopper or HotelTonight.

Step 8: Pack Your Own Food and Drinks

Food at ski resorts is notoriously expensive. A hot chocolate can cost $8. A sandwich, $18. A burger, $22. You can easily spend $100+ per person on meals in a single day.

Save money by packing:

• Energy bars, trail mix, and fruit for snacks
• Thermos of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
• Wraps, sandwiches, and leftovers from home
• Reusable water bottles (many lodges have water refill stations)

Some cabins and condos have microwaves and mini-fridges. Use them. Even a simple breakfast of oatmeal and fruit saves $15–$20 per person.

Pro tip: Bring a small cooler in your car. Keep it stocked with drinks and snacks for the drive up and down. You’ll avoid overpriced gas station purchases.

Step 9: Take Advantage of Free Activities and Events

Skiing isn’t the only way to enjoy the mountains. Many resorts offer free winter activities that add value to your trip:

• Big Bear Lake hosts free snowshoeing tours on weekends.
• Mountain High offers free sledding hills for kids and adults.
• Many towns hold free outdoor movie nights, bonfires, or holiday light displays.

Check the resort’s event calendar before you go. Some days, you can ski for free with a coupon from a local business — like a coffee shop or gym — that partners with the resort.

Step 10: Use Student, Military, and Senior Discounts

Don’t assume you’re ineligible. Many resorts offer discounts that aren’t widely advertised:

• Students with a valid ID can get 20–30% off lift tickets at Big Bear and Mountain High.
• Active and veteran military personnel often receive free or deeply discounted passes through programs like Operation Free.
• Seniors (65+) get reduced rates — sometimes as low as $25 for a full-day ticket.

Always ask at the ticket window or check the “Special Offers” section on the resort website. Bring your ID — even if you’re not sure you qualify, it never hurts to ask.

Best Practices

Plan Your Trip at Least 6–8 Weeks in Advance

Waiting until the last minute is the fastest way to overspend. The best deals on lift tickets, rentals, and lodging disappear within 30 days of peak season. Set calendar reminders to check for promotions in early November. Many resorts launch their “Early Season Sales” in late October.

Compare All Costs — Not Just Lift Tickets

A $40 lift ticket might seem like a steal — until you realize the parking is $25, the rental is $75, and the hotel is $200. Always calculate your total trip cost. Use a simple spreadsheet: Lift Tickets + Rentals + Lodging + Gas + Food + Extras = Total Cost. This helps you compare resorts objectively.

Buy Used Gear — But Only If You’re Serious About Skiing

If you plan to ski more than twice a year, consider buying used gear. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local ski swap events. You can find skis, boots, and poles in excellent condition for 50–70% off retail. Look for gear that’s 1–3 years old — performance hasn’t declined much, but prices have.

Pro tip: Visit the annual “SoCal Ski Swap” held in Pomona every October. Hundreds of vendors sell used gear, and you can often negotiate prices.

Track the Weather — Don’t Just Go Because It’s Snowing

Snowfall doesn’t always mean great skiing. Fresh powder is ideal, but heavy snow can cause closures, delays, and dangerous conditions. Use apps like OpenSnow or Snow预报 to track snowfall totals and avalanche risk. A resort with 12 inches of new snow on a Tuesday is better than 24 inches on a Sunday — fewer people, better conditions.

Know the Terrain Before You Go

Don’t rent gear and show up at the top of a black diamond run if you’re a beginner. Most resorts offer free trail maps online. Study them. Pick runs that match your skill level. This reduces the chance of injury, which can lead to expensive medical bills or lost work time.

Bundle Your Purchases

Many resorts offer “Ski & Stay” packages that include lodging, lift tickets, and rentals at a discounted rate. These are often only available on the resort’s official website. For example, Big Bear Mountain Resort’s “Family Ski Package” includes 2 nights in a condo, 2 adult lift tickets, and 2 kid tickets for under $500 — a savings of $200+ compared to booking separately.

Use Cashback and Rewards Programs

Sign up for credit cards or loyalty programs that offer cashback on travel. For example:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: 2x points on travel purchases
• Capital One Venture: 2 miles per dollar spent
• REI Co-op Membership: 10% back on gear purchases

Even small savings add up. If you spend $600 on a ski trip and earn 2% cashback, that’s $12 back — enough for a hot chocolate or a pair of gloves.

Travel Light — But Smart

Overpacking leads to overweight luggage fees and extra baggage costs. Pack only what you need: thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, goggles, helmet, and one change of clothes. Most resorts have laundry facilities. Don’t bring 5 pairs of socks — 3 are enough.

Leave Your Phone in Your Pocket — Sometimes

It’s tempting to document every moment. But constant scrolling drains your battery and distracts you from the experience. Bring a portable charger, but set boundaries. Use your phone for navigation and emergency calls — not for social media.

Tools and Resources

Official Resort Websites

Always start here. They have the most accurate, up-to-date information on pricing, conditions, and promotions.

• Big Bear Mountain Resort — www.bigbearmountainresort.com
• Mountain High — www.mountainhigh.com
• Snow Summit — www.snowsummit.com

Price Comparison Tools

• Liftopia — Compares lift ticket prices across resorts. Often has last-minute deals.
• Ski.com — Offers package deals with lodging and rentals.
• Hopper — Predicts the best time to book lodging based on historical pricing.

Weather and Snow Forecasting

• OpenSnow — Detailed snowfall predictions for Southern California resorts.
• Snow预报 (Snow Forecast) — Real-time snow depth and radar maps.
• NOAA Mountain Forecast — Government-run, reliable for avalanche risk and wind conditions.

Rental and Gear Resources

• Skis.com — Delivery to your door. Free returns.
• REI Co-op Rental — High-quality gear, member discounts.
• Facebook Marketplace — Search “used skis Long Beach” for local deals.

Community and Carpool Groups

• SoCal Ski Carpool — Facebook group with over 12,000 members.
• Reddit r/SoCalSkiing — Active forum for tips, photos, and trip reports.
• Meetup.com — Search “skiing Long Beach” for organized group trips.

Discount and Coupon Sites

• Coupons.com — Occasionally has resort-specific coupons.
• Local Chamber of Commerce — Check Long Beach, Anaheim, or San Bernardino chambers for partner discounts.
• AAA — Members get 10–15% off at select resorts.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Budget-Conscious Family

Casey and Maria live in Long Beach with two kids, ages 8 and 11. They wanted to go skiing for the first time but didn’t want to spend more than $400 total.

Here’s what they did:

• Booked a 2-night Airbnb in Highland ($110 total — $55/night)
• Purchased Big Bear Mountain’s “Kids Ski Free” package — 2 adult lift tickets ($118 total) + 2 kids free
• Rented gear from Skis.com — $30/day for 2 days = $60 total
• Packed all meals and snacks — spent $25 on groceries
• Carpooled with a neighbor — $15 gas split 4 ways = $3.75 per person

Total cost: $216.75 — well under their $400 goal. They had a full weekend of skiing, sledding, and hot cocoa by the fire. No debt. No stress.

Example 2: The Solo Skier on a Tight Budget

Jamal, a college student in Long Beach, wanted to ski three times this season. He didn’t own gear and had a $250 budget.

Here’s his plan:

• Bought a Mountain High “Value Pass” ($249 — unlimited skiing on weekdays)
• Rented boots and skis from a local shop in Torrance — $20/day for 3 days = $60
• Used his student ID for a 25% discount on rentals — final cost: $45
• Packed sandwiches and coffee — $10 total
• Used a carpool group — $10 per trip × 3 = $30

Total: $249 + $45 + $10 + $30 = $334 — slightly over budget, but he got 3 full days of skiing. He plans to rent gear again next season and buy a used helmet on Facebook Marketplace to cut costs further.

Example 3: The Weekend Warrior Couple

Anna and David are experienced skiers who live in Long Beach. They wanted to ski 5 weekends this season.

They purchased the Ikon Base Pass ($799) — which included Big Bear and Mountain High. They also:

• Used their Chase Sapphire card for 2x points — earned 1,598 points ($15.98 cashback)
• Stayed in a cabin in Big Bear City — $180/night, but booked 3 months in advance for 20% off
• Used their REI membership for 10% off gloves and goggles — saved $45
• Packed their own food — saved $150 on resort meals

Total trip cost: $799 + $720 (lodging) + $100 (gear) = $1,619. But with savings, net cost: $1,404. That’s $280 per trip — far less than the $500+ they’d spend per trip without planning.

FAQs

Can I really ski near Long Beach? Isn’t it too warm?

Yes. While Long Beach has mild weather, the San Bernardino Mountains reach elevations over 8,000 feet, where snow is reliable from December through March. Resorts use snowmaking technology to supplement natural snowfall, ensuring consistent conditions.

How far are the ski resorts from Long Beach?

Big Bear Lake is about 110 miles northeast — a 2-hour drive under normal conditions. Mountain High is slightly closer at 90 miles — roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. Traffic and weather can add time, so plan accordingly.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to get to the resorts?

Not always, but it’s highly recommended. Chains or snow tires are often required during storms. Many rental agencies offer 4WD SUVs for an additional $20–$30/day. Check road conditions on Caltrans QuickMap before you leave.

Are there beginner-friendly slopes near Long Beach?

Yes. Big Bear Mountain Resort has over 30% beginner terrain. Mountain High’s West Area is ideal for first-timers. Both offer ski schools with group lessons starting at $65.

What’s the best time of year to ski near Long Beach?

January and February typically have the most consistent snow. December can be hit-or-miss. March offers “spring skiing” — warmer days, softer snow, and lower prices.

Can I bring my own snowboard or skis on a plane?

Most airlines allow ski and snowboard equipment as checked baggage for a $30–$50 fee. Some, like Southwest, include it in your free baggage allowance. Always confirm with your airline before booking.

Are there any hidden fees at ski resorts?

Yes. Parking, locker rentals, and ski lessons are often extra. Some resorts charge for using the chairlifts if you’re not skiing — like for sightseeing. Always read the fine print.

What if it doesn’t snow? Will I get a refund?

Most resorts do not offer refunds for lack of snow. However, many allow you to defer your ticket to another date within the same season. Always check the refund policy before purchasing.

Can I ski at night near Long Beach?

Big Bear Mountain Resort offers night skiing on weekends at Snow Summit. Mountain High has limited night skiing on select trails. Hours are typically 4 PM to 9 PM. Night tickets are usually $20–$30 cheaper than day tickets.

Is it safe to ski with kids near Long Beach?

Yes. Resorts have dedicated family zones, ski schools, and trained staff. Always use helmets and proper gear. Many resorts offer free safety clinics for children.

Conclusion

Skiing near Long Beach is not only possible — it’s an accessible, affordable, and rewarding winter experience. With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy the snow without draining your bank account. The key is to act early, think holistically, and leverage every available discount, from advance lift ticket deals to carpooling and local gear rentals.

By following the strategies outlined in this guide — booking in advance, packing your own food, choosing midweek trips, and using community resources — you can transform a costly luxury into a regular, budget-friendly tradition. Whether you’re a family seeking quality time, a student chasing adventure, or a seasoned skier looking to extend your season, the mountains are closer than you think.

Don’t wait for the first snowfall to start planning. Begin today. Check the resort websites. Join a carpool group. Compare rental prices. Set a budget. And next winter, you won’t just be skiing — you’ll be skiing smarter.