Bear Mountain, owned by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, is particularly popular with snowboarders — it features Southern California’s only super pipe, where snowboarders can practice some new tricks and perfect their technique. Adult lessons, child lessons, and private lessons are available, as well as Little Bear (for kids ages 4 to 7) and Riglet Park (ages 3 to 6), where kids can get the hang of snowboarding in a playground-like setting with certified instructors.

Bear Mountain also offers an inter-mountain shuttle for access to nearby Snow Summit, also owned by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Skiers and snowboarders can ski both areas, plus Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain, for one price via a Cali4nia Pass.

There are a variety of delicious dining options at Bear Mountain to satisfy every craving. Grab a morning pick-me-up at West End Java before hitting the slopes, re-energize in between runs with a juicy cheeseburger at Rail View BBQ, and end your day by sharing stories with each other over a burrito, pizza or salad at the Silver Mountain Eatery. Afterward, retire for the night at one of Big Bear Lake’s B&B’s, cabin rentals, or hotels.